2016 Mazda 3 facelift


The 2016 Mazda 3 facelift has been revealed in its entirety, thanks to these leaked Japanese brochure images from CarDrive. The refreshed C-segment Mazda model, which is available as both a sedan hatchback, was previously spotted out in the open in Japan recently.

The nip and tuck job introduces subtle exterior changes that include a reshaped grille with a repositioned Mazda logo. The chrome surround on the grille also appear to be thicker and extend less into the redesigned LED headlamps as well. The front fascia also sports a larger lower grille and a new pair of fog lamps as well.


Along the sides, the door mirrors now incorporate new LED turn indicator strips, replacing the previous lighting units located at the corner of the mirrors. Meanwhile at the rear, the 3 hatchback receives subtle changes that include reshaped fog lamp and reflector elements. The rear of the 3 sedan appears to be unchanged here.

Eight exterior colour choices will be available here – Soul Red Premium Metallic, Machine Gray Premium Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica and Snow Flake Pearl.


Inside, the 3 retains its familiar layout featuring the carmaker’s MZD Connect infotainment touchscreen unit and instrument cluster setup. The Japanese-spec 3 also continues employing a dual-zone climate control that mirrors that of the larger 6 sedan, which differs from our model’s single-zone automatic air-con system.

Changes that come with the facelift include a new steering wheel design and more importantly, the introduction of an electronic parking brake, which is also used in the facelifted CX-5 and 6. As you can see, the e-parking brake sees a redesign of the centre console, which now features a sliding cover over what should be the cupholders.


As for powertrain options, the Japanese-spec 3 will be offered with two SkyActiv-D diesel engines in 1.5 litre and 2.2 litre capacities. Petrol options include a 1.5 litre SkyActiv-G engine and a SkyActiv-Hybrid powertrain, where the latter consist of a 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G engine and hybrid tech from the Toyota Prius.

Depending on the car’s powertrain, transmission choices include a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic or SkyActiv-MT manual, with Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive available as an option. Other drive-related technology include Mazda’s regenerative braking system (i-ELOOP), idling stop (i-Stop), driver support system (i-DM) and drive selection (Sport mode).


The refreshed 3 also features Mazda’s new G-Vectoring Control, a new technology which Mazda claims reduces the steering angle at turn-in, as well as the rate at which one turns the wheel. This is achieved by reducing engine torque by modifying the car’s ignition timing, corresponding to steering input. The system is part of something Mazda calls SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics.


As for safety, the 3 comes with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite – Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH), Smart City Brake Support/Reverse (SCBS/R), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keep Assist System (LAS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).