Mazda does it again, with an all-new ‘3’ that is right from the off (Part 1)

It may be one of the smaller manufacturers but Mazda is a car brand that achieves more for each Pound spent than several of the rest put together and Iain Robertson tackles the Lowland roads of Scotland to put both petrol and diesel versions to the test.



With just 119bhp available from the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine beneath the bonnet of the 1.4-tonne Mazda3, your performance expectations will not be high. Yet, this is no ordinary petrol engine. In fact, using technology that is broadly familiar, it is hooked-up to a mild hybrid system, which provides a practical bottom-end and through rev-range energy boost that obviates a need for a turbocharger and allows Mazda to prove its long-held theory that a larger capacity engine can provide smaller capacity benefits.



While the laboratory tests result in a stated Official Combined fuel economy rating of 45.6mpg (117g/km CO2), even extending the car’s performance envelope (0-60mph in 10.1s; 122mph) will seldom see a return of less than 40mpg and, having attained an excellent 58mpg by employing a few tactical frugality measures (light throttle depression, avoiding sudden acceleration and using the lie of the land), I can state categorically that there are few cars in the Mazda3’s class that are capable of better figures, all of which underscores the value of Mazda’s 2.0-litre petrol engineering.



To be frank, the 1.8-litre turbo-diesel alternative (113bhp, 56.5mpg, 107g/km CO2; 0-60mph in 10.0s;121mph) was only a little better in broad performance terms but lacked the smooth progression possible from the petrol unit, because the turbocharger only spools-up properly once the engine is exceeding 1,600rpm. The petrol-hybrid delivers from little more than idle speed. Again, I topped 70mpg in the diesel, when driven with care, but the petrol variant was most definitely my engine of choice.



The extra 21kgs of engine weight across the nose of the car make more of a dynamic difference than you might believe possible. The petrol car’s steering is lighter and the car also feels better balanced and wieldier, especially on some of Scotland’s and the North Pennines’ more tortuous back-doubles. However, the differences are small on a car that is magnificently sprung and damped. Both versions can feel sportily firm but they iron out long amplitude bumps with a professional zeal, while retaining a few degrees of throttle-adjustability to their front-wheel drive chasses for those annoying small amplitude imperfections.




The Mazda3’s overall handling envelope is eminently engaging. Deliciously connected steering provides faithful feedback to the driver’s fingertips, as the car muscles sinuously across give-and-take surfaces, reacting with precision to driver input. Press-on and both cars reward the efforts expended, with fluency and near silent comfort. I did not drive any automatic transmission models but the six-speed manual is positive and smooth in use.



Mazda always does it differently. The company knows that it must make a positive impression in a hectic market sector and Part 2 of this story outlines the design significance of the all-new Mazda3. Boasting high levels of reliability and driver appeal, the new model is an enticing proposition.

FCD Summary

A future petrol engine that utilises diesel technology is due later this year, along with saloon variants and, with range list prices starting at a confident £20,595 (SE-L trim; pre-discount), finding willing buyers should be an easy task.

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