First Generation BK 2003-2008

When the Mazda3 hit the Australian shores, it was a breath of fresh air design-wise, in both external styling and internal trim. The BK Mazda3 replaced the outdated and somewhat boring 323 in January 2004 but maintained some of the core Mazda ethos of being practical, affordable, and well built. But now there was more, not only did it look good it was sporty, fun-to-drive and had character. The Mazda 3 came in a choice of hatch and sedan and was powered by 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines mated to a front wheel drive manual or automatic gearbox.

The original Mazda3 was based on the common Ford Focus C1 platform and came in several models starting at the $21,000 mark with the base Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport and the sporty SP23. All the models enjoyed the modern perks of 6 airbags, remote central locking, four or six speaker sound system and climate control. The Maxx Sport featured cosmetic styling that including a body kit, front fog lamps and larger alloy wheels.

Leading the new performance slant for Mazda was the 2.3L naturally aspirated SP23 which made 115kW and 203Nm and was priced from $29,600. It offered even more refinement with upgraded wheels and body kit, Dynamic Stability Control & Traction Control System. Inside, the SP23 was fitted with high quality seats and door cloth trim courtesy of its big brother the MPS. Mazda pulled out all the stops and released the Mazda3 MPS, a 2.3L DISI MZR Turbo engine making 190kW and 380 Nm of power. This menacing hatch featured pumped guards, aero kit, sports suspension, 18-inch wheels wrapped in grippy Bridgestone tyres and a Recaro interior with BOSE sound system.



Second Generation BL 2010-2013

Mazda took the strengths of the initial BK 3’s build quality and driver appeal and then added some refinements; larger engine capacities and a new styling package for the front and rear of the car, without straying too far from the winning formula. The result was a great small hatchback/sedan that now was a real alternative to popular rivals.

Again we see the model line up catering for all budgets with the Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport and a revised SP25 which now featured a 2.5 petrol engine making 122kW and 228Nm of torque. The range still featured a mostly Petrol engine line up with a diesel variant and choice of front wheel drive manual or auto gearbox. What was new is the introduction of the SP20 Skyactiv and SP20 Skyactiv Luxury into the 3 range. This new engine technology was designed to improve fuel efficiency and the SP20 was just an entree. The two-litre four-cylinder packs a higher compression ratio, 16 variably-timed intake valves, double overhead cams and direct-injection, as well as the i-stop fuel-saver system. This new direction in Mazda engine tech and fuel efficiency signalled the death of the 2.3L DISI MZR Turbo powered MPS sadly when only in its second generation.



Third Generation BM BN – 2013- 2019

The third generation Mazda3 was revealed in Australia mid-June 2013 and it now sat atop the new Skyactiv chassis which was available in hatch and sedan and no longer shared the Ford platform. It was the third vehicle to sport Mazda's 'KODO, Soul of Motion' design language, after the CX-5 and the Mazda6. The Mazda3 was without doubt the brands most important new vehicle launch into Australia with over 10 percent of all the 3.8 million Mazda3’s built worldwide sold into our local market.

Despite the model change Mazda maintained a similar line up within the range, offering various trim specifications with the Neo, Maxx, Touring and the more upmarket models of SP25, SP25 GT and Astina. The 3’s Petrol engine choice has been limited down to a 2.0-litre petrol engine making 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, and a new 2.5-litre petrol unit producing 138kW, and 250 Nm. Mazda’s Skyactiv engines now use about 30 per cent less fuel than the units they replaced. The XD Astina Diesel model made a healthy 129kW of power and punched out 420Nm of torque but it was also very expensive compared to Petrol models in the line-up. Transmissions are also an area of improvement with a slick shifting six-speed manual and six-speed automatic, which also claims fuel efficacy improvements.



Fourth Generation BP- 2019 onwards

The current generation Mazda3 comes out again in hatch and small sedan and both have an improved KODO Design language from the engineers at Mazda cutting a refind look for this top selling model. The old base Neo, Neo Sport and Maxx Sport grades are gone, replaced by the G20 Pure and G20 Evolve in the Mazda3 line up. The company has maintained its premium models with the SP25, G25 GT's and in the case of the G25 Atenza, it’s a proper small luxury car. The engine range has been simplified to the 2.5L and 2.0L Petrol engines still in service with the new SKyActiv-X out later in 2019 with 6 speed manual and automatic still on offer.


The braking system for the Mazda3 has evolved over the generations and actually started out with a complex selection of front and rear braking callipers and pads in the BK series. Again Mazda went on to simplify its brake package and streamline the models.


First Generation BK 2003-2008

Front brake pads:
  • DB1679 GCT Front brake pads available in General CT from Bendix
  • DB2176 GCT Front brake pads available in General CT from Bendix


Rear brake pads:
  • DB1665 GCT Rear brake pads available in General CT from Bendix
  • DB 1763 GCT Rear brake pads available in General CT from Bendix


Second Generation BL 2010-2013

Front brake pads:
  • DB1679 GCT Front brake pads available in General CT from Bendix
  • DB2176 GCT Front brake pads available in General CT from Bendix


Rear brake pads:
  • DB 1763 GCT Rear brake pads available in General CT from Bendix


Third and Fourth Generation BM BN – 2013- 2019

Front brake pads:
  • DB2330 GCT Front brake pads available in General CT from Bendix


Rear brake pads:
  • DB2331 GCT Rear brake pads available in General CT from Bendix


About Bendix General CT Brake Pads:

The General CT is the Bendix’s brake pad for everyday driving. Designed to eliminate brake dust and noise, the General CT brake pads suit the commuter who needs quieter, cleaner and more consistent performance for everyday driving. Our Patented STEALTH Advanced Technology reduces noise and vibration by using diamond-shaped pads. Bendix General CT also features a Blue Titanium Stripe for instant friction without the need for bedding in.

For more information please view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBkKsCDxTQs


Find out more about the General CT HERE.

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