Arriving at the end of 2009, the latest Mazda 3 is among the best cars available in its class.
Available as a five-door hatchback or four-door notchback saloon the dynamic Mazda3 is a genuine alternative to the class leading Ford Focus.
Thankfully, the design and development of the latest Mazda3 took place before the economic downturn and the results are impressive. The exterior, while not exactly stunning, has evolved from the run out model and there are new bumpers, light clusters and some panels. The most striking change is the car’s Mazda corporate face. The new smiling front end of the car is quite similar to Peugeot’s front end look. Mazda’s DNA is replicated around the car with subtle touches such as the front flared wheel arches, which are similar to the RX8’s, among others.
The car is very aerodynamic with the hatch delivering just 0.3 of drag and the saloon a mere 0.28 – brilliant performance.
Inside, Mazda continues to focus on the driver, proving itself as a kind of Japanese answer to Alfa Romeo. All the controls are well positioned and behind the wheel you feel well catered for - Mazda continues to supply full iPod connectivity to the shame of rivals. The relatively sleek appearance outside means there is not a lot of headroom compared to taller competitors but this is only a potential issue for rear passengers.
Mazda3 has a number of new options like built in Sat Nav, which despite a small screen is well positioned just below the windscreen within glancing range. RVM (rear Vehicle Monitoring) is a safety system similar to that found in newer Volvos which gives a visual and audible warning of any vehicles in the lanes beside yours that may be out of vision in the side mirrors. Flashing brake lights under heavy braking and AFL (Adaptive Font Lights) are also new to the 3.
The Mazda 3 was always a decent, fun car to drive and it is now better thanks to a stiffer body and reduced road noise in the cabin. I glad to say that my main gripe with the outgoing car has been addressed and this should help make journeys more relaxing. The gear change is better than before and sweet to use, while the lever itself is now mounted closer to the steering wheel. Also the handbrake is set higher. The potentially life saving driving safety aid DSC (a.k.a. ESP or ESC) will be standard across the range.
The entry level 1.4 litre petrol engine has been dropped and Mazda Ireland says the 1.6 litre diesel will be the big seller. The diesel unit is tried and tested, featuring in everything from Fords to Peugeot to Citorens and the latest MINI. In the Mazda3, the 1.6 diesel offers class leading emissions and fuel consumption and is really a no brainier as the model of choice.
A hot version with 260bhp is on the way as is a frugal ‘iStop’ variant that will auto stop/start in city traffic to reduce CO2 and fuel consumption. Believe it or not Mazda Europe had a record year in 2008 where it held about 2% of the market. The ‘C’ segment makes up roughly 21% of the total market of 4.2 million new cars registered in Europe in 2008 (in Ireland, the ‘C’ is 32% of the market). Mazda has shifted over 2 million Mazda3s worldwide since launch. There are no plans for a hybrid or electric versions and for now Mazda is keeping quiet about the CX3 – Nissan Qashqai rival it has in development.
‘Comfort’ & ‘Executive’ will be the specification levels with a optional ‘Sports’ styling kit available.
Michael Sheridan
