He is probably one of the most exciting compact cars of the year, the Mazda3, not least because he gets the world’s first production gasoline engine with compression ignition (similar to the diesel). However, only in the fall – and that’s a good thing, because otherwise the market launch on 22 March could get into the background, which is also otherwise an excellent (if not perfect) car.
The look is special. No character lines, but extensive, gentle curvatures, in which edges are created only by reflection. It pays off to take a closer look, because at first glance, from far away, that is not so noticeable. Also on fake air intakes and exhaust panels is omitted, because everything is real – a relaxing alternative to the plastic mania of many competitors, even in higher grades.
In the interior, Mazda also enters a new era, with great materials and reduced, tidy design. The dashboard resembles a gently undulating landscape embedded in a 8.8-inch display. On a touch screen, the Japanese reasonably forsake, so the view is not too long distracted from the road. Small digression: Just because we are used to using tablets and smartphones with patting and wiping, that does not mean that in the car makes sense. On the contrary. Only when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you miss the tapping on the screen, because the two systems are basically designed.
Everything is served via a haptic very successful rotary trigger as well as a few keys and a real volume control. The menu is a completely different than before and now really succeeded. Also, the air conditioning has its own panel with magnificent rotary controls.
Intentionally thought-out
The entire operation supports the feeling of well-being prevalent in the Mazda3, which also includes the seating position. The Japanese are particularly proud of the fact that the steering wheel is actually located in the center in front of the driver instead of minimally offset laterally, as is common in front-wheel drive vehicles. And the brake pedal was supposedly designed so that you do not unnecessarily strain any muscles when braking. This is not noticeable to us, but that is also the approach that Mazda has pursued in the development of the 3 Series: much to be designed so that no difference is noticeable, but everything feels particularly good.
A car for the joy of driving
On winding roads on the Portuguese Atlantic coast, we tested the Mazda3 with the 122-horsepower gasoline engine, which has two liters of displacement instead of a turbocharger. As it is always so nice: “Displacement is irreplaceable.” However, such an engine acts in today’s turbo-spoiled time a little weak-chest, just because not even at low speeds powerful turbo boost is there, but only at 4000 / min. the maximum torque of 213 Nm is applied. Advantage of the concept: no turbo lag, but a harmonious power development.
For brisk progress, it takes diligent switching work in the crisp gear, but what a pleasure. Thus, the 1275 kg compact (DIN, ie without driver weighed) manages the standard sprint in 10.4 seconds. The top speed is 197 km / h.
The gasoline engine (with cylinder deactivation and variable valve control) is supported by a 24-volt mild hybrid system – again something that is not noticeable, but feels good, because the integrated starter generator provides no fat extra boost, but is only slightly more suppleness contribute for example, by adjusting the speed differences during shifting or preventing jerking in the event of overtired driving.
The consumption is Mazda with 5.2 l / 100 km to NEDC and 6.3 l / 100 km to the more realistic WLTP. You will not care much about it in real operation.
Active motorists will enjoy the smooth but sensitive steering, as well as the very binding roadholding. Amazing is the brake feel, because when you step on the brake pedal you do not notice that initially by the hybrid hybrid battery (0.216 kWh capacity) is loaded before seamlessly added to the normal brake. As in the Audi e-tron, this is ensured by a brake pedal simulator.
The drive
alternatives To market a 1.8-liter turbo diesel with 116 hp is the only alternative to the aforementioned gasoline engine. He starts from 1600 / min. a maximum torque of 270 Nm available and skimping with 4.2 liters of standard fuel consumption. The sprint from 0 to 100, he even creates a tenth faster than the petrol engine – but only with manual transmission. For both engines offers Mazda to 2000 euros to a six-speed automatic, which deteriorates the sprint value in gasoline only by four tenths, the auto-igniter but by a whole 1.8 seconds!
Everything thought through, except for …
Everything seems very well thought out in the new Mazda3. Only the wide C-pillars interfere in everyday life, because they affect the view obliquely behind (fortunately, parking sensors to the opulent basic equipment) and also for a very “hollow” feeling in the back seat passengers are responsible. In row two might like to be a bit more space – but with this restriction comes, for example, the Mercedes-A-class quite well.
The sedan version, which comes in May on the market and the five-door with 4.66 meters in length by 20 inches, spoiled with better space and holds with 450 to 1138 liters and more space for luggage (hatchback: 358-1026 liters).
Interesting surcharge policy
Mazda can be at the 3er on no price war, a striking “from price” is not proclaimed. But if you look at what the base price of 23,990 euros (applies to the gasoline engine) standard on board, you have to speak almost of a bargain: navigation system, Radartempomat, city emergency brake, Attention Assistant, LED headlights or a real head up display, just to name a few. There is then a slightly better trim level and four option packages. These packages are offered, however, only for the gasoline engine, but not for the good 2000 euros more expensive diesel, including about the cross-traffic warning at the front or the advanced congestion assistant.
Unusually, although LED headlamps are standard, the daytime running lights are halogen. Unless you order LED matrix spotlights as part of the style package.
The bottom line
Mazda indulges in the luxury of completely reinventing its compact range. This applies to the exterior design as well as the interior. The Japanese have thrown conventions and fashion trends over the head and focused on the essentials, namely to build a thoroughly good car. This is not superficially apparent and will remain hidden from many superficial interested parties. But it’s worth taking a closer look to discover these qualities. This attention to detail makes the Mazda3 a premium car.
Why?
Reduced, but very elaborate design
Thought-through solutions that do not immediately open up
Successful new operating concept
Why not?
Preliminary very manageable engine program
Restrictions due to wide C-pillars
Or maybe …
… wait for the auto-igniting petrol engine called Skyactiv-X