MAZDA 3 / Axela Hatchback 2013-2016 Photos, engines & full specs

After Ford's era, Mazda rejoiced its freedom again and put passion back in its cars. Even though the 3 was not exactly the kind of car that should inspire some emotions, it did. And the 2013 model proved it.

Thanks to its sporty appearance and its fluid bodywork lines, the 3 was a commercial success all over the world. While the sedan version was more or less desirable by those who wished to have a three-box sedan vehicle, the hatchback was the one that ignited younger buyers' imagination.

The 2013 model year was shorter, wider, and lower than its predecessor. Its entire bodywork was stiffer by 28 percent, and that was reflected in the cornering speed. With its design language, named Kodo, the carmaker introduced the shield-like grille flanked by the angular, eye-shaped headlights. At the bottom of the front bumper, the apron featured an additional grille with two foglights on the sides. Its ascending beltline and the curved-down tailgate at the back offered a sporty appearance, almost like a hot-hatch.

Inside, not all materials were of top quality, but there were no cheap ones either. Its dashboard was simple, plain, with only a few buttons on sight, on the center stack. A floating infotainment display was in the middle of the dashboard, and the driver could access it from the steering wheel's buttons or from the rotary knob placed on the center console. The front bucket seats were designed to win a beauty contest, and their minimal bolstering reminded the front occupants that it was a family car. The split-folding rear bench made room for three thin passengers.

Under the hood, Mazda offered the 3 with a choice of four engines mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto.