The all-new 2014 Mazda3 compact five-door was revealed to the world during an event in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. After weeks of media speculation and numerous "leaked" images of enthusiast renderings, Mazda pulled the sheet off the highly-anticipated redesign. The all-new Mazda3 is engineered with the full complement of SKYACTIV technologies – a proprietary suite of fuel-efficient, performance-driven components and manufacturing philosophies – as well as the handsome styling of the KODO design language.

Lower and leaner than its predecessor, this third generation Mazda3 shares almost nothing with its older siblings other than a name. All new from the ground up, the 2014 Mazda3 sits on a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, which is 2.4 inches longer than the previous generation, yet the hatchback is 1.8 inches shorter in length at 175.6 inches. With a height of 57.3 inches and a width of 70.7 inches, the Mazda3 reduces its ceiling by 0.6 inches and gains 1.6 inches in the hips while retaining similar headroom space and offering rear legroom at 35.8 inches. The rear seat backs are nearly 2.0 inches taller for added passenger comfort. Front and rear shoulder room also has increased to 57.2 and 54.4 inches, respectively. This efficient use of space is wrapped in the increasingly striking dimensions of KODO, Mazda's "Soul of Motion" approach to designs that exude emotional proportions and refined strength.


Whether equipped with the standard 16-inch full-cover steel wheels or higher trim-equipped 16- inch and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, each set expresses dynamic motion from hub to rim. The Mazda3's cab rearward posture and raked profile emphasize agility and speed.

From the dynamic signature wing of the five-point grille to the expansive sheet metal cresting over sleekly slanted headlamps, from the wide-stance muscular fenders to the taut character lines flowing from panel to panel, sculpting into a chiseled rear featuring provoking taillights, KODO begets the Mazda3 a presence unlike any other. Yet such style is not without purpose as the five-door and sedan models achieve best-in-class coefficient of drag (Cd) at 0.275 and 0.255, respectively, when equipped with i-ELOOP and an active air shutter. A new-to-Mazda feature, an active air-shutter is mounted in front of the radiator and automatically opens and closes in accordance with driving conditions to improve aerodynamic performance, while contributing to real-world gains in fuel economy.


The interior is no less impressive, starting with the driver-oriented cockpit. The pedals have been laid out symmetrically to the left and right of the driver's center-line with a hinged organ-type accelerator pedal as standard for added safety and comfort. Designed not only to appeal to the senses, each control and function also is specifically placed with intuitive utility in mind. The less time spent focusing on adjusting knobs and pushing touch-screen commands, the more time a driver is engaged with the actual act of driving, being alert to what is on the road ahead and, therefore, being able to react quickly, accurately and safely.

For added precision, the base of the A-pillars have been repositioned 3.9 inches rearward to afford greater range of vision for both the driver and front passenger. The outside mirrors also are mounted onto the doors instead of the base of the A-pillar to expand the scope of visibility when looking over mirrors from the driver's seat.


All-new for Mazda vehicles and being launched with the 2014 Mazda3 will be a next-generation human-machine interface (HMI) system. Based on the heads-up cockpit concept, the new HMI system aims to help drivers maintain proper posture, concentrate on the road and drive more safely, even while handling larger amounts of information. The information used is divided into groups, and an innovative screen layout is employed to let the driver safely balance the primary job of driving with other peripheral information.

The 2014 Mazda3 also is the first vehicle to feature Mazda's all-new Active Driving Display, a clear pop-up panel that displays vehicle speed, navigation directions and other important driving information, and is vertically mounted behind the meter hood. This feature not only places necessary information comfortably in the driver's line-of-sight but also directs the display beyond the instrument panel, more in line with where a driver's eyes are naturally focused. The Active Driving Display panel will automatically fold back into a hidden position when the ignition is shut off.


