• Driver-oriented cabin with a focus on comfort, quality and ergonomic simplicity.
• Generous standard equipment levels across all models with advanced connectivity.
• Sport Nav models feature enhanced colour head-up display.
• Large boot volumes on both hatchback and Fastback versions.

The Mazda3’s roomy, comfortable and well-built cabin has been enhanced with the launch of the 2017 Mazda3. Evolving but not fundamentally changing the Mazda3’s driver-oriented interior, a host of updates have ensured the cabin retains its focus on safe, engaging and stress-free driving, while at same time improving practicality, quality and style.

Mazda’s latest-generation of cabin architecture has been designed to create an intelligently configured layout for the driver and a relaxed area for the front passenger. With the aim of improving quality and style, particular attention has been paid to key touch points in the cabin of the 2017 Mazda3.

This includes upgraded door handle bezels and higher quality door switch panels, while on the dashboard, the newly designed decorative trim panel has a deeper three-dimensional shape.The instrument cluster cover has also been amended with higher-quality materials, while changes to the dials have been implemented to improve the quality and readability of the instruments.

In addition, the previous monochrome display on the head-up display has been upgraded to full colour, making it brighter, higher definition and far easier to read. Standard on Sport Nav models, the system now displays red or amber colour displays to make various warning messages more noticeable.

Practicality has also been enhanced by creating more cabin stowage. Thanks to the implementation of an electronic parking brake, space has been freed up between the front seats to introduce a new centre console, which now features a pair of cup holders with an accordion style sliding cover. Even better, the introduction of wider front door pockets increases their size from the previous 145mm to 400mm.

Like the updated Mazda6, the 2017 Mazda3’s revised 7-inch colour touch-screen display and reshaped dash top design combine to create a greater sense of unity between the centre display and the dashboard.Other premium touches added to the cabin include, double-pleating on areas which have soft pads such as the door trim, while the overall quality of the interior has been enhanced by emphasising the softness and three-dimensional feel of the materials.

Across all model grades, seat materials have been upgraded with the fabric upholstery now featuring redesigned stitching, while newly adopted dark red accents enhance the 165ps Sport Nav’s standardblack leather. Additionally, the optional Light Stone leather’s colour has been enriched to bring out the vivid contrast between the white stone and black areas of the seat.

Another example of the 2017 Mazda3’s more-upmarket cabin is the all-new steering wheel. This top-grade leather wheel has a tactile feel, smarter shape and a smaller centre pad. While the outer diameter of the wheel has not changed, the satin metallic decorations applied to the lower spokes are narrowed to give it a sleeker look. The functions of the current steering switches, which were arranged in three vertical rows in the spoke areas, are now integrated and concentrated into one row. Combining stylishness with ease of use, this high quality leather wheel is standard across the range.

As before, keen drivers will relish the Mazda3’s low-slung driving position, with its ideally positioned pedals, steering wheel and gear knob. To ensure all drivers are comfortable behind the wheel, the driver’s seat offers 260mm of front-to-back adjustment, 80° of recline and 50mm of vertical adjustment, while the front seat mounts are mounted wide apart to benefit foot room for those travelling in the rear. 2017 Mazda3 updates also see passenger seat height adjustment added across the range.

Both the hatchback and Fastback body styles share an identical 2,700mm wheelbase, which results in class-leading levels of front and rear shoulder room, and exceptionally generous levels of leg and headroom for all passengers. With the hatchback swallowing 364-litres of luggage with split rear seats in place (419-litres for the Fastback) and 1,263-litres with the rear seats folded flat, there’s no shortage of boot space, either.