The new Mazda3 is making waves. Car enthusiasts who are allowed to pick out a new car by their boss (or mother's wife) now have a style-conscious excuse to pass up the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus. Because the striking Mazda3 is a driving calling card for every family or company, right?
What is striking about the new Mazda3?
The design of the new Mazda3 is more than striking. The striking C-pillars give the hatchback its own face and large blind spots. Fortunately, blind spot warning is standard. Mazda also has a new engine: the SkyActiv-X petrol engine. And the Mazda3 will get it first. It does its job more efficiently and economically thanks to a new type of ignition. The fact that it produces approximately 180 hp reinforces the urge to pay an extra 950 euros for this high-tech engine. But be patient: initially the Mazda3 will only be available with the familiar two-liter petrol engine with 122 hp (SkyActiv-G) and a 116 hp diesel engine, the 1.8-liter SkyActiv-D. What also makes the new Mazda3 unique is the extensive standard equipment. Everything from air conditioning to adaptive cruise control and from 16-inch alloys to a navigation system with a razor-sharp screen is included in the price.
What do you like about the new Mazda3?
Whether you think the design is beautiful or ugly – we understand both opinions – the coupe-like hatchback is definitely controversial. Even more so than the new Ford Focus. What I also like is the new multimedia system. The ugly gear-shaped icons have been replaced by a business-like, BMW-like menu structure. You operate it with a large rotary knob on the center tunnel and that feels a bit more chic than a touchscreen for which you have to stretch your arm all the way. However, the biggest advantage of the new Mazda3 is its sporty driving behavior. The manual gearbox with a short lever shifts excellently, the steering is nice and direct and predictable and the chassis informs you about the condition of the road surface.
What don't you like about the new Mazda3?
You can bet that the wide C-pillars obstruct the view diagonally to the rear. The passengers in the back seat see the world through small side windows and they are in need of legroom. The luggage space is also nothing to write home about. With 334 to 1026 liters, the new Mazda3 lags considerably behind its competitors. A side note about the sporty driving behavior: the chassis is a bit hard-sprung and you have to rev the naturally aspirated engine quite a bit to get anything done. This means that you have to downshift more often than some drivers are used to.
When will the new Mazda3 arrive and how much will it cost?
The new Mazda3 will be available at the dealer from March 15. For 27,160 euros you get behind the wheel of a Mazda3 with a 122 hp petrol engine. The new SkyActiv-X engine will cost 950 euros more and will be available at the end of 2019. The cheapest diesel is priced at 31,590 euros in the price list. Upgrading from the hatchback to the 20 centimeter longer sedan with more than 100 liters of extra luggage space costs only 500 euros. As mentioned, the standard equipment is very complete. The even more luxurious versions have heated seats, faux leather upholstery and a Bose audio system with twelve speakers.
What do I think of the new Mazda3?
I'm not a natural driver, but the new Mazda3 makes devouring winding roads easy and fun. In addition, I feel very comfortable in it – despite my long legs. I can live with the stiff suspension, because the car steers so well. I would wait until the new SkyActiv-X engine is available – I find new technology so fascinating. Don't tell anyone: Mazda is saving an interior with dark red leather for the hatchback with that engine. How cool and wrong is that?