Mazda 3 2.0SP Sports hatchback
The Mazda 3 has been thoroughly redone for 2014, and the result are now king of the segment after Mazda have given the 3 its lightweight Skyactiv architecture and slid it under the new Mazda 3. The Skyactiv name is also applied to the platforms that support the CX-5, but the 3’s structure, although conceptually similar, is unique.
According to Mazda, the new structure boasts a 30-percent improvement in torsional rigidity, and curb weight is down by about 60 and 100 pounds, depending on trim level. The wheelbase is stretched by 2.4 inches, overall length is down by just over half an inch in the sedan version and 1.8 inches in the five-door, width is up by 1.6 inches, and height is down by 0.6 inch. Rear-seat space is now class competitive and comfortable for six-footers.
But dimensional differences will be the last thing on your mind when you lay eyes on the 2014 3. Mazda has combined elements of the 6 sedan and CX-5 SUV to create a handsome and elegant compact. Notable cues are a relatively long nose and an upright windshield. The proportions are closer to those of a rear-drive car than of the cab-forward designs worn by the Honda Civic. Even the sedan looks fantastic, which is something that cannot be said of most compacts, including the Ford Focus. That new body is also quite aerodynamic according to Mazda, but the major boost in fuel economy comes from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is the only engine available in Thailand.
Mazda fans might recognize the 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine, the powerplant in all 3i models. In the previous 3, the Skyactiv 2.0-liter was fitted with a fairly conventional exhaust manifold designed to fit into the old architecture’s smaller engine compartment. But the 2.0-liter was designed to have a bulkier, larger exhaust manifold, which now fits in the new car. Why should you care? Because it delivers more midrange torque. At the 4000-rpm torque peak, the engine is up only 2 lb-ft over last year’s , but it delivers 148 lb-ft at 3000 rpm, as much as the old version did at its 4100-rpm peak. Coupled with the six-speed automatic, the 2.0-liter is expected to return EPA numbers of 30 mpg city and 40 highway in the hatchback. The engine can now use most type of Unleaded 95 petrol / Benzin, gasohol, octane 95 E10, E20 and cheapest E85.
Acceleration from the 165-hp engine has enough muscle to pull itself to freeway speeds without eliciting any worry from the driver. Engine noise is kept distant, and the note doesn't really change as the revs increase. There’s no waiting for the power to arrive, but rather a smooth, steady stream of pull.
There’s a certain familiarity about the way the 3 drives. The steering is light, but the electric power-steering system is tuned to provide good feedback and effort during cornering. What we did notice is the 215/45R-18 tires on this top spec model provide more grip than does the smaller 205/60R-16 rubber on the other models. Body roll in either spec is very well controlled, but the 18" is definitely the sharper handler of the two. The new Mazda 3 is a strong threat to the Ford Focus’s class-leading status when it comes to handling. The chassis mixes decent ride comfort with real enthusiasm in the bends, the steering being quick and accurate. Not quite Ford Focus in its cornering thrills, but close enough, and better than everything else. Thank its width, which enhances its planted feel and also gives it the widest shoulder room in the class. Those broad shoulders had better be topped by short necks, though, as headroom isn't particularly generous in the back.
The automatic gearbox behaves like a well-driven manual. Hit the Sport button, and the transmission holds off on upshifts and will automatically downshift under braking to give you the right gear for the corner. If you crave more involvement, you can use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel only available on this top spec model. Of other equipment only available on this top spec Hatchback (not available on the sedan) is Smart Keyless Entry, SCBS (Smart City Brake Support, RVM (Rear Vehicle Monitoring, Rearview mirror automatic brightness adjustment, Curtain airbags, DVD Player, Navigator and a special Cream - Black leather interior decorated with red thread.
Sit back, let the automatic do its thing, and take in your surroundings, and the simple, elegant design of the new interior impresses. The shape of the instrument cluster is reminiscent of—mercy!—the McLaren 12C’s. In the 3 s, the tachometer is front and center just like in the McLaren. A small digital speed indicator sits in the lower-right-hand corner of the tach, and another digital speedo is displayed on a small, gun-sight-like plastic screen that folds out of the dashboard.
Jutting out of the center of the instrument panel is a screen that displays radio, navigation, phone, and vehicle-setting information; it’s operated with the Commander knob or via touch inputs. There's a big screen operated by a rotary dial, and there's plenty of kit as standard. All that equipment is a real draw, this 3 undercutting its most obvious rival and adding satnav, a head-up display, adaptive front headlamps, internet connectivity, Bose audio and front and rear parking sensors.
Indeed, start crunching the numbers, and the Mazda3 looks like a very worthwhile proposition, as to drive it's right up there with the best of them.
