After taking a look at the Mazda 2, it is only fitting that I took its sibling, the Mazda 3 for a spin. After experiencing the nippiness of the Mazda 2, I knew that I was about to drive something special. The Mazda 3, which was first introduced in 2003 has been redesigned and evolved in every way. Using the eye catching “Kodo – Soul of Motion” design, the Mazda 3 marks a huge step forward for the hatchback class.
At first glance you notice the Mazda3, like the Mazda 2 expresses a dynamic forward motion which gives off the impression that the vehicle is powerful and moving forward. The front grill features Chrome inserts and really pounces out at you while the rear looks mean with its dual exhausts. The steel or alloy wheels add to the sense of speed and stability that the design of the body creates.
Stepping inside you realize that Mazda have left no detail untouched. The sporty seats are soft and comfortable and ensure that you are held in place. The dashboard with its satin chrome and tactile finishes let you know that you are in a premium vehicle. The center console features an easy to use touch screen display together with a well-designed aircon interface. The automatic gear leaver is soft and makes changing gears a breeze. The leather steering wheel with quick access buttons is soft to ensure your hands don’t get sore on long drives but well designed to ensure you get prefect grip when it is needed.
Don’t be fooled when I call the Mazda 3 a hatchback. There is loads of space for 3 adults in the back and even tall drivers will find just moving the seat back will give the needed space. Adjusting the seats height and position is simply done by buttons on the side of the seat.
The Audio console is fantastic. The 7-inch display is easy to use and makes changing stations or selecting music from your phone or an aux/usb device a breeze. I do like using the controls that you find in between the driver and passenger seats to change songs. This is well positioned so a passenger can be involved in the driving experience, well the DJ experience to be clear!
The Mazda 3 hatchback comes in 7 derivatives. Starting from a 1.6 petrol engine with 77kW and 144Nm to a 2.0 with 121kW and 210Nm with some models coming in Automatic transmission, the Mazda 3 is certainly not underpowered. Gently tapping on the gas, the Mazda 3 lets out a roar, the seat grips your body and you glide forwards. The entry level Mazda 3 comes packed with loads of features that you would expect in a premium vehicle in its class such as electric windows, air con, full radio, remote central locking and keyless entry to name a few. The highest model adds much more such as Reverse camera, cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
The Mazda 3 will keep you and your passengers safe with up to 6 airbags, ABS, EFD and EBA. To ensure that you wear your seat belts, there is a warning system for the driver. All seat belts make use of the 3 point system to ensure peace of mind. A side note, please always wear a seat belt when you drive!
Starting at R249 601 the Mazda 3 is well priced with the top model costing a mere R353 300. The Mazda 3 certainly gives a lot of bang for your buck and will attract the buyer looking for a comfortable and luxurious car without breaking the piggy bank. The Mazda 3 certainly made its mark in the week that I drove it. I loved its nifty features as well as its performance, which it has loads of. Until next time!
