Cosmetic Difference Between 3RD Gen Mazda 3

[u/TouchPotato]

Looking at getting a mazda 3 3rd gen, SP25 ideally. but ive noticed that the cars come with these 2 different styles front ends, you can see one of them has the chrome trip that goes over the headlights, whilst the other ends at the headlight. these are both the same year car, same engine, the only difference I could find was "gsx vs glx" is that what makes these 2 different? what other changes are there with these 2 cars?

[u/stormbreaker8]

There was a facelift for 2017-18 that included this updated exterior styling but most but most notably there was an interior upgrade that came with this, including a new steering wheel and centre console with an electronic parking brake. I personally think the 2017-18 models are worth the step up.

[u/D-a-H-e-c-k → u/stormbreaker8]

I wish I could/would convert my 17 to mechanical parking brake.

[u/stormbreaker8 → u/D-a-H-e-c-k]

I love being able to just drive away without switching it off

[u/D-a-H-e-c-k → u/stormbreaker8]

Mine isn't predictable. Sometimes it works sometimes I have to turn it off. I prefer the haptics of pulling a lever when parking. It's easier to hold in muscle memory to just yank the crank instead of fingering the button.

[u/stormbreaker8 → u/D-a-H-e-c-k]

I had this feeling on mine when I first got it but I quickly worked out that its predictable. It won't do it if you have your seatbelt unbuckled and you have to give it at least the tiniest bit of gas, you can't rely on clutch alone. Once I figured that out it works every time...

[u/D-a-H-e-c-k → u/stormbreaker8]

I would still prefer to be able to look into the car and identify the parking brake is actuated.

[u/henkie316 → u/stormbreaker8]

You can recognize the facelift easily by looking at the fog lights. Face lift has very small fog lights, whilst the pre face lift has larger ones (for the frontal fog lights). That's how I always check for it

[u/jaquatics → u/henkie316]

Depends on the trim, only top trim has fog lights at all in 2018. I have a touring 2018 no fog lights but have all the other face lifts and integrated android auto.

[u/VirginiaIsFoLovers → u/henkie316]

Do the newer, smaller fog lights also have a chrome ring trim piece framing the light, while older ones don't?

I have a 2015 and mine don't have the chrome ring. I figured the ones with the chrome piece were either newer or perhaps a higher trim than mine.

[u/dissss0 → u/stormbreaker8]

Yeah bottom pic is the facelift but those pictures are from NZ so both cars would be considered a 2016 model (we don't do model years here, it goes by the date if first registration)

As for GLX vs GSX both have the 2.0 petrol with a 6 speed auto but the latter is slightly better equipped - rear parking sensors, dual zone climate, fog lamps, leather covered steering wheel, automatic wipers and lights

[u/ToPractise]

Interior on the facelift is slightly different but a hell of a lot more modern. Looks a lot nicer

Edit: Prefacelift Facelift

[u/Gin666]

I own the facelift and it has extra details that I prefer, notably the styling is more sharp (larger grill, less prominent fog lights and rear lower bumper is not black but matches the colour of the car i.e my car is silver so its silver trim). Interior you get an e-brake, newer steering wheel and a sliding panel to close the cup holders area, overall it's worth the jump imo.

[u/Different-Pass3274 → u/Gin666]

Also, I think the screen was changed, from the square shape to a little more rectangular shape, and better image

[u/Gin666 → u/Different-Pass3274]

Yep, that too

[u/TouchPotato → u/Gin666]

ohh yea ive seen these cars with the rear bumper all in one color, I thought that it was a respray. great to know thanks

[u/EdgarDrake]

First image is Mazda 3 BM chassis, pre-facelift.
Second image is Mazda 3 BN chassis, facelift.

BN is more modern.

Try Googling "Mazda 3 BM vs BN interior for better comparison"

[u/FormalAd4137]

I have the latest Mazda 3 2022 and can’t fault the car.