Verdict
B
Family Hatch · Japan · 2003-Present
Mazda 3
Mazda 3 — spec data and generation history.
Years
2003-Present
Generations
4
Segment
Family Hatch
Mazda's Golf-class family car. BK (2003-2009) was the original - sharp styling and the legendary MPS performance variant (256 bhp turbo). BL (2009-2013) more grown-up with the smiley grille. BM (2013-2018) on Skyactiv platform. Current BP (2019-Present) is the design watershed - architecturally beautiful, premium materials, and the headline Skyactiv-X 2.0 mild-hybrid (a near-miracle of high-compression spark-ignition tech). BP also offers regular Skyactiv-G 2.0 mild-hybrid and the 2.5 e-Skyactiv X. Hatch and saloon (Fastback) bodies. The Mazda 3 has always been the enthusiast's family hatch - sharper than a Civic, more interesting than a Golf, more honest than a Focus. BP is the high point.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
BK 2003-2009 → BL 2009-2013
BHP +5 bhp
MPG +5 mpg
BL 2009-2013 → BM 2013-2018
MPG +12 mpg
Cabin tech Skyactiv jump
BM 2013-2018 → BP 2019-Present
Cabin Premium step-change
Skyactiv-X New tech
MPG +5 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2003-2009
BK
→
2.0 - 148 bhp, 0-62 in 9.0s.
Verdict
B
BHP
148
0–60
9.0 s
Top
130 mph
MPG
36.0 mpg
Used
£700-£3,500
- + Original sharp Mazda 3
- + MPS variant 256 bhp turbo (separate model page)
- − Cabin plastics dated
- − MPS torque steer
2009-2013
BL
→
2.0 - 148 bhp, 0-62 in 9.0s.
Verdict
B
BHP
148
0–60
9.0 s
Top
130 mph
MPG
40.0 mpg
Used
£1,500-£5,500
- + Sharper than BK
- + Smiley grille divides opinion
- − Smiley face polarising
- − Cabin still cheap-ish
2013-2018
BM
→
2.0 Skyactiv-G - 118 bhp, 0-62 in 8.9s.
Verdict
B
BHP
118
0–60
8.9 s
Top
122 mph
MPG
55.0 mpg
Used
£3,500-£10,000
- + Skyactiv platform step-change in efficiency
- + Hatch and saloon (Fastback) bodies
- − Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon issues
- − No MPS
2019-Present
BP
→
2.0 e-Skyactiv-X - 184 bhp, 0-62 in 8.2s.
Verdict
A
BHP
184
0–60
8.2 s
Top
134 mph
MPG
50.0 mpg
Used
£14,000-£28,000
- + Skyactiv-X 2.0 mild-hybrid - SPCCI compression-ignition petrol
- + Premium-feel cabin best in class
- − Boot small
- − Rear visibility poor (hatch)
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2003-2009 - BK
- MPS clutch failure on launch-control abuse
- Suspension top mounts wear
- Rear arches rust
2009-2013 - BL
- 1.6 diesel injectors (PSA-shared MZR-CD)
- Clutch master cylinder
- Front lower arms
2013-2018 - BM
- Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon build-up (regen failure)
- Skyactiv-G 2.0 oil consumption
- i-stop battery weak
2019-Present - BP
- Skyactiv-X coolant pump failures (TSB)
- M Hybrid 24V battery weak (mild-hybrid)
- Infotainment lag pre-2022