Conclusion:
Mazda’s all-new 3 hatchback prove that economical, fuel-efficient cars don't have to be dull to look at or to drive. The 3’s driving dynamics are peppy and engaging, although road noise can be bothersome. Regardless, we love this car, especially when in this top spec hatchback form.
According to Mazda, the new structure boasts a 30-percent improvement in torsional rigidity, and curb weight is down by about 60 and 100 pounds, depending on trim level. The wheelbase is stretched by 2.4 inches, overall length is down by just over half an inch in the sedan version and 1.8 inches in the five-door, width is up by 1.6 inches, and height is down by 0.6 inch. Rear-seat space is now class competitive and comfortable for six-footers.
But dimensional differences will be the last thing on your mind when you lay eyes on the 2014 3. Mazda has combined elements of the 6 sedan and CX-5 SUV to create a handsome and elegant compact. Notable cues are a relatively long nose and an upright windshield. The proportions are closer to those of a rear-drive car than of the cab-forward designs worn by the Honda Civic. Even the sedan looks fantastic, which is something that cannot be said of most compacts, including the Ford Focus. That new body is also quite aerodynamic according to Mazda, but the major boost in fuel economy comes from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is the only engine available in Thailand.
Mazda fans might recognize the 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine, the powerplant in all 3i models. In the previous 3, the Skyactiv 2.0-liter was fitted with a fairly conventional exhaust manifold designed to fit into the old architecture’s smaller engine compartment. But the 2.0-liter was designed to have a bulkier, larger exhaust manifold, which now fits in the new car. Why should you care? Because it delivers more midrange torque. At the 4000-rpm torque peak, the engine is up only 2 lb-ft over last year’s , but it delivers 148 lb-ft at 3000 rpm, as much as the old version did at its 4100-rpm peak. Coupled with the six-speed automatic, the 2.0-liter is expected to return EPA numbers of 30 mpg city and 40 highway in the hatchback. The engine can now use most type of Unleaded 95 petrol / Benzin, gasohol, octane 95 E10, E20 and cheapest E85.
Acceleration from the 165-hp engine has enough muscle to pull itself to freeway speeds without eliciting any worry from the driver. Engine noise is kept distant, and the note doesn't really change as the revs increase. There’s no waiting for the power to arrive, but rather a smooth, steady stream of pull.
There’s a certain familiarity about the way the 3 drives. The steering is light, but the electric power-steering system is tuned to provide good feedback and effort during cornering. What we did notice is the 215/45R-18 tires on this top spec model provide more grip than does the smaller 205/60R-16 rubber on the other models. Body roll in either spec is very well controlled, but the 18" is definitely the sharper handler of the two. The new Mazda 3 is a strong threat to the Ford Focus’s class-leading status when it comes to handling. The chassis mixes decent ride comfort with real enthusiasm in the bends, the steering being quick and accurate. Not quite Ford Focus in its cornering thrills, but close enough, and better than everything else. Thank its width, which enhances its planted feel and also gives it the widest shoulder room in the class. Those broad shoulders had better be topped by short necks, though, as headroom isn't particularly generous in the back.
The automatic gearbox behaves like a well-driven manual. Hit the Sport button, and the transmission holds off on upshifts and will automatically downshift under braking to give you the right gear for the corner. If you crave more involvement, you can use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel only available on this top spec model. Of other equipment only available on this top spec Hatchback (not available on the sedan) is Smart Keyless Entry, SCBS (Smart City Brake Support, RVM (Rear Vehicle Monitoring, Rearview mirror automatic brightness adjustment, Curtain airbags, DVD Player, Navigator and a special Cream - Black leather interior decorated with red thread.
Sit back, let the automatic do its thing, and take in your surroundings, and the simple, elegant design of the new interior impresses. The shape of the instrument cluster is reminiscent of—mercy!—the McLaren 12C’s. In the 3 s, the tachometer is front and center just like in the McLaren. A small digital speed indicator sits in the lower-right-hand corner of the tach, and another digital speedo is displayed on a small, gun-sight-like plastic screen that folds out of the dashboard.
Jutting out of the center of the instrument panel is a screen that displays radio, navigation, phone, and vehicle-setting information; it’s operated with the Commander knob or via touch inputs. There's a big screen operated by a rotary dial, and there's plenty of kit as standard. All that equipment is a real draw, this 3 undercutting its most obvious rival and adding satnav, a head-up display, adaptive front headlamps, internet connectivity, Bose audio and front and rear parking sensors.
Indeed, start crunching the numbers, and the Mazda3 looks like a very worthwhile proposition, as to drive it's right up there with the best of them.
Conclusion:
Mazda’s all-new 3 hatchback prove that economical, fuel-efficient cars don't have to be dull to look at or to drive. The 3’s driving dynamics are peppy and engaging, although road noise can be bothersome. Regardless, we love this car, especially when in this top spec hatchback form.