The Mazda3 is Mazda Philippines’ entry to the compact sedan segment that’s proudly made in Japan. Armed with a sultry and sensual styling approach, the ‘3’ shares its design language with Mazda’s RX concept and features the latest version of the Kodo design language that employs a minimalist approach to styling.
Two engine choices are available for the Mazda3 Sedan—a 1.5-liter or a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Both of these engines have Mazda’s SkyActiv technology giving the vehicle better performance thanks to its high compression ratios. Both engines are only available with a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission.
Launch
The fourth generation of the Mazda3 was launched on August 14, 2019 with two body types to choose from. The compact car is available in either Sedan or Sportback variants. The sedan has two trim levels, the Elite and Premium variants, and can be had with either a 1.5-liter or a 2.0-liter gasoline engine during the launch. The Elite variant is only available with a 1.5-liter engine while the Premium variant gets the 2.0-liter engine.
The Mazda3 was launched with prices starting from P1,295,000 for the Elite variant and P1,495,000 for the Premium variant.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Mazda3 is powered by either a Skyactiv-G 1.5 F-P5 engine or a Skyactiv G 2.0 PE-VPS engine. The 1.5-liter produces 109 hp and 146 Nm of torque while the 2.0-liter produces 152 hp and 200 Nm. Both engine options can be had with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is no manual option for the Mazda3 in the Philippines.
For the chassis, the Mazda3 rides on Mazda’s SkyActiv Architecture. The Japanese car company claims that the chassis prioritizes ride comfort and handling stability. Front and rear suspensions are McPherson strut and torsion beam axle, respectively. All wheels are equipped with disc brakes.
109 hp, 146 Nm of torque (1.5L)
152 hp, 200 Nm of torque (2.0L)
Transmission
6-Speed SkyActiv-Drive Automatic
Driving Performance
Powering the sedan version of the Mazda 3 is either 1.5 or a 2.0-liter engine. These engines are, however, carryovers from the previous generation. What these engines lack in horsepower, they make up for it in torque. The vehicle’s sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic.
Thanks to the new chassis, the vehicle is able to perform well and can take on high speeds and winding roads. The driver-centric layout makes sure that the driver feels comfortable and is in control of the vehicle at all times.
Technology Features
The vehicle comes standard with a non-touchscreen 8.8-inch monitor infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To help the driver navigate the infotainment, the vehicle comes standard with steering wheel mounted audio controls and dedicated controls near the gear shifter. The sedan also features G-Vectoring Control (GVC) Plus, which adjusts power delivery when cornering and by shifting vehicle weight. This makes for a much smoother and less fatiguing drive.
Exterior
The Mazda3 Sedan gets a different grille design and bumper compared to the Sportback. These small design differences help set both vehicles apart from each other. It also has fake air vents on the lower bumper where the fog lights should be. The vehicle itself does not feature fog lights but instead features LED headlights that Mazda claims that will eliminate the need for fog lights.
Compared to the previous generation, the design of the current Mazda3 is more subtle and features more curves than angles. The Elite variant comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Premium and Speed variants ride on 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Mazda3 comes in six color options: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic, and Machine Grey.
Interior
The interior of the Mazda 3 is populated with soft and hard touch plastics. The top trim level of the sedan retains the same black interior of the Elite trim. The red accents and red interior trimmings are only available on the top of the line Sportback variant.
The cabin space is ample all around but the headroom might be an issue for those at the back because of the sleek roofline. There are plenty of storage spaces within the vehicle.
Safety
The Mazda3 compact sedan comes with seven airbags, traction control, and vehicle stability control. Added safety features are a 360-degree camera, front and back parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, driving monitoring, and cruise control. These features help make the vehicle easier and safer to drive.
The Mazda3 doesn't have an official ASEAN NCAP rating yet, but its European hatchback counterpart got 5 stars at EURO NCAP standards.
Pros & Cons
The pros of the Mazda3 start with the interior where Mazda paid special attention to the use of materials for the dashboard, leather, and screen integration. If you are an audiophile you will also love the sound system in the vehicle.
The cons, getting used to using the infotainment may be hard at first but once you get over the learning curve it should become easier. If you are a fan of touchscreens, this might be a negative for you. Head- and leg-room at the rear seats also might be an issue for taller folks out there as the new design limits these aspects.
Connect with the top Mazda sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
The Mazda3 sedan presents itself as a unique entry into the Philippines with its award-winning design and other features that make it a cut above the rest.
Should Premium really mean pricey? Per Mazda, it shouldn’t, and that manifests in the latest iteration of the Mazda3 in the Philippines. Caco goes Behind the Wheel of both Mazda3 hatchback, err Sportback, and Mazda3 sedan for a full review. While you’re at it, help Caco decide whether to go for the four-door or the five-door by letting us know in the comments section below.
Mazda Philippines didn’t waste time in putting the all-new 2020 Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Sportback onto the hands of the local motoring media. Caco got to try both, and here’s what he has to...
With a competitive price, darn good looks, and good driving dynamics, the Mazda3 will make you think thrice whether you should go to another brand’s showroom.
Our Verified Buyer Reviews come from confirmed customers that have had their purchase registered on the AutoDeal platform.
Patrick Basquina
Mazda 3 2.0 SkyActiv Sport AT Soul Red Crystal
Purchased from Mazda, Makati
4.2/5
June 27, 2022
Probably one of the best-looking cars around this price point, especially the interior. It’s also well-equipped with tech.
Speed and acceleration is okay but don’t expect it to......
Probably one of the best-looking cars around this price point, especially the interior. It’s also well-equipped with tech.
Speed and acceleration is okay but don’t expect it to be race-y — it’s intended to be a smooth and comfortable ride, and it does a good job at that.
I rated the interior space 3/5 because I’m setting the expectations as the 2nd row is not as roomy especially for tall people, but I usually drive alone so personally it’s not an issue.
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Does the Mazda3 come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Mazda3's 8.8-inch infotainment system does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Is the Mazda3 reliable?
As with all Mazda in the Philippines, the Mazda3 comes with a free 3-year preventive maintenance service when bought brand new.
What is Mazda3's SkyActiv-X engine?
The SkyActiv-X is Mazda's latest engine that combines the combustion cycles of both diesel and gasoline power plants, making it fuel-efficient and powerful at the same time. It isn't available in the Philippines yet, though.
Is Mazda3 the same as the Mazda Axela?
Mazda Axela was the name of the compact car of the Japanese automaker in its home country. It's the same as the Mazda3 sold globally.
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