I believe you have also seen that we reviewed the eight-generation history of the Familia/323, the predecessor of the Mazda3, with you. Click: The sales volume once surpassed that of Toyota Corolla, but Mazda3 has never been simple (Part 1) | Classic & Sales. In this article, "Understanding Cars" will continue to introduce to you the development history of the Mazda3/Axela model from 2003 to the present.

Just when "Knowing Cars" was about to write Mazda 3 into the "Classics & Sales" feature, on January 30, 2020, Mazda Motors from Japan celebrated its 100th birthday. When it comes to the Mazda brand, it starts in 1920, when Toyo Cork Industry Co., Ltd. was founded in Hiroshima.

Of course, this involves the emergence of Mazda founder Jujiro Matsuda, who has extraordinary mechanical talent. In 1927, the company was renamed Toyo Industrial Co., Ltd. In 1931, Toyo Kogyo officially entered the field of motor vehicle manufacturing - launching its first three-wheeled motorcycle, the Mazda-Go. You can see that the Mazda trademark appeared for the first time. The name is pronounced the same as the surname of Matsuda Jujiro ( Matsuda), which opened up Mazda's car-making path. And above we also talked about the origin of Familia/323 for Mazda’s car manufacturing. And now the Mazda 3 has entered ordinary families. All show the rigorous car-making philosophy of the Mazda brand.

2003-2009, the first-generation Mazda3/Axela

The new car was released in Japan under the new name of Axela in October 2003. The first-generation Mazda3 was produced by Mazda BK platform, known as Mazda3 in overseas markets. What "Knowing Cars" learned is that the Mazda BK platform (also called the Ford C1 platform) is a compact car platform jointly developed by Mazda, Volvo and Ford.

This time the Mazda 3 has been launched on the market as a global car. In October 2003, Mazda brought a 5-door hatchback concept car called MX Sportif to mass production at the Geneva Motor Show. The version is Mazda3. In terms of design, it adopts the same design language of the new generation of Mazda products, showing the brand essence of "good feeling, rich creativity, dynamic vitality". The new car has two body structures. In terms of body size, the length, width and height are 4539mm (sedan)/4485mm (hatchback) × 1755mm × 1465mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2640mm. In terms of interiors, the innovative and pragmatic design concepts and craftsmanship of "Technical Mazda" are everywhere reflected. The configuration is also richer.

In terms of power, it is equipped with in-line four-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engines with five displacements (1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 2.0 liters, and 2.3 liters) in the MZR series, and there are also three Models (1.6L, 2.0L, 2.2L) diesel engines, maximum power 109-185 horsepower. The engine was initially matched with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission, and was later upgraded to a 6-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

2008-2013, second-generation Mazda3/Axela

Time came to 2008. At the Los Angeles Auto Show in November of the same year, Mazda officially released the second-generation Mazda3/Axela. Box version. In December of the same year, Mazda brought the second-generation Mazda3 hatchback version to the Bologna Motor Show. "Knowing Cars" learned that the second-generation Mazda3 is based on the Mazda BL compact car platform (internationally known as Ford Global C platform). The development of the new car began in 2004 and continued from early 2005 to August 2006. , the styling design was completed under the leadership of chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu.

It is worth mentioning that in appearance, the second-generation Mazda3’s “new family face” air intake grille design, together with the willow-shaped headlights and fog lights, outlines a strong sense of power. visual effects. In terms of body size, the second-generation Mazda3 is slightly longer and taller than the previous generation. The length, width and height are 4595mm (sedan)/4490mm (hatchback) × 1755mm × 1475mm (sedan)/1470mm (hatchback). The distance remains unchanged at 2640mm.

At this time, the new car has made targeted improvements in configuration and safety, and its performance is particularly outstanding in terms of safety. The new car has received a five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP test, and has received a five-star safety rating in the US Highway Safety Administration's crash test. Also received double five-star results.

