When the discussion about hot hatches comes up, the Mazda 3 often gets left out. Everyone loves to talk about the Focus ST/RS and GTI. The MZ3 has all the elements to make for a fun daily/weekend warrior - lightweight, I4 turbo engine, short wheel base, etc. Really, there's no reason this platform shouldn't get more love.
Psst: ready for some wheels for your MZ3?
https://www.threepiece.us/search/?Year/2020/Make/Mazda/Model/3
INTRO 0:00
BASIC FITMENT INFO 0:41
TIRE SIZING 1:51
ENKEI WHEELS ON MAZDA 3 2:12
KONIG WHEELS ON MAZDA 3 3:05
ADVAN WHEELS ON MAZDA 3 3:26
19" WHEELS ON MAZDA 3 4:40
SSR 3 PIECE WHEELS ON MAZDA 3 5:55
17 INCH WHEELS ON MAZDA 3 6:32
PERFECT FITMENT FOR YOUR MAZDA 3 7:22
The Mazda 3 uses pretty standard stuff for a JDM car - 5x114.3 lug pattern and a 67.1mm center bore. This means you have a ton of options for wheels. So, generally, what do people run?
18” is the go-to size for aftermarket wheels. This is also the largest factory size (they come with 16-18”). Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to run 18’s, 17-19” diameters suit these cars well. The caveat is that 19’s seem to look better on sedans, but this is easier to show than explain, so we’ll compare the two later.
For width and offset, anything between 8-9” with +35-45 offset will get you flush, or near-flush fitment. Like some Bimmers, the front wheels have issues clearing the struts if you size your wheels too wide, or too high of an offset (i.e. backspacing is an issue). Coilovers with long springs could reduce clearance, that is if the tire is above the spring perch.
The factory tires, especially on the 16’s and 17’s, are kinda. They’re known for having hydroplaning issues and zero grip, while also being loud and heavy. If you do nothing else, at least upgrade your tires. But, if you’re upgrading your wheels you’ll probably get new tires too. A good size is 235/40R18 or 225/45R18 - much more traction than stock, yet not too difficult to fit.
18’s and 19’s are by far the most popular sizes for aftermarket wheels, but you can definitely run 17’s if you want (don’t go any smaller though). Here is what a set of Konig Ultraform wheels with meaty tires looks like on a Mazda 3 hatch. This isn’t for everyone, but if you like the look of thicc tires, this might be for you.
The owner notes that tires one size wider, 235/50R17, will rub the lower perch of the strut when cornering. Try to stay away from the high 40’s for offset unless you’re okay with using wheel spacers.
Wrap up
If you looked through all the examples provided, which you probably didn’t (you skipped to one you liked and looked at the specs), you’ll find that people haven’t gotten too crazy with this generation of Mazda 3… at least not yet. The general consensus is that something close to 17-19x8.5 +38 will give perfectly flush fitment - even the bagged hatch on SSR’s is running these specs.
Except for a few widebody builds, no one is really pushing the boundaries. The specs we went over today will give you flush fitment, but with some camber, fender work, and stretched tires you could build something that’s a first of its kind - a stanced 4th gen.
If you got a 4th gen on some wheels, regardless of the type of fitment, feel free to add it to our vehicle gallery. A great place to show off your build or get inspiration.