The Mazda 3 has always been a fun to drive and dynamic car. This is a model we would buy if we were looking for a vehicle that could make us smile and offer solid and sporty handling. The car's well-developed personality is in part what has helped make the Mazda 3 a resounding commercial success since its launch in 2004.

The most significant changes are visible with the unveiling of the third generation of the Mazda 3 in 2009. At first glance, we notice the completely revamped silhouette of the 2014 Mazda 3, but these are the changes made under the hood and the body of the car that happen to be the most notable, although, let's face it, the new Mazda 3 looks great.

The new 2014 Mazda 3 adopts the Japanese manufacturer's KODO visual signature. This is the third Mazda model to display the sharp, sporty lines that characterize KODO design after the Mazda 6 and Mazda CX-5.

The renewed Mazda 3 now resembles the two previously listed models with its slender headlights, plunging domed hood and high waistline. Like previous generations of the model, the 2014 Mazda 3 is offered in sedan and Sport (hatchback) configuration. So, if you are looking for a compact car with a good cargo volume, the Mazda 3 Sport might just be the model for you with its 572-liter trunk. Once the bench is folded down, the load capacity climbs to 1,344 liters. The sedan is also successful in this respect with its 350-liter trunk.

It is therefore possible to recognize the new 2014 Mazda 3 at first glance by its new silhouette. That being said, the major changes are found on the mechanical side. The new Mazda now offers SkyActiv technology introduced in 2012 through the 3 range.

SkyActiv is not just a new engine, it is a set of improvements to the engine, chassis and transmissions that allow offer better performance while improving fuel economy. And, contrary to what some may think, this is not a hybrid technology using an electric motor.

Two SkyActiv engines are offered in the 2014 Mazda 3 catalog. The first, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, develops 155 horsepower and is found on the Mazda 3 GX and GS. A second, more powerful 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower engine powers the top-of-the-line GT model. In addition to the attractive performance offered by these two engines, the new 2014 Mazda 3 boasts significantly better fuel economy than the previous generation, as Mazda reports an average economy of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers for engine models. 2.0 liters equipped with automatic transmission, and 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers for the GT model and its more powerful engine.

The 2014 Mazda 3 has retained the road handling that popularized the previous two generations of the model, but also offers a new dynamic silhouette and above all the new SkyActiv technology which combines driving pleasure and fuel economy. The Mazda 3 has always been a very successful selling model, but with this new model Mazda can hope to reach the top of the compact car category.