2007 Mazda Mazda3 

As with all Mazda vehicles, Mazda3’s exterior design is dynamic and strong with a road presence that visually communicates the exciting, fun-to-drive character that is the essence of Zoom-Zoom. Its roomy interior is designed to evoke excitement and delight with high levels of interior functionality and comfort.

Mazda3’s exterior design is meant to express movement combined with muscular solidity and stability, and to be another tangible expression of Mazda's brand DNA evoked by the Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8.

Building on methods used to develop the flagship Mazda RX-8, Mazda3’s interior is far roomier than the car’s dynamic exterior indicates. It is sporty yet comfortable, with intelligent functionality and storage solutions so important to a vehicle in this segment.

Dynamic, solid proportions – created by a long wheelbase and cabin, short overhangs and large-diameter wheels, and aggressively flared front and rear fenders – give the Mazda3 an assertive presence, even when viewed from a distance. Integrated circular headlamps and rear combination lamps add a distinguished touch to the exterior design.

A stiff body structure is one of the main factors ensuring that Mazda3 is a fun car to drive and embodies the same Zoom-Zoom character common to all Mazda vehicles. Mazda3’s body structure provides high levels of torsional and flexural rigidity for superior handling stability and low levels of NVH transmission for a relaxing, quality driving experience.

Mazda3’s rigid body structure is also safety optimized, the result of Mazda’s Advance Impact Distribution and Absorption System, which delivers a safe and robust passenger compartment that resists impact deformation and disperses impact energy in all possible crash scenarios.

Mazda3 is another example of Mazda’s fresh approach to designing and building cars that combine the very best in Japanese manufacturing quality with an innovative, global perspective to create cars that epitomize the company’s “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy. High standards of craftsmanship, refined during the development of Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8, were applied to Mazda3 to deliver a vehicle with levels of quality that rival most of the world’s top models in its class. As a result, Mazda3 is one of the most enjoyable cars in its segment, with high levels of customer delight achieved through functional beauty and solid build quality.

On the outside, Mazda3’s build quality is instantly apparent by its excellent fit and finish, characterized by consistently small gaps between abutting body panels and components that give a high-quality finish.

Building on methods used to develop the flagship Mazda RX-8, Mazda3’s interior is far roomier than the car’s dynamic exterior indicates. It is sporty yet comfortable, with intelligent functionality and storage solutions so important to a vehicle in this segment. Material design touches include:

• Choice between three interior trim packages – each with distinct character – is offered, allowing customers to select the style that matches their taste.
• Metallic-look finish on door handles, shift lever gate and lever surrounds gives a satisfyingly mechanical look and feel (GX and GS models).
• White meters with amber-red backlighting give enhanced readability and an elegantly sporty ambience.
• GT models have a decorative insert in the instrument panel with a hairline treatment that conveys both a quality feel and refined sportiness.
• Mazda3’s front seat environment continues the sporty, wrap-around concept of the Mazda RX-8.
• Upholstery colours and fabrics are stylishly coordinated for a pleasingly modern impression.
• Door trim armrest, center console armrest and other often-used areas are made with soft-touch materials.
• Instrument panel upper and lower sections are covered with an advanced grain-finish material with a tactile sensation that evokes the vehicle’s technical quality.
• The top of the instrument panel and door trim feature a unified covering material with reduced sheen and improved continuity of grain.
• The seam on the airbag cover is eliminated to minimize the parting line and give a neater appearance.

