Mk3 (NC)

While the Mk1 and Mk2 share a lot of similarities the Mk3 – or NC – was an all-new car with much more modern styling and a new family of MZR engines co-developed with Ford. An extra 65mm in the wheelbase increases interior space to make the Mk3 much more comfortable for taller drivers, though the car is only 20mm longer overall. Where the Mk1 and Mk2 used double-wishbone suspension all round the Mk3 adopted a new multi-link set-up at the back, while the engine was moved back in the chassis and the centre of gravity lowered for improved weight distribution. Body stiffness was increased by 47 per cent, weight gains mitigated by the adoption of aluminium suspension parts and an obsessional ‘gram strategy’ removing excess material from all over the car – even from the rear-view mirror!

The all-aluminium, chain cam engine was available as a 1.8 with 126ps or a 2.0 with 160ps driving through a five-speed manual gearbox as standard and fitted with a limited-slip diff on 2.0-litre models. To that the 2.0i added 17-inch wheels, Bilstein dampers, an under-bonnet strut brace and – most significantly – a six-speed manual gearbox. Stability control and side airbags were among the improved safety equipment included on all models.

One of the biggest innovations for the Mk3 was the introduction of the folding hardtop ‘Roadster Coupe’ or RC version in 2006. Impressively this adds just 37kg to the weight of the car and retains the same silhouette as the conventional soft-top but is much more refined with the roof up and more appealing to use all year round. With one simple latch and a power-folding mechanism it stows in just 12 seconds without any impact on boot space.

Once again limited editions were offered in all markets, the Mk3 launching with the 3rd Generation Limited – the second global special edition Mazda offered and limited to just 3,500 examples worldwide, of which 300 were allocated to the UK. It included Velocity Red Mica paint, various chrome trim elements inside and out, different wheels and a numbered plaque by the gear lever. Further special editions followed such as the Z-Sport and Icon in 2007, and the Niseko in 2008.