In terms of power, the second-generation Mazda 3 provides naturally aspirated gasoline engines with five displacements (1.5-liter, 1.6-liter, 2.0-liter, 2.3-liter, 2.5-liter) and three (1.6-liter, 2.2-liter high-power, 2.2-liter low-power) diesel engines, including two newly equipped engines: a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a maximum power of 169 horsepower and a peak torque of 226 N·m; and a 2.2-liter low-power diesel engine with a maximum power of 150 Horsepower, peak torque 360 ??N·m. Matched with the engine are 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions and 4 and 5-speed automatic transmissions, which will be upgraded to a 6-speed automatic transmission later.

From 2013 to 2019, the third-generation Mazda3/Axela

In June 2013, the third-generation Mazda3 was officially released. Like previous generations of Familia and Mazda3 models, the third-generation Mazda3 adopts different naming methods in different markets. Among them, the overseas market is named after Mazda3, and the Japanese domestic market is called Axela. Domestically, the third-generation Mazda3 introduced into China by Changan Mazda is named Mazda3 Axela, which is the Chinese transliteration of Axela (hereinafter referred to as Axela).

As you can see, the third-generation Mazda3 is a brand new model. The design team led by chief designer Koji Tabata completed the styling design of the third-generation Mazda3 in 2011. This car is also the first time that Mazda3 adopts Mazda’s “KODO-Soul” design after the CX-5 and the third-generation Mazda6. of Motion" concept. With the help of the new "Soul Dynamic" family design language and "Chuangchi Blue Sky" technology, the third-generation Mazda3 has become the most fun-to-drive model in the history of this car series.

In terms of body size, the length, width and height of the Mazda 3 Axela are 4582mm (sedan)/4461mm (hatchback) × 1795mm × 1458mm (sedan)/1474mm (hatchback), and the wheelbase has increased by 60mm to 2700mm. , and the A-pillar is moved back 100mm, which also brings a wider and safer driving vision. Mazda3 Axela also has rich practicality and safety configurations.

In terms of power, it is equipped with SKYACTIV-G series (1.5-liter, 2.0-liter high-power, 2.0-liter low-power, 2.5-liter) gasoline engines. "Knowing Cars" learned that this is Mazda's product through a series of The "Chuangchi Blue Sky" innovative technology achieves an ultra-high compression ratio, supplemented by dual variable valve timing control technology, to achieve a 15% increase in torque at medium and low speeds and a 15% reduction in overall fuel consumption. In addition, Mazda3 Axela also provides SKYACTIV-D series (1.5-liter, 2.2-liter) diesel engines using two-stage turbocharging and variable valve lift technology.

The engine is matched with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The automatic model has "full-speed range locking technology", which improves shift smoothness, direct drive feeling and fuel economy. have significantly improved. In the chassis part, the Mazda3 Axela still uses front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, but the size and strength of the suspension subframe have been greatly improved, which helps to increase the limit of the suspension. , while also improving comfort.

Since 2019, the fourth-generation Mazda3/Axela

Now, the Mazda3 Axela equipped with Mazda’s new-generation SKYACTIV-X engine technology was launched in December It was officially launched in Japan on the 5th. The new generation SKYACTIV-X engine has Mazda’s unique “SPCCI (Spark Controlled Compression Ignition)” technology, which can achieve seamless switching between spark ignition and compression ignition to improve power. Output and fuel consumption performance.

Previously, officials have stated that the price range of Mazda brand models equipped with this engine is 3.1981-3.6885 million yen (approximately 207.1-238.9 million yuan). Among them, the sedan (new Mazda3 The price range of Angkesela is 3.1981-3.617 million yen (approximately 207.1-234.2 thousand yuan).

The relationship between Mazda3 and China:

From 2006 to 2011, the first generation Mazda3 was in China

From the last Hainan Mazda to the current Changan Mazda, after all the years. Just at this point, let’s talk briefly about the brand. Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. was formerly known as Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. Nanjing Company. It was established on April 19, 2005, and was completed and put into production on April 9, 2007. Changan Mazda is jointly funded by Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. and Japan's Mazda Motor Co., Ltd., with each party holding 50% of the shares.

