[Hands-On Review] The new Mazda 3: Brisk acceleration and superb handling
Not only has the Mazda design matured, the technology that kit these cars, are on par with what the high-class market demands.
Mazda, which has for too long been the runt of the litter – 50 years too long if you ask me – has just introduced three of its new generation products and the preview of what is to come, has been noted. This is the start of an all-out attack on the market in just about all segments. Go big or go home has just been reinvented or shall I say – reapplied! Not only has the Mazda design matured, the technology that kit these cars, are on par with what the high-class market demands.
There is also a serious cat among the pigeon element: a three-year unlimited warranty topped with a three-year unlimited kilometre service plan. This is intimidating stuff don’t you think? My dad used to say: a Mercedes is a poor man’s car. I recall people also referring to Mazda as the poor man’s BMW – remember?
Yes, we all remember those high revving, screaming Mazda Rotaries – today highly sought-after – and we loved them to bits. Can Mazda rekindle that spirit and excitement? They believe they can and, after driving the new Mazda 3 for a weekend, I am willing to bet my bottom dollar on that.
Says Mazda MD MSA David Hughes: “It will take some time to rebuild the brand and restore resale values, but strong relationships with dealers, suppliers and customers, will eventually get us there.” Hughes believes the introduction of SKIACTIV technology and the MazdaCare programme will help to convince customers to commit to making Mazda their brand of choice.
The Mazda 3 was launched in 2003 and remained a favourite among many customers. The new model does exceed expectations and synchronises well with Mazda calling it a sport compact. The exterior design has matured from that of its predecessor in that it is more fluid and I agree with Mazda, soulfully. It oozes sleek elegance and despite the front end with it’s large grill and cat-like headlight clusters being in your face, it does not confront one with an aggressive bold energy – it does, however, force you to look twice – for sure!
The style lines along the sides define the low stance of the new Mazda 3 and with the short overhang at the rear – wheels in the corners – it does raise a sporty expectation. The rear end is particularly attractive – again enhanced by strong lines and that little boot spoiler. As I said – a very sleek design.
I drove the range topping 2.0-litre DOHC S-VT Individual with SKYACTIV-G and i-stop. The engine produces 121kW@6000r/min and 210Nm@400r/min and is linked to a very smooth six-speed auto box. Mazda suggests a fuel index of 5,8L/100km but the best I could manage was 7,4 and I did not force-feed or strangle the Mazda at any given time. But then, it has not even done a 100km.
The interior of the Mazda 3 is exceptionally comfortable and stylish and finding the sweet spot in terms of my driver position, was a breeze. The steering offers both height and length adjustment. The only thing which initially bothered a tad, was the position of the side-view mirrors – I would prefer them to be somewhat forward but moving my seat backwards kind of resolved that visibility issue. The fascia with its soft-touch surfaces is subdued and elegant and it perfectly suits the car’s energy and persona.
It also boasts a pop-up Active Driving Display on top of the instrument cluster that allows one to focus on the road without needing to check the speedometer. There is also a large touch screen on the centre console as well as a rotary command dial next to the driver perfectly located for left-hand operation. This allows one to make selections, in terms of your media, without taking your eyes off the road. If you have connected your phone to the system via Bluetooth, you can check emails and have text read out to you.
Legroom in the rear is good and although the luggage space is not overly exciting in terms of its size, it will prove adequate for most.
The Mazda 3 offers an excellent and confident driving experience – not unlike the last BMW I drove – absolutely! It offers brisk acceleration – not adrenaline generating though but it sits firm and confident through challenging corners. It offers a well-balanced, excellent in design car which I believe, will attract many luxury brand buyers. Go check it out – it deserves your attention.
