Overall: The latest Mazda3 series sets the pace for all other compact cars with great eat looks, impressive powertrains and comfy cabins.
Drivetrain: The thrifty 155-horsepower 2.0-litre "SkyActiv" engine is augmented by an optional 184-horse 2.5-litre fourcylinder version. No sign of the top performing Mazdaspeed3. .. yet.
Review: Mazda's redesigned sedan and hatchback models now emulate the mid-size Mazda6 sedan and the CX-5 wagon, which means they no longer wear Cheshire-cat grins affixed to their snouts. Instead, both have adopted Mazda's latest Kodo (Japanese for
"Soul of Motion") design approach that includes an attractive, but less gimmicky grille. The rest of the sedan and hatchback's bodywork is equally tasty from any vantage point. Like its Mazda6 and CX-5 brand mates, the Mazda3 benefits greatly from the SkyActiv suite of structural and powertrain enhancements. The former includes a stiffer platform and finely tuned suspension and steering components geared sports-car-like precision. But the real show stoppers are the powerplants. The base engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Both are available with six-speed manual transmissions, while six-speed automatics are optional. Interestingly, both engines are closely matched in fuel consumption, with the nod going to the 2.0's official rating, with the automatic transmission, of 6.7 l/100 km in the city and 4.7 on the highway. The 2.5 rings up 7.5/5.4, but both numbers improve to 7.1/5.0 with the optional "i-ELOOP" capacitor that stores electricity generated under braking. The system provides power for the 3's various electrical components for extended periods while disengaging the alternator, which reduces drag on the engine. The driver is unaware that i-Eloop is operating. The Mazda3 base GX sedan includes the usual poweroperated accessories plus push-button start. The base GX and GX Sport hatchback are also available in GS and GT trim, the latter fitted with enough standard and available comfort and safety content to rival many socalled luxury vehicles. Regardless of your choice, the new Mazda3 is an impressive piece of work that will be appreciated by those who really enjoy driving something sporty, but without the space limitations that traditional sports cars impose.
Mileage: (L/100 km, city/highway) 6.7/4.7 (2.0, AT) Specs: Four-door front-wheeldrive compact sedan and hatchback wagon 2.0-litre DOHC I4 (155hp) Optional 2.5-litre DOHC I4 (184hp) Front engine, front-wheel-drive Sixspeed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.) Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags (opt.) anti-lock brakes traction control stability control 1268 kg.
