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Mazda 3

A six-million-seller with a wild side: the 263 hp Mazdaspeed3.12

Researched October 23, 2026 from 32 sources

At a glance

0150300
83–263 hpPower
0510
5.2–8.1 s0–60 mph
0125250
170–216 km/hTop speed
0250500
122–434 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,305–1,539 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2310111213

Engine
1.4–2.5 L gas, including turbos; 1.5–2.2 L diesels; Axela 2.0 L hybrid2389
Layout
Front engine; FWD or AWD, depending on version2
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 4/5/6-speed autos; Axela Hybrid electronic CVT29
Built at
Hofu plant, Japan (third generation)1
Units built
Over 5 million produced by the end of April 20168

The story

Built to replace the Familia/323/Protegé, the Mazda3 spans sedans and hatchbacks. Its engineering story runs from shared Ford/Volvo platforms to a Mazda-only third generation and spark-controlled compression ignition in the fourth.123

2006: MPS brings turbo power and an LSD20062008: BL: two show debuts20082012: Skyactiv reaches the second generation20122013: BM: Mazda engineers its own platform20132018: Fourth generation premieres in Los Angeles20182020: World Car Design of the Year20202021: Turbo AWD and a stronger e-Skyactiv X20212023: Twenty years, over six million sold2023 Mazda Familia / 323 / Protegé: 1963–2003Mazda Familia / 323 / ProtegéMazda3 (second generation) (BL): 2008–2013BLMazda3 (third generation) (BM/BN): 2013–2019BM/BNMazda3 (fourth generation): 2019–present 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1345152122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1963–2003Mazda Familia / 323 / Protegé
2008–2013Mazda3 (second generation) (BL)
2013–2019Mazda3 (third generation) (BM/BN)
2019–presentMazda3 (fourth generation)
2006MPS brings turbo power and an LSD
2008BL: two show debuts
2012Skyactiv reaches the second generation
2013BM: Mazda engineers its own platform
2018Fourth generation premieres in Los Angeles
2020World Car Design of the Year
2021Turbo AWD and a stronger e-Skyactiv X
2023Twenty years, over six million sold
  1. 2006

    MPS brings turbo power and an LSD

    The MPS debuts at Geneva with a 2.3 L turbo, 256 hp, a limited-slip differential and front-wheel drive; it joins the lineup in October.1

  2. 2008

    BL: two show debuts

    The second-generation sedan premieres in Los Angeles in November; the hatch follows at Bologna. Both keep C1 architecture beneath a new body.14

  3. 2012

    Skyactiv reaches the second generation

    The 2012 refresh introduces the 2.0 L Skyactiv engine, paired with a new six-speed transmission and a more rigid body.23

  4. 2013

    BM: Mazda engineers its own platform

    An exclusively Mazda Skyactiv platform replaces the shared architecture; this is the first Mazda3 generation to adopt Kodo design.134

  5. 2018

    Fourth generation premieres in Los Angeles

    Its November premiere brings new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture and distinct hatchback and sedan designs, with a global rollout planned for early 2019.25

  6. 2020

    World Car Design of the Year

    The fourth generation, shaped from the Kai concept, wins World Car Design of the Year at the 2020 World Car of the Year Awards.1

  7. 2021

    Turbo AWD and a stronger e-Skyactiv X

    The 2.5 Turbo adds AWD and 227–250 hp, depending on fuel; the 2.0 L e-Skyactiv X gains 6 hp and 16 Nm, reaching 183 hp and 240 Nm.67

  8. 2023

    Twenty years, over six million sold

    Two decades after its Frankfurt debut, the Mazda3 has passed six million global sales across four generations.1

Every generation

  • Mazda Familia / 323 / Protegé
    Mazda Familia / 323 / Protegé1963–2003
  • Mazda3 (second generation)
    BL2008–2013
  • Mazda3 (third generation)
    BM/BN2013–2019
  • Mazda3 (fourth generation)
    Mazda3 (fourth generation)2019–present

Power over the years

From 148 hp to 263 hp in 3 years.