On February 27, 2006, the first-generation Mazda 3 produced in China by Changan Mazda officially rolled off the production line in Chongqing. In other words, Mazda’s domestic models at this time still came out of the Ford factory and came from the parent company’s shares. See, until 2015, Ford completely sold its shares in Mazda, so the two parties no longer had any relationship.

On March 25, 2006, the first two models of the domestic Mazda 3 were launched. Both models were equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. The maximum output power of the engine reached 150 horsepower and the peak torque was 182 N·m. , the acceleration time from 0-100km/h is 9.2 seconds, and the maximum speed exceeds 200km/h. This engine adopted many new technologies at the time.

In early 2007, two low-end models were added to the domestic Mazda3 2.0-liter displacement model. On March 9, 2008, the Mazda3 hatchback version entered China as an import. The new car provided the same features as the sedan version. 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission as standard, and there are 3 models.

On June 21, 2010, Changan Mazda’s facelifted Mazda 3 sedan was launched as the “Mazda 3 Classic”, and the production location of the new car was also transferred from Chongqing to Nanjing.

While domestic models continue to be upgraded, the first-generation Mazda3 in overseas markets was discontinued in 2009, but the domestically produced Mazda3 sedan continued to be launched in 2012. In China The market has formed a strategy of selling new and old models on the same stage.

From 2010 to 2017, the second-generation Mazda3 was in China

On January 18, 2010, the second-generation Mazda3 took the lead in introducing the hatchback version into China in the form of import. The first batch of imports are 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter two-displacement, ***4 models. Both engines adopt relatively advanced variable valve timing control systems, variable intake manifold systems, and electronic control throttles. Valve and other technologies.

On September 16, 2011, Changan Mazda’s domestic model Mazda 3 Star was launched. This car is the second-generation Mazda 3 sedan version. The new car includes ***5 models with two displacements of 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter. "Knowing Cars" also learned that the Chinese name Cheng Zhongxing takes the word "starry", which means that the forward-looking design gives the new product a flowing beauty; Cheng Take the word "to gallop". The Mazda 3 Star will continue to be produced at Changan Mazda's Nanjing plant.

On November 21, 2011, Changan Mazda launched the Mazda 3 Star hatchback version. This is the first time that the Mazda 3 hatchback version, which has been sold as an import, has been domestically produced. The new car includes 1.6 liters and 2.0 liters. There are four models with each displacement. Except for the tail badge, the Mazda 3-star hatchback version is not much different from the imported version in other aspects.

In October 2012, Changan Mazda 3 Star 1.6-liter new elite series was officially launched. The new elite series includes three models, namely hatchback automatic transmission, sedan manual transmission and sedan automatic transmission. Regarding the car model, "Knowing Cars" took a closer look and found that the new car only differs in configuration.

On September 28, 2014, the new Mazda 3 Star was launched, offering ***8 models in hatchback and sedan versions. In addition to optimized configuration, the new car also redesigned the interior. The seating space is better, but compared with the same class, the performance of the rear row is still not outstanding. In terms of power, the 2.0L+6MT model has been cancelled.

From 2014 to 2019, the third generation Mazda 3 was launched in China

On May 21, 2014, Changan Mazda announced the launch of the Mazda 3 Axela. The new car launch includes 6 sedan versions, 5 hatchback versions and 11 models, with the price range ranging from 114,900 to 159,900 yuan.

The name Axela is taken from the English words Accelerate and Excellent, which means acceleration, excellence, and infinite possibilities. The Chinese name Axela is the direct transliteration of Axela. As Changan Mazda's second domestic model to fully apply Mazda's "Chuangchi Blue Sky" technology, the Mazda3 Axela is equipped with two high-compression ratio gasoline direct injection engines, 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter. In the crash test of the fourth batch of C-NCAP models in 2014, the Mazda3 Axela received a 5-star rating.

In August 2015, Mazda 3 Axela launched its annual facelift model, adding a sedan 1.5L 6MT luxury model and a hatchback 1.5L 6AT comfort model, priced at 127,900 yuan respectively. and 125,900 yuan. At the same time, the configurations of the original 11 models have been upgraded, while the prices remain unchanged.