Our goal was to think of every possible way to ensure a comfortable ride for you and your passengers. Here are some of the highlights of this remarkable achievement:

• Body pressure distribution of Mazda3’s seat is superior to competing models, assuring greater posture support and comfort.
• Cushions and seatbacks have shapes and pressure distribution patterns similar to those of the larger Mazda6.
• Front seats feature suspension springs in the back-frame to conform to the occupant’s body for increased support and comfort.
• Springs supporting the pelvis are especially firm, while springs in the side-frame have a higher spring-rate to assure support and orthopedically-correct posture.
• Lower cushion is mounted on a molding that is shape-optimized to fit the lower body.
• Shoulder support is designed to be comfortably snug during normal driving conditions and to give confidence-inspiring hold during spirited driving.
• Rear seats are designed according to a similar concept to give rear passengers excellent posture stability and a snug fit.
• The long wheelbase and optimal shaping of the front seats assure generous knee clearance for rear passengers.
• Steering column offers tilt (up to 40mm) and telescope (up to 50mm) adjustment.
• Driver seat provides up to 55mm of vertical and up to 250mm of horizontal adjustment to allow drivers of practically any size to find their optimum driving position. (Standard on GS and GT models.)
• Parking brake is located beside and behind the gear lever allowing smaller drivers to operate it more easily when the seat is in a forward position.

Mazda3 features an uncluttered instrument panel combined with a clean-cut door trim that reinforces a feeling of spaciousness, comfort and quality. Adding to the refined look, the instrument panel and upper door trim use the same high-quality textured material for a stylish, coordinated look.

New for 2007, the Mazda3 GX and GS receive newly designed white gauges and a zebra-striped wood-finish dash trim. The Mazda3 GT features a new black interior with a carbon-grey finish on the centre panel and blackout-type gauges that include a decorative insert finished with a hairline treatment in the dash.

Other noteworthy features include:

• A dual-textured, leather-wrapped steering wheel conveys a sense of the vehicle’s sporty essence.*
• Instrument panel and upper door trim use the same high-quality textured material for a stylish, coordinated look.
• Design of the instrument panel’s central section has clear separation of meters and controls for safe and easy operation when driving.
• Interior lighting concept links changes in illumination to switch operations for improved visibility and adds an element of precision and control to overall vehicle functionality.
• Amber-red lighting of the instruments and console is softened by indirect blue illumination.*

* Not available on all models.

There are two engine choices available to meet the demands of those looking for linear, lively power combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. Coupled to a smooth and sporty-shifting electronically-controlled four- or five-speed Sport mode automatic transmission, or the standard five-speed manual transmission, they contribute to that spirited driving experience that epitomizes Zoom-Zoom.

The range of quiet-running, in-line four-cylinder DOHC engines with ample low-end torque provides agile response in city traffic and on the motorway. This incredible engine line-up offers:

• Linear engine response to accelerator-pedal input for immediate acceleration and a lively driving feel.
• Low flow-resistance air cleaner, intake manifold with long (600mm) equal-length runners and high-flow ports for robust torque across the speed range.
• Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) optimizes valve open/close timing according to engine speed and air intake for more efficient engine operation throughout the rev range, while maintaining optimal driveability and power delivery (on 2.3-litre version).
• Variable Induction System (VIS) controls intake manifold length by opening a valve at higher engine speeds to optimize intake efficiency and boost torque.
• Stainless steel exhaust manifold with long, equal-length runners (2.0/2.3-litre: 4-2-1 configuration) optimizes exhaust gas flow for enhanced power and torque, and for a sporty engine note.
• Rigid aluminum-alloy engine block, and deep-skirt construction to give superior transmission coupling stiffness, combined with lightweight pistons and con-rods for lower overall engine noise.
• Cams and shimless tappets have a low-friction finish which, combined with lower valve-train inertia and valve-spring weight, minimize valvetrain noise for a clearer engine note.
• Lightweight pistons, low-tension piston rings and shimless tappets contribute to minimal friction loss and improved fuel economy.
• The 2.3-litre engine’s balancer shaft rotates at twice the crankshaft speed to cancel noise and vibration and deliver smooth, quiet operation.

Five-speed manual:

• Cable-controlled five-speed manual transmission suppresses engine vibration to the shift lever for smoother, quieter operation.
• Cable-bend angles and tolerances are minimized for a sporty, direct shift feel.
• Linked double-cone synchronizers for first and second gears (where synchronizer load is greatest) lighten shift operation for sportier smooth-action, and short-throw shifting.
• Special surface treatment applied to the shift rod, crank lever and control rod, plus Teflon coating on bushes, combined with a double-construction detent ball, reduces overall friction by up to 50 percent.

