Used Mazda 3 I (BK) – reviews, technical data, faults

The Mazda 3 is a vague proposition in the C segment. It has the size of a Ford Focus, but many features associated with the exciting RX-8. Is it as reliable as other Japanese models? What do you think of the first generation Mazda 3?

Mazda 323 did not win the hearts of European drivers, but this did not discourage Mazda from further development of the compact car. It wasn’t about conquering the market, but testing the cake shared by Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Skoda Octavia for years. yes, Mazda 3 can show not only a clean hatchback bodybut also a lot an attractive looking sedan, and this is the location of the examples mentioned above. Of course, the Mazda 3 wasn’t as classic or sophisticated as the Octavia, but in terms of handling, it might tempt those who are considering the Focus. The fact that the beautiful design of the Mazda 3 looks very bad today, especially in comparison with the current generation, but if someone is looking for an old car, but it is not yet clear, The first generation Mazda 3 can be an interesting choice.

Used Mazda 3 I – specifications, body

On the one hand Mazda 3 stands out in this segment with vintage and very shapely silhouettestrong lines and catchy accents, and on the other hand, his modern charm and modernity have faded a little over the years. With this The car deserves praise, among others, for its very precise proportions and dynamicssports behavior. The headlights are narrow, sharply shaped and clearly overlap the wheel arches. The grille, air intake and fog lamp frames on the bumper are similar in shape. In the background the main role is played by transparent lampshades, fashionable at that timein the case of the Mazda 3 with black and clear filling three light sources per lamp: parking and brake lights, direction indicators, and rear and fog lights. The whole thing looks really gooda in the MPS variant, you can rely on subtle but visible sports accents. Of course, there is also a sedan version, which does not have the performance and practicality of a hatchback, but it looks very good. The 5-door Mazda 3 is 4,415 mm long, 1,755 mm wide and 1,465 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2640 mm. In the sedan version, the length is 4540 mm.

Used Mazda 3 I – interior, trunk

At first glance, the interior of Mazda 3 seems sad and boring, but compared to, for example, Volkswagen Golf or Octavia from those years, there are interesting and interesting things. It should be noted, for example, red light indicators and buttonswhich adds a sporty character to the car. The middle panel is easy to use, has an average design, but in the correct version, for example, with a silver finish, it looks good. You can also tap variants using glossy black lacquer. It looks small, scratches a lot and collects fingerprints. It is true that the quality of finish and fit is not bad, but the other materials are of poor quality. There are also a few soft plastic components, but this part is a compromise between space, quality and price.

It deserves a boost good driving position and a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments. The cabin is spacious and rear passengers have decent head and legroom, while the seats are comfortable and those in front offer good lateral support. The 2006 modernization improved sound insulation and while the condition is excellent, it still falls short of the high standards in its class. Back the seats are split 60/40which improves performance. The stem capacity is good 300 liters in the hatchback (635 liters with the rear seats folded down), the sedan, on the other hand, offers 413 liters, but here it is more difficult to use this space due to unusual shapes or a small loading opening. Storage is the highlight of this car, with large cup holders in the center console and useful door pockets.

Used Mazda 3 I – engine

Japanese cars have never been pleased with a large version of the engine, but in the first generation Mazda 3 there is nothing to complain about. When it comes to gasoline engines, the engine opened the palette 1.4 16V with 84 hp and 124 Nm of torque. It’s not a speed demon, but if one cares about a simple unit, it will certainly withstand the sprint to a hundred in 14.3 seconds. A more interesting alternative would be a version with a motor 1.6 MZR with 105 hp and 145 Nm of torque. For those who need it, there is an engine 2.0 MZR with 150 hp and 187 Nm of torque. Here, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9 seconds, and the top speed is 208 km/h. The prediction of the MPS version is model and engine 2.3 with 156 hpbut the most interesting and unfortunately almost unknown (in good condition) is MPS version with 2.3 DISI Turbo engine with 260 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Even today, the parameters and performance are impressive. 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. It looks great!

The diesel range includes a unit 1.6 MZ-CD with 90 or 109 hp. In this more powerful version, the unit produces 240 Nm and allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 11.5 seconds and reach a speed of 182 km / h. Average fuel consumption is 5 l/100 km. There is also an engine 2.0 MZR-CD with 143 hp and 360 Nm of torque. Average fuel consumption is around 6 l/100 km, but accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes a little time – 9.9 seconds. The maximum speed is 203 km / h.

Used Mazda 3 I – user reviews

Used Mazda 3 I – failure rate, common faults

The biggest problem with Mazda 3 is annoying noises when driving at high speed. It was repeated enough that Mazda revised the body and sound deadening significantly during the 2006 facelift to alleviate this problem. So if one is planning frequent and long trips, let him aim for the latest version. The big problem is also high fuel consumption, so the solution is a diesel engine and … here comes another problem, because only a manual gearbox is available. Besides, a diesel engine and a compact car are not the best combination for some, and the DPF filter is a prime example of this. An interrupted burning process is often a recipe for trouble. The first symptom is very high level of contaminated oilso check the oil level first. Before buying, you should also pay attention to oil leaks around the engine and gearbox, listen for knocking and unusual cracks in the suspension, make sure that the engine runs smoothly and does not smoke from the exhaust, and check if the gearbox is straight it changes well. . A complete service manual is also very important.

Used Mazda 3 I – where is the VIN number?

The VIN number in the first generation Mazda 3 can be found in the middle of the main part of the engine compartment and on the B pillar to the right of the sticker.

Used Mazda 3 I – market condition, price

On the day of publication, the OTOMOTO.pl website had 140 ads for used Mazda 3 I. For example, a copy from 2007 with a 2.3 engine and a mileage of 85,000 km costs about PLN 17,000.. For about PLN 10,000 we will get a model from 2004 with a mileage of about 240,000 km and a 1.6 engine.

Used Mazda 3 I – overview

It may not be as attractive and well-made as rivals, but it impresses with good handling, playability, durability, reliability and original looks. The first generation Mazda 3 is a good proposition for those who love to drive, enjoy and can accept high fuel consumption in petrol versions..

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Used Mazda 3 II (BL; 2009-2013) – user reviews

Used Mazda 5 I (CR; 2005-2010) – user reviews

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