Mazda3, Airs Of Premium At A Good Price

Born in 2013, this generation of Mazda3 is ready to stand up to such established models in the market as the Opel Astra, the Volkswagen Golf or the Renault Megane.

This type of vehicle generates many benefits for brands. They perfectly combine city agility with a poise on highways close to saloon cars.

In a category where the average length is 4.30 meters, this Mazda stretches to 4.47 meters. At this length, it is close to small saloons and only surpassed by the Honda Civic in its segment. In addition, it has a four-door version that reaches up to 4.58 meters.

Design

Following the current Mazda lines, this model has a highly successful aesthetic by the Japanese manufacturer. Its large size is noticeable at first glance, with lines that give a premium look to the whole.

The front part, adorned by the diamond-shaped grille typical of all the brand’s models, gives the car a sporty and fluid appearance. The elongated headlights fit very well with the lines of the car and are very reminiscent of its older brother, the Mazda 6, one of the most attractive saloons of the moment.

With the side view we can see where so many extra centimeters come from. The nose, of great proportions, is the soul of the vehicle, although for this reason it loses habitability.

The rear of the 5-door model is very attractive, it is more accomplished than the four-door version. Obviously, this is a very personal opinion. The elongated and horizontal drivers fit very well with the whole and the very sloping rear window gives the car more of a coupe feel. This, once again, harms you in the interior space, rewarding aesthetics over practicality.

Inside

As we hinted in the previous section, the Mazda3 leaves out certain aspects to improve its presence. It is not a bad strategy, since the first impression is half of the sale of a car, but those who need extra space inside will see that there are better alternatives.

In the front seats, the feeling of space is correct. With minimalist lines, the Japanese brand has given its compact a very premium air in the cabin. With a screen placed in the best possible position, we will be able to control most of the vehicle’s controls except the air conditioning, with its own keypad.

The driving position is very sporty, with a very low seat and a very vertical steering wheel. The perceived quality is remarkable, although it does not reach that of an Audi A3, this Mazda is above average in terms of robustness.

In the rear seats  the space is only correct. Most of its alternatives achieve better heights in these squares and with a few inches less. It is comfortable for two adults, but not three; It is normal in the segment, but it is worse resolved than in a Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed or an Opel Astra. The four-door version copies the measurements of the five-door with the exception of the trunk.

In the trunk we have 364 liters, just a little below average, but it is a bad figure for the size of the car. If we choose the four-door Mazda3, something similar will happen, with 419 liters it is below expectations.

Dynamic

In this section, the brand has not skimped on equipping the Mazda3 with the latest technology to give it road qualities at the level of the best.

On wide roads, the car is very poised and stable, with very good linear stability and considerable comfort. The soundproofing of the cabin, without being bad, is not very successful.

On mountain roads, chassis tuning brings out the car’s capabilities. With a precise steering and with the right degree of hardness, it connects curve after curve with hardly any rocking, thanks to a suspension with a rather hard but comfortable setting. The reactions are very neutral and only when we cross with the right foot does a slight understeer appear, but it is very easy to correct.

Engines

• Gasoline : all of them atmospheric, there are two blocks to choose from. The smallest, with 1.5 liters of displacement, delivers 101 hp of power. It may seem fair for such a vehicle, but it goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.6 seconds, a magnificent figure. The next option is a 2.0-liter with 120 or 165 hp of power. The 120 hp version has the best power-to-consumption ratio and makes Mazda a very fast car (from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.9 seconds).
• Diesel : here we do have a turbocharger in all options. The base version has a 1.5-liter block and 105 hp of power. With it, the Mazda achieves a consumption of only 3.8 liters, and correct performance. The second most powerful diesel version has a 2.2 liters and 150 hp and makes the Mazda3 a fast car, going from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds. The latter is the best diesel choice for the car’s capabilities.

Mazda3 prices

Part of the € 17,750 of the version with the Pulse finish and 101 hp gasoline up to the € 28,765 that the 2.2 diesel costs with the Luxury finish and automatic transmission.

They are very competitive prices for what it offers, with a number of very good extras from the basic version.

conclusion

If we judge by aesthetics, level of finishes, driving dynamics and technological level, this Mazda3 has few rivals in the segment. On the other hand, if you are looking for interior space, practicality or agility in the city, you will have endless more recommended options.

If its qualities fit your needs, do not hesitate. It will not disappoint you and you will have a car with premium arguments at the price of a generalist car.