For those who spend their own money on a car, Mazda’s sedan stands out BUYERS’ PREMIUM
There’s a big difference in the vehicles of choice between wage-earning taxpayers — called private buyers in the sales statistics — and others who have a car included in their salary package or are self-employed. Private buyers as a rule get no tax concessions on their new car. They also pay full, non-deductible freight on all running costs and finance and suffer, without relief, the excruciating pain of depreciation.
For salary-packaged employees and business owners, tax concessions are many and varied. The two top selling vehicles in the country — the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger — are almost exclusively business purchases, by tradies, farmers, mining companies and government.
The most popular vehicle among private buyers is the Mazda3.
VALUE
When you put your hard earned down on a new car and get no free kicks from the ATO, you want maximum value for money. The Mazda 3 delivers.
In April, we tested the G20 Evolve hatch, one model up from the base Pure, priced at $27,940 with a 114kW 2.0-litre/six-speed automatic. Mazda has added a sedan to the line-up — mirroring the hatch in model grade, specification and price.
Today we’re in the $34,740 G25 GT, which runs a 139kW 2.5-litre and sits closer to the premium end of the range, topped by the bellsand-whistles Astina, priced at $38,240.
Before we get into the equipment list, look at what really separates Mazda 3 from its rivals: first, its beautifully sculpted sheet metal, which looks designer-label Italian rather than massmarket Japan Inc; second, its meticulously crafted cabin, with fit, finish and materials quality that belie the car’s relatively affordability.
You can’t help but be wowed when you first jump into the Mazda. It feels as though it could carry a price tag with a five in front of it.
The GT’s luxurious cabin includes power adjustable, heated, leather wrapped front seats with two position memory for the driver, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker Bose audio, keyless entry and starting and dual-zone aircon with rear seat vents.
The infotainment, controlled by a rotary dial, now includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Digital radio, satnav, stand-alone voice control and a bright, informative screen are also included. Wireless phone charging is missing.
The fact that private buyers favour the 3 is also reflected in class-leading trade-in values. Industry valuer Redbook has the G25 GT sedan at 43 per cent of its new price after five years/ 100,000km.
COMFORT
Supportive and generously padded, the driver’s seat is complemented by a low, sporty driving position with plenty of adjustability and convenient storage — including a big centre console box — plus a couple of USB sockets.
Rear legroom is adequate for most adults and access is easier than in the hatch.
The ride is firm, controlled and compliant at speed. However, the slightly oversprung front end can occasionally jar in town, particularly on sharp-edged bumps and expansion joins.
Many road testers in the past have complained about excessive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in Mazdas. It’s a nonissue in the new 3 — and the sedan’s cabin is even quieter than the hatch because the boot, as a separate compartment, isolates rear end tyre and road noise.
SAFETY
The Mazda3 is best in class and the important driver-assist technologies are included, plus a comprehensive, easy to read head-up display.
DRIVING
Mazda’s 2.5-litre engine is worth paying extra for because, although it’s no rocket, it provides much stronger performance and sharper throttle response, right across the rev range, than the sluggish 2.0-litre.
It automatically and seamlessly switches off two cylinders under light throttle loads to save fuel and runs on regular unleaded.
The six-speed auto in the test car wasn’t the smoothest I’ve used, perhaps due to the extra torque of the 2.5, with the occasional abrupt, mistimed shift, exacerbated by its desire to go for the high gears at very low revs. Sport mode isn’t sporty at all. Use the paddle-shifters if you want to pretend you’re in a sporty car.
Cornering ability, though, is definitely the real deal. The 3 is a front runner in a class where sports-flavoured dynamics are the standard.
The Mazda has a lovely light and agile yet rock solid character when aimed into corners, with precise steering and exceptionally fine balance. A few mid-bend bumps can give the front end the momentary jitters, accompanied by a trace of steering rack shake.
HEART SAYS
This looks as if it could have a Maserati badge on it, especially in “Soul Red” paint. Other small sedans are invisible to me.
HEAD SAYS
Mazda is Japan’s premium mass-market brand now and the 3 is a beautifully designed and engineered car. I don’t need a big sedan because I rarely carry people in the rear.
ALTERNATIVES HONDA CIVIC RS, FROM $31,990
Closest rival here to the Mazda 2.5 GT, with a 127kW 1.5-litre turbo matched to CVT. More cabin space, especially in the rear seat, bigger boot and more comfortable ride. Missing lots of safety tech, though.
KIA CERATO GT, FROM $32,990
Haven’t driven this particular model but you probably should. The Cerato is well made, great value and backed by a seven-year warranty. The GT runs a 150kW 1.6 turbo with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.