After a mid-life update the Mazda 3 hatchback gets new styling and technology. With this 2.2-litre diesel fitted it's a compelling choice
What is it?
A mildly updated version of the Mazda 3 hatchback and a rival for almost everything else in the C segment. Mazda names the Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30 as the cars it most wants to compete against, but in truth the 3 is taking on everything from the Ford Focus to the Skoda Octavia.
Until now, the 3 has been well received. We like its interior space, economical diesel engines and agile handling, but with the car having been on sale since 2013 - and the next-generation 3 not due until 2018 - updates were needed to keep it competitive.
Changes to the car's styling are minor, including a new grille to put the car more in line with the CX-3 and facelifted 6 saloon, new LED headlights and a revised rear bumper, but it's in the chassis where most of the work has been done. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system is new here, although it already features in the 6. It delivers minute and imperceptible variations in engine torque to the front wheels, allowing the 3 to corner with more stability and reducing the need for mid-corner steering inputs from the driver. It's also claimed to improve ride comfort for passengers by reducing mid-corner lateral forces.
Also new are various interior upgrades: there's a new plastic trim around the window switches, larger door bins, a full-colour head-up display on Sport Nav models and a new leather steering wheel. Mazda has also done away with its mechanical handbrake in favour of an electric version.
What's it like?
The beauty of peak torque arriving at just 1800rpm is that this 2.2-litre diesel rarely feels out of puff. In fact, it feels plenty faster than its 148bhp peak power output would have you believe - especially considering its claimed 0-62mph sprint time of 8.1sec. That's partly due to a new turbo lag-reduction system called Transient Control. It means there's less waiting for the turbo to spool up and deliver power and give that delightful surge from low down in the rev range.
Mazda admits selling its GVC system to customers will be tricky, because if it's working as it should you won't be able to detect it. That said, the 3 feels keener to turn in to bends than before and once settled sticks to its line. On Scotland's undulating Highland roads it felt generally composed, engaging and grippy, although at speed the inconsistently weighted steering let it down. It also rides well on most surfaces, and only on really broken roads do you feel it shudder through the cabin. We couldn't detect any of the improved passenger comfort Mazda had talked about, though.
Elsewhere, very little has changed, which is no bad thing. This diesel engine is economical - an official combined economy figure of 68.9mpg is among the class's best, while CO2 emissions of 107g/km mean you'll pay just £20 in tax as a private buyer, or 21% BIK if you run this 3 as a company car.
Old problems remain, though. Most of the 3's rivals offer better insulation from wind and tyre noise, and while the diesel engine is quieter in this facelifted car (a new system dubbed Natural Sound Smoother aims to improve low-speed engine refinement), it's still fairly vocal.
The interior is more of a mixed bag. There's plenty of space in the front and rear and a fairly large boot, but some of Mazda's material choices remain questionable. While the top of the dashboard gets plush leather, things quickly revert to harsh plastics lower down. That new black plastic trim shows fingerprints very easily, too. The car's infotainment system is unchanged but remains easy to use and graphically rich.
Should I buy one?
If you're looking for a fine driver's choice in the family hatchback market, this updated 3 should be on your shortlist. The changes made with this facelift are minor, so current owners needn't rush to upgrade, but if you're not tempted by some of this segment's big sellers, such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf, then the 3 offers a rewarding and economical drive - especially in diesel form.
We might be tempted by a lesser spec than this range-topping Sport Nav model, though. Mid-range SE-L Nav models get rear parking sensors, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, AEB and cruise control and costs £950 less.
Mazda 3 2.2d 150 Sport Nav
Location Aberdeen; On sale Now; Price £22,995; Engine 4 cyls, 2191cc, diesel; Power 148bhp at 4500rpm; Torque 280lb ft at 1800rpm; Gearbox 6-speed manual; Kerb weight 1470kg; 0-62mph 8.1sec; Top speed 130mph; Fuel economy 68.9mpg (combined); CO2 rating/tax band 107g/km, 21%; Rivals Kia Ceed,Hyundai i20, Skoda Octavia
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario