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Mazda 3: BL, BM and BP generations, engines and trims
The Mazda 3 is a compact class hatchback and sedan, praised for its expressive design, enjoyable driving experience, and reliable petrol engines. We look at how the Mazda 3 generations differ, which engines are worth choosing, how the trims vary, and what to check when buying used.
Mazda 3 in brief
The Mazda 3 has been in production since 2003 and has four generations: BK (2003–2009), BL (2009–2013), BM (2013–2019) and BP (from 2019). All come in hatchback and sedan body styles. It competes with the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and other popular compact cars.
The Mazda 3 appeals to those who value driving enjoyment and reliable naturally aspirated petrol engines. On the used market, it often undercuts similarly aged German rivals, with the BM generation being the most commonly encountered.
Which generation to choose
The BK and BL generations are now quite old, and their Achilles heel is corrosion, especially in the wheel arches and sills. Such a car is only worth buying after a thorough inspection of the body and underbody.
The BM generation (2013–2019) is the most popular on the used market. It was built using SkyActiv technologies: a lighter body, economical engines and 'Kodo' design language. The interior gained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a screen, and higher trims got a heads-up display. The 2016 facelift made the cars quieter and added the G-Vectoring Control system, improving cornering.
BP generation (from 2019) — more luxurious, quieter and with even more striking design. Its interior is high-quality, but there's not much space in the rear seats or boot, and the rear visibility of the hatchback is limited due to the wide rear pillars.
Engines and gearboxes
In the BM generation, petrol engines are the 1.5 SkyActiv-G (around 100 hp) and 2.0 SkyActiv-G (around 120 or 165 hp), diesels are the 2.2 SkyActiv-D (around 150 hp), and from 2016 — the 1.5 SkyActiv-D (around 105 hp). The petrol engines are naturally aspirated, without a turbo, so they're simple and reliable.
In the BP generation, the main engine is the 2.0 e-SkyActiv G with a mild hybrid system (around 122 or 150 hp). There was also the 2.0 SkyActiv-X (around 180–186 hp) — a petrol engine whose operation partly resembles a diesel, and in the early years, the 1.8 SkyActiv-D diesel (around 116 hp). Later, a 2.5 petrol engine also appeared in Europe.
Gearboxes — 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic SkyActiv-Drive with a torque converter, which shifts smoothly and is considered reliable. In some markets, the BP generation with the SkyActiv-X engine was available with all-wheel drive.
What to check when buying a used Mazda 3
Corrosion — an Achilles heel of older Mazdas. In the BK and BL generations, check the wheel arches, sills, and underbody; in the BM and BP generations, rust is less common, but it's still worth checking the underside and paint chips from stones.
Short journeys are bad for SkyActiv-D diesels: they lead to endless DPF regenerations, allowing fuel to enter the oil, raising its level. Check the oil level. Older 1.6 and 2.2 diesels have more known issues, so for most buyers, it's safer to choose a petrol engine.
BM check the Mazda Connect screen and steering wheel controls — sometimes the touchscreen 'presses' buttons on its own. For all cars, check the ride according to service records, and the body for painted parts and uneven gaps.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year. Many Mazda 3s in Lithuania were imported from Germany, so German trim names are common; British cars might have SE, SE-L, Sport Nav, or GT Sport.
Prime-Line
BM and BP generationsBase trim — simple and the cheapest.
- Air conditioning
- Simpler infotainment system
- Often smaller alloy wheels
Center-Line
BM generationThe most popular choice — a good balance of price and equipment.
- Light-alloy wheels
- Often — automatic climate control
- Often — Mazda Connect with touchscreen
Exclusive-Line
BM and BP generationsMore comfort and safety systems.
- Often — navigation and parking sensors
- Often — projection screen
- Often — heated seats
Sports-Line
BM generationThe top-of-the-range BMW generation with all the bells and whistles.
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Often — LED headlights and Bose sound system
- Often — leather seats
Selection
BP generationA higher-spec BP generation, often bolstered by equipment packs.
- LED headlights
- Often — rear-view camera and keyless entry
- Often — Bose sound system and leather seats
Comparison of BMW generation trims
| Prime-Line | Center-Line | Exclusive-Line | Sports-Line | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who's it for? | For the tightest of budgets | Everyday driving | Comfort and safety | Fully loaded |
| Wheels (most common) | 16-inch | 16-inch | 16–18-inch | 18-inch |
| Interior | Base trim | Uplevel trim | Often — heated seats | Often leather |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget | Mid-range | Mid-range | Premium |
For most buyers, the best choice is a 2016–2019 Mazda 3 Center-Line or Exclusive-Line with the 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol engine. The Sports-Line is worth considering for the full kit, while the Prime-Line is sufficient for a tighter budget.
Pros
- Smooth, precise handling
- Reliable, naturally aspirated petrol engines
- Striking design and high-quality interior (BM and BP)
- Often cheaper than similarly aged German rivals
Cons
- Earlier generations prone to rust
- Limited rear space and small boot, especially in the BP generation
- SkyActiv-D diesels sensitive to short journeys
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda 3 generation is best to buy used?
For many buyers, the best choice is the 2016–2019 refreshed BM generation: it's modern, reliable, and cheaper than the BP generation. If the budget allows and a high-quality, quiet interior is important, opt for the BP generation.
Petrol or diesel engine?
For most buyers, the 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol engine is more suitable – it's simple, reliable, and economical. The SkyActiv-D diesel is worth considering only if you do a lot of out-of-town driving, as short city journeys can harm it.
What is the SkyActiv-X engine?
This is the BP generation's 2.0 petrol engine, which under certain conditions ignites the fuel by compressing the mixture, similar to a diesel. It's more powerful and slightly more economical than the standard 2.0 petrol engine, but typically more expensive in the used market.
Updated 2026-10-09 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
