The 2024 Mazda3 is arriving in dealerships now and features small updates to this ever popular hatchback, while at the same time ensuring that its award-winning exterior design and efficient petrol engines remain unchanged. In line with other cars in Mazda’s range, the Mazda3 moves to the latest grade naming strategy and across the 18-model range features Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Takumi grades.

Updates to the 2024 Mazda3 include a new larger central screen that has grown from 8 to 10.25 inches to allow for clearer navigation mapping. Other connectivity upgrades include Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus QI Wireless Charging, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto navigation is now supported in the head-up display. Additionally, the 2024 Mazda3 now features USB Type-C charging ports.

Retaining the same all-petrol engine line-up with a choice of 186ps e-Skyactiv-X or 122ps e-Skyactiv-G engines, the 2024 Mazda3’s e-Skyactiv X engine features Mazda’s unique SPCCI Spark Controlled Compression Ignition technology and produces 186ps at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 240Nm at 4,000rpm. Featuring a 15.0:1 compression ratio, optimised combustion control, uniquely shaped pistons and the innovative SPCCI combustion technology – the e-Skyactiv X engine delivers a broader operating band of combustion efficiency, which ensures e-Skyactiv X not only delivers higher maximum engine torque but also improved real-world fuel economy. The intake valve timing was adapted through modifying the intake camshaft, this lead to a reduction in pumping losses and further increases the engine’s specific heat ratio, resulting in improvements to the e-Skyactiv X’s fuel consumption.

In addition, the Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid system’s software ensures torque reactions issued through the belt-driven ISG that are quick enough to flatten the torque curve. As a result, the engine feels even smoother during linear acceleration. The most popular engine in the range, Mazda’s 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv G engine delivers 122ps and 213Nm of torque, like the e-Skyactiv X engine, all models feature Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid technology to ensure maximum efficiency. On selected models both engines can be matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox for maximum customer choice.

The 122ps e-Skyactiv G engine is available across all five 2024 Mazda3 hatchback grades: Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Takumi – with all but the Prime-Line offered with a choice of automatic or manual gearbox. Available with Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Takumi grades the 186ps e-Skyactiv X engine can be matched to an automatic gearbox on the Exclusive-Line and Takumi.

With an identical wheelbase, the stylish Mazda3 Saloon is 200mm longer than its hatchback sibling and thanks to sharing just its windscreen and bonnet with the hatchback, it’s unique exterior panels and longer profile make it a stylish and standout model in the line-up. Offered in Exclusive-Line and Takumi grades with the 186ps e-Skyactiv X engine, the flagship Takumi can be matched to an automatic gearbox.

Unsurprisingly for a hatchback that has won praise for its styling ever since its launch, the 2024 Mazda3 retains unchanged exterior styling but the new Homura grade is marked out with black wheels and door mirrors. Across all hatchback models the 2024 Mazda3 also sees the introduction of the Ceramic Metallic paint colour to the Mazda3 for the first time.

Choose one of the three Saloon models in the line-up and you’ll benefit from an executive look where the smooth surfaces evoke elegance and maturity akin to the Vision Coupe concept car. Its chrome plated grille and unique front bumper adopt a horizontal layout that accentuate a low and wide stance on the road. The combined result is a refined expression of sophistication.

Commenting on the 2024 Mazda3, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda UK, said: “our SPCCI engine technology is part of our multi-solution approach to powertrains and sustainability that has also seen the introduction of Mazda M Hybrid in Mazda3, plus the launch of the Mazda MX-30 – our first battery electric car and the Mazda CX-60 PHEV – our first plug-in hybrid. And while our SUV range continues to grow, the popularity of the Mazda3 with our customers and dealers remains very strong, highlighting what an important car it is in our line-up.

Adding “with its connectivity and interior screen upgrades, the 2024 Mazda3 continues to be one of the best looking, highest quality and most generously equipped hatchbacks in the market, while the stylish Mazda3 Saloon is a competitor in the compact executive saloon market. With five new model grades, there remains a lot choice across the Mazda3 range for customers to get the family hatchback they want.”