The weekly symbiosis with the mild hybrid Mazda 3 eSkyActiv-G 150, introduced us to the Japanese company's unique proposition in a highly popular, but difficult category with stiff competition!
Meet
The first generation of the Mazda 3 was introduced in 2003, replacing the very successful 323! Since then, three more production cycles have passed, with the popular model entering its fourth generation as early as 2019.
External design
Mazda embraces the "Kodo Design" design philosophy in the midsize 3 as well. A technique that combines emotion, Japanese tradition and the way a car comes to life through design evolution and the illusion of movement when stationary!
The front end looks wild and aggressive with the large distinctive grille bearing the company's logo, flanked by thin wedge-shaped LED headlights that slope upwards and hug the wings! The long hood ends at the low mounted nose, enhancing its dynamism!
Simple, unadorned lines on the side form an oval silhouette with upward lines and ribs on the doors, contrasting with the sharply sloping roof. It thus gives the feeling of running, even when this is stationary! The windows on the rear doors get quite small, enhancing the sporty orientation of the model!
The biggest design interest is at the back. The oval aesthetic continues harmoniously by hugging the fifth door, both from the side and the roof! The elongated light fixtures wildly enhance the look, while two embossed round LED graphics are outlined inside! The aggressive appearance is completed by the massive bumper, in which the two large exhaust tips stand out, positioned at the edges of the bodywork!
Internal
Mazda's designers have treated the cabin as a whole with quality, sparkling materials, creating a premium and welcoming environment!
Aesthetically, the asymmetrical 8.8-inch multimedia system's asymmetrical screen is a real eye-catcher, which seems to emerge from the front of the dashboard! The multimedia system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay. However, it goes against the fashion of the time and instead of the traditional touchscreen mode, it takes commands from the central rotary switch!
It takes some getting used to, but it does not distract the driver, since the information is given without having to take his eyes off the road!
The beautiful three-spoke steering wheel is in an almost vertical position facing the driver, while behind it is the analogue sports dashboard with digitised readouts!
The seats are comfortable and provide very good support for the passengers' bodies. The driving position is excellent, but this is not the case for rear passengers, who can feel trapped. This is due to the design of the rear window, which limits the visibility of the rear passengers! Overall, Mazda has created a driver-centric cockpit, with top-notch ergonomics!
The luggage compartment is 330 litres, while with the rear seats fully folded it reaches 1019 litres!
Driving set
The car gets drive from an efficient 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150 hp and 213 Nm of torque at 6,000 and 4,000 rpm respectively, featuring a mild 48V hybrid set, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox!
On the road
Both the dynamic design and the efficient powertrain set the stage for a remarkable driving experience! So it doesn't remain to experience it in practice!
In the city drives like a typical mid-size car, without being able to show off its advantages. After all, it is not a city car. Nevertheless, it is easy to drive, comfortable and economical, leaving a good impression as an everyday car!
In the mountain and rural network the Mazda 3 shows off its robust chassis! Although it doesn't claim performance laurels, it handles very well on the road and showcases its family character, emphasizing safety with the necessary dynamism!!
On the motorway focuses on comfort. It has excellent soundproofing and ride quality, with a balanced suspension that absorbs any bumps, providing a comfortable journey for passengers!
General the Mazda 3 breaks away from the stereotypes of the midsize class, with a proposal that combines dynamism, comfort and great handling! The two-litre atmospheric petrol engine in practice proves to be surprisingly economical, with consumption not exceeding 7.4 litres / 100 km. The short and correct shifting of the six-speed manual gearbox will be appreciated by lovers of traditional driving!
Who it is aimed at
Mazda focuses on a young audience, mainly family men and women, for whom dynamism is a way of life! At the same time, they seek comfort, dynamics and quality!
Price
The Mazda 3's price is salty, as the Japanese company offers the mild hybrid midsize car in its catalogues from €27,429!
Technical characteristics
| AMAXOMA | |
| Press | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS - SUBSIDIES | |
| Average combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.6 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 128 g/km |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h | 9.1 sec. |
| Top speed km/h | 206 |
| ENGINE | |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Rated motor torque | 213 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Forward, transverse |
| Engine model/code | PE |
| Engine casing | 1998 cm3 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | In series |
| Cylinder diameter | 83.5 mm |
| Vaccine route | 91.2 mm |
| Degree of compression | 13 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct spraying |
| Engine suction | Naturally climbing engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l |
| HEIGHT AND WEIGHT | |
| Weight | 1389 kg |
| Maximum payload | 518 kg |
| Minimum volume of luggage space | 330-334 l |
| Maximum volume of luggage space | 1019 l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51 l |
| Permissible towing capacity with brakes (12%) | 1300 kilos |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length | 4460 mm |
| Width | 1795 mm |
| Height | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2725 mm |
| ARCHITECTURE | |
| Movement | Movement on the front wheels |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 speeds, manual transmission |
| Auxiliary systems | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) |
| Wheels | 215/45 R18 |
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