0100200300 20052010201520202025 hp 2004 · 148 hp · U.S. 2.0 L, 49-state2004 · 160 hp · U.S. 2.3 L2006 · 150 hp · 2.0 L VVT update2007 · 263 hp · Mazdaspeed32009 · 182 hp · 2.2 diesel, high-output version2012 · 155 hp · 2.0 L Skyactiv2014 · 155 hp · 2.0 i Grand Touring: 0–60 mph, 7.8 s2014 · 184 hp · 2.5 s Grand Touring: 0–60 mph, 7.4 s2021 · 183 hp · 2.0 e-Skyactiv X2021 · 227 hp · 2.5 Turbo AWD, 87-octane2021 · 250 hp · 2.5 Turbo AWD, 93-octane2024 · 191 hp · 2.5 S, naturally aspirated 263 hp Mazdaspeed3 148 hp U.S. 2.0 L, 49-state
236710111415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2004148U.S. 2.0 L, 49-state
2004160U.S. 2.3 L
20061502.0 L VVT update
2007263Mazdaspeed3
20091822.2 diesel, high-output version
20121552.0 L Skyactiv
20141552.0 i Grand Touring: 0–60 mph, 7.8 s
20141842.5 s Grand Touring: 0–60 mph, 7.4 s
20211832.0 e-Skyactiv X
20212272.5 Turbo AWD, 87-octane
20212502.5 Turbo AWD, 93-octane
20241912.5 S, naturally aspirated

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • i / s (US)

    Standard

    i / s (US)

    2004–2009

  • Neo / Maxx / Maxx Sport / SP23 (Australia)

    Standard

    Neo / Maxx / Maxx Sport / SP23 (Australia)

    2004

  • Standard

    SE / SE-L Nav / Sport Nav (UK)

    2017

  • Standard

    Homura

    2025

  • Axela Hybrid (Japan)

    Standard

    Axela Hybrid (Japan)

    2013

  • 2.5 S Carbon Edition

    Standard

    2.5 S Carbon Edition

    2024

    191 hp
  • 2.5 Turbo / Premium Plus

    Performance

    2.5 Turbo / Premium Plus

    2021

    250 hp
  • Mazdaspeed3 / Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed Axela (BK)

    Performance

    Mazdaspeed3 / Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed Axela (BK)

    2007–2009

    263 hp
  • Mazdaspeed3 / Mazda 3 MPS / Mazdaspeed Axela (BL)

    Performance

    Mazdaspeed3 / Mazda 3 MPS / Mazdaspeed Axela (BL)

    2010–2013

    263 hp

  • Special

    2.5 Carbon Turbo

    2024

    250 hp

  • Limited

    Sport Black (UK)

    2016

    118 hp

  • Limited

    100th Anniversary Edition (UK)

    180 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: slanted headlights and Mazda's family grille.214
  • Second generation: a smiling face with a black-plastic grille.1720
  • 2014 cars: a long hood, bulging fenders and swept-back body lines.20
  • Fourth-generation hatchback: deeply sculpted sides, an egg-like shape and little rear glass.213

Year by year

  1. 2007 model year

    Base cars gain a body-color upper grille; reshaped intake, floating fog lights and clear-lens taillights; Grand Touring gets LED brake lights.2

  2. Spring 2012

    Second-generation facelift: a reshaped nose is the exterior clue.215

  3. 2013 Mazdaspeed3

    Black-finished wheels, black mirrors and a black rear valance mark the final model year.11

  4. 2017 model year

    New grille and fog bezels, wraparound mirror indicators, revised hatch rear bumper; inside, an electric parking brake and new steering wheel.8

  5. 2021 e-Skyactiv X

    UK Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech e-Skyactiv X models gain a sunroof.7

  6. 2026 Carbon Edition

    Compared with the gray-only 2024 edition, 2026 adds Jet Black Mica and Snowflake White Pearl Mica paint choices.1021

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mazda 3
    3
    Photo of a Mazda 6 sedan
    Mazda 6 sedan

    Mazda 6 sedan

    The 2004 Mazda3 sedan echoes the Mazda 6, with a visibly smaller body.14

  • Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport

    2024 Select Sport shares black 18-inch wheels and mirrors with the 2021 Turbo; check for a TURBO trunk badge and larger tailpipes.610

Against its rivals

  • Ford Focus SE (2014)

    3 vs Ford Focus SE (2014)

    Comparison score

    3220 points
    Ford Focus SE (2014)205 points
    20

  • 3 vs Kia Forte (six-speed automatic)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    37.4 s
    Kia Forte (six-speed automatic)7.8 s
    3

