Mazda3 ups its game
Jeff Fuidge drives the 2017 Mazda3 range
Since its introduction in 2014, the Mazda3 has been a serious contender in the family hatchback market, more than holding its own against the mighty VW Golf and top-selling Focus.
With global production passing the five million mark earlier this year a midlife refresh should keep it competitive.
The facelifted model has a sharper, more stylish and tapered profile, a more driver-friendly, roomier cabin and employs some clever performance enhancements.
There are three specification levels with a choice of fastback or hatchback, priced from £17,595 to £24,195 on the road. They include 105ps 1.5-litre or 150ps 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engines, while the petrol line-up includes 120ps and 165ps versions of the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G.
Performance from all of the engines is impressive with a good spread of torque right across the rev range offering excellent in-gear acceleration and a sporty, dynamic feel.
The handling is wonderfully controlled, with accurate steering and well-balanced suspension.
The Mazda3 marks the debut of G-Vectoring Control which varies engine torque to optimize load on each wheel to provide more precise handling and improved comfort.
So, if you’re driving perfectly, the system will allow you to continue, but if your driving is a little on the ragged side, the engine will make the alterations without you even noticing. Of course, I didn’t notice anything, so I must have been driving perfectly.
Even through a series of tight corners there is little body roll and a sense of connection to the road.
Inside, the cabin has high quality switch panels and a practical centre console which includes storage with two USB slots thanks to a space-saving electric hand brake.
There is a great feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. The dash is simply laid out and the seats, while firm, remain comfortable even over longer distances.
Mazda’s model range consists of three trims: SE, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav. Entry level models come with air conditioning, electric windows, 16in alloys, a dual chrome exhaust system, and hill-hold assist.
The SE gets a seven inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, while upgrading to SE Nav means the addition of sat nav and three years’ worth of map updates.
The 163bhp 2.0-litre engine is only available in Sport Nav trim, which includes luxuries such as cruise control, 18in alloys, LED headlights, daytime running lights and rear lights, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
All the 2017 Mazda3s carry a £200 premium over the prefacelift models but extra kit includes folding door mirrors, and, depending on trim level, speed limit recognition, Smart City Braking up to 24mph to protect pedestrians, standard hill-hold assist when the parking brake is released, while Sport Nav versions come with rear cross traffic alert that and auto automatically stops the car while reversing if something is about to cross its path.
All in all, Mazda has again managed to step up a gear to create another terrific car for those who want something a little different from the crowd, but without making a compromise.