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Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV D 150 SE-L: Keen drive with efficiency

Mazda3 front
New Mazda3 - a strong performer with good economy

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19 October 2016

Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV D 150 SE-L

 What is it?

The Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV D 150 SE-L is the diesel version of the face-lifted Mazda3 hatch, that’s been updated so it can make its mark in a tough and talented class.

Key changes for the 2017-model year Mazda3 revolve around minor styling tweaks inside and out. But, the big news is the fitment of Mazda’s clever G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system, which alongside the SKYACTIV chassis, is supposed to allow the 3 to corner with more stability and without steering adjustments halfway through.

With this system, driver comfort is also supposed to be improved too.

Does this system work? We hit the road to find out.

 What’s hot

  •  The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, which delivers its peak torque below 2,000 revs and as such feels far faster than the 148bhp Mazda claim. One of the reasons why this engine is such as strong performer is the standard fit Transient Control, which reduces turbo lag, boosts torque and improves throttle response. All of this means a top speed of 130mph and 0-60mph acceleration in just 8.1 seconds.
  • Yet, despite the impressive performance, this Mazda3 boasts a 68.9mpg combined consumption figure and the 107g/km emissions mean just £20 a year in tax and falls into the 21% company car tax band.
  • It’s going to be difficult to measure whether the G-Vectoring Control is doing its job, as Mazda told us it should be undetectable in everyday driving. Still, what we can tell you, is that despite not having the stiffer suspension settings of the Sport, the 2017-model year Mazda3 is an engaging drive. Highlights are the responsive steering and despite some body roll, the handling is best described as composed and adjustable. It offered a comfortable ride too.
mazda3-dash
Neat dash with easy-to-use sat-nav
  •  Inside the new 3 you get a comfortable driving position, a dashboard that’s neatly and attractively laid out, an easy-to-use sat-nav, plus plenty of legroom front and back. There’s also a well-snapped, spacious boot.
  •  Outside, points will be scored for spotting the 2017-model year Mazda3 over the previous 2016 model. Still one of the sharpest-looking models in its class, at the front, there’s a revised grille with the Mazda badge mounted in it, headlights and smaller fog lights. At the side there are new door mirrors, with the only change at the back being a re-profiled rear bumper.
  • The SE-L Nav model seems fine value at £22,045 and includes all of the kit we reckon you’ll ever need including dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, heated seats, cruise control and an automatic emergency braking system.

What’s not 

  • As we’ve said we like the Mazda3’s interior design and space, but wish the interior felt a bit more special. The leatherette trim on the top of the dash feels good quality, but as you work your way down to the footwell the plastics turn shinier and appear cheaper, which is disappointing.
  •  Although in SE-L trim, our car benefited from the smaller 16-inch wheels with a more refined ride, but too much wind and road noise makes it into the 3’s cabin for our liking.

Verdict

In 2017-model year form, the Mazda3 has certainly benefited from styling and tech upgrades. Ford Focus aside, the Mazda3 has to be the keenest drive in its class, but despite this, with the other SKYACTIV tweaks it’s impressively affordable to run as a business car.

 The lowdown on Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV D 150 SE-L

Doors and body style five-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbo diesel/6-speed manual transmission
CO2 Emissions: 107g/km
Economy: 68.9mpg
Power/torque: 148bhp/400Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 8.1sec/130mph
Insurance group: 22

…..and what it costs

P11D Value: £21,990
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) £235
Road tax (VED) Band/first year £20 first year
Company Car Tax Bands 2016/17 to 2018/19 21%, 23%, 25%
Benefit in kind 2015/16 to 2017/18 £4,618, £5,058, £5,498
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) £932/£78
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) £1,865/£155
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) £924/£77
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) £1,847/£154
Figures correct at time of posting October 2016
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator
Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV
Mazda3 – refined ride on 16-inch wheels

 

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