Mazda 3 2.0 120PS SE-L Nav

Ten Second Review

In past years, the Mazda 3 has rarely figured amongst the family hatchback sector's stronger offerings, despite the fact that over 4 million examples of this car are pounding global roads. In this improved third generation form though, it deserves far more careful consideration. The brand's latest 'SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS' 'G-Vectoring Control' system improves the handling, plus there's a smarter cabin and enhanced safety tech. If you're shopping in this segment, you probably weren't considering buying one of these. But perhaps you should be.

Background

The 'Three' is arguably the most important model this Japanese brand makes, a family hatchback pitched to sell in the class dominated by Ford's Focus - and also initially based upon that car in its earliest guises. First and second generation Mazda 3 models, introduced in 2003 and 2009, both had Focus underpinnings. This MK3 model though, announced late in 2013, is very much its own vehicle - and needed to be a big step forward to re-establish its brand in this segment. No room, in other words, for conventionality. Hence the so-called 'SKYACTIV' technology this car was launched with, mainly based around improving performance and efficiency through lighter weight. This is why this car's mainstream petrol unit is 2.0-litres in size, at a time when most other rivals are producing comparable outputs from 1.4, 1.2 or even 1.0-litre powerplants. The mainstream 2.2-litre diesel's big in size too - though the Japanese brand is also offering the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D unit from its Mazda 2 supermini as an entry-level option. For this revised model, the 'SKYACTIV' ethos is also extended into handling dynamics; plus it's much classier inside.

Driving Experience

A key dynamic change for this improved Mazda 3 is the addition of what the brand calls 'GVC' - or 'G-Vectoring Control', parts of its 'SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS' range of technology systems. This is essentially one of those torque vectoring set-ups, this one able to vary engine torque to optimise the load on each wheel, providing more precise handling as well as a smoother ride under virtually any driving conditions. Diesel-powered models get high-precision boost control, which enhances accelerator responsiveness, along with 'Natural Sound Frequency Control' and what's called a 'Natural Sound Smoother' to improve refinement. As before, there are five engine options, all of which are designed around Mazda's SKYACTIV technology. You're probably used to such nonsense buzzwords, but bear with this one because there's real merit behind it. SKYACTIV aims to improve efficiency by reducing weight and utilising smart functions such as capturing waste energy to power things like the air-conditioning when the car is stationary. It even extends to functions like an active shutter front grille which closes for better aerodynamics when the engine isn't in immediate need of cooling. The engines comprise an entry-level 1.5-litre petrol and two 2.0-litre petrol units, as well as 1.5 and 2.2-litre diesels. The 1.5-litre petrol unit produces 100PS and will go from rest to 62mph in 10.8 seconds, while the 2.2-litre diesel will cover the benchmark sprint in 8.1 seconds, thanks to its punchy 150PS output. The less powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine gives you 105PS, 270Nm of torque and 0-62mph in 11.0s. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is offered in two distinct flavours; one packing 120PS and the other with 165PS. Performance? Think rest to 62mph in 8.9 seconds for the standard version and 8.2 seconds for the higher power version. Buyers of the 120PS 2.0-litre petrol and both diesel models are also offered the option of a six-speed automatic.

Design and Build

Mazda hasn't felt the need to make any significant changes to the exterior of this improved Mazda 3, which remains very sharp-looking in either five-door hatch or 'Fastback' saloon forms. There's the same beaky family face that's sported by the Mazda 6 and the CX-5, with long bonnet to lend the car a dynamic, muscular look. Changes have been made inside though, with, for example, an enhanced 'Active Driving Display' featuring a high quality full-colour screen. It eases communicating information to drivers without any need for them to take their eyes off the road. Mazda has also improved steering wheel ergonomics too. Otherwise, things are much as before, with strong standards of interior space and a decently-sized 350-litre boot. As ever with the Mazda 3, the driving position is supposed to feel a bit sporty and though here, there's not the properly low-slung driving stance that would really emphasise that, you do get all the things that make you feel more at one with the car you're driving, with ideal positioning for the pedals, steering wheel and gear knob, plus excellent all-round vision achieved in this case by the careful positioning of the A-pillars and the wing mirrors. There's a tendency to think every brand has already got this right but it's only when you get yourself into a model that actually has that you appreciate the small but subtle different that perfection in this respect can bring.

Market and Model

As before, pricing sits mainly in the £17,000 to £23,000 bracket and the Mazda3 is offered as a five-door hatchback or a four-door 'Fastback' saloon, the latter bodystyle rivalling cars like the Volkswagen Jetta and the Audi A3 saloon. Those aren't the key targets in Mazda's crosshairs though. Expected Mazda3 conquest sales will be based around the mainstream hatch variant and will largely come from mainstream marques, with the Ford Focus, the Vauxhall Astra, the Renault Megane and the Peugeot 308 being likely targets. This Mazda is offered with the sort of high-tech features that not so very long ago were the preserve of luxury saloons. There are refinements like a head-up display, touch-screen satellite-navigation and mobile internet connectivity. The mobile system is particularly interesting, following the likes of Toyota into the market with a system that allows the car to pair with a smartphone and display Facebook and Twitter updates. A nine-speaker Bose audio system is also available. Buyers choose between SE, SE-L and Sport trim levels, with or without sat nav. Even the base SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power-folding heated mirrors, a leather steering wheel, a trip computer, a radio/CD with six speaker audio system, a 7-inch TFT colour touch screen, USB/iPod connectivity and a Bluetooth hands-free system. Key safety equipment upgrades an 'Advanced Smart City Brake Support' system that now uses a forward-sensing camera rather than a laser, adding to the set-up's pedestrian detection capabilities. Buyers can also specify Adaptive LED Headlights.

