Externally, the 2017 Mazda3 is marked out by a revised grille with a stronger three-dimensional look and a new front fog light bezel. Across both body styles, revised door mirrors feature wraparound turn indicators, while hatchback versions have a redesigned rear bumper.
The 2017 Mazda3 is available in eight colours including Mazda’s new Machine Grey Mica, which, after featuring on the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF at the 2016 New York Motor Show, makes its production debut on the Mazda3. The second all-new colour to make its debut is Eternal Blue Mica, while Sonic Silver Metallic is offered for the first time on the Mazda3. SE and SE-L Nav trim cars feature 16-inch alloy wheels, while Sport Nav models get a new design of high-sheen finish 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the 2017 Mazda3’s cabin contains a host of updates that include higher-quality switch panels and handle bezels on the doors, plus a newly designed trim insert on the dashboard. The adoption of an electric parking brake creates space for a more practical centre console, while another highlight is a new leather steering wheel design, which, if it is combined with leather seats, is heated.
On sale from the beginning of October, the diesel choices on the new Mazda3 comprise a choice of 104 bhp 1.5-litre or 148 bhp 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engines.
Both the sub 100g/km 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine and the well-established 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D now feature Transient Control, which is designed to ensure a more positive throttle response by reducing turbo lag and boosting torque to deliver a petrol-like engine feel.
The 2017 Mazda3 also features G-Vectoring Control (GVC), the first of Mazda’s SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technologies. It varies engine torque to optimize wheel load in order to provide more precise handling and improved comfort. Other technology highlights include the adoption of a full-colour display on the enhanced head–up display system, while for the first time the Mazda3 is offered with Adaptive LED headlights.