The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Women’s car award for Mazda3
THE Mazda3 has been named ‘Supreme Winner’ at the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year awards.
In addition to taking the top award, the model also won Women’s World Family Car of the Year.
Established in 2010, the Women’s World Car of the Year is voted on by a panel of female judges from over 30 different countries) who are asked to vote according to factors that include safety, value for money, aesthetic appearance, practicality and environmental footprint.
The 28 model Mazda3 range features hatchback models powered by the 122ps Skyactiv-G and 180ps Skyactiv-X petrol engines, while the stylish Mazda3 Saloon is exclusively powered by the ground-breaking Skyactiv-X engine. Featuring Mazda’s unique Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) technology, Skyactiv-X is the world’s first production petrol engine to exploit the benefits of compression ignition. Providing drivers with the free-revving performance of a petrol engine combined with greater efficiency, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder 180ps Skyactiv-X engine features the highest compression ratio for a production petrol engine in the world, while its lean burn capabilities ensure outstanding fuel economy and low emissions.
The entry point to the Skyactiv-X line up, the manual Mazda3 Sport hatch emits 100g/km, while the Sport saloon emits just 96g/km. Across both body styles the Skyactiv-X powered Mazda3 is offered in Sport, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech trim levels, with a choice of automatic or manual transmission available on all models.
Like the rest of the range, Skyactiv-X hatch and saloon models are specified with a level of standard equipment never seen before on a Mazda in this sector: the Mazda3 features high-end technology such as a windscreen projecting colour headup display with Traffic Sign Recognition, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and LED headlights across the range. Every model in the line-up also features navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and an advanced eight speaker audio system.
Even the Sport trim entry point to the Skyactiv-X range has a cabin enhanced with chrome detailing, a frameless rear view mirror and rear privacy glass, while Sport Lux models feature a reversing camera, smart keyless entry and heated front seats. GT Sport sees the introduction of black leather seats with power adjustment, a heated steering wheel and Bose audio, while the range-topping GT Sport Tech features a suite of additional active safety equipment, including a 360o camera and Driver Monitoring System with interior camera.
Mazda’s focus on Japanese mastery inspired craftsmanship is evident in both high-class materials found throughout the interior and the impressive build quality. All models feature a seven-inch colour TFT driver instrument display, while the latest version of the Mazda Connect infotainment system features a larger 8.8-inch central display, improved navigation and a revised multimedia commander control dial, to name just a few of the enhancements.
Like the Skyactiv-G petrol engine, Mazda’s Skyactiv-X engine is matched to the Mazda M Hybrid 24V mild-hybrid system that recycles recovered kinetic energy. A belt-driven integrated starter generator (ISG) converts the energy in the 600kJ lithium-ion battery, while the DC-DC converter supplies it to the cars electrical equipment.
Externally, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech Skyactiv-X powered cars are marked out by bright 18-inch alloy wheels on the saloon and metallic black alloys on the hatchback, while the keen eyed will spot the wider exhaust tailpipe and Skyactiv-X tailgate badge.