Small car buyers are confronted with a massive choice as the local market is bursting with credentialed vehicles from all corners of the globe. Refinement and interior room are the standouts for the new Mazda3.
Value too gets a big tick – the Mazda3 Neo sedan we’ve just tested recently gained side and curtain airbags (giving it a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating) plus cruise control and steering wheel audio controls – previously $1,000 options – but the recommended retail price of $21,330 (manual) and $23,330 (automatic as tested) was unchanged.
What You Get
Sedan or hatchback is the first choice you need to make and while we’ve previously enjoyed the Mazda3 hatch, this was the first time we put the sedan through our normal weeklong test procedure. Open the boot of the sedan and that first question is answered – a very handy 430-litres of cargo space compared to 340-litres for the hatchback.
The Neo is the entry-level ‘3’, but – like all Mazda’s – that does not mean it skimps on standard features. For starters the 2.0-litre engine ranks ahead of the 1.8-litre units found in rivals Nissan Tiida and Toyota Corolla (but doesn’t quite match the 2.0-litre engine in Mitsubishi’s Lancer).
Where the Mazda3 sedan (and hatch) scores very well is its excellent, contemporary and somewhat aggressive styling. Driving dynamics are also winners for Mazda – the ‘3’ is responsive and quite sporty when the road gets curvy.
Under The Hood
While Mazda’s MZR DOHC 16-valve 2.0-litre petrol engine is carried-over from the previous generation ‘3’, improved cool air induction and revised throttle mapping deliver quicker throttle response and reduced fuel consumption.
Maximum power is 108kW at 6,500rpm and peak torque is 182Nm at 4,500 rpm. That’s amongst the best in the segment but doesn’t quite match the 2.0-litre Mitsubishi Lancer with 113kW/198Nm.
Our test Neo sedan was fitted with the five-speed Activematic automatic transmission - its fuel consumption (combined cycle) rated at 8.2l/100kms and C02 emissions measured 193g/km – both improvements on the previous Mazda3.
Mazda is particularly proud of its world-first single nanotechnology catalyst fitted to the new ‘3’ range. It contains up to 70 per cent less precious metals than other exhaust catalysts – meaning it uses less natural resources and is cheaper to manufacture.
The Interior
Typically Mazda, the ‘3’ exudes a quality feel from the moment you step inside – it’s a combination of nice trim materials and comfortable seats which have 20mm larger cushions and 35mm larger backs.
In front of the driver are two conventional gauges in a stylish binnacle and a bar graph for the fuel level. The compact, sporty three-spoke steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach for a good driving position and contains cruise/audio.
To the left, mounted high, is Mazda’s Multi-Information Display (MID) screen – a 3.5-inch dot matrix display (operated by steering wheel switches) which contains trip computer information, warning lights and even maintenance reminders. It’s a well thought-out system and during our week in the Neo sedan it gave us a reminder that regular service was due.
Underneath are dials for the audio and dual-zone climate control air-conditioning system. Twin cup holders and a storage box are found on the centre console behind the gear lever.
Neo scores a single CD, MP3-compatible six-speaker sound system.
The Car Showroom juniors had surprising legroom in the rear seats. With a 60/40 split-fold, the rear seat provides access to the Mazda3 sedan’s 430-litre boot.
In fact the ‘3’ easily accounted for our entire luggage on a school holiday road trip – a sure test for a small car.
Safety was ramped-up in the most recent upgrades with the Neo model gaining extra airbags – front side and front and rear curtain bags – to garner the maximum five-star ANAP safety rating.
There’s also standard Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control and ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
Exterior & Styling
Looks are a personal thing, but some have commented that the Mazda3 is the style leader of the small car segment. There’s no doubt the large front grille, aerodynamic shape and stylish front lights are a contemporary design that stands out from some mundane rivals.
And while the hatchback’s swooping curves captured admiring looks when the new ‘3’ range broke cover, Mazda’s stylists deserve praise for their stylish execution of the sedan. We reckon the raised boot and modern taillights blend well with the curved rear panels to deliver a harmonious look that is lacking in some segment rivals.
On The Road
Mazda’s extensive efforts to enhance refinement in the new ‘3’ have certainly paid dividends. From the specially-tuned exhaust tailpipe, to the radius-shaped A-pillar and even a lowered ‘parked’ position for the windscreen wipers (both measures reduce wind noise), the Mazda engineers left no stone unturned to ensure the ‘3’ delivers quiet on-road performance.
The 2.0-litre engine was a willing performer on our road trip down Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and the ratios of the five-speed automatic were nicely spaced for relaxed freeway cruising and commendable acceleration through the curves.
Chassis balance and roll control, while not as taut as the Europeans, were still high standard.
Around town, the ‘3’ provided zippy acceleration for freeway merging and the 10.9-metre turning circle - not the segment’s smallest - still provided easy parking.
Challenges
Overall the Mazda3 chassis is one of the best non-Europeans for driving dynamics, but we detected some front-end suspension harshness over Melbourne’s tram and train track crossings.
Our only other criticism came during a dark, late night return from the Great Ocean Road when we noticed the lights for the dashboard Multi-Information Display (MID) cast a slight reflection on the windscreen.
Verdict
Without doubt the Mazda3 sedan is one of the very best non-European small cars – in front for its style and driving dynamics. And while once the terms ‘Mazda’ and ‘value-for-money’ did not often align, the Japanese brand’s recent pencil sharpening has delivered the goods and the Neo sedan’s $23,330 (automatic) sticker certainly commands attention
The Competition
Most consider Volkswagen’s Jetta to be the class of the small sedan field, but the $30,990 price for the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol model is a long way north of the Mazda3 Neo.
Toyota’s Corolla Ascent Sedan ($23,740 in automatic) and Nissan’s ST Tiida sedan ($20,240 in automatic) don’t match the Mazda3’s quality feel and driving dynamics – and they’re powered by 1.8-litre engines.
Mitsubishi’s Lancer is a bit pricier at $24,490 (automatic), has a nice 2.0-litre powerplant and looks the part outside - but lacks Mazda’s interior quality and style.
Thumbs-up:
Great looker; slick driving dynamics; quality interior;
Thumbs-down:
Suspension a tad noisy over harsh bumps
