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July 14, 2016

Mazda Shows Off Refreshed 2017 Mazda3 (w/ 19 Photos)


Mazda’s award-winning compact car, the Mazda3, sees a refresh for 2017 showing off new technology all aimed to enhance the Jinba-ittai driving performance. The development of the refreshed Mazda3 is centered on the human being, particularly in traits and sensations that ensure a pleasurable driving feel.

The 2017 Mazda3 is the first model in Mazda’s line-up that gets the brand’s version of torque vectoring control dubbed, G-Vectoring Control. According to Mazda, this technology is the first in a series of the new “Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics” that provide integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis, and body to enhance the car’s fun-to-drive feel.



Unlike typical torque vectoring systems which apply brakes to a given wheel selectively, Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control varies engine torque in response to steering inputs. This provides integrated control of both lateral and longitudinal forces. By optimizing the vertical load on each wheel, the vehicle feels smoother, more natural, and in tune with bodily sensations. This extracts more grip from the front and rear tires, improving vehicle responsiveness and stability.

According to Mazda, G-Vectoring Control allows more effective control in every situation from everyday driving to collision avoidance maneuvers. It’s particularly effective in improving handling on slippery roads. And by changing the acceleration forces that act on all vehicle occupants, it makes for a more comfortable ride thanks to lesser torso sway.



Outside, the 2017 Mazda3 sees some design tweaks that emphasize a more horizontal form. It starts with a thicker chrome strip that runs from the grille to the corner of the headlights. The grille itself is new, with the Mazda logo now more prominently displayed in the middle. The signal lights are now wider as is the lower grille opening. The re-shaped headlights now offer Adaptive LEDs that offer unparalleled nighttime visibility that doesn’t cause discomfort to other motorists due to unwanted glare. The rear sees a new bumper with re-designed reflectors and a tweaked taillight design. New colors join the color palette. This includes the new Machine Gray Metallic that achieves both high-contrast shadows and a high-density finish. All in all, 9 exterior colors will be available.

Inside, several changes have been done to highlight the width of the cabin and connect it better to the door trim on each side. Several key components have been enhanced or changed giving it a more refined, higher-quality feel than before. The steering wheel, in particular, is new offering better grip at every position. The Enhanced Active Driving Display has been upgraded to full-color graphics with higher definition and contrast making them easier to read. Some models also come with an electric parking brake for a high-quality, clean console design.



In Japan, where the 2017 Mazda3 (Axela) goes on sale today, is available with Mazda’s first Traffic Sign Recognition (TRS) system. A forward-facing camera picks up speed signs and can alert the driver via both visual and audible warnings when the speed limit has been exceeded. It can also detect “no entry” and “stop” signs. It also has Advanced Smart City Brake Support that uses infrared sensors to automatically stop for both vehicles and pedestrians at speeds from 4 to 80 km/h.

In terms of drivetrain configurations, the 2017 Mazda3 come in both Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-D flavors. The diesel comes in both 1.5 and 2.2-liter versions while the gasoline comes in 1.5 and 2.0 (hybrid) versions. All models come with the same 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT except for the 2.0 Hybrid that has a Continuously Variable Transmission.



We have reached out to Mazda Philippines as to the time frame of the 2017 Mazda3’s release. Though they’ve yet to issue a statement, the likely release date will coincide with the arrival of the CX-3 crossover, which has already been confirmed for an end of 2016 release.

We’ll have more on G-Vectoring Control when we get to test it first-hand by the end of the month. Stay tuned for that.

34 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. we are planning to buy a new car before 2016 ends, top on our list is the facelifted 2017 MAZDA 3 1.5V sedan and TOYOTA ALTIS 1.6V.. can anyone here tell us what is the difference between the 2 cars? we need your advice as to what car is the best one to buy.. thank you guys in advance..

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    2. The Mazda 3 is better in all aspects except on legroom. The Mazda 3 has it all, but the Altis has significantly more legroom. If you are not that tall, go for the Mazda 3, I recommend Mazda North Edsa due to them having a 3+2years free PMS. The Mazda 3 is also a 2017 model whereas the current generation Altis is launched back in 2013.