The redesigned meter cluster features a centrally positioned analog gauge flanked by a pair of wing-shaped digital displays. The dial face for the center gauge is characterized by three-dimensional metallic numerals, evidence of the design teams' attentiveness to detail, while its red-ring border pulses as soon as the driver's door is opened, a nod to the vehicle's inescapable sporty DNA. From the gauge clusters extends a decorative dash panel finished in satin chrome with piano black trim pieces adorning select areas of the center console and front door inserts.

The seat architecture has been redesigned with added focus on comfort and space, while at the same time reducing weight. For example, the front seat backs were further sculpted to provide rear seat passengers more knee room than the previous generation Mazda3, and shoulder room for all passengers increased as well. Additionally, the driver's seat cushion was made larger, while still optimizing the seat back to create a more natural seating position with ample lateral support, which is a welcome adjustment for those prone to long drives.


Mazda's infotainment system receives its own sort of overhaul as well. The new operating system connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone and can easily be updated to ensure users always have access to the latest features and services without the need to swap out hardware. In addition to the current music access points via standard AM/FM radio, CD and USB/auxiliary port connections. An optional Bose premium audio system with Centerpoint 2 virtual surround sound playback will bring the harmonies and vocals to life for even the most discerning of audiophiles.

The long relationship between Mazda, the brand, and Zoom-Zoom, the anthem, is no secret. Jinba Ittai, the oneness between car and driver, is a long-standing brand philosophy, an essence, which is built into every Mazda ever engineered – whether for leisurely drives within the cul-de- sac community or hot laps around a track. With the Mazda3, a vehicle that is sold in more than 130 countries and accounts for 30 percent of global sales, this connection is even more important and made even more precise.

Globally, the Mazda3 offers the widest SKYACTIV powertrain line-up in order to meet local market demands, and will be available with SKYACTIV-G 1.5- to 2.5-liter-sized gasoline engines, a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine and as a hybrid electric vehicle.

The 2014 Mazda3 will be available with a choice of the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions. SKYACTIV-MT offers the short, crisp shift pattern reminiscent of the MX-5 Miata. SKYACTIV-Drive achieves a direct shift feel and quick gear changes that contribute to quick acceleration, while maximizing the best features of a direct- shift gearbox and a conventional torque-converter system.

Mazda's unique i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system employs a capacitor to store electricity generated when the vehicle decelerates. Brake energy regeneration systems improve fuel economy by reducing the inherent parasitic drag of the alternator when possible, to maximize the efficiency of the vehicle under all modes of operation. Unlike other battery-based systems, i-ELOOP, its name derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," is the world's first capacitor- based system to power all of a vehicle's electrical components.

The added combination of the SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis enhances the Jinba Ittai spirit by offering high-performance, lightweight materials for added strength and safety. Carefully engineered load-transfer ensures a firm grip on the road that the driver can sense. The SKYACTIV-Body provides increased rigidity of 30 percent compared to the previous model, while reducing weight as well.

The expanded use of high tensile-strength steel, and the complete reevaluation of more than 300 separate components, has led to significant weight savings. Although variable from market to market, a European-specification all-new Mazda3, outfitted with a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter engine and SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, weighs approximately 198 pounds less than the previous generation vehicle.

Straight line stability, tire grip and ride comfort have been greatly improved by tuning the suspension system's springs, dampers and stabilizers. Mazda's new mechatronic column-type electric power assist steering system is compact and lightweight, with a gearing ratio of 14:1. The brake response also was improved to be even more responsive, allowing for excellent vehicle control and feel, as well as braking distance amongst the best in the segment. Such improvements also reduce rolling resistance, all to improve fuel economy.

A new lightweight material that exhibits a high level of noise absorption is introduced on the dash insulator and floor mats, and insulating material also is positioned for maximum effectiveness behind the instrument panel. These measures achieve a level of cabin quietness that is highly competitive within the compact car class, and fully appropriate in a class-above vehicle.

The 2014 Mazda3 introduces several all-new safety systems under the umbrella known as i-ACTIVSENSE. These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to support the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding collisions and minimizing damage, should accidents occur. While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

Berjaya Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in the Philippines has confirmed that the all-new Mazda3 is slated to arrive mid next-year.