2017 facelifted Mazda3 brings better value

Mazda has rejuvenated its popular Mazda3 range with minor styling tweaks along with additional features and price reductions.

The refreshed model sports a new front grille and signature wing combined with a new front bumper. LED foglamps are now standard on all models bar the entry-level Neo, while electric folding mirrors are standard across the range (automatic on Touring and above).

Inside, the traditional handbrake has been replaced with Electric Parking Brake (EPB) on Touring and above. The Active Driving Display (Head-up Display) is now presented in full colour, with DAB+ digital radio also available.

The new Mazda3 range now features i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology, which brings Smart City Brake Support-Forward (SCBS-F) across the range. Mazda3 Maxx and all grades above it further add SCBS-Reverse (SCBS-R), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Higher up the range, the SP25 GT gains Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), while the range-topping Astina adds Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS) and Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) as standard.

A Drive Selector switch is now available on automatic models.

The Mazda3 range also debuts a world-first G-Vectoring Control technology that is said to improve chassis balance and turn-in, along with enhanced electric power steering, damper and suspension.

Importantly, Mazda says occupants will experience a quieter ride thanks to better NVH.

The range continues to be powered by the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol with 114kW and 200Nm of torque on the Neo, Maxx and Touring variants, the 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol with 138kW and 250Nm of torque on the SP25, GT and Astina models. The slow selling 2.2-litre SkyActive-D diesel has been dropped.

Both engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic transmission.

A new range of colours are also on offer, including Machine Grey, Sonic Silver and Eternal Blue.

The Mazda3 Neo’s pricing remains the same as the pre-facelift model at $20,490 plus on-roads, but has fallen by between $1,000 and $1,550 on all other models compared to the outgoing model that included the safety pack option.

Read ForceGT’s Mazda3 Review here

Mazda3 feature highlights:

Mazda3 Neo features include:
Drive Selector switch (auto only)
Electric folding mirrors
G-Vectoring Control (GVC)
Halogen headlamps
Rear Parking Sensors
Smart City Brake Support-Front (SCBS-F)
Traction Control System (TCS)

Mazda3 Maxx features (additional to Neo)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
DAB+ Digital Radio
Front Fog-lamps (LED)
Multi-function commander control
MZD Connect
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear-view mirror with auto dimming function
Reverse Camera
Satellite navigation
Smart City Brake Support – Reverse (SCBS-R)

Mazda3 Touring features (additional to Maxx)
Dual-zone climate control
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
Headlamps with auto on/off function
Leather seat trim
Power mirrors (body coloured, auto folding)
Rain sensing wipers

Mazda3 SP25 features (additional to Maxx)
Advanced Keyless Entry
Duel-zone climate control
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
Headlamps auto on/off function
18 inch alloy wheels

Mazda3 SP25 GT features (additional to SP25)
All-colour Active Driving Display
Daytime running lamps (LED)
Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
LED headlamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
Power mirrors (heated)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

Mazda3 SP25 Astina features (additional to SP25 GT)
Adaptive LED headlamps
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
Sunroof
18 Inch alloys (bright finish)

Pricing – Excluding on-road costs for sedan and hatch