The previous Mazda3 that was launched years ago has been redesigned with a fresh and modern body design. Plus, with Mazda continuing that trend of impressive performance, it has the power to easily match the Mitsubishi Lancer EX or the Nissan Sylphy.
Needless to say, the Mazda3 still provides suitable levels of economy and practicality, too. This 2-litre powerplant comes with a refined engine and being a higher trim, it offers more zip and plenty of useful convenience and luxury-oriented features.
Exterior
Measuring at just over 4.5 metres long, the car is compact and has a completely new exterior styling.
But various Mazda traits make the sedan immediately recognisable as a Mazda3. The compact car is not strikingly beautiful. In fact, at first glance, it comes as downright aggressive - some might say it has an arrogant look. But it has certainly gained a lot of attention. And I reckon that's a good thing for Mazda.
The fascia is a new styling direction indicative of the future of the entire model line. Somehow there are a number of elements from other Mazda vehicles that have been incorporated into the facelifted Mazda3.
Compared to its previous model, it now has a huge smiling grille, which was designed to maximise aerodynamics for increased gas mileage and decreased wind noise.
Needless to say, the Mazda3 still provides suitable levels of economy and practicality, too. This 2-litre powerplant comes with a refined engine and being a higher trim, it offers more zip and plenty of useful convenience and luxury-oriented features.
Exterior
Measuring at just over 4.5 metres long, the car is compact and has a completely new exterior styling.
But various Mazda traits make the sedan immediately recognisable as a Mazda3. The compact car is not strikingly beautiful. In fact, at first glance, it comes as downright aggressive - some might say it has an arrogant look. But it has certainly gained a lot of attention. And I reckon that's a good thing for Mazda.
The fascia is a new styling direction indicative of the future of the entire model line. Somehow there are a number of elements from other Mazda vehicles that have been incorporated into the facelifted Mazda3.
Compared to its previous model, it now has a huge smiling grille, which was designed to maximise aerodynamics for increased gas mileage and decreased wind noise.
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Additionally, flared front fenders and a modernised nose have also been incorporated. In fact, the aggressive and upscale front-end of the Mazda3 has some styling cues taken from the RX-8 and they certainly help the car assert itself in a more confident manner.
Subtle and attractive sweeping character lines at the base of the doors help make this new 3 more in tune with its competitors while the sleek rear lights have been stretched out for a leopard-like stance.
I personally love the back view of the car. It may not be downright stunning, but it undoubtedly gives me a feel of strength and reliability.
In place of outward aggressiveness, the Mazda3 now exudes a quieter but no less confident stance, The zoom-zoom has swopped a tight-fitting t-shirt for a tuxedo.
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Interior
Inside, the Mazda3 continues its sporty and contemporary theme. The 2.0-litre cockpit is more sophisticated and plusher than before, with refined shapes and expansive pieces of black and toned plastic.
It has decidedly exceeded the expectations of many, with illumination that evoked a sporty feel not found in any other compact and black and silver centre console housing the dual-zone climate and Sanyo audio system.
With the latest model, designers have stepped up the maturity level of the interior a bit, but without losing that energetic appeal. Two large round gauges housing the tachometer and the speedometer remain in front of the driver, with radio and trip computer readouts moving to the top of the dashboard.
Mazda has a decent reputation for sturdy build quality and the 3 is no different. Proper quality plastics on the inside exude a solid all-round feeling. Hard plastic surfaces are isolated out of sight toward the bottom and door panels.
Inside, the Mazda3 continues its sporty and contemporary theme. The 2.0-litre cockpit is more sophisticated and plusher than before, with refined shapes and expansive pieces of black and toned plastic.
It has decidedly exceeded the expectations of many, with illumination that evoked a sporty feel not found in any other compact and black and silver centre console housing the dual-zone climate and Sanyo audio system.
With the latest model, designers have stepped up the maturity level of the interior a bit, but without losing that energetic appeal. Two large round gauges housing the tachometer and the speedometer remain in front of the driver, with radio and trip computer readouts moving to the top of the dashboard.
