Mazda 3 Sport Sedan was launched about a year back with 2 engine variants – the 1.6 litre and the 2.0 litre. The first quater of the year, Bermaz brought in the Mazda 3 Sport hatchback in only 2.0 litre form. We got some news from our internal source Bermaz or Mazda Malaysia will be bringing in the Mazda 3 1.6 Sport Hatchback.

The photo above is a Mazda 3 2010 hatchback with a difference bumper and headlights as we previously report the Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 hatchback here. Malaysian likely seeing their Mazda 3 Sport 1.6 hatchback to look like this. The Mazda 3 Sport 1.6 hatchback is expected to be in our shores in August or September this year.

The Mazda 3 1.6 Sport hatchback front is expected to look the same with the Mazda 3 Sport 1.6 Sedan. Lacking of foglights, a different bumper compare to the Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 and a different headlights. We would expect there won’t be HID lights too.

Click here to read more details on Mazda 3 1.6 Sport Hatchback

Mazda announced a recall of the Mazda3 / Mazda Axela in its European and Asian markets. The recall is for the oil cooler hose which is located near the radiator shroud. Extended driving on bumpy roads may cause this hose to rub against the radiator’s protective panel. This can cause oil to leak if the hose is worn down. Worst case scenario, Mazda says, is that the car will simply be unable to start. However the new Mazda 3 Sport is not affected in Malaysia as stated from Bermaz – Read On.

Symptoms of the Oil Cooler Hose Leaking

- “Check Engine” light up on the instrument cluster will appear.

- There will be signs of oil leakages where the vehicle is left stationary.

- If the oil leak had occurred when the engine is in off position, the engine will disable itself from starting.

- If the leak occurs when the car on the move, the car will switch to “Safety Mode”, allowing the car to only drive slowly on a single gear.

The authorized distributor of Mazda in Malaysia – Bermaz Motor announced in a statement that the recall only affects units manufactured between January 2006 and March 2009. This means, only the Mazda3 from previous generation is affected and not the latest Mazda 3 Sport that launched in Malaysia back in June 2009.

However other countries such as the United States, both version are affected. Thus, we advice the older and new Mazda 3 owners to be alert of the symptoms, if there’s any similar case please bring back to your service center.

Bermaz have been instructed to do a precautionary check on these cars. The cars involved are Mazda3/ Mazda Axela (previous model) manufactured from January 2006 until March 2009 and the current (new) Mazda3 Sport has no such issue.

If you think your car under recall or might be under recall? Mazda3 owners can contact the Bermaz Hotline at 1-800-22-8080 or send an e-mail to mazda3.enquiry@mazda.com.my.

For those who you do not know what’s Fifth Gear is – Fifth Gear is a motoring television magazine from the United Kingdom. Just like Top Gear. However instead of more exciting act and funny way of presenting their automotive materials. Fifth Gear is actually a more infomative motoring television guide show. Last week, Fifth Gear review the latest Mazda 3. They gave the little 1.6 litre Mazda 3 a “8/10″ score. For those who are considering to buy Mazda 3. The following youtube video might actually help you.