Mazda3 upgrade to arrive next month 08 | 09 | 2016

MAZDA HAS REVEALED its updated Mazda3 range. The 2017-model car will enter Scottish dealerships next month with prices starting at £17,595, a £500 premium on the current model.

The 2017 spec gets a number of external and interior styling changes. Outside, the front grille design has been altered with what Mazda calls a "stronger three-dimensional look”. There’s also new fog light surrounds and door mirrors.

At the rear of the new Mazda3, the hatchback version features a redesigned bumper: the Fastback remains unchanged.

The aim the changes to the interior is to raise the levels of quality. In addition to upgraded door materials, dash trim inserts and a new leather steering wheel design, Mazda has introduced an electric parking brake for the first time.

LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and an upgraded head-up display are all available as new optional extras.

The 2017 Mazda3 also benefits from Mazda's G-Vectoring Control. Rather than a torque vectoring function, the system subtly varies engine torque according to steering angle to improve stability and passenger comfort. It's already standard across the Mazda6 range.

As in the newly-upgraded Mazda6, the new 3 also gets Mazda's Natural Sound Smoother technology which is added to both the 1.5 and 2.2-litre diesel engines.

The technology reduces knocking noise on start-up and improves refinement under load. New door seals and sound insulation aim to improve wind and road noise.

The 3's engine range is unchanged in terms of performance, although the 2.2-litre diesel engine has a new system to improve throttle response.

First deliveries of the new Mazda3 are expected before the end of 2016.

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Jim McGill