Key Features: Exterior - Mazda Press Pack Library

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Wheels and colours

The 2017 Mazda3 is available in eight colours including Mazda’s new Machine Grey Metallic, which having starred on the Mazda MX-5 RF at the 2016 New York Motor Show, makes its production debut on the 2017 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-L Nav trim features 16-inch alloy wheels, while Sport Nav models benefit from a new design of 18-inch wheel with a high sheen finish.

Design

With a revised grille and signature wing that provides a stronger three-dimensional appearance, the Mazda3 is marked out by the subtle evolution of its KODO: Soul of Motion design. Sport Nav models feature a horizontal LED running strip across the redesigned fog light surround, while new mirrors now feature a turn indicator lights that sweep further round to the front. At the rear, hatchback models have a redesigned bumper that has a larger body coloured area for a cleaner and sharper look.

Equipment

Across the range the Mazda3 now features heated, auto power-folding door mirrors, while range-topping Sport Nav versions stand out with an all-new design of LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. All Mazda3s come with chrome side mouldings, a shark-fin antenna and body-coloured door mirrors. On Sport Nav cars the redesigned grille is black metallic, while this range topping model also benefits from front and rear parking sensors.

Suspension

Majoring on light components and stiff construction, the Mazda3’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension delivers handling precision. For the Mazda3 revised dampers have improved ride comfort, reduced vibration and enhanced feel, while changes to the front anti-roll bar bushings create a smoother roll movement at turn in.

Engines

Powered by an award-winning range of SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines, the Mazda3’s 1.5 and 2.2-litre diesel engines benefit from the introduction of Transient Control, which works to reduce turbo-lag and provide the sort of positive throttle response normally associated with petrol engines. The recently-launched SKYACTIV-D 1.5 features a 14.8:1 compression ratio and emissions of just 99g/km.