The Mazda MX-3 is a four-seat hatchback coupé first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991.[1] The MX-3 was marketed as the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada, the Eunos 30X in Australia, and as the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3 and Mazda AZ-3 in Japan.The MX-3 is quite popular for modification because of the range of performance engines which can be transplanted, such as the KL-ZE.

The MX-3 was notable for having one of the lowest displacement V6 engines ever fitted to a production vehicle with its 1.8 L V6.

History
First introduced at Geneva in March 1991, production continued to 1998. The MX-3's platform is called the EC platform, and shares much with the BG platform of the contemporary Familia/323/Protegé. The first model year available for most markets, including North America where it went on sale in September 1991, was 1992. Originally available with a single-cam 1.6-liter inline-four or the twin-cam V6, a few more engines were available as development continued. In the summer of 1991 the Autozam AZ-3 was added to the Japanese market lineup.[1] "Autozam" was meant to be Mazda's more youthful brand, so it combined a somewhat lower price with a sportier (but smaller) twin-cam four of 1.5 liters.

In January 1994 a DOHC version of the familiar B6 engine, the B6D, replaced the previous version.[1] This provided a useful power increase but conversely also made the considerably more expensive V6 version less desirable. Sales of the V6 in the North American market came to an end after the 1994 model year, although they continued in Japan and many other export markets. While called K8-DE in North American specs, Japanese and other markets received an engine called the K8-ZE. Aside from emissions equipment and varying power claims due to myriad ratings methods, the differences are negligible.

Performance
The V6 MX-3 had a factory claimed top speed of 202 km/h (126 mph) (in European trim).[2] The US-spec MX-3 GS could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.4 seconds, and could travel a quarter mile in 16.4 seconds. With a turning rate of 0.89 g (8.7 m/s²), its handling capabilities were among the best in its class.

The V6 engine was impressive for the time, belonging to the Mazda K-series, which were used in a range of Mazda vehicles. These engines were designed to be smooth and hold a high torque across the RPM range. These engines used a variable length intake manifold (VLIM), in order to provide optimal torque using intake resonance. Mazda called their system on the MX-3 the "Variable Resonance Induction System" (VRIS). This engine had a 7,000 rpm redline, and a 7,800 rpm fuel cutoff. It has been rumored that Porsche designers assisted in the creation of the K series engine.[citation needed]

For the rear suspension of the MX-3, Mazda used its proprietary Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) technology. TTL is designed to provide a smooth ride while delivering responsive handling and minimizing body lean. It achieves this by passively allowing the rear wheels to turn slightly to more closely approach their optimal angle during steering maneuvers. In this way, TTL delivers some of the benefits associated with active four-wheel steering systems while being lighter and mechanically less complicated than such systems. TTL has been used on a range of other Mazda vehicles before and since the MX-3.