On February 14, 2017, the mid-term facelift of the new Mazda3 Axela was launched, with 12 models launched, with a price range of 112,900-162,900 yuan. The new car is available in hatchback and sedan versions as a mid-term facelift model. The new car has optimized and adjusted the appearance and interior design. In terms of configuration, the entire series is equipped with G-Vectoring Control acceleration vector control technology to reduce the number of driver corrections to the steering wheel in corners. In terms of power, the new car continues to be equipped with 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines.

On June 1, 2019, Changan Mazda launched the Mazda3 Axela 2019 cloud-controlled limited edition model, which is equipped with a remote control start system based on the original configuration. The price range is 12.39- 162,900 yuan, limited to 10,000 units nationwide.

From 2019 to now, the fourth-generation Mazda3 is in China

The fourth-generation Mazda3 made in China by Changan Mazda, the official name given to it is the next-generation Changan Mazda3 Angkesai La, "Knowing Cars" learned that it was born from the brand's new SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE (also known as "SKY-VA") platform. In terms of body size, the length, width and height of the new car are 4662/1797/1445mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2726mm. The length, width and wheelbase are respectively 80mm, 2mm and 26mm longer than the current Mazda3 Axela. In terms of power, the new car continues to be equipped with two naturally aspirated engines, 1.5L or 2.0L, with maximum power of 117 horsepower and 158 horsepower respectively. The chassis adopts front MacPherson independent suspension + torsion beam non-independent rear suspension.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a familiar powertrain, a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine paired with a 6-speed automatic manual gearbox. It is not equipped with Mazda's new generation SKYACTIV-X engine technology. "Knowing Cars" learned that the new generation SKYACTIV-X engine has Mazda's unique "SPCCI (Spark Controlled Compression Ignition, spark ignition control voltage)". "ignition ignition" technology can realize seamless switching between spark ignition and compression ignition to improve power output and fuel consumption performance.

Although it is not the most cutting-edge technology of Mazda, the new car has also made many improvements. For example, the engine of the new car has optimized the piston shape and uses a new high-diffusion injector, and the injection pressure has increased to 30Mpa. . The above-mentioned cutting-edge technologies are added to achieve a more complete mixing of fuel and air and higher combustion efficiency, while also meeting the stringent National VIb standards. As for the gearbox, it optimizes the final drive ratio and creates a more rigorous acceleration spectrum. These are all improvements, and the driving control of the entire vehicle will also become better.

On April 15, 2020, Mazda3 Angkesela launched two new models with new configurations. The new car’s price range is 129,900-139,900 yuan. With the launch of the new car, the product matrix of Mazda3 Angkesela will be further improved.

Compared with the current model, the 1.5L Quality Sunroof version has added an i-stop intelligent idling stop system; the 2.0L Quality Edition model has taken a new step in configuration optimization.

Earlier, Mo Shuai, the editor-in-chief of "Knowing Cars" also conducted a test drive evaluation of the new car. Friends who want to know more can click to take a look: Video: I should have bought a Mazda3 Angkesela A fancy car, but uncompromising on sports!

The editor has something to say:

As a globally strategic compact car, from 2003 to 2020, the Mazda3/Axela car series has experienced four innovations, making it Countless Mazda fans are obsessed with it.

Back to the Chinese market, Changan Mazda launched the first-generation domestic Mazda3 in 2006. It was replaced by the Mazda3 Star in 2010. From 2014 to the present, the third-generation model has been produced and sold in 2019. Mazda3 Axela, the fourth-generation domestic version of the Mazda3 Axela appears. With its soulful styling, Chuangchi Blue Sky technology and good control and driving experience.

"Knowing Cars" has always believed that the Mazda3 Angkesela has a good market performance in the fiercely competitive domestic compact car market. At present, the Mazda3 Angkesela also The main sales force of Changan Mazda. (Picture: Source from the Internet; Text: Understanding Cars, edited by Li Guohui and Huang Zhenyu)

This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.