Even with its cheekish grin, impeccable
drive and astounding build quality, the previous 3 barely registered a blip on
the hotly contested mid-sized sedan/ hatchback segment – in contrast, the first
generation was all the rage along with that “Zoom-Zoom” tagline when it was
first introduced with the Japanese car maker dropping the previous 323 moniker.
Mazda hopes that with the onset of the third offering, buyers would take to it
like a charm.
Bigger and more efficient in every way, the
new Mazda 3 sports a modern and chic cabin that packs an impressive list of
standard kit. The car is reminiscent of a smaller variation of the Mazda 6,
encompassing muscle car-like proportions with the Kodo design language for an
ultra sleek exterior that befits its dynamic drive and surprisingly powerful
1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. Similar to the 6, the Mazda 3’s 118bhp,
1496cc in-line 4-cylinder 16v DOHC petrol engine features SkyActiv technology
which delivers increased performance and fuel efficiency.
The
new Mazda 3 stands out from the mid-size crowd with its style and a sporty
driving experience
When it comes to car eye-candy, few
Japanese car manufacturers can match Mazda’s repertoire in this segment. The
new 3 surges past the competition when it comes to aesthetical values with its
intoxicating blend of sexy curves and bold creases – all clearly influenced by
the equally jaw-dropping Mazda 6.
But unlike the 6, the 3 is a little edgier
thanks to a low roof and an aggressively steep rising waistline. When compared
to the rest of the cars in this category, the new Mazda 3 makes them look like
tyre-mounted toasters.
Standard on the Mazda 3 are bi-xenon
headlamps with accompanying daytime LED running lights. Venturing inside, the
cabin continues to resonate with the same level of design flair, incorporating
an extremely attractive dashboard that features exquisite touches like digital
displays for the rev counter and fuel gauge.
MZD
Connect touchscreen system can also be accessed via the Commander Control knob
Build quality is top-notch with liberal
usage of soft-touch materials and precise switchgear – the metal-finished (ala
Audi) climate control knobs were a real joy to look at and operate.
Mounted at eye level on the dashboard is a
seven-inch tablet-style touchscreen, that doubles up as your infotainment unit
and navigation system which can be also be operated via a rotary controller
that’s placed on the centre stack – pretty much like BMW’s iDrive system –
accessing the various menus and sub-menus were a snap, as the layout was
intuitive and pretty much direct.
Settling into the low-slung driver’s seat,
it’s apparent that the new 3 has been developed with enthusiastic drivers in
mind. The leather clad steering wheel is properly weighted and direct; the
creamy smooth 6-speed automatic transmission is rarely ever caught in the wrong
gear at any given situation and makes quick work of any manual +/- inputs when
needed. The car’s brakes offer up a very linear and progressive action so you
won’t have to fret about having to suddenly come to a complete stop if the need
arises.
Unlike
most of its competitors, the new Mazda 3 comes standard with a sunroof across
all trims
Just how good is the Mazda 3 when it comes
to handling? Show it a little twisty back road and let it rip. The new 3’s
nimble characteristics, claw-like grip, perfectly balanced body control and
direct steering not only deliver precise turn-in but also inspires massive
confidence in the driver to push the car even further with each corner.
Singapore gets the 1.5-litre petrol variant
for the time being, which makes a respectable 118bhp and 150Nm of torque.
100km/h is attained in 11.7 seconds with a top speed of 185km/h and a fuel
rating of 17.5km/l. Now, a 1,496cc displacement NA engine might not sound
adequate, but thanks to Mazda’s SkyActiv Technology, the 4-potter is well
complimented by the 6-speed automatic transmission; accelerating and piling on
the revs with gusto – seldom running out of breath, making short-work of
overtaking manoeuvres even while cruising at highway speeds.
The
engine pulls well from low revs and gathers pace with just enough enthusiasm to
pass muster for everyday driving
Working the rev-happy engine hard
thankfully doesn’t come at the expense of refinement. At idle, the car is dead
silent, wind/engine noise is barely audible at speed whilst the suspension will
easily soak up most bumps and yet still maintain a respectable level of body
control that would have left most mid-sized sedans rocking like boats. Sound
insulation within the Mazda 3’s cabin is easily one of the best I’ve
experienced.
Even with its rakish exterior, I was
surprised that the rear bench provided more than ample head, shoulder and
legroom. However, I would have preferred if Mazda could have increased the size
of the rear windows slightly (as they appear to be a tad too small), giving
rear occupants a better view of the outside world as you zoom by.
Just
like the Bi-Xenon headlights in front, the lovely LED taillights help to
enhance the sporty flavour
Boot space ranks up there with 414-litres,
easily swallowing multiple golf bags if need be. Elsewhere, there are a tonne
of storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin, including deep door bins, a
large air-conditioned glovebox, a deep, lidded cubby between the front seats
and an array of cup-holders.
Mazda has constantly rebuked industry
trends much to positive feedback. In the latest Mazda 3, engine capacity might
have gone down but that hasn’t stopped the Japanese car maker from releasing a
more powerful and yet more fuel economical mid-sized sedan. Combine that with
an awesome driving experience and drop-dead looks and you got yourself a clear
winner.
