The 2017 MAZDA3 is all new after its first major overhaul since its launch in 2013. A limited-quantity Special Edition model has also been released to celebrate the new improvements. Mazda delivers a design featuring its human-centric philosophy of Jinba Ittai, which means, “horse and rider as one.” Engineers enhanced the sedan to deliver better, faster performance while improving the driver and passengers’ comfort level. 

After feedback from customers, the top priority for designers was to reduce drive noise, followed by upgrading the interior comfort level and making some changes to the exterior to create a refined and more stable drive. 

To create a better drive, G-Vectoring Control (GVC) was added to work with Mazda’s first use of its SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technology. The system monitors and adjusts handling performance and engine response. It also enhances engine sound quality to create higher-performance throttle sounds while reducing unwanted cabin noise. 

Mazda shipped limited quantities of the 2017 MAZDA3 Special Edition to Canada. It has a starting price of $22,680. A higher-end, sportier appearance sets it apart from the standard 2017 MAZDA3 release. 

The 2017 Special Edition takes the newly improved sedan’s GX model and adds the Comfort Package and the Convenience Package. It further builds on this upgraded GX to create a sportier exterior and drive with a new body-colour rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Special Edition interior gets signature leatherette-trimmed upholstery, standard heated front seats, and satin trim finishes.

The 2017 MAZDA3 features a new front grille with a signature wing design that accents all new LED headlamps. It has a lower and wider stance than previous years, which adds to the car’s performance look as well as to improved drive handling and stability. A new rear bumper coordinates with the MAZDA3’s front end redesign. 

Other changes to the refreshed MAZDA3 exterior include three new colours: Machine Grey Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, and Sonic Silver Metallic.

The 155-hp, 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine is tuned for better acceleration and overall drive quality. The mated SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission adds a Sport mode that the driver can manually select for a tighter, nimbler drive. 

Other quiet-ride improvements include rear suspension dynamic dampers. They reduce the vibration of various parts during a drive to eliminate most of the road noise heard in the cabin, especially when driving on rougher roads. New insulation and aerodynamic improvements throughout the body suppress the wind noise caused by high-speed driving. According to Mazda, “The 2017 MAZDA3 is a substantial 3dB quieter at 40 km/h (25 mph) over rough roads, thanks to tighter body gaps and improved sound insulation.” 

Small but subtle improvements were made to the interior’s appearance. A new steering wheel wrapped in leather is the same size as the previous year’s but looks fresh and new, thanks to the introduction of a smaller centre pad and narrower satin chrome-plated spokes.

All gauges and displays feature better, sharper visibility. The Active Driving Display goes from monochrome to full colour with higher brightness and contrast settings. LCD displays adopt new panels with a wider viewing angle and higher contrast for viewing ease. The analogue meter is flat for easier reading, and all display fonts are now larger. Larger door sills add extra storage and according to Mazda, can hold a 1-Litre bottle.

Visit us and take the new 2017 MAZDA3 for a test drive. You’ll like the high-end feel you get for the affordable price it’s listed at. Don’t take too long to visit. The noteworthy Limited Edition is worth a drive, but quantities are running low.