The Mazda 3 is the successor to the Protege as Mazda's entry into the subcompact class. Introduced during the 2004 model year, it's based on the same "C1" platform upon which Ford builds the European-market Focus and Volvo uses to construct several models, including the S40 sedan and C30 coupe.
The Mazda 3 is called the Axela in Japan (where it's assembled) and is itself the basis for the high-speed, turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3. A redesigned and updated Mazda 3 was introduced for the 2010 model year. Neatly designed and sweet driving, the only thing awkward about the Mazda 3 is its repetitive name (Mazda Mazda 3).
Like most of the cars in the subcompact class, the Mazda 3 is built around a unibody structure and a transverse-mounted four-cylinder engine feeding power through a transaxle to the front wheels. There isn't anything radical in the engineering, but the Mazda 3's road manners are among the very best in the class. Despite Mazda's continuing commitment to rotary engines, the engines in the Mazda 3 have been conventional four-cylinder power plants.
Mazda's experience building small cars was a mixed bag before the Mazda 3. Mazda entered the American market back in 1970 with the rotary-powered, rear-drive RX-2 that was quick for the subcompact class and also something of a fuel hog. Piston-powered Mazdas were sold alongside rotary models starting in 1971 but never attracted much of a following.
It wasn't until 1977 with the introduction of the rear-drive, piston-powered GLC ("Great Little Car") that the company established a beachhead in the class. Mazda's first front-drive small car was the square-cut 1980 GLC. The GLC became the 323 in 1985, the 323 sedan in turn became the Protege (a three-door hatchback was still called 323) and the Protege became the Mazda 3.
Thanks to some slick engineering and careful detailing, the Mazda 3 is one of the most rewarding small cars to drive. And it matches that driving experience with solid comfort and utility. It seems that with the Mazda 3, Mazda has finally broken through in this class.
