10 Things You Need to Know About the 2017 Mazda Mazda3

2017 Mazda Mazda3 ・ Photo by Mazda

There may not be a better example of the Mazda boutique brand philosophy than the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback. Very practical, a little quirky, and a whole lot of fun, the Mazda3 played a key role in leading the brand out of turmoil following the Great Recession, the end of the Mazda/Ford partnership, and the 2011 Japan earthquake. Now, it’s time for a refresh. Mazda recently held the official unveiling of the 2017 Mazda3 at its design studio in Irvine, California, touting improvements to its Kodo design language, interior fit and finish, safety and technology, and much more. Here are some of the most important things we learned about the 2017 Mazda3, and what they'll mean for the future.

1) Blazing New Design Trails

The saying is that it’s better to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. Mazda builds cars like the 2017 Mazda3 that entice people to test that hypothesis. This is not an empty promise, like a sluggish econobox with ground effects, or a budget compact with a “Nurburgring Edition” badge. Sharp lines, lean curves and an emphasis on enthusiast appeal make the 2017 Mazda3 wholly different from its competitors. Each pen stroke hints at performance, just subtly enough to suggest they packed more fun under the surface than you’d think. Mazda aimed to advance its Kodo design language with the 2017 Mazda3, though the founding principles it introduced several years ago clearly guide the process.

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2) Kodo Is Evolving

One look at the 2017 Mazda3 makes it obvious that the company is advancing its own ideas, not adopting anyone else’s. The same overall character from the previous generation Mazda3 has carried over, updated simply, and slightly. There’s lots to look at, but less going on. The large center intake has been sharpened. Current trends like the floating rear pillar are absent. Still, some familiar industry elements exist: the front grille morphing into the headlights like tear ducts; strakes across the fog lights. The profile silhouette feels, if not softer, perhaps more palatable than before. The 2017 Mazda3 is still unique, uncompromising Mazda — though perhaps they’re beginning to cast glances in the direction of traditionally mainstream buyers.

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3) Practical Interior Design

More than just the direct connection between driver and machine, the 2017 Mazda3 steering wheel is also a perfect representation of the evolution of Kodo design. It is thinner, yet thicker where your hands need it to be; it’s stuffed with more controls but they’re easier to locate; horizontal spokes angle downward for better visibility and also because, let’s be honest, it looks sweet. The tachometer is centered and the largest of the three displays and the sliding covered center console carries over from the Mazda6 for the first time. The only component that would seemingly clash with Mazda culture is a new electronic e-brake. Better for space efficiency, yes, but say goodbye to handbrake slides.

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4) Premium Aspirations

Interior craftsmanship and superior ride quality haven't been calling cards of the Mazda3 (this is still an affordable compact, after all). Yet the automaker is claiming the 2017 Mazda3 will take dramatic steps forward, and the Grand Touring versions they showed at the debut were certainly encouraging. Better fit and finish around the doors, dash and controls are departures from the past — strong signs that NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) will improve on the road. Buttons and dials click into place; matte accents and Nappa leather complement one another brilliantly. The sport seats especially deserve praise — supportive up the sides and lined with contrasted piping. You drop in and are greeted with the excitement of possibility. It feels like hugging your crush.

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5) Choice of Style

Both familiar body styles return to the 2017 Mazda3, in sedan and hatchback form. Perhaps the only car on the market that seems like the hatch is designed first, the 5-door is again the standout of the two, falling somewhere between station wagon and matured pocket rocket. Though full dimensions haven’t been released, the 2017 Mazda3 is likely to retain its staggering cargo capacity figures of 17 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and up to 43 cubic feet when they’re down — nearly beating some compact SUVs, including Mazda’s own CX-3. Traditionally, the Mazda3 sedan gets better fuel economy and a lower price tag. Still, its versatility and sultry design make the hatch a great buy.

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6) G Vector Control Adds to Handling

If there’s one area where the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 didn’t really need to make improvements, it’s handling. However, since driving excitement is A) what Mazda has banked its entire reputation on for decades, and B) seemingly what senior engineers will build into the cars whether it supports the bottom line or not, the 2017 Mazda3 does indeed feature improvements to its handling. The new Mazda3 will feature G Vector Control (GVC) across all trim levels, which uses on-board computers to detect throttle input and steering angle, and adjust the torque to improve grip on the wheel that needs it. If that sounds complicated, I’ll break it down: control where you need it, before you realize it.

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7) Skyactiv is Back

Kodo is the soul, Skyactiv is the science. Mazda bundles all performance and efficiency technologies under the Skyactiv umbrella — meaning that direct injection, lightweight materials, and slippery aerodynamics are not separate attributes, so much as teammates with the same mission. In that vein, the 2017 Mazda3 boasts Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission with Sport mode and paddle shifters, as well as GVC (which is part of the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics arm). Language like this tends to feel like jargon, but Mazda backs it up: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently recognized Mazda for having the most fuel efficient ratings, fleet-wide, of all major automakers. Mazda also did it without offering an electric or hybrid vehicle.

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8) New Available Safety and Tech

Safety features will play a key role in the future of Mazda, and the 2017 Mazda3 features updated technologies that boast impressive intelligence to prevent or lessen impacts. Mazda calls its advanced safety technologies i-Activesense, which brings devices like radar and cameras together to send necessary information to the driver, or step in during an emergency. The 2017 Mazda3 will be available with features like a traffic sign recognition system for the first time, smart brake support with an updated camera, advanced blind spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. And those are just the ones that received improvements. High beam control, adaptive front lighting, lane departure warning and many more are also available as optional equipment.

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9) Steady Hand at the Wheel

An important part of the 2017 Mazda3 is the man who holds the pen: Julien Montousse, director of design at Mazda North America. His early work developing Kodo led a new path forward for Mazda, and of all the cars in its lineup, Montousse has the most creative freedom with the Mazda3. A former GM designer who became known for his engaging interiors, his influence can certainly be seen upon one glance inside the 2017 Mazda3. Tighter packaging, driver-centric focus — these are Montousse hallmarks, and their practical implementation in the 2017 Mazda3 bodes well for future refreshes across the entire brand for years to come.

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10) Available Soon

Interested buyers should expect the 2017 Mazda3 to arrive at dealerships beginning in September. Pricing, fuel economy, and which features are available on what trim levels are still unknown. The reveal of the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 made a clear statement, however, that the future of this family of sedans and hatchbacks is continuing on the same path laid out years ago. Driving dynamics and interesting design will lead the way, while efficiency and increasing technology are also important components. Mazda has set bold objectives for the next few years ahead, and the addition of the 2017 Mazda3 hints that its evolution is proceeding just as planned.

Photo by Mazda