Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a compact automobile manufactured by the Mazda Motor Corporation. The name "Mazda3" is used only in non-Japanese markets; at home, the model is called the Axela. The Mazda3 was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Protegé. The first car rolled off the assembly line on December 8, 2003.

The Mazda3 has been very well-received in all markets, and in 2004 was the third best-selling car in Canada. Mazda is increasing production of the Axela/Mazda3 at its Hofu 1 and 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year.

Design

The Mazda3/Axela is based on Ford's global C1 Platform, which was developed by Volvo and which is shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Chassis development was carried out by Mazda and suspension designed by Ford. Based on the styling of the MX-Sportif concept car, the Mazda3/Axela is available in two body style, a four-door sedan, marketed as "coupé style" in Europe, and a five-door hatchback, branded the Sport version in America and Japan.

Front suspension is by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. Rear suspension is a Ford-designed "E-link" multi-link suspension, with four locating links per wheel and an anti-roll bar, suspended on coil springs that are mounted inboard of the shock absorbers to reduce suspension intrusion into the cargo area. Disc brakes are standard at all four wheels, with 300 mm (11.8 in) discs front and 279 mm (11 in) discs rear; ABS and electronic brake force distribution are available or standard, depending on the model. Wheel and tire sizes vary with model, from 15 in (381 mm) on base models to option 17 in (432 mm) wheels on upper-level models.

When first introduced U.S. Mazda3 models were available in only two trim levels, i and s, with the 2.0L and 2.3L engines, respectively. Since then Mazda has introduced a proliferation of additional models under the Touring and Grand Touring labels. UK Mazda3s are offered in S, TS, TS2, and Sport models.