The Mazda 3 II Sedan (BL) 1.6 CD, produced from 2009 to 2010, represented an entry-level diesel option within the second generation of Mazda’s globally successful compact car. Positioned as a fuel-efficient alternative to the gasoline-powered variants, the 1.6 CD aimed to appeal to European drivers seeking lower running costs. It was part of the BL series, which was Mazda’s offering in the competitive C-segment, and utilized the company’s focus on sporty handling and attractive styling. This variant offered a balance between affordability and practicality, though it occupied the lower end of the performance spectrum for the second-generation Mazda 3.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mazda |
| Model | 3 |
| Generation | II Sedan (BL) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CD (109 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 187 km/h (116.2 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 109 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y642 |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1245 kg (2744.76 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1815 kg (4001.39 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Length | 4580 mm (180.31 in.) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2002 mm (78.82 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm (103.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm (6.1 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Mazda 3 1.6 CD was the Y642 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine was a product of Mazda’s collaboration with Peugeot-Citroën, and shared similarities with PSA’s HDi engines. It featured a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler was employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine utilized a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. The 1.6 CD was paired with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, delivering power to the front wheels. The engine’s design prioritized fuel economy and low emissions, meeting Euro 4 standards at the time of its release.
Driving Characteristics
The 109 horsepower and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 1.6 CD engine provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 10.5 seconds, and top speed was limited to 116.2 mph. Compared to the higher-output 2.0-liter gasoline and diesel variants, the 1.6 CD felt noticeably slower, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the engine’s strong low-end torque made it reasonably drivable in everyday traffic. The five-speed manual transmission was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering smooth gear changes. The focus was on maximizing fuel efficiency, and the engine was happiest when driven conservatively. The gear ratios were tuned for economy rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CD trim typically represented the entry point into the Mazda 3 range. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Safety features such as ABS and front airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system, and climate control. Higher trim levels, such as the Sport or Luxury models, offered more premium features like leather upholstery, sunroofs, and upgraded audio systems, but these were not typically available with the 1.6 CD engine.
Chassis & Braking
The Mazda 3 II Sedan featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The 1.6 CD variant, being the lighter engine option, generally offered a slightly more agile feel compared to the heavier 2.0-liter models. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS was standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mazda 3 1.6 CD was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option. It was praised for its attractive styling, comfortable interior, and responsive handling. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of its larger counterparts. Compared to other diesel-powered cars in the C-segment, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 1.6 CD offered a competitive level of fuel economy and equipment. Its reliability was generally considered good, although some owners reported minor issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Legacy
The Mazda 3 II Sedan 1.6 CD has become a relatively affordable and reliable used car option. The Y642 engine, while not known for its blistering performance, has proven to be durable and long-lasting when properly maintained. Regular servicing, including oil changes and DPF maintenance, is crucial for ensuring the engine’s longevity. Today, these vehicles are often sought after by drivers looking for an economical and practical daily driver. While not a performance icon, the 1.6 CD played a significant role in establishing the Mazda 3 as a popular and well-regarded compact car.
