No this isn’t a Mazda6, even though it boasts the same attractive curves, this is the smaller
third-generation Mazda3, proudly wearing the brand’s new Kodo body language. And if you
go for the saloon-styled Fastback body style, it looks even more like its Mazda6 sibling,
but as you can see, we have the classic hatch model.
Although the previous-generation Mazda3 was a great car, its roots dated back to 2009,
so there were a few necessary changes that needed to be made – mainly to its overly
firm ride. So, can this all-new car tackle the Ford Focus
and Volkswagen Golf? And is it still fun to drive like the last model? Let’s take a
look. Well, first things first, Mazda has definitely
acknowledged the complaints about the firm ride, as it is now extremely supple, making
longer journeys much easier. The steering is also excellently weighted and very responsive,
giving you real confidence when cornering – and there’s great grip.
At first, the six-speed manual gearbox can feel a bit notchy, but, as with many other
Mazda’s and BMW’s in fact, you soon get used to this and appreciate that it is actually
very sharp and direct. The engine we have today is the 2.2-litre
148bhp diesel, delivering plenty of low down pull and swift acceleration, reaching the
62mph mark in just 8.1 seconds. CO2 for this engine stands at 107g/km and you will realistically
get around low-to-mid 60s. Thanks to Mazda’s Skyactiv philosophy of using larger engines
there’s no 1.6-litre diesel options like you may find with many of its competitors.
The rest of the engine range is a little unconventional for a family hatchback as well, with a 1.5-litre
unit being the smallest petrol on offer. A 2.0-litre with either 118 or 163bhp completes
the petrol range. Comfort in the cabin is very good, thanks
to plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat, cushy seats and things like this BMW-esque
toggle on the centre console. Storage compartments aren’t lacking either.
The Mazda3 keeps up the brand’s reputation of well-equipped interiors, with three trims
on offer, each carrying a separate sat-nav-equipped Nav denotation. Standard features of every
model include air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a seven-inch touchscreen and a leather-wrapped
steering wheel. Go for the flagship Sport Nav trim we have
and there are plenty of luxury features like front and rear parking sensors, a 9-speaker
Bose sound system and a futuristic HUD situated above the steering wheel, which displays your
speed and any sat-nav directions. Lane departure warning and high beam control are a few handy
safety features thrown in as well. One slightly annoying thing about the sat-nav
however is the fact that it doesn’t have a postcode entry function – also, if you
don’t get your seating position right, it can be a little difficult to see the HUD.
Due to the sporty exterior shape, head room will be limited for six footers, but leg room
is very ample, with the slim front seats helping here. Mazda manages to keep the high-quality
feel of the cabin in the rear as well with nice trimmings on the doors. There are also
convenient, family-friendly cup holders in the fold-down arm rest.
Open the hatchback and you will notice the boot’s very practical shape, unlike some
that require a little contorting to fit objects in. With 364 litres of storage capacity it
sits somewhere in between all of its key competitors, and if you want to boost this space then you
can pay an extra £300 for the Fastback model I mentioned earlier, which offers 419 litres
of space. Folding the seats down allows for 1,263 litres
of space, but you may have to configure the front seats or take off the rear headrests
before folding them down. In a nutshell, the Mazda3 is for those who
want something a bit different, and also something that offers a fun Jekyll and Hyde personality
– and by that I mean a car that can act as a comfortable family cruiser and also a
sporty hatch you can have a bit of fun with. You will pay for this luxury however, well
at least more than the Focus, but the Mazda is still cheaper than the VW Golf.
But what hatch would you go for? Let us know in the comments section and don’t forget
to subscribe to our YouTube channel. To watch more of our hatchback reviews, click
one of the links on screen now.