MAZDA3 G- VECTORING

Grizzled old-timers might remember the days before stability control, when drivers talked about steering the car on the throttle. Mostly, they talked about it, because actually doing it well is quite a skill. And it’s generally best shown off in a rear- wheel drive. Call it drifting, but sedately.

Mazda’s modern take on the art of driving on the throttle is what it calls G-vectoring Control system (GVC). Introduced here on 2.0L models of the Mazda3, GGVC is a product of what the company calls its human-centred development philosophy. Underlying that is the idea of using the engine to enhance chassis performance.

Mazda rather long- windedly describes it as the world’s first control system to vary engine torque in response to steering inputs in order to provide integrated control of lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces and optimise the vertical load on each wheel for smooth and efficient vehicle motion. In plain English, GVC detects when you make steering inputs and, in response, slightly backs off engine torque output to shift vehicle weight forward slightly, adding more downforce – hence more grip – to the front tyres. Result: the car turns in more eagerly. It’s all finely controlled, and is said to result in better handling for the driver and ride quality for the passengers when cornering.

GVC is the first innovation from Mazda’s Skyactiv Vehicle Dynamics, a series of newgeneration vehicle motion control technologies that provide integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis and body. The intention is to enhance what Mazda calls the vehicle’s Jinba-ittai: that sense of connectedness between car and driver. Given the esteem in which Mazda’s MX-5 Miata roadster is held, it’s clear they know a thing or two about that sense of connectedness.

As mentioned earlier, GVC has been introduced for the first time in the new-look Mazda3 2.0L and will be introduced to future newgeneration models. At the same time, Mazda has introduced a new Mazda3 model, Astina Plus. Available in four- and five-door, the new Astina Plus model comes with advanced safety features that include Smart City Brake Support (automated alerts and braking when an imminent collision is detected); Lane Keep Assist; Lane Departure Warning; Driver Attention Alert; and Blind Sport Monitoring.

One slightly unusual feature in this price bracket is Adaptive LED Headlights. The system has three major functions: glare-free high beam, wide-range low beam and highway mode. Glare-free high beam recognises leading and oncoming cars, and turns off selected LEDS to avoid dazzling other drivers. Below 40 km/h, the wide-range low beam expands distribution and, above 95 km/h, highway mode controls the light axis to increase the distance low beam can illuminate the road behind a leading car.

Interior upgrades on the new-look Mazda3, which is still available with 1.6L or 2.0L engines, include standard Bluetooth, Cruise Control on certain models and the paddle-shifting for six-speed automatic transmission models.

Price: Astina Plus R407 900.