About Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is Mazda's small car. It was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model year. It replaces the Familia/323/Protegé in the C-segment. The high-performance version was sold as Mazdaspeed3 in North America and Axela in Japan. The second-generation 2009 Mazda 3 was introduced in late 2008: a sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show and a hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show. Starting in 2012, the company will offer the Mazda 3 with new Skyactiv technology. It includes a stiffer body, a new direct-injection engine, and a new six-speed transmission. Launched in Japan in October 2003 as the Axela, the BK was well received in the press for its performance, handling, styling, and interior, with some describing it as a high-end sports sedan despite its low price.
The Mazda 3 is based on Ford's global C1 platform. It is also used on the current Ford Focus and Volvo S40 in Europe. It is available in two body styles, as shown on the MX-Sport prototype. The first is a four-door sedan/coupe sold in Europe as a "four-door coupe." The five-door hatchback in Canada, Japan, and the United States is called "Sport." Design work began in 1999 at Mazda's three design centers in California, USA, under the direction of chief designer Hideki Suzuki. The front suspension features McPherson struts, coil springs, and wishbones. The first generation was notorious for spontaneous breakdowns due to manufacturing defects, such as piston cracks. It affected a small percentage of normally reliable cars. Tire and wheel sizes varied from model to model, ranging from 15 inches on entry-level models to 17 inches on top-end models. Like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the Mazda 3 is a widely used police car in Macau, China.
Mazda 3 parts online
All three models are powered by a Mazda MZR four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission are available. Starting in 2006, models with the 2.3-liter engine will be available with an optional five-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox will be offered as standard on the model in early 2008 as a minor upgrade in Japan. These include new front and rear bumper designs and new wheel and body colors. It also has a stiffer chassis and improved interior materials. The MPS/Mazdaspeed version is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. For the 2006 model year, the company introduced variable valve timing and a variable-length intake manifold for the engine. The S model was upgraded from a four-speed automatic transmission to a five-speed automatic transmission.
For 2007, the Model 3 underwent slight cosmetic changes, with only minor modifications to the body, interior, and mechanicals. The black plastic grille was replaced with a body-colored grille on base models. The windshield and bumper were changed, as well as the fog lamps. All models were equipped with the same clear-glass Axel taillights as the SP23. In 2007, Mazda launched the Axela, similar to the Mazda6 Atenza. In addition, the Grand Touring version was equipped with LED taillights. The LED taillights were added to compete with the growing trend of LED taillights for improved lighting on high-end cars. The optional wheels have been modified, and 17-inch wheels have been added to the Grand Touring version. The rear of the car has been slightly redesigned, and the bumper has been shortened.