Cost of Ownership

No manufacturer can revise a mainstream model like this without dangling the carrot of better efficiency and Mazda is no exception. The Mazda 3 has been popular with business buyers and in order for this form line to continue, the company has worked at driving down carbon dioxide emissions in the MK3 model range. The SKYACTIV engine technology means that fuel and CO2 figures are knocking on the door of best in class. As an example, the 2.2-litre 150PS SKYACTIV-D diesel version can return 107g/km of CO2 and 68.9mpg on the combined cycle and even the 2.0-litre 120PS SKYACTIV-G petrol model manages 55.4mpg and 119g/km. For the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel variant, the figures are more impressive still, 99g/km and 74.3mpg.

By Car & Driving

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Key Standard Features*

• Solid - Arctic White
• Solid paint
• Cloth - Black

Specification

Body Glass
Privacy glass
Electric front/rear windows
Electric heated rear glass window
3 speed front intermittent wipe and electric wash
2 speed rear wiper
Rain and light sensors
Rain sensing front wipers
Brakes
ABS+Electronic Brake force Distribution
Active Traction Control (TRC)
Emergency brake assist
Electronic parking brake
Emergency stop signal system
Smart City Brake Support - SCBS
Chassis/Suspension
Dynamic stability control
Communication
Bluetooth system
Mobile App interface
Driver Aids
Cruise control
Rear parking sensor
Hill hold assist
Electric hydraulic power assisted steering
Driver Convenience
Remote fuel cap release
Driver Information
Trip computer
Tachometer
Digital clock
'Lights On' warning buzzer
Multi Function Display
Digital exterior temperature gauge
Colour satellite navigation
Service indicator
7" touch screen
Internet access with app integration
Driving Mirrors
Electric folding door mirrors
Auto dimming interior mirror
Body colour electric adjustable heated door mirrors with integral indicators
Embellishment Trims
Piano black interior trim
Entertainment
6 speakers
Steering wheel audio controls
DAB Digital radio
Auxiliary input socket
Single play CD/radio with MP3 compatability
USB/iPod connection
Exterior Body Features
Body colour roof spoiler
Body colour door handles
Dual exhaust pipes
Body colour side mouldings
Body coloured bumpers
Shark fin roof aerial
Black grille with chrome surround
Exterior Lights
Dusk sensitive headlamps
Automatic coming/leaving home lighting function
LED daytime running lights
LED rear lights
Bi-Xenon headlamp with auto levelling + Headlamp Wash
LED front fog lights
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Pollen filter
Dual zone climate control
Interior Features
Leather gearknob
Front door pockets
Rear grab handles with coathooks
Front grab handles
Rear centre armrest
Cigar lighter
Cloth upholstery
Illuminated glovebox
Cupholders - 2 in rear centre armrest
Leather handbrake
Auxilliary 12V power socket
Silver interior door handles
Tilt/telescopic adjust steering wheel
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Front centre console with storage box with tray, lid + 2 cupholders
Sunglasses holder
Interior Lights
Instrument panel light dimmer
Illuminated ashtray
Luggage compartment lighting
Interior courtesy light
Welcome mode lighting
Safety
Driver and passenger airbags
Front side airbags
Passenger airbag deactivate switch
Front and rear curtain airbags
3 point ELR front seatbelts with pretensioners
Tyre pressure monitoring system
3 rear 3 point seatbelts with ELR
Crash sensor
Seatbelt reminder front and rear
Seats
Passenger seat back pocket
60/40 split rear seat back
Heated front seats
Passenger seat height adjuster
5 headrests
Driver's seat height adjustment
Isofix child seat attachment
Driver seat lumbar adjustment
Security
Immobiliser
Deadlocking system
Remote central door locking
Thatcham Cat.1 alarm
Vanity Mirrors
Driver's vanity mirror with cover/ticket holder
Passenger sunvisor with vanity mirror
Illuminated vanity mirrors
Wheels - Alloy
16" alloy wheels
Wheels - Spare
Tyre repair kit

Performance

Performance
0 to 60 mph (secs)
0 to 62 mph (secs)	8.9
Engine Power - BHP	120
Engine Power - KW	88
Engine Power - PS
Engine Power - RPM	6000
Engine Torque - LBS.FT	155
Engine Torque - NM	210
Engine Torque - RPM	4000
Top Speed	121