Four- and five-speed Sport mode automatics:

• Mazda’s Sport mode automatic transmissions provide a smooth, linear, direct feel to complement spirited engine performance in either automatic or pseudo-manual mode.
• Slope control gives smooth, natural deceleration on downhill gradients to assure more confident driving. On uphill gradients, slope control inhibits upshift if there is insufficient reserve power, reducing unwanted “gear-hunt”.

Innovative front and rear suspension systems have been designed and tuned to ensure an excellent balance between handling stability and ride comfort.

Front suspension

• Optimized suspension layout and geometry ensure outstanding maneuverability.
• A MacPherson-type front suspension system employs a four-point rubber mounting system to provide robust handling stability.
• Large front dampers with 35mm diameter pistons feature built-in rebound springs, optimized to suppress wheel bounce when cornering for stable, sporty handling and ride comfort.
• Input-splitting design for the upper strut mounts allows independent optimization of damper and spring rates for more refined handling and improved ride comfort.
• The steering gear is mounted lower and tie rods are shorter to give good linear toe-control and minimal toe-out for improved handling stability.

Rear suspension

• Multi-link rear suspension design is based on the Mazda6 to give larger-car handling characteristics and improved performance.
• Separate position of springs and dampers reduces damper friction and frees space for a larger luggage compartment, while maintaining a long coil spring stroke.
• Mazda3 has been tuned for a forward-inclined roll-center axis to achieve exceptional road-holding and straight-line stability, similar to a rear-drive car.
• Twintube gas-filled dampers with large-diameter (35mm) pistons substantially improve handling and ride comfort.

Mazda3’s braking system delivers responsive, linear braking with robust controllability. Mazda3’s impressive list of braking feature highlights includes:

• Responsive linear deceleration, enhanced by exceptional robustness and controllability, for some of the shortest stopping distances in its class.
• Robust front discs and rear discs are larger and thicker than the previous-generation model yielding greater braking effectiveness, consistency, rigidity and response.
• A 10-inch single vacuum booster enhances brake effectiveness and response by ensuring linear increase in deceleration as pedal travel increases.
• Brakes are tuned to shorten pedal travel for more instantaneous response.
• Newly developed low-expansion brake hoses, reduced master cylinder travel loss, and optimized brake pad friction characteristics further optimize braking performance.

Thanks to Mazda’s innovative approach to safety, Mazda3’s body resists deformation and disperses impact energy in all collision situations to ensure passenger cell integrity and excellent passive safety. Mazda3’s extensive and impressive list of safety features is unmatched in its class.

Active safety features include:

• Four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBFD) and built-in mechanical brake assistance provide superior vehicle stability and braking performance on slippery roads and in emergency situations, whether the car is fully loaded or nearly empty. (Standard on GT and available with Sport Package on GS models.)
• Auto Light System uses both forward and upward-facing sensors to monitor ambient light. The system automatically switches on the headlights when entering a tunnel, but will not switch on the lights when Mazda3 momentarily enters shady areas. (Standard on GS and GT models.)
• Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers offers complete control of wiper on/off and wiper speed, promoting visibility and giving a better view of the road in bad weather. (Standard on GS and GT models.)

Driver and passenger protection systems include:

• Front dual airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all models.
• Front seatbelts feature pretensioners for instant hold, and load-limiters which loosen the seatbelt in a controlled manner, helping to reduce excessive pressure on the chest.
• ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether anchors are fitted to both rear seats for quick, easy, secure installation of a child or infant seat and to help prevent the seat from tipping forward in a collision.
• Horizontal collapsing steering column minimizes impact on the driver’s head and chest during a collision.
• Brake pedal retracts away from the driver’s foot in a frontal collision to lower the risk of pedal-inflicted foot and leg injuries.
• Height and shape-optimized headrests help minimize whiplash in a rear impact, while seatbacks are designed to permit rearward movement of the occupant’s torso.