What is Mazda Philippines launching on July 8?

Updated Jul 07, 2020 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

A series of pictures on social media paints a very telling announcement.     

By now, it should be no secret that Mazda is bringing back the turbo Mazda3, albeit only on the Sportback version. The Japanese carmaker has already released a teaser video announcing a July 8, 2020 global reveal, which marks some 13 years since a forced-induction Mazda3 was introduced for the first time.

Mazda 3 red

Mazda is bringing back the turbocharged Mazda3 this month

That debut was made possible through then-grassroots racing team Mazdaspeed, adding extra structural bracing and subtle styling revisions while using perfectly a road-legal Mazda3 hatchback as the base. A 2.3L MZR turbo engine took care of propulsion, with 263 hp and 380 Nm of torque on tap along with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The second-generation Mazdaspeed3 came out in 2010, retaining the engine while sporting a revised transmission, suspension, and steering, as well as a limited slip differential.

No longer a Mazdaspeed variant, the upcoming third iteration sports a bigger 2.5L engine, but shifting duties have been transferred to a six-speed automatic. An all-wheel drivetrain has been heavily hinted at. 

Teaser collage

The Mazda Philippines Facebook page has dropped teasers of its own for our market

In the midst of all the excitement, Mazda Philippines managed to slip its own surprise on its Facebook page. The company sneakily shared closely-cropped photographs of what appears to be a Mazda3, with the date 07.08.2020 superimposed on the images – which happens to be the same date of the new turbo Mazda3’s world debut.

Is Mazda Philippines suggesting that the third-generation turbo Mazda3 will be arriving here as well? When you think about Mazda’s home market of Japan being just an hour ahead of the Philippines, our geographical proximity to the Land of the Rising Sun looks like it could work in our favor.    

Mazda3 grey

The current Mazda3 was adjudged the best-looking car in the world for 2020

>>> Related: Find the best Mazda 3 for sale in the Philippines

How are we so sure that this is the same model to begin with? We’re not, truth be told. But since we’re on the subject of healthy speculation, one of the captions that Mazda Philippines used reads: “Re-discover the most beautiful car in the world.” Remember that the current Mazda3 captured the World Car Design Award for the year 2020, and you’ll have some pretty delectable food for thought until July 8 rolls around.

More exciting automotive reveals come your way at Philkotse.com

Know more about Mazda 3 2024

Mazda 3

The 2024 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 ₱1,510,000 for the entry-level Mazda3 Sport 2.0 AT, while the top-of-the-line Mazda3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT is priced at ₱1,840,000.

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 2024 competes against the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Kia Forte, among others. 

 

Mazda 3 Launch

For 2024, Mazda Philipines updated the Mazda 3 sedan and gave it more in the way of on-board tech. There are also two variants for the new Mazda 3, namely, the 3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT, and the 3 Sport 2.0 AT. As the name implies, the M Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G 2.0 engine combined with an integrated starter generator.

Mazda 3 Exterior

Compared to its previous generation’s design, the facelifted Mazda3 follows a more minimalist aesthetic. True to the Kodo design language, the sedan comes with more curves and rounded edges than stiff angles. Accompanying the mesh-designed grille in front are sleek LED headlamps and daytime running lamps as standard. The top-range variant steps it up a notch with high beam controls that are said to eliminate the need for fog lamps.

Mazda3 front view

A minimalistic approach to the design

Both variants for the 2024 Mazda 3 ride on 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Mazda 3 Interior

Mazda Philippines offers the sedan with a spacious cabin has a 5-passenger seating capacity with ample legroom and headroom. Specific trims and features differ between the two variant levels although both come in a black interior. 

Interior view of the Mazda3

Not flashy but manages to look premium

For adjustability, both trims of the 2024 Mazda 3 come with electronically adjustable driver's seats. 

Mazda 3 2024 Colors

The Philippine-spec Mazda 3 sedan can come in seven different colors. These include red (Soul Crystal Red), gray (Machine Grey and Polymetal Grey), white (Snowflake White Pearl), Blue (Deep Crystal Blue) Black (Jet Black), and Platinum Quartz.

Technology & Safety Features

The Mazda3 comes with a slew of new technology and safety features. Both variants are equipped with rain-sensing wipers, push start and stop button, auto-dimming rearview mirror, front dual-zone automatic climate control, rear ventilation Louvres, and front windshield projected active driving display HUD features as standard. Gauges are displayed through a 7” LCD meter set.

Mazda3 interior view

The Japanese car brand offers premium quality only

Furthermore, variants now come with a more extensive range of safety features that include radar cruise control and the I-Activesense system. This suite includes blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, smart brake support (forward and reverse), and driver attention alert for road hazards. 
 
In terms of infotainment, the Mazda 3 is equipped with Mazda Connect through an 8.8” touchscreen monitor. It is capable of Pandora internet radio integration and Bluetooth Hands-Free technology. Audio comes out of a 12-speaker Bose sound system. 

Platform & Chassis

The 4-door sedan rides on a Mazda BP platform with a McPherson Strut front suspension and torsion beam axle at the rear. Stopping power comes from ventilated discs in front and rear solid discs. Both variants are equipped with electric parking brakes with auto brake hold systems.

Mazda3 side view

Simple yet classy

Engine & Drivetrain

There are two engine options offered by Mazda Philippines. The Mazda 3 sedan Sport variant uses a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G gasoline engine capable of making up to 152 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. 

Mazda3 rear view
Look fancy on the go with the Mazda3 

The second powertrain for the Mazda 3 sedan is found on the M Hybrid. It still uses the same 2.0-liter mill as the Mazda 3 Sport sedan, but it is paired with an integrated starter motor, as well as a 24-volt lithium-ion battery. Combined, this system can produce up to 162 horsepower and 213 Nm of torque.

For transmissions, both trims use a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

In terms of power, the 2024 Mazda3 sits in the middle of the local compact sedan totem pole. It is also a match against its high-tech competitors like the Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic when it comes to providing driver-assist tech and features. It also comes with a premium-feeling interior, which is also par-for-the-course regarding modern sedans in its price range. The sole weakness of the Mazda3 is its price of acquisition, which is a bit stiffer than the competition’s. 

Mazda 3 Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Premium interior 

  • Loads of features 

  • Elegant exterior styling 

  •  Might be a bit pricey for some

Mazda 3 Q&A

1. Does the 2024 Mazda 3 have a remote start?

Yes, it helps you feel comfort and convenience right at your fingertips.

2. Is the Mazda 3 Philippines a good car?

Yes, the Mazda 3 is one of the Filipino drivers' top choices when it comes to driving on busy roads of the metro.

3. Is the Mazda 3 a sedan car?

Mazda 3 has two body types: sedan and hatchback.

4. What is the wheelbase length of Mazda 3 2024?

The wheelbase length of the new Mazda 3 is 2,725m.

5. How many colors are available for the Mazda 3?

The Mazda3 has a total of seven color options. There are Red, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, White, Blue, Black, and Platinum Quartz.

 

₱ 1,495,000 - ₱ 1,695,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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