Mazda3 Review

“slashes down the sides suggested recently demised Chris Bangle of BMW may have been moonlighting at Mazda”

WICK, Scotland Mazda launched the new Mazda3 from a base in the extreme North East of Scotland, about 15 miles from John O’Groats, and although this new VW Golf-sized car is a fine performer, well priced and superbly engineered, the most memorable part of the proceedings was the Scottish scenery.

The first day’s driving route hugged the coast from Inverness to Wick, and although this is a road I’ve travelled many times before, I was still stunned by the spring scenery, made breathtaking by the yellow blooms on the gorse, and enhanced by cloudless blue skies.

This route is mostly played out to a leaden background and horizontal rain, with thousands of sheep huddled together for warmth. It was amazing to see the transformation wrought by some decent weather with the sea shimmering, setting off blue and green shades like some idyllic Mediterranean location. The next day’s drive skirted south of John O’Groats, a nasty little tourist trap with nothing in its favour except its geographic singularity. The route moved east for about 40 miles before plunging due south through the central highlands and back to Inverness. Again, this is a route I’ve driven a few times. It always seemed nice enough, with rugged mountains and grey lochs. But this time, with the clear blue skies, the effect was magical. Even the usually dour lochs were transformed into blue surfaced beauties.

Ford Focus in disguise
The new Mazda3 is still a Ford Focus in disguise, resulting from the company’s close collaboration with the U.S. manufacturer, which held a powerful, around 1/3 stake in the Japanese company. Now that Ford has relinquished its controlling interest (it now owns 13 per cent after selling the rest to raise cash to help its fight against bankruptcy in the U.S.) it is still expected to retain its close design and engineering ties. It goes without saying then that the Mazda3 drives superbly, just like its Focus cousin.

I’m not so sure about the looks.

The car has been completely redesigned and looks nice from the front, but the side and rear look a bit overwrought, a bit overdesigned, a bit too desperate to look different. In fact, the slashes down the sides made me think that perhaps Chris Bangle, whose controversial flame-surfaces design career with BMW ended recently, may have been moonlighting at Mazda.

Much better inside
Inside, the quality has improved tremendously, with better plastic and trim. Mazda says the cabin has been designed using a ‘zone layout' that borrows its deeply-cowled instruments from the bigger Mazda6. The information display sits atop the sweeping dashboard. This high-resolution screen is mounted in the dashboard's upper section, directly in the driver's line of sight, and displays trip computer, and audio system information. It is operated using controls mounted on the multi-function steering wheel. It also hosts steering wheel-controlled satellite navigation as standard on 2.0-litre Sport and 2.2D Sport models, optional on TS2 and lower-powered Sport derivatives.

The front seats are now a bit bigger, while the seat backs are taller, and the extensive use of soft-touch plastics, meticulous attention to build quality, an extensive list of standard-fit luxury and convenience equipment and an interactive ambient lighting system make this a good place top be. When you open the doors the LED system increases the level of illumination to welcome driver and passengers. The system also uses illumination to communicate driver instructions – when any of the audio or climate controls are touched, a change in illumination acknowledges that the command has been received.

Bluetooth
Depending on grade, Mazda3 features Bluetooth connectivity for both telephone and audio, parking sensors, satellite navigation and 10-speaker, Bose sound system. Optional extras include leather sports seats with memory function, bi‑xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System and metallic, mica or pearlescent paint.

There is a big choice of engines, with four petrol and three diesels. The petrols are 1.6 litre-104 bhp, 2.0-148 bhp with a new 5-speed automatic, a 2.0-149 bhp and a 2.3-256 bhp in the Mazda3MPS. The latter will be launched later in the year. The diesels are 1.6-108, 2.2-148 and 2.0-183 bhp. Excepting the MPS, all other models are on sales across Europe now.

Mazda says the new body has much lower aerodynamic drag, which with improved engines and reduced weight of up to 15 kilos-33 lbs on some models, has reduced fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent. In June, the 2.0 litre petrol will be available with Mazda’s stop-start system. Basic 3 S’s have Dynamic Stability Control and Emergency Stop Signalling, which activates the hazard warning lights when the ABS detects emergency braking. Traction Control, active head restraints and six airbags are also standard. Prices start at £13,500.

More stuff
Upgrading to TS models adds things like dual zone climate control air conditioning and electric folding door mirrors, electric rear windows and two additional audio speakers. TS2 models add front fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing auto lights and rain-sensing auto-wipers, enhanced “welcome” lighting, Bluetooth, cruise control and 6-CD auto changer.

If you decide to buy a Mazda, if my experience is anything to go by, (2 MX6-s over 6 years, utterly dependable), you are buying peace of mind, as well as a handsome looking motor. Mazda6 is a smart looking competitor to the Ford Mondeo and the beautiful little Mazda2 is a Fiesta in disguise, thanks to the links between Ford and Mazda.

There is one big difference between Ford and Mazda though; price. If you check out the specification on the Mazda3 and, say, the Ford Focus, you’ll find massive savings on the Mazda. Given that Mazda quality is unimpeachable, need I say more?

Neil Winton – May 25, 2008