Prices

Price when newAuction sale
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 20052010201520202025 2004 · $14,200 · US base, sedan2004 · $17,410 · US base, hatchback2010 · $23,945 · US base, Mazdaspeed3 Sport2014 · $17,740 · US base, i SV sedan2014 · $29,485 · US tested, s Grand Touring hatch2024 · $24,170 · US MSRP, 2.5 S sedan2024 · $32,950 · US MSRP, Carbon Turbo hatch2024 · $36,650 · US MSRP, Turbo Premium Plus hatch2026 · $24,650 · US MSRP, 2.5 S sedan2026 · $38,090 · US MSRP, Turbo Premium Plus hatch 2004 · $14,200 · US sedan base price, 2004 model year 2024 · $13,251 · 2007 Mazdaspeed3 Sport, 30k miles, BaT2025 · $2,700 · 2012 Mazdaspeed3, 174263 mi; noise, +10% premium, Post Falls Auto Auction2025 · $20,500 · 2008 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring, 22k miles, BaT2025 · $7,800 · 2010 Mazdaspeed3 Sport, 153k miles, BaT2026 · $10,250 · 2011 Mazdaspeed3, 82k miles, BaT $20.5K BaT, 2025
3101417212829303132
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2004Launch price$14,200US sedan base price, 2004 model year
2004Price when new$14,200US base, sedan
2004Price when new$17,410US base, hatchback
2010Price when new$23,945US base, Mazdaspeed3 Sport
2014Price when new$17,740US base, i SV sedan
2014Price when new$29,485US tested, s Grand Touring hatch
2024Price when new$24,170US MSRP, 2.5 S sedan
2024Price when new$32,950US MSRP, Carbon Turbo hatch
2024Price when new$36,650US MSRP, Turbo Premium Plus hatch
2026Price when new$24,650US MSRP, 2.5 S sedan
2026Price when new$38,090US MSRP, Turbo Premium Plus hatch
2024Auction sale$13,2512007 Mazdaspeed3 Sport, 30k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$2,7002012 Mazdaspeed3, 174263 mi; noise, +10% premium, Post Falls Auto Auction
2025Auction sale$20,5002008 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring, 22k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,8002010 Mazdaspeed3 Sport, 153k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,2502011 Mazdaspeed3, 82k miles, BaT

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “6 million sales before its 20th birthday”
    • “Rookie title with 6 wins from 14 races”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 32 sources
  1. 20yrs of the Mazda3 | Mazda’s award-winning hatchback and saloon marks two decades on sale uk.mazda-press.com
  2. Mazda3 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. 2014 Mazda3 i Sedan and s Hatch First Test motortrend.com
  4. Used Mazda 3 (Mk3, 2014 - 2019) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  5. Mazda reveals All-New Mazda3 uk.mazda-press.com
  6. 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo: Refined Performance - Jul 8, 2020 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  7. Updated e-Skyactiv X engine makes its debut in the 2021 Mazda CX-30 and 2021 Mazda3 uk.mazda-press.com
  8. Sharper, smarter and more sophisticated: the 2017 Mazda3 on sale from 1st October uk.mazda-press.com
  9. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Pre-orders Start for All-New Mazda Axela in Japan｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  10. 2024 Mazda3: Pricing and Packaging - Jun 13, 2023 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  11. Mazdaspeed3 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  12. Driven: Mazda3 100th Anniversary Edition | Car Reviews | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  13. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Is the Stealthiest Performance Car That Isn't roadandtrack.com
  14. 2004 Mazda 3 Road Test caranddriver.com
  15. Used Mazda 3 (Mk2, 2008-2013) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. Mazda 3 2025 review – a refreshing take on the hatchback formula | evo evo.co.uk
  17. 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  18. Used Mazda 3 MPS review - ReDriven redriven.com
  19. Mazda3 Sport Black special edition on sale from 1st April 2016 - Inside MazdaInside Mazda insidemazda.co.uk
  20. Compared: All-New 2014 Mazda 3 vs. 2014 Ford Focus caranddriver.com
  21. 2026 Mazda3: Pricing and Packaging - Aug 19, 2025 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  22. Mazda Familia - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. How Mazda Made the Mazda3 mazda.com.au
  24. MICHAEL COOPER DRIVES MAZDASPEED3 TO 2012 PIRELLI WORLD CHALLENGE TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP prnewswire.com
  25. Mazda 3 TCR programme cancelled » TouringCars.Net touringcars.net
  26. Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.38 adds exciting new cars, Extra Menus, and a new Scapes location on Sep 28 – PlayStation.Blog blog.playstation.com
  27. Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.31 going live today with 5 new cars, 2 new layouts for Nurburgring, and a new Scapes location – PlayStation.Blog blog.playstation.com
  28. 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 | Live and Online Auctions on HiBid.com hibid.com
  29. No Reserve: 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,250 on March 23, 2026 (Lot #234,680) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 22k-Mile 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,500 on June 14, 2025 (Lot #195,934) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 Sport for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,800 on January 30, 2025 (Lot #178,772) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 30k-Mile 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Sport for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,251 on August 2, 2024 (Lot #156,877) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • uk.mazda-press.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • news.mazdausa.com
  • newsroom.mazda.com
  • carenthusiast.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • redriven.com
  • insidemazda.co.uk
  • mazda.com.au
  • prnewswire.com

Photo credits

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