THE Mazda3 comes under the family hatchback banner – but this is far too staid a description for an exciting motor that makes driving a pleasure.
It is rare indeed to sit in a car and feel totally at home but adjust the powered seat and steering wheel to achieve the perfect position and push the ignition button and the experience that follows is something that represents as close to driving perfection as £20,000 can buy.
Mazda has developed the fourth-generation 3 with the Japanese concept of “Jinba Ittai” at the forefront of its thinking – for those that don’t speak the language, it is car and driver in perfect harmony.
The 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol-powered beauty has looks to die for, with sleek lines suggesting speed even when it is parked on the drive.
And it does feel quicker than the 10.4 seconds it takes to reach 62mph from a standing start – via a slick, short-shift, six-speed, manual gearbox – on its way to a top speed of 122mph. The engine – a mild hybrid with cylinder deactivation – also offers decent fuel economy and emissions of 119g/km.
But the real joy is in the ride and handling characteristics. The hatchback is smooth as silk on our potholed highways, with virtually all humps and hollows easily absorbed.
The handling is sublime, with neat, accurate steering giving a great feel for what is happening on the road. Corners can be taken as if on rails, with the driver-friendly chassis and superb suspension exerting their considerable presence on proceedings.
Add all this to supportive, comfortable sport seats and the result is a motor that excels – whether cruising on a motorway or taking on tight country lanes.
The Sport Lux has a price-tag of £23,995 but feels like it should cost far more as it boasts a plethora of kit. This includes a colour head-up display that offers sat nav information, your speed and the limit in force as well as adding a jet fighter feel to the ambience.
The modern cabin is a class act, with lovely lines and a cosy atmosphere controlled by a dual-zone air con system. An easy-to-use rotary dial surrounded by four buttons behind the gear lever operates functions on the slimline 8.8in infotainment screen.
The sat nav benefits from decent graphics – but if you prefer to use your smartphone, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available. Other goodies include smart automatic LED headlights, DAB digital radio with eight-speaker audio set-up, alloy wheels and clever radar cruise control.
There is plenty of room up front but things are a little tighter for two adults in the rear as the swooping roofline makes its presence felt slightly on headroom – although legroom is fine.
And three children should be able to fit along the back, while boot space runs to 351 litres and the rear seats split and fold to offer more capacity when required.
There is plenty of storage for a family’s knick-knacks, with a covered box between the driver and front seat passenger, along with a large cubby hole ahead of the gear lever as well as the usual cup holders.
These are all sideshows, though – mere fripperies that you’ll barely notice in a motor that you’ll never get bored of driving.
Factfile:
- Model: Mazda3 SkyActiv-G Sport Lux
- Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
- Power: 122PS
- Top speed: 122mph
- 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
- Average mpg: 44.8
- CO2 emissions: 119g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £23,995
