• The 2017 Mazda3 features a revised grille, a new door mirror design and newly designed headlights.
• Choice of eight body colours including new Machine Grey Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica.
• LED headlights and daylight running lamps on Sport Nav models.
• Hatchback models marked out by a revised rear bumper design.

At its launch in 2014 the outgoing Mazda3 was amongst the first cars to feature Mazda’s now range-wide KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy. Taking a bold step away from the second-generation model it replaced, it shared a clear visual link to the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6 – the pioneers of KODO design.

Underscored by its bold cab-rearwards profile, rakish windscreen angle, low roofline, short overhangs and flared shoulders, the 2017 Mazda3 builds on this visual dynamism with a host of delicate updates that mark out this updated model, yet ensure it retains a high degree of visual consistency.

The boldly contoured grille with its distinctive signature wing has been amended to create a stronger three-dimensional appearance and the Mazda badge is now fully housed within the confines of the grille. Revised headlights further sharpen the 2017 Mazda3’s face, while the redesigned fog light surround that features across the range, is highlighted with a horizontal LED daylight running lamp strip on Sport Nav models.

In profile, the 2017 Mazda3 is distinguished by revised door mirrors with indicator lights that sweep further round to the front, while Sport Nav cars feature a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel. At the rear, hatchback models have a redesigned bumper that has a larger body coloured area for a cleaner and sharper look.

The design of the 2017 Mazda3 is not only head-turning, it also plays a key role in the cars aerodynamic efficiency. The design features an active air shutter (available on 2.0-litre 165ps Sport Nav) which keeps the lower front grille closed whenever possible, underbody covers and tyre deflectors as well as bespoke turbulence-suppressing spoilers. The result is a low Cd figure of 0.26 for the Fastback and 0.28 for the hatchback.

Available with a choice of eight colours – two of them all-new – the 2017 Mazda3 can be specified in Arctic White, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearlescent, Jet Black Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic and Soul Red Metallic. These hues are complemented by two all-new colours: Machine Grey Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica.

Like the hugely popular Soul Red Metallic paint, Machine Grey Metallic uses Mazda’s unique “TAKUMINURI” paint process to deliver glossy depth and nuanced shading. Having been revealed on the Mazda MX-5 RF at the 2016 New York Motor Show, it made its production debut on the 2017 Mazda3.