Mazda 3 2003 Hatchback

This generation of Mazda 3 has been produced from October, 2003 to December, 2006. We can provide information about 7 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with front wheel drive.

The vehicle body is designed according to the new MAIDAS proprietary concept, which is based on a special body structure called Triple-H. The design of the front bumper reduces the risk of serious injury for pedestrians. Six airbags and belts with pretensioners are included in the basic equipment. Some versions are equipped with the DSC stabilization system.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine has the best dynamics-to-cost ratio, as the 1.4-litre engine is sluggish, while the 2.0-litre engine is powerfull but noisy. The diesel engine is economical but lazy. The 1.6-litre engine averages just over 7 litres per 100 km, while the diesel engine consumes around 5 litres per 100 km.

Mazda 3 has high level of driver and passenger comfort. Front seats has sporty shape, steering column is adjustable for tilt and reach. Two passengers can easily and freely seat themselves on the rear sofa, for three there will be quite uncomfortable. Cabin has lots of space for storing travel essentials. Versions without navigation system, have large storage compartment. The volume of the glove box is 11 liters, and between front seats there is a box with two compartments. The trunk volume is 413 liters in the sedan and 300 liters in the hatchback, folding of rear seats gives almost flat floor and 635 liters of cargo volume.

Cars with 2-liter engine are equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering, others - simple hydraulic. Disc brakes on all wheels (ventilated in front) provide good deceleration. Mazda 3 is one of the best small hatchbacks in terms of handling, partly due to the suspension's design: the front McPherson is assembled on a subframe, the multilever scheme is used behind. Low profile tires also make a contribution. However, the same tires together with short stroke of suspension negatively influence a smooth running. The ride is firm but not unbearable - you hardly feel it on the motorway, and you can enjoy the car's confident handling.

This Mazda is available with four petrol engines with displacement from 1.3 to 2.3 litres and power of from 84 to 160 horsepower un one diesel engine with displacement 1.6 litres and power of 110 HP.
The car is available with both manual (5 versions), as well as automatic (2 versions) gearbox.

All Mazda 3 2003 hatchback photos

Mazda 3 2003 hatchback average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 7.1 to 8.2 litres per 100km, but for diesel engine - approximately 5 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient Mazda 3 2003 hatchback petrol engine version is Mazda 3 Sport 1.4, consuming 7.1 litres per 100km.
According to user reviews, Mazda 3 real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 13 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +7% for petrol engines and +18% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific Mazda 3 modification.

Mazda 3 2003 hatchback CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 169 to 196 grams per kilometer, but for diesel engine - approximately 138 grams per kilometer. From Mazda 3 with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has Mazda 3 Sport 1.4 which produces an average of 169 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 9 seconds has Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 version, conversely the tardiest one is Mazda 3 Sport 1.4 reaching this speed only in 14.3 seconds. The maximum top speed is 200 km/h for the 2.0 petrol 4-cylinder 150 hp version (Mazda 3 Sport 2.0).

Lenght of Mazda 3 is 445 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - Mazda 3 is about 3 cm longer than Opel Astra hatchback, but 4 cm shorter than Toyota Avensis hatchback. Mazda 3 gross weight is from 1695 to 1785 kg (depending on modification), which is approximately the same as the average for cars of this age and class.

This Mazda is relatively cheap - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 1100 €. According to user reviews, average Mazda 3 repair costs are 100 € per year. Users calculated Mazda 3 2003 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2000 € cost per year and 0.17 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 55%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 28% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of Mazda 3 for your situation and driving habits here! Below you will find more detailed information about Mazda 3 prices and costs.

In user reviews Mazda 3 received average grade 8.2 (from 10) it corresponds to average rate for cars of this age. Ratings are quite controversial, both positive and not so good, read more in the reviews below. All authors of reviews would recommend Mazda 3 to the friend.

Mazda 3 modifications

Mazda 3 prices

Mazda 3 2003 - 2006 hatchback price in Latvia is from 500 € to 1900 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles Mazda 3 price is very low - Mazda 3 is approximately for 31 percents cheaper then average hatchbacks of this age (compare hatchbacks 2003 - 2006 prices). Despite of relatively low price Mazda 3 quality is above average (see below), so this Mazda can be a good buy.