The Mazda3 is one of the well-known daily drive vehicles in the country. The compact sedan got the key features to make it stand out against its competition such as great contemporary styling and optimum performance ratings.
The styling is so good that the Mazda3 bagged the 2020 World Car Design of the Year award. According to the judging panel, the Mazda3 wasn’t designed too fancily just to make it look good. Mazda’s design philosophy called the Kodo Design helped the Mazda3 bring a subtle and natural look.
There's no denying that the Mazda 3 is one very attractive looking sedan
Maybe this is the reason why Mazda did not update the exterior features of the Mazda3 for the 2021 model. And yes, the 2021 Mazda3 is now revealed in Japan. Looking at the compact car, you can already tell that no design changes have been made.
Well then, what are the updates the Japanese marque put in the Mazda3? Or the better question is, are there even changes? Read on as we tackle what we can expect from the 2021 Mazda3 and the early specifications we currently have right now.
2021 Mazda3: Exterior
No matter which angle you decide to view the Mazda3, you will never find a design change for the 2021 model. Mazda itself points out that the Mazda3 has gone through a very minor revision. This does not include the exterior feature.
This means that the new Mazda3 will still be rolling with the same sleek LED headlamps design with daytime running lights (DRL) and subtle body lines on the sides. If there is one word to describe the overall exterior design of the Mazda3, that would be minimalistic.
The 2020 Car Design of the Year winner
The minimalistic approach led the Mazda3 to win the prestigious design award for 2020. We could expect that Mazda will continue the current design of Mazda3 for a long time. Besides, the current fourth-generation Mazda3 came out in 2019 only so a complete rework is still far from reality.
However, there is a Mazda3 100th-anniversary special edition revealed by the Japanese marque as part of the compact sedan’s win as the car design of the year. It comes with a different front fender ornament and custom 100th-anniversary special edition seats, wheels, key fob, and badges. Unfortunately, Mazda clarified that the special edition is only available in Japan.
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2021 Mazda3: Interior
Just like the exterior, the interior features aren’t updated. The new Mazda3 is still coming with a black interior with leather-trimmed sport seats for the top-spec, while the Mazda3 Sportback Speed variants’ seats get red accents. Despite having no changes, the interior of the Mazda3 still looks like it would last for a good two to three years.
The Mazda3 comes with a simple yet classy interior
Two of the updates the Mazda3 got are the improved coil springs and shock absorbers. Technically these are not part of the interior, but thanks to the added features, drivers and passengers can now experience a smoother traveling experience inside. Mazda shared that the new Mazda3’s suspension now moves more smoothly, resulting in less vibration in the cabin.
2021 Mazda3: Engine and performance
Mazda said that the purpose of the minor updates for 2021 is to improve the Mazda3’s overall package. With that in mind, the Japanese marque introduced a new gasoline engine called the e-Skyactiv X. The said engine is capable of making 190 hp and 240 Nm of torque thanks to its new mild-hybrid technology.
Moreover, the Skyactiv-D engine, which uses a diesel powertrain, has also been improved for those wish for a bigger punch for their daily drive. The diesel engine is capable of generating 130 hp and 270 Nm of torque.
Some Filipinos would love to get their hands on a diesel-powered Mazda3
As promising as those engines sound, they are highly unlikely to be introduced by Mazda Philippines in the local market. The e-Skyactiv X and Skyactiv-D engines are said to be available in Japan by January next year.
This means that we will probably still get the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engines capable of making 109 hp and 146 Nm of torque, and 152 hp and 200 Nm of torque, respectively. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and come with a Sport Mode.
2021 Mazda3: On-board tech and safety features
As part of Mazda’s objective to rework the Mazda3’s overall package, the key software has been updated to control the engine at optimum operation. The operating range of the Cruising Traffic Support has been increased which helps set the ideal trailing distance.
The adaptive cruise control is also another vehicular software that has been updated by Mazda. These software updates plus the improved suspension and coil springs will thoroughly provide drivers and passengers with smoother and safer road travels.
Needless to say, the Mazda3 is a well-designed vehicle from front to back
The 2021 PH-spec Mazda3 is expected to still come with the same 7-inch touch screen monitor available for the top-spec variant. Some of the safety features in the Mazda3 include blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and smart brake support.
>>> Related: Mazda PH launches limited edition Mazda3 and MX-5 100th-anniversary models
2021 Mazda3: Final thoughts
Overall, it seems like Mazda is going for an automotive branding that offers the market with a premium feel vehicles at relatively more affordable price points. In consideration of the minor updates, we can see that Mazda is prioritizing comfort while other car brands focus on making their vehicles look sportier or flashier.
No exterior updates, no problem
The 2021 Mazda3 is one for the people who wish to daily drive a vehicle that offers a premium and comfortable feel without having to exaggerate the design. As of this writing, Mazda Philippines hasn’t released any statement regarding the matter we would have to wait a bit further.
2021 Mazda3: Expected pricing
Mazda Philippines currently offers the Mazda3 with two variants, namely the Elite and Premium. The Elite is the base variant that comes with a Php 1,295,000 price tag, while the top-spec Premium variant comes with a Php 1,495,000. Moreover, the Mazda3 Sportback Elite is offered at Php 1,320,000, while the Sportback Premium for Php 1,510,000.
The Mazda3 is expected to perform steadily in the market
With the integration of the improved shock absorbers, coil springs, and software updates, one can expect the Mazda3 to come with a slightly increased price tag if they were to be introduced by Mazda Philippines.
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Know more about Mazda 3 2024
The 2023 Mazda3 is a compact sedan sold in the Philippines. Locally, the sedan version of this model has two variants: the Mazda3 Sport 2.0 AT, and the Mazda3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT. Mazda 3 price Philippines starts at ₱1,495,000 for the entry-level Mazda3 Sport 2.0 AT, while the top-of-the-line Mazda3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT is priced at ₱1,695,000.
For engines, the Mazda3 has two engine options. The Sport trim uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, while the M Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline that works in conjunction with an integrated electric starter motor. At maximum, the non-hybrid engine can make 152 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. The one with the hybrid powertrain in turn, can produce 162 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. Both versions are front-wheel-drive, and both use a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
Size-wise, the Philippine-spec Mazda3 is 4,660mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,445mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,725mm.
Locally, the Mazda3 2023 competes against the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Kia Forte, among others.
₱ 1,495,000 - ₱ 1,695,000
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