MAZDA car paint

The evolution of automotive design, mechanics or aesthetics has followed a logical and continuous path over recent decades - and the same is true for the colour codes of Asian cars, particularly the Mazda colour codes, which have developed into increasingly beautiful, rich and innovative shades. This is especially true of the latest Mazda colour codes, which feature truly phenomenal finishes...

For MAZDA vehicles, there is no exception to the rule regarding the classification of automotive paint. We are referring here to the registration of the precise formula for a colour assigned to a MAZDA vehicle: each model, each year, and each manufacturer in every country is classified under this colour code system.

Where did this system come from, and why was it created ?
To avoid confusion or errors at any point in the supply chain - from the manufacturer in the factory to the end user - a kind of dual indentification system was designed. This is particularly useful when the same paint reference is used by two different car brands. The second layer of identification is called the colour name.

Today, the world of car paint is broadly divided into three levels:

Manufacturer paintwork - this is the largest sector in terms of consumption. It includes the creation and design of colours by automotive stylists, and the application of paintwork to body panels by robots in the factory.

MAZDA car colour codes

Bodywork professionals - these are the intermediate players: the repair painters. They operate outside industrial sites (as per the legal term) and handle most of the touch-up work following collisions. Rarely do they carry full resprays. They typically use very small quantities of paint (500ml to 1L) - far from the hundreds of tonnes used by manufacturers.

The general public - These are individuals with no professional equipments or training, who follow instructions or tutorials and attempt their paintwork with aerosols, or with a small compressor and spray gun in their garage.
A frequent question we receive from customers purchasing Mazda paint : is it really possible to achieve a professional-quality result from your garage, with a bit of dust and no specialised equipment ?

Well, the answer is YES - provided you have the correct Mazda colour and you're working on small to medium surfaces like a wing or even a full bonnet. With aerosols, an excellent result is perfectly achievable.

The same goes to the Topcoat (clearcoat): nowadays, aerosols with integrated hardener are available and produce high-gloss, professional quality finishes.

So what happens if a bit of dust gets stuck in the Topcoat? The solution is very simple, accessible to all: polishing. This process eliminates all minor imperfections - dust, grains, micro-defects - by smoothing the surface.

The history of the manufacturer MAZDA

Mazda is one of the world's largest carmakers, producing nearly one million vehicles annually.
The brand was founded in 1920 in Japan, originally under the name Toyo Kogyo. The name Mazda only appeared in 1984.

Initially, the company manufactured machine parts, then converted to weapon and metal equipment production during World War II. It was until the 1960s that Mazda truly entered the automobile industry, thanks to a partnership with a German  manufacturer.

The brand quickly gained success with its efficient engines and strategic partnerships, turning potential competitors into collaborators. In 1979, following financial challenges, Mazda was acquired 25% by Ford, and began developing more fuel-efficient engines. The partnership proved fruitful and Mazda achieved excellent sales across the globe -  particularly in the United States.

Where to find the colour code of your MAZDA car ?

For MAZDA vehicles, the VIN plate with the colour code can be found in four possible locations:
- Inside the boot lid.

- Inside the engine bay

- On the right-end front door pillar (passenger side).

- On the front tow hook cover.

You can refer to the images below to locate the exact placement.
The colour code always consists of three characters (letters or numbers).

Example : 40F - BURGUNDY RED – MAZDA - 2010 - 2015

The iconic colours of MAZDA vehicles

Unlike certains Italian manufacturers known for their famous reds, or motorcycle brands with iconic greens, Mazda has never focused on establishing emblematic colours. The brand prefers simplicity and elegance, offering shades appreciated by a broad market.
Across most continents, customer preferences are similar: white, black and metallic aluminium-based shades remain popular. These are neutral, economical and discreet.

Here are a few red shades used on Mazda vehicles :

Colour code             Colour Name
ART                           VIN RED
A1Q                           ART VIN RED 2
15Y                            AUTUMN RED
Z9T                            BRIGHT RED 2

Mazda has also recently launched an impressive new red, reminiscent of Candy finishes, offering extraordinary luminosity and depth.

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