Overview of the Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda 3 is a Japanese small car that has for a long time been one of Australia's most popular vehicles. It is considered one of the most fun cars to drive in its class, with great steering and handling. There have been several generations since the model replaced the 323 in 2004.
It continues to be offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles. A 2.2-litre turbo diesel model was introduced in 2014 but axed two years later owing to slow sales, leaving a choice between two smooth and efficient petrol engines in 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre form, with a standard manual gearbox or optional automatic. The first- and second-generation Mazda 3 range featured a performance variant called the MPS.
MAZDA 3 GENERATIONS
2004-2009: 1st generation
2009-2013: 2nd generation
2013-present: 3rd generation
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.2L Diesel (now discontinued): 5.0 to 5.2 litres per 100km
2.0L Petrol: 5.7 to 5.9 litres per 100km (91 unleaded)
2.5L Petrol: 6.0 to 6.5 litres per 100km (91 unleaded)
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Capped-price servicing program - every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $300 and $328 for first five years.Mazda 3 parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO MAZDA 3
Ford Focus
Hyundai i30
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf
How Does The Mazda 3 Perform After 5 Years?
A turbo-diesel version of the 3 that has never left the city is the biggest potential problem-child, with the resulting blocked diesel-particulate (soot) filter needing a trip to the dealership to be cleaned out.
In some cases, the on-board computer pumped more fuel into the engine to try to use engine heat to clear the filter. But sometimes that fuel made its way into the engine oil, diluting it. So watch for a rising level on the dipstick over time.
Some independent workshops ignored the particulate filter that could then fail altogether, requiring costly replacement to keep the car legal and roadworthy.
Some 3s suffered from poorly rust-proofed hatchback struts that could fail, spraying fluid everywhere and dropping the hatch on your head. Or fingers.
