The latest Mazda 3 is a car you simply cannot ignore in the compact hatch segment, where its Kodo-infused rear-wheel drive proportions, solid (and mostly) high-quality interior and excellent almost sporty drive almost make the deal seal itself.
Now, the automaker is announcing that the four millionth 3 model (or Axela, in Japan) just rolled off the production line, around ten years and seven months since they stopped calling the model 323 or Protegé, back in 2003.
A truly successful and appreciated car, the 3 is now sold in over 120 countries and accounts for around 30 percent of Mazda’s annual sales volume. However, it’s no longer build exclusively in Japan, and depending on the market, your 3 can come from Hofu (Japan), Changan-Mazda’s Automobile plant (China), Auto Alliance (Thailand) and Mazda de Mexico (production kicked off in January 2014).
We look forward with anticipation to see what other success story they’ll launch next – a new supermini is in the works, and it needs to do a better job than the current Fiesta-based 2/Demio, a relic from Mazda’s collaborative effort with Ford.
By Andrei Nedelea
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