The Mazda3 Fastback is Mazda Philippines’ entry to the compact hatchback segment. With a sultry and sensual styling approach, the ‘3’ shares its design language with Mazda’s RX concept it also utilizes the Kodo design language that adds emphasis to a more minimalist styling approach.
The Mazda3 Fastback is available exclusively with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. This 2.0-liter engine uses Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology which gives the vehicle higher compression ratios as well as better performance. Sending power to the front wheels is a silky, conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda Philippines has opted to call the hatchback version of the Mazda3 a Fastback to go in line with Mazda’s more premium feel and brand design.
Launch
The fourth generation of the Mazda3 was launched on August 14, 2019with two body types. The compact car is available in either Sedan or Fastback variants. The Fastback can be had in three trim levels: Elite, Premium, and Speed variants. The Elite and Premium variant can be hand with either a 1.5-liter or a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The Speed variant, however, can only be had with the 2.0-liter engine.
The Mazda 3 Fastback was launched with prices starting from P1,320,000 for the Elite variant, P1,510,000 for the Premium variant, and finally, P1,590,000 for the top-spec Speed variant.
In 2023, Mazda discretely updated the Mazda3 Fastback for the 2024 model-year. The infotainment has expanded from eight inches to 10.25 inches and now comes with added connectivity features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, dual USB-C ports, and a wireless charging feature. The interior and exterior have also been upgraded to keep it fresh for the market. In addition, and HEV variant of the Mazda3 is available in both sedan and Fastback configurations, the HEV Mazda3 Fastback has a sticker price of P1,790,000.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Mazda3 Fastback is powered by a SKYACTIV G 2.0 PE-VPS engine. The 2.0-liter engine produces 152 hp and 200 Nm of torque paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. There is no manual option for the Mazda3 in the Philippines.
For the chassis, the Mazda3 rides on Mazda’s SKYACTIV-architecture. The Japanese automaker claims that the chassis prioritizes ride comfort and handling stability. Front and rear suspensions are MacPherson strut and torsion beam axle, respectively. All wheels are equipped with disc brakes. These new upgrades improve the vehicle’s handling compared to its older version.
162 hp, 213 Nm of torque (Hybrid)
153 hp, 200 Nm of torque
Transmission
SKYACTIV-Drive 6-Speed Automatic with Sport Mode
Driving Performance
Powering the Fastback version of the Mazda3 is either a 1.5 or a 2.0-liter engine. These engines are, however, carryovers from the previous generation. While these engines have lower horsepower figures compared to the previous model, they do receive a bump in torque. The vehicle’s sole transmission option is a 6-speed automatic.
The new Mazda3 chassis lets the vehicle perform well under cornering and at higher speeds. This lets the vehicle handle winding roads and long stretches of highway with ease. The driver-centric layout makes sure that the driver feels comfortable and is in control of the vehicle at all times.
Technology Features
The Mazda3 comes standard with a 10.25-inch monitor infotainment system. To help the driver navigate the infotainment, the vehicle comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and dedicated rotary controls near the gear shifter. The Fastback, like the Sedan, also features G-Vectoring Control Plus, which adjusts power delivery when cornering and by shifting the vehicle’s weight when needed. This makes for a much smoother and less fatigue-inducing drive.
Exterior
The Mazda3 Fastback has a unique design in the front to help distinguish it from the Sedan. These small design differences help set both vehicles apart from one another. The lower bumper contains fake vents hinting at what the location of the fog lights should be. The absence of fog lights, however, has been supplemented by the LED headlights, which Mazda claims can even act as fog lights.
Compared to the previous generation, the design of the current Mazda3 is more sultry and soft with great use of flowing curves and sharp edges around the front fascia. The Mazda3 Fastback rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with a black metallic finish, providing depth to the multi-spoke wheel design.
The Mazda3 comes in six color options: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic, and Machine Grey.
Interior
The Mazda3’s interior is populated with soft and hard-touch plastics. The top trim level of the Fastback gets red interior trimmings and red accents to set it apart from its Sedan counterpart.
The cabin space is ample all around, but the headroom might be an issue for those at the back because of the sleek roofline. There are plenty of storage spaces within the vehicle, nevertheless. The infotainment controls are within reach right next to the shifter making it easier for the driver to adjust settings when needed. It might take time to get used to but Mazda states that it is the safer option compared to a touchscreen.
