The Mazda 3 first generation (BK) facelift sedan, specifically the 1.6 CD variant producing 109 horsepower, was offered from 2006 to 2009. This model represented Mazda’s entry into the increasingly competitive compact sedan market in Europe and other regions, aiming to provide a fuel-efficient and practical option for buyers. Positioned as a more economical alternative to the higher-performance gasoline engines and the more expensive 2.0-liter diesel, the 1.6 CD catered to drivers prioritizing fuel economy and lower running costs. It was a key part of the BK series, which was Mazda’s first attempt at a genuinely global C-segment vehicle, built on the C1 platform shared with the Ford Focus Mk2.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mazda |
| Model | 3 |
| Generation | I Sedan (BK, facelift 2006) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CD (109 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.7 kg/Hp, 85.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm, 189 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 109 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y6 |
| 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 | 18.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1270 kg (2799.87 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 540 kg (1190.5 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 413 l (14.58 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1285 l (45.38 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 | 4580 mm (180.31 in.) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1935 mm (76.18 in.) |
| Height | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm (103.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| 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 | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| 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 Mazda 3 1.6 CD is the Y6 diesel engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder unit. This engine utilized a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. A turbocharger with an intercooler was employed to boost power output, overcoming the inherent limitations of a relatively small displacement diesel. The engine produced 109 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine featured a compression ratio of 18.3:1, typical for diesel engines, and four valves per cylinder. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. While an automatic transmission was available on other Mazda 3 variants, it was not offered with the 1.6 CD engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CD variant of the Mazda 3 offered a distinctly different driving experience compared to its gasoline-powered siblings or the more powerful 2.0-liter diesel. Acceleration was modest, taking around 11.5 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The focus was on fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising rather than outright performance. The turbocharger helped to mitigate some of the engine’s lack of displacement, providing a reasonable amount of torque at lower engine speeds, making it suitable for everyday driving. The five-speed manual transmission was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the higher-output diesel, the 1.6 CD felt noticeably slower, but it offered a smoother and more refined driving experience, particularly at highway speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CD trim level typically represented the entry point into the Mazda 3 sedan range. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Safety features such as ABS and front airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered additional features like alloy wheels, a more sophisticated audio system, climate control, and fog lights. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The dashboard layout was straightforward and user-friendly, prioritizing practicality over luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Mazda 3 BK featured an independent suspension system at all four wheels. The front suspension utilized a McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employed a multi-link setup with a stabilizer bar. This configuration provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The chassis was designed to be lightweight and rigid, contributing to the car’s overall handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mazda 3 1.6 CD was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option in the compact sedan segment. It was praised for its comfortable ride, decent handling, and relatively low running costs. However, some critics noted its lack of outright performance compared to its rivals. Compared to other trims in the Mazda 3 lineup, the 1.6 CD offered the best fuel economy but the slowest acceleration. It was a popular choice for drivers who prioritized economy and practicality over performance.
Legacy
The Mazda 3 BK 1.6 CD has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The Y6 diesel engine, while not known for being exceptionally powerful, is generally durable and capable of high mileage with proper maintenance. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the fuel injection system. However, these issues are typically manageable with regular servicing. Today, the 1.6 CD variant represents an affordable and economical option for buyers seeking a reliable compact sedan.
