Market Segment:
Compact performance hatchback, enthusiast vehicle
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking a sporty, practical, and affordable performance car
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si
Performance Focus:
Turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, aggressive styling
Practicality:
Hatchback versatility, comfortable interior for daily use
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling, lubrication, fuel and exhaust systems, turbocharger system
Transmission:
Manual transmission operation, clutch, gear shifting
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake, ABS, DSC
Steering:
Power steering system, steering wheel controls
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, wheel alignment
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, wipers, horn, fuses, warning lights, power windows, door locks
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, recirculation
Infotainment:
Audio system, radio, CD player, auxiliary input, steering wheel audio controls
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (ISOFIX/LATCH), ABS, DSC, Traction Control
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning indicators, driver information system
Exterior:
Doors, hood, trunk, windows, mirrors, exterior lighting
Interior:
Seats, seat belts, dashboard, interior lighting, cargo area
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, gear selection, parking
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure, changing wiper blades, bulb replacement, basic cleaning
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting warning lights and messages, basic diagnostics for common issues
Safety:
Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation, emergency procedures
Fueling:
Correct fuel type, refueling procedure
Tire Care:
Checking tire pressure, understanding tire wear
Depth:
Consumer-level understanding of vehicle operation and basic maintenance
Diagnostic Level:
Identification of common issues and warning indicators, but not in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger) (2009 Model)
NHTSA Side Crash Rating:
4-Star (Front and Rear Passengers) (2009 Model)
IIHS Front Offset Test:
Good (2009 Model)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good (2009 Model)
IIHS Rear Impact Test:
Good (2009 Model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH/ISOFIX child seat anchors
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on some trims, typically with amplifier and subwoofer.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack, steering wheel audio controls.
Display:
Multi-information display in instrument cluster, digital climate control display.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons.
Lighting:
Automatic on/off headlights, front fog lights available.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard with integrated immobilizer.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
First at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check condition at 45,000 miles (72,000 km); replace as needed (refer to manual for specific checks)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent HOAT)
Coolant Capacity:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (for manual transmission)
High Pressure Fuel Pump:
Potential for early failure; regular inspection and maintenance recommended.
Clutch Wear:
Can be subject to premature wear under aggressive driving conditions.
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
Turbocharger Hoses:
Cracking or deterioration of boost hoses can lead to boost leaks.
Mazda Performance Legacy:
Mazda has a long history of producing driver-focused and sporty vehicles, including iconic models like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata.
First Generation Ms3:
The Mazdaspeed3 was introduced for the 2007 model year based on the Mazda3 platform, offering a significant performance upgrade.
Second Generation Ms3 Bl:
The 2009 model belongs to the second generation (BL) of the Mazda3 platform, which debuted for the 2009-2010 model year, with the Mazdaspeed3 variant following shortly after.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Japan (Mazda's primary manufacturing facility)
Production Years Gen2:
2009-2013 (approx. for Mazdaspeed3 variant)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Mazdaspeed3 was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists for its performance and value during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a winner, the Mazda3 platform often received accolades and was a strong contender.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific components, but generally considered average to above average for its class.
