High-tech upgrades for Mazda3
Mazda’s under-rated 3 gets some subtle tweaks and extra safety features
MAZDA has facelifted its Mazda3 hatch and sedan, and added a new Astina Plus model with some extra safety features.
All derivatives get new wheel designs, side skirts, and slightly changed fog lights and grilles. New paint options also come in across the range. The hatch has been given a slight tweak at the back, but the sedan’s rear remains as is. Changes inside are minor, but all models now come with Bluetooth phone connectivity and new paddle shifters in combination with automatic gearboxes. Individual models now also have cruise control fitted as standard.
Versions with 2-litre engines benefit from a new G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system, which Mazda says improves handling by finely controlling torque output based on steering and throttle inputs. We haven’t tried the new feature yet, but assume it’s a fancier type of traction control which limits the effects of wheelspin and torque steer.
The new Astina Plus sits on top of the existing Astina in the lineup, and adds Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Blind Sport Monitoring (BSM).
Smart City Brake is similar to other radar-based systems in that it scans the road ahead at speeds up to 80km/h, and warns a distracted driver of an impending collision. Mazda’s version does not, however, automatically apply brake pressure. Instead it sounds an audible chime and primes the braking system for a more immediate foot response. Lane Keep Assist will automatically steer a car back into its lane if it sees a painted line being crossed unintentionally, and works together with the audible Lane Departure Warning system.
Driver Attention Alert is a drowsiness detector that keeps an eye on a driver’s inputs and sounds a chime along with a display in the cluster if it senses a lack in concentration. Blind Spot Monitors warn drivers of hidden cars when changing lanes, and the Adaptive LED Headlights can automatically adjust beams to suit conditions by selectively illuminating individual diodes in each light cluster.
All of these new features are specific to the Astina Plus, except for Blind Spot Monitoring which also comes in normal Astinas.
PRICES: Mazda3 Original 1.6 Manual 4Dr/5Dr R258 900 Mazda3 Active 1.6 Manual 4Dr/5Dr R271 800 Mazda3 Dynamic 1.6 Manual 4Dr/5Dr R284 900 Mazda3 Dynamic 1.6 Auto 4Dr/5Dr R295 900 Mazda3 Individual 2.0 Manual 4Dr/5Dr R331 900 Mazda3 Individual 2.0 Auto 4Dr/5Dr R343 900 Mazda3 Astina 2.0 Auto 4Dr/5Dr R378 400 Mazda3 Astina Plus 2.0 Auto 4Dr/5Dr R407 900
All Mazda3 models come with threeyear/unlimited mileage warranties and three year service plans.