The Mazda 3 II Sedan, specifically the 2.5-liter (167 hp) variant with an automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration of Mazda’s popular compact car. Produced from 2011 to 2013 as part of the BL facelift generation, this model aimed to balance performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality within the North American market. It occupied a mid-range position in the Mazda 3 lineup, offering a step up in power and refinement compared to the base 2.0-liter engine while remaining more accessible than the performance-oriented Mazdaspeed3. This version was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable and capable daily driver with a touch of sporty character.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mazda |
| Model | 3 |
| Generation | II Sedan (BL, facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 (167 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | LEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 167 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 228 Nm @ 4000 rpm (168.16 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | L5-VE |
| Engine displacement | 2489 cm3 (151.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1404 kg (3095.29 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 335 l (11.83 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4595 mm (180.91 in.) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 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) | 119 mm (4.69 in.) |
| 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, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 300 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 280 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Mazda 3 variant lies the L5-VE 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated powerplant featuring multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT). The L5-VE was designed to offer a balance of power and efficiency, utilizing a 9.7:1 compression ratio to optimize combustion. The engine’s construction incorporates an aluminum cylinder head and block, contributing to weight reduction. Paired with the engine is a five-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was chosen for its smooth operation and ease of use, catering to drivers prioritizing comfort over outright performance. While not offering the quickest shifts, it provided adequate responsiveness for everyday driving situations.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission combination delivered a comfortable and predictable driving experience. With 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque, acceleration was adequate for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles, though not particularly brisk. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and smooth cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission version of the same engine, the automatic offered slightly reduced responsiveness. Against the higher-output Mazdaspeed3, the 2.5L automatic was significantly less powerful, but also more refined and fuel-efficient. The suspension tuning provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling, making it suitable for daily commutes and longer road trips.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5-liter automatic Mazda 3 typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player with auxiliary input, and basic cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the “Grand Touring” offered options like leather upholstery, a sunroof, a premium sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a suite of airbags. The interior design was functional and modern for its time, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use. The dashboard layout was straightforward, and the controls were logically placed.
Chassis & Braking
The Mazda 3 II Sedan utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The chassis was designed to be rigid and lightweight, contributing to the car’s overall handling balance. Stabilizer bars were included both front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.5-liter automatic Mazda 3 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and good fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could feel somewhat sluggish compared to the manual version. In terms of fuel economy, the 2.5-liter automatic achieved around 25.6 mpg in the city and 34.6 mpg on the highway, which was competitive for its class. Compared to the 2.0-liter base engine, the 2.5-liter offered a noticeable improvement in performance. Reliability was generally good, with few major issues reported.
Legacy
The Mazda 3 II Sedan 2.5-liter automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The L5-VE engine is known for its longevity, and the automatic transmission, while not the most exciting, is generally dependable. These cars are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and practical compact sedan with a reputation for quality. While not a collector’s item, the 2.5-liter automatic Mazda 3 remains a popular choice for those seeking a well-rounded and dependable vehicle.
