This is the drive I’ve been waiting for; Mazda’s small car sedan – the not-quite lone voice in the wilderness of hatchbacks and more than a point of difference for Mazda for all that.
The Mazda3 is something of a critical car for Mazda. The latest incarnation of the Mazda3 is presented in two body-styles, the hatch and this – my personal favourite – the sedan.
Some might be questioning the wisdom of introducing a sedan into the market at this time when the hatch is clearly king, and it’s a small sedan at that.
Well, technically it’s a small sedan. Parked alongside a generation 1 Mazda6, the cars are physically the same size, despite the Mazda6 being heralded as a medium-sized sedan.
This doesn’t answer the first question of why introduce a sedan into a hatchback dominated market?
The reasons are probably more complex than I’ve come up with, but I’m going with partially because Mazda can, partially because it creates a point of difference for the model – and that goes a long way to attracting the attention of potential buyers.
The Mazda3 is also the brand’s first real foray into the premium sector at an entry level.
Massive attention to detail, prime component development based on years of valuable partnerships, a fresh and innovative look at interior and exterior design with a focus on the ‘less is more’ paradigm and of course, the integrated technological/mechanical advancements, in the form of Skyactiv body, engine, transmission combination and implementation.
All of which neatly summarises the essence of the Mazda3, even if it doesn’t really cover the highlights of sublime handling, achieved by integrating every aspect of the suspension – including the tyres – to deliver the ride quality; the acoustic brilliance achieved through extensive sound deadening measures, which extend to the skeletal frame of the car and understated – but no less tangible – levels of luxury found on every tactile surface.
The Mazda3 sedan integrates advanced i-ACTIVSENSE features including Smart Brake support in addition to the ABS brakes, nine airbags, blind spot monitoring, forward obstruction warning, dynamic stability control and other five-star ANCAP essentials.
This being a GTX model – the mid-range between the GSX and the Limited – it runs a 2.5-litre engine with Mazda’s i-stop fuel saving system, enhanced with cylinder deactivation to deliver a factory fuel figure of 6.5 litres per 100km, combined cycle.
Unusually, I found myself to be unencumbered with the concerns of fuel efficiency in this instance because the immense level of satisfaction which results from the drive experience of the all-new Mazda3 is such, that technical details become all but inconsequential.
I will state, for the record, that space in the sedan appears to be superior to that of the hatch and that includes boot space.
Also, the sedan feels supremely confident on the road and, despite the turning circle of the hatch and sedan being identical, the sedan seems more responsive and precise.
Certainly, the sedan’s handling lends itself to late apex cornering techniques, bringing to mind the phrase Zoom Zoom – a Mazda philosophy exemplified in the all-new Mazda3.
All of which brings me to my conclusion: why choose the sedan over the hatch? Because its fun, because its fresh and because it really does reintroduce the joy – and satisfaction – of driving.
Specifications:
Mazda3 GTX
BODY TYPE 4 door sedan
DRIVE Front/6 speed auto
ENGINE TYPE SKYACTIV in-line, 4-cylinder, petrol with i-Stop
ENGINE CAPACITY 2488cc
MAX POWER 139kW @ 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 252Nm @ 4000rpm
L/100KM (COMBINED) 6.5
CO2 EMISSIONS Euro Stage 5
BOOT CAPACITY 444 litres
ANCAP RATING 5 Star
PRICE $40,795