Safety
The Mazda3 Fastback comes with seven airbags, traction control, and vehicle stability. Additional safety features include a 360-degree camera, front and back parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, driving monitoring, and radar cruise control. The HEV version has more features in store with the addition of a front cross-traffic alert, front cross brake support, rear cross brake support, and the driver monitoring system, in addition to the existing 360-degree camera and parking sensors at all corners.
The Mazda3 is yet to get an official ASEAN NCAP rating.
Pros & Cons
The pros of the Mazda3 start with the interior where Mazda paid special attention to the use of materials for the dashboard, leather, and screen integration. If you are an audiophile you will also love the sound system in the vehicle.
As for the cons, getting used to using the infotainment may be hard at first but once you get over the learning curve it should become easier. If you are a fan of touchscreens, this might be a negative for you. Head- and leg-room at the rear seats also might be an issue for taller folks out there as the new design limits these aspects.
Connect with the top Mazda sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
View our pricelist table and select a variant to view further specifications.
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Mazda 3 Fastback Colors
The Mazda 3 Fastback comes in the following colors: Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Platinum Quartz, Machine Gray, Jet Black and Deep Crystal Blue
Soul Red Crystal
Snowflake White Pearl
Polymetal Gray
Platinum Quartz
Machine Gray
Jet Black
Deep Crystal Blue
Mazda 3 Fastback Specifications
Key specifications & features of the Mazda 3 Fastback. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
Hatchback
No. of seats
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Max Output (hp)
153 hp @ 6,000 rpm - 162 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
18 in
Airbags
7
*Depending on variant
ISOFIX
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Available *Depending on variant
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Connectivity
Dual USB-C, Bluetooth H, s-Free, Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay
*Depending on variant
The Mazda3 is a compact car that changed the game and brought the Japanese brand back into the limelight, here are a few facts about the renaissance model.
With a winning formula of driver-centric design and engineering, the Mazda3 Fastback, formerly known as the Sportback, stole our hearts and ignited our desire to be behind its wheel. Since it was launched, the model watched as the rest of the industry doubled down on turbo and hybrid technology, but now caught up with a mild hybrid system in the mix plus a few key upgrades over its predecessor, does it hold up? Read the title again, or just watch the entirety of this Behind the Wheel review.
I could write a whole article regarding my experience with Mazda 3 1.5 Elite Sportback but for the sake of brevity here are the pros and cons
Pros
- Clean and luxurious cabin
- Has a lot of features for its price point
- Sleek and Sporty Design
- Available on premium colors
- Good fuel consumption
- 5 years free PMS
- Premium experience at under 1.5m
Cons
- Ground clearance is low
- Space in the back seat is quite small
- Interior is a bit dark
- Claustrophobic feeling and not so good visibility
Neutral
- Love it or hate it C-Pillar (depending on preference and angle)
I could write a whole article regarding my experience with Mazda 3 1.5 Elite Sportback but for the sake of brevity here are the pros and cons
Pros
- Clean and luxurious cabin
- Has a lot of features for its price point
- Sleek and Sporty Design
- Available on premium colors
- Good fuel consumption
- 5 years free PMS
- Premium experience at under 1.5m
Cons
- Ground clearance is low
- Space in the back seat is quite small
- Interior is a bit dark
- Claustrophobic feeling and not so good visibility
Neutral
- Love it or hate it C-Pillar (depending on preference and angle)
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Is the Mazda3 a good first car?
With all things considered, the Mazda3 is a good first car as it's packed with features that can assist even the first-time car buyers.
How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda3?
For the first three years of ownership, the Mazda3 comes with free maintenance in the Philippines.
Is there a new Mazda3 Speed?
Technically, no, but Mazda Philippines is offering a Mazda3 Sportback with a range-topping Speed variant. There are no mechanical advantages with this variant, though, as it stands out only in aesthetics.
Does Mazda still offer a hatchback Mazda3?
Yes, Mazda still sells the Mazda3 in hatchback configuration. However, the Mazda3 hatchback is called Mazda3 Sportback in the Philippines for its fourth-generation model.
Is the Mazda3 AWD?
The Mazda3 has an all-wheel-drive variant offered globally. In the Philippines, the Mazda3 is offered in front-wheel-drive layout for both Sedan and Sportback variants.
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