What’s hot?
- The Mazda KODO design language – ‘life movement in metal’ – is further developed from the previously launched CX-5 and Mazda6 models and is a refreshing change with the Japanese design achieving good road presence among increasingly similar European designs.
Inside, Mazda’s gone to town. The quality is top class if lacking the flair seen on the outside. And look at the list of goodies! - The business-focused G1.5G petrol is claiming 56mpg on the combined cycle, the expected top-selling ‘standard’ power 118bhp G2.0 is not far behind with a claim of 55mpg while the company car driver pick is the D2.2 boasting 72mpg.
- Some top-drawer technological options include radar-controlled cruise-control, anti-crash braking, regenerative electric system to reduce fuel costs, Cloud Aha internet infotainment, BOSE nine-speaker sound system and heads-up driver information readout.
- Build quality, even in these pre-production vehicles, is top class and justify Mazda’s push to emphasise premium status for its new Mazda3.
- Much was made at the ‘sneak peek workshop’ of the chassis being retuned to reduce steering input mid-corner and eliminate, as far as is possible, understeer in the new Mazda3.
- While the hatchback boot of 350 litres (419 litres for the saloon) may not be that impressive, with the rear seats folded, the volume swells to 1,250 litres with a near-flat loading bed.
- Gearbox options include a short-shift six-speed manual that, while not quite as sharp as that on a Mazda MX5, remains sporty and quick in use plus there is a clever six-speed auto that rapidly reacts to changes in load.
What’s not?
- The Mazda3 has one of the longest wheelbases in the class and this gave a solid, if not stolid, feel to our test route of mixed town, motorway and country roads albeit in very wet driving conditions and so a full assessment of the chassis capabilities will have to wait until a dry test.
- The mid-powered G2.0 married to the auto gearbox felt positively underpowered and a lot less relaxed than the easy-to-live-with D2.2. Engineers waxed lyrical about the advantages of larger litre naturally aspirated petrol engines in a deliberate decision to avoid the industry’s move towards small capacity turbo-charged motors. Flying in the face of that trend may be a dangerous ploy in terms of sales.
- The interior, although full of quality materials, fails to reflect the enthusiasm of the exterior body lines being a tad bland and forgettable with the non-touch screen console looking a bit of an after-market bolt-on.
