2017 Mazda3 Refresh – First Look By Anthony Fongaro



 

 

Mazda has had an extremely successful compact car in their lineup with the Mazda3. It has won awards ranging from Car and Driver’s prestigious 10Best list to winning comparison tests for its ride quality, comfort, and interior. Since the current-generation Mazda3 has been out for three years, it is time for it to once again raise the standards in the compact class.

Looking at the exterior, the 2017 Mazda3 receives minor changes to the vehicle’s KODO – Soul of Motion design. These include a bolder grille, available LED headlights and tail lights, and a redesigned bumper for the five-door models.

Moving inside, the choice of almond or black-colored leather seats will be available. A rarity for the compact class, the 2017 Mazda3 will also have the option of having a heated steering wheel. The parking brake is now an electronic brake which frees up space for storage and the center console design is borrowed from the larger Mazda3.

The biggest innovation for the 2017 Mazda3 is standard G-Vectoring Control (GVC). This Mazda-exclusive technology uses the engine along with the steering, throttle, and suspension to provide sharper chassis control. GVC should give drivers more confidence since it leads to fewer steering corrections.

Many new and exciting updates for the 2017 Mazda3 include available Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Traffic Sign Recognition along with a full-color Active Driving Display. These new updates are an excellent addition to Mazda3’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite that includes Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support and Smart Brake Support for highway speeds.

Arriving in September, the 2017 Mazda3 is sure to remain one of the segment’s best vehicles. Look for pricing and package information closer to its on-sale date.

2017 Mazda3