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Roughly one in every three vehicles sold by Mazda is a Mazda3 (3.5 million since its launch in 2003). It is by far the most important product in Mazda's lineup so the company simply had to get this next generation right and, after attending the reveal in New York, I'm delighted to announce that they've succeeded far beyond my expectations.
Pros
The all-new 2014 Mazda3 hits the ground running with attractive Kodo styling, the latest SKYACTIV technology, together with a whole host of improvements over the outgoing model. Mazda is calling its new 2014 Mazda3 “a game-changer” I can't think of a better description for the vehicle. With availabilities such as Heads-up display, Brake Energy Regeneration systems and Mazda's impressive new advanced safety technology (i-ACTIVSENSE), it's certain to shake up the C-segment market.
Cons
There's very little not to love about the new 2014 Mazda3. However, while global power-plant options include a choice of 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.5L SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines, and a soon-to-appear Hybrid-Electric unit (Japan only at first), the big news comes in the shape of an all-new SKYACTIV-D 2.2L clean diesel-powered Mazda3. Unfortunately, we North American's will have to wait a while longer for the pleasure of driving this vehicle as the diesel Mazda3 is not yet bound for our shores.
Exterior styling
Although instantly recognizable as a Mazda product with the now familiar “face 2”, the new 2014 Mazda3 receives a slightly more muscular look, and its boldly flared fenders add to the impression of a vehicle firmly-planted on the road.
Attention to detail is evident from every angle and I particularly like the way Mazda has dressed the vehicle with stylish illumination units. The outgoing model was no ugly duckling but this is a sizable leap forward in the beauty stakes.
Drivetrain
Both the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L & 2.5L engines feature a new 4-2-1 exhaust system that increases engine output. The new 2.0L produces 155hp/150 lb-ft of torque and the new 2.5L offers up 184hp/185lb-ft of torque.
The 2014 Mazda3 will be available with a choice of the SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Fuel Economy
No official fuel-economy figures were announced during the launch, yet the words “expect Best in Class” did tend to appear in several conversations I had with Mazda executives.
Price
No word on pricing either. However, we were told to expect prices to fall somewhere “in the hub of the segment”. Cagey perhaps, but I'm not expecting Mazda to goof up on pricing. After all, there's too much riding for the company on the success of this vehicle.
Safety
Mazda has always built safety into its vehicles but 2014 hails in a whole new era in this department. The 2014 Mazda3 introduces several all-new safety systems under the umbrella known as i-ACTIVSENSE.
It includes High Beam Control System (HBC) which automatically dips the headlamps from high to low beam, a Blind Spot monitoring System (BSM), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and something called Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) which helps prevent/soften the impact with the vehicle ahead in city traffic.
Mazda has also made Radar Cruise Control available to the new Mazda3, although this won't be available on Canadian models at the time of launch.
Connectivity
A new infotainment system has been designed to work with the customer's smartphone to provide an internet connection and communication functions.
Once connected, the system allows access to internet radio, together with the availability of reading emails and messages aloud via text-to-voice technology. With this system, the customer can not only receive Twitter/Facebook updates, but they can also make posts/tweets using the system's Shout function. It also makes internet search available which can be used as a GPS, although Mazda does have its own navigation system available for the new Mazda3.
Comparable models
Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza.
The new 2014 Mazda3 models should start arriving at dealerships the beginning of September this year.
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Pros
The all-new 2014 Mazda3 hits the ground running with attractive Kodo styling, the latest SKYACTIV technology, together with a whole host of improvements over the outgoing model. Mazda is calling its new 2014 Mazda3 “a game-changer” I can't think of a better description for the vehicle. With availabilities such as Heads-up display, Brake Energy Regeneration systems and Mazda's impressive new advanced safety technology (i-ACTIVSENSE), it's certain to shake up the C-segment market.
Cons
There's very little not to love about the new 2014 Mazda3. However, while global power-plant options include a choice of 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.5L SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines, and a soon-to-appear Hybrid-Electric unit (Japan only at first), the big news comes in the shape of an all-new SKYACTIV-D 2.2L clean diesel-powered Mazda3. Unfortunately, we North American's will have to wait a while longer for the pleasure of driving this vehicle as the diesel Mazda3 is not yet bound for our shores.
Exterior styling
Although instantly recognizable as a Mazda product with the now familiar “face 2”, the new 2014 Mazda3 receives a slightly more muscular look, and its boldly flared fenders add to the impression of a vehicle firmly-planted on the road.
Attention to detail is evident from every angle and I particularly like the way Mazda has dressed the vehicle with stylish illumination units. The outgoing model was no ugly duckling but this is a sizable leap forward in the beauty stakes.
Drivetrain
Both the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L & 2.5L engines feature a new 4-2-1 exhaust system that increases engine output. The new 2.0L produces 155hp/150 lb-ft of torque and the new 2.5L offers up 184hp/185lb-ft of torque.
The 2014 Mazda3 will be available with a choice of the SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Fuel Economy
No official fuel-economy figures were announced during the launch, yet the words “expect Best in Class” did tend to appear in several conversations I had with Mazda executives.
Price
No word on pricing either. However, we were told to expect prices to fall somewhere “in the hub of the segment”. Cagey perhaps, but I'm not expecting Mazda to goof up on pricing. After all, there's too much riding for the company on the success of this vehicle.
Safety
Mazda has always built safety into its vehicles but 2014 hails in a whole new era in this department. The 2014 Mazda3 introduces several all-new safety systems under the umbrella known as i-ACTIVSENSE.
It includes High Beam Control System (HBC) which automatically dips the headlamps from high to low beam, a Blind Spot monitoring System (BSM), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and something called Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) which helps prevent/soften the impact with the vehicle ahead in city traffic.
Mazda has also made Radar Cruise Control available to the new Mazda3, although this won't be available on Canadian models at the time of launch.
 |
| Photo: Mazda |
Connectivity
A new infotainment system has been designed to work with the customer's smartphone to provide an internet connection and communication functions.
Once connected, the system allows access to internet radio, together with the availability of reading emails and messages aloud via text-to-voice technology. With this system, the customer can not only receive Twitter/Facebook updates, but they can also make posts/tweets using the system's Shout function. It also makes internet search available which can be used as a GPS, although Mazda does have its own navigation system available for the new Mazda3.
Comparable models
Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza.
The new 2014 Mazda3 models should start arriving at dealerships the beginning of September this year.