Mazda has a decent reputation for sturdy build quality and the 3 is no different. Proper quality plastics on the inside exude a solid all-round feeling. Hard plastic surfaces are isolated out of sight toward the bottom and door panels.
However, it still manages to avoid feeling or looking cheap. Your passengers are bound to think you paid more than you actually did as the rest of the surfaces and materials in the cabin are well fitted.
The wheelbase comes quite close to the Lancer EX GT-S and it is actually slightly taller. Hence the car has amazing headroom. Together with its big windows and tall windscreen, the cabin is bright and airy.
Taller folks will be comfortable up front, and the driver will appreciate the comfortable seats and driving position. And with sufficient legroom in the front and rear, the 3 will not have problems swallowing a couple of tall passengers.
Elsewhere, the compact car proves to be as peachy as ever. It has none of the 'lack of space' often associated with compact cars, offering instead a generous stowage area of 430 litres.
The wheelbase comes quite close to the Lancer EX GT-S and it is actually slightly taller. Hence the car has amazing headroom. Together with its big windows and tall windscreen, the cabin is bright and airy.
Taller folks will be comfortable up front, and the driver will appreciate the comfortable seats and driving position. And with sufficient legroom in the front and rear, the 3 will not have problems swallowing a couple of tall passengers.
Elsewhere, the compact car proves to be as peachy as ever. It has none of the 'lack of space' often associated with compact cars, offering instead a generous stowage area of 430 litres.
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Drivetrain
Like its illustrious predecessor, the current Mazda3's refined road manners will come as a surprise to most car shoppers.
On the go, the 3 is no slouch. The nought-to-hundred sprint is accomplished in a respectable 10.6 seconds. Its 2.0-litre engine and transmission seem better matched and in sync with each other, delivering power to the front wheels in a smoother and more predictable manner. Thus, it can be easy to forget that this is a compact commuter, not a performance coupe.
The sporty compact begs to be thrown around and thanks to its performance-oriented chassis tuning, the 3 is blessed with good body control. There's a healthy amount of grip on twisty roads and its steering is quick and reasonably communicative. This translates into a greater sense of driver confidence.
The driving experience was further enhanced when the 3 was able to move from turn to turn with cat-like quickness and sure-footed efficiency. Being able to set into a corner and track through it was no less than impressive.
Like its illustrious predecessor, the current Mazda3's refined road manners will come as a surprise to most car shoppers.
On the go, the 3 is no slouch. The nought-to-hundred sprint is accomplished in a respectable 10.6 seconds. Its 2.0-litre engine and transmission seem better matched and in sync with each other, delivering power to the front wheels in a smoother and more predictable manner. Thus, it can be easy to forget that this is a compact commuter, not a performance coupe.
The sporty compact begs to be thrown around and thanks to its performance-oriented chassis tuning, the 3 is blessed with good body control. There's a healthy amount of grip on twisty roads and its steering is quick and reasonably communicative. This translates into a greater sense of driver confidence.
The driving experience was further enhanced when the 3 was able to move from turn to turn with cat-like quickness and sure-footed efficiency. Being able to set into a corner and track through it was no less than impressive.
Conclusion
Not only has Mazda gone out of its way to offer an experience that far surpasses its competition, they have continually improved on it. Hence, the result is a more polished version of what was already a refined and fun car.
I reckon the Mazda3 is a practical sedan that never really had the opportunity to inspire, despite being fairly well-equipped and reasonably handsome. It's a pity that potential car buyers got the wrong perception of it being more of a transport rather than excitement.
Although no car will ever be the perfect one, the 3 comes awfully close to it. Personally, that's as close to magic as you can get.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Not only has Mazda gone out of its way to offer an experience that far surpasses its competition, they have continually improved on it. Hence, the result is a more polished version of what was already a refined and fun car.
I reckon the Mazda3 is a practical sedan that never really had the opportunity to inspire, despite being fairly well-equipped and reasonably handsome. It's a pity that potential car buyers got the wrong perception of it being more of a transport rather than excitement.
Although no car will ever be the perfect one, the 3 comes awfully close to it. Personally, that's as close to magic as you can get.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