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  2. 1.5 diesel is interesting

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  3. Congrats to those who just bought a mazda3

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  4. Nakakasuka na yan mazda. pare-pareho lang design parang puwet ng manok yon grill. Expect from mazda 2 up to mazda 999 ganyan lng ang nasa imahinasyon nila! Zoom zoom broom broom..soul of kariton!

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    1. ^Honda vehicles has the similar front design but not that similar as with Mazda models. I think its fine as long as they look good. It's due to corporate image, and a way to save money on design as well. It doesn't bother me because it looks sporty and elegant, it feels luxurious, and it drives very well. Its a breath of fresh air in a world full of Toyotas, Hondas, and Mitsubishis.

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  5. It already looks like a Lexus, especially the interior. People without knowledge of cars would mistake this as a luxury car already.

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    1. At last! They've now included the fucking gray color! Thanks mazda!

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  6. I was picking between the Mazda 3 and New Honda Civic for my new ride. And I was leaning already on buying the latter. But damn! This facelifted Mazda 3 makes it even more sportier. Will rethink and probably will wait for this.

    Uly, still no sport mode for the facelifted Mazda 3?

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  7. Ang gwapo talaga ng Mazda 3.

    Bakit may halong old pictures ng interior?

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    Replies
    1. This is all the new interior. The kit and color combination depends on the exact model.

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  8. Taob nanaman yung civic neto.

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    1. Highly doubt it.

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    2. Come on, a modern diesel engine, sporty exterior and elegant interior. What more could you ask for? This is the compact car segment anyway, if you need space, then get a midsize or a van.

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    3. Refinement and reliability.

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    4. Refinement and reliability? The 3 is sold in Europe, Australia and North America, and they passed the requirements in those regions. The new Civic was more refined than the previous 3, but now the 3 has been refreshed. About reliability, I still see many previous generation Mazda 2 and 3's on the road. And any modern car is reliable if maintained properly, maybe except Chinese brands and the few lemon units that every manufacturer has.

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  9. How much naman kaya ang price increase nito?baka gayahin nyo honda civic 1.5 m

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    1. It might be from 1.2-1.4m. Even if it reached 1.5m, a modern diesel engine is better than a turbocharged gasoline engine in the city in terms of saving money on fuel. More torque and more savings. It passed emissions tests in Japan with flying colors, so pollution won't be a problem

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    2. Grabe na prices ng compact sedans ngayon.

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    3. Well, the usual prices for compact cars are between 850k-1.2m. I excluded the Civic and the Golf, because they are priced beyond the norm.

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    4. Wow! at that 1.2-1.4 price, I would rather buy the 6, Accord or Sonata...

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    5. At those prices, yes we can probably buy 2nd hand 2014-2015 midsize sedans.

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    6. Lol,the Accord and Sonata as well as other midsize cars such as the Mazda 6 and the Camry cost around 1.5-2m. You could buy 2nd hand 2014-2015 midsize sedans but there's a special feeling of satisfaction with buying a brand new car with you as the first owner.

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    7. True. But then again, there's also a special feeling you get when you park your midsize sedan beside common compact sedans.

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  10. Konti na lang yun 200-300k sa brand new. I would rather pony up and have more space and comfortable ride (and prestige too)

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  11. Sir Uly, has it been confirmed if Mazda will be offering the diesel variants here?

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  12. Where's the "fun to drive" peeps at? Missing ata.

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  13. May carplay na ba to?? Gumagana nba yung touchscreen kahit tumatakbo?

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  14. When will this arrive here in the country?

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  15. any updates on the new Mazda3 SRPs? Hope they're still the same

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  16. malas kakabili ko lang ng Mazda 3 :(

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  17. i feel cheated kakabili ko lang ng Mazda 3 noong June tinanong ko yung Mazda Seller kung meron yung bagong Mazda 3 na may Dual-Zone Aircon, Sport mode at Cruise Control kahit import sa Factory sabi nila sa akin waladaw kahit sa Factory nila tapos yung binigay nila sa akin may mga Gasgas at may mga mantsya sa puting upuan nya kung pwede lang ibabalik ko sa pinagbilan kong Mazda Seller :(

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    Replies
    1. Sir, saang branch po ng Mazda yan? Pasikatin ng hindi na umulit sa kalokohan.

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