Segment:
Compact Performance Hatchback / Sport Compact
Target Demographic:
Enthusiasts seeking a practical yet potent daily driver
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Performance Focus:
Direct-injected turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential
Practicality:
Hatchback utility, comfortable interior for its class
Powertrain:
Engine, Turbocharger, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Instruments, Audio System, HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, electrical schematics, diagnostic procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly, calibration
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, complete system overhauls, wiring diagrams
Engine Family:
MZR DISI Turbo
Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2261 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 94.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Horsepower:
263 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Turbocharger:
Garrett GT1749V (Variable Geometry Turbocharger - VGT)
Boost Pressure:
Variable, approx. 17.4 psi (1.2 bar) peak
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (DISI) with High-Pressure Fuel Pump
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
ECU:
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
N/A (Manual transmission only for Mazdaspeed3)
Differential:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuated, Multi-Plate Clutch
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard (4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front Driver and Passenger, Side-Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with subwoofer (optional/higher trims)
Display:
Multi-function display for audio, climate, and vehicle information
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack
Keyless Entry And Start:
Available on certain trims
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 75,000 miles (Iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 10 years (FL22 coolant)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 or newer)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.3 US quarts (5.0 Liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue)
Coolant Capacity:
7.4 US quarts (7.0 Liters)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine ATF-Type T-IV (for manual transmission, check manual for specific gear oil spec)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Carbon Buildup:
Common on direct-injected engines; requires periodic walnut blasting or chemical cleaning of intake valves.
High Pressure Fuel Pump (Hpfp) Failures:
Some early models experienced HPFP issues; diagnostic procedures are crucial.
Clutch Wear:
Can be accelerated by aggressive driving; clutch replacement is a common repair.
Torque Steer:
Characteristic of powerful front-wheel-drive cars; the manual will cover alignment and suspension adjustments.
Mazda Performance Legacy:
Long history of sporty vehicles, including rotary engines and acclaimed chassis dynamics (e.g., RX-7, Miata)
First Generation Ms3:
Introduced for the 2007 model year, based on the Mazda3 BK platform
Second Generation Ms3:
Introduced for the 2010 model year, based on the Mazda3 BL platform, featuring a revised exterior, interior, and powertrain tweaks.
Production Plant:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Production Years For 2Nd Gen:
2009-2013 (model years 2010-2013 in North America)
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Mazda3 lineup, including Mazdaspeed3, frequently recognized for its driving dynamics.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Mazda3 nameplate has been a contender and received accolades.
Enthusiast Ratings:
Highly praised by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its performance-to-price ratio and engaging driving experience.
