The Mazda 3 II Hatchback, specifically the 1.6 CD variant produced from 2011 to 2013, represents a significant iteration of Mazda’s popular compact car. This model, part of the BL series following the 2009 facelift, aimed to balance fuel efficiency with reasonable performance in the European market. Positioned as an entry-level diesel option, it offered a more economical alternative to the petrol-powered versions and the higher-output diesel trims. The 1.6 CD utilized Mazda’s Skyactiv technology, focusing on maximizing combustion efficiency and reducing weight, though to a lesser extent than later Skyactiv models. It was a key offering in a segment increasingly focused on diesel economy and lower emissions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mazda |
| Model | 3 |
| Generation | II Hatchback (BL, facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CD (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 115 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp, 91.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 215.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y650, Y655 |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1255 kg (2766.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 575 kg (1267.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 340 l (12.01 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1360 l (48.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Length | 4460 mm (175.59 in.) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2002 mm (78.82 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm (103.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm (6.1 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1.6 CD variant is the Y650 or Y655 series diesel engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder unit. This engine utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine produces 115 horsepower at 3600 rpm and a respectable 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The 16:1 compression ratio is typical for diesel engines, contributing to their efficiency. The engine’s architecture prioritized fuel economy and reduced emissions, aligning with the tightening European regulations at the time. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, offering a good balance between fuel efficiency and driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CD Mazda 3 offered a comfortable and economical driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.5 seconds, and 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds, making it adequate for everyday driving but not particularly sporty. The turbocharger provided a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, but the engine lacked the outright punch of higher-output diesel variants or the petrol-powered models. The manual transmission’s gear ratios were well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, allowing for relaxed cruising on the highway. Compared to the 2.0-liter petrol versions, the 1.6 CD offered significantly better fuel economy, but at the expense of performance. The handling was typical of the Mazda 3, with responsive steering and a well-controlled chassis.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CD trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, often denoted by additions like “Sport” or “Luxury,” added features like alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for partial leather in higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with a focus on ergonomics. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and parking sensors.
Chassis & Braking
The Mazda 3 II Hatchback utilized an independent suspension system, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This configuration provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking. The chassis was designed to be lightweight, contributing to the car’s overall efficiency. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6 CD variant of the Mazda 3 was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of its competitors, such as the Volkswagen Golf TDI. Fuel economy was a key selling point, with the 1.6 CD achieving around 54.7 US mpg on the combined cycle. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system, a common problem with modern diesel engines. Compared to the higher-output 2.2-liter diesel versions, the 1.6 CD offered lower running costs but less performance.
Legacy
The 1.6 CD Mazda 3 remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking an economical and reliable compact hatchback. The Y650/Y655 engine, while not known for being exceptionally powerful, has proven to be reasonably durable with proper maintenance. The availability of spare parts is good, and the car’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it relatively easy to repair. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure that the car has been regularly serviced. The 1.6 CD represents a transitional point in Mazda’s engine development, bridging the gap between older diesel technology and the more advanced Skyactiv engines that would follow.
