Mazda is commemorating the 20 years of its renowned compact car nameplate, the Mazda3. The Japanese automaker is looking back at the evolution of the Mazda3 – which is one of its best-selling models over the last two decades.
First-gen Mazda3
It was in 2003 when the Mazda3 was introduced, succeeding the Mazda 323. The automaker offered a wide array of options for the model, allowing it to cater to various demands in the market. Available in sedan and hatch versions, the model came with 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0-liter MZR gasoline engines, as well as two tunes of the MZ-CD diesel mill.
Second-gen Mazda3
The second generation was revealed at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. It still retained the ‘C1’ architecture but came with a new body and a more modern look. While the gasoline engines were updated, this generation was offered with a new 2.2-liter diesel power unit.
Third-gen Mazda3
When the third-gen was introduced in 2013, the Mazda3 featured the brand’s Skyactiv Technology platform and architecture. This was also the iteration when the automaker introduced the Kodo design language – which helped the nameplate win the World Car Design of the Year in the fourth-gen version.
Fourth-gen Mazda3
Speaking of which, the fourth and current-gen Mazda3 made its debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Apart from the more contemporary design, this iteration made a hybrid engine available, particularly the M Hybrid 24V mild-hybrid system that improves both performance and efficiency.
Within the two decades of Mazda3 in the brand’s lineup, the company managed to sell over six million units globally.
Here in the Philippines, the Mazda3 was updated for the 2024 model, coming with new features such as an adaptive front-lighting system (AFS), a bright silver finish for the wheels, and a new 10.25-inch touchscreen. Mazda Philippines offers the sedan and fastback versions at Php 1,510,000 for the standard models and Php 1,790,000 for the mild-hybrid variants.
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