| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mazda 3
Hatchback 2.0 Sport 5dr
Our Thoughts
Just how sporty is the Mazda3 Sport
|
|
| |
Background |
| |
Prior to my week with the new Mazda3 2.0 Sport hatchback I checked out the Mazda website to find out
what the Mazda 323 replacement had to offer. Mazda were quick to raise my expectations and promised me an "unforgettably thrilling drive." In fact, not only does the Mazda3 have great performance, it also has the looks to match. Apparently it's "stylish presence is designed to create an emotional reaction." These are bold claims by Mazda. Although I noted that they didn't specify what type of emotional reaction I could expect.
|
| |
Exterior Styling
|
| |
| Close up it looks sporty, as an overall package ... |
|
The Mazda3 was designed for 2004 as a slightly larger replacement to the Mazda 323 and targeted to a European market. Volvo made a notable contribution to the development of the Mazda3, including vast improvements in safety. In addition, this car shares certain components and architecture with the yet to be launched new generation Focus. These two factors enabled Mazda to release this car a year early.
The front styling is similar to its predecessor. With the idiosyncratic grille and slanting headlights it is immediately recognisable as a close relation to both the Mazda6 and to a lesser extent the RX-8. This styling has been described as bold, positive and contemporary by various reviewers. My first impressions were less favourable. The stying is somewhat confused with some areas over designed and other areas overlooked. It looks as if the designers threw in the towel, especially by the time they got to the rear end. The Mazda3 is definitely not the type of car you would give admiring glances to from time to time whilst it's on the drive, in fact it could almost be described as anonymously ugly.
From a more technical and safety conscious perspective, the Mazda3 has a self-supporting rigid and torsion-resistant all-steel body with defined crumple zones for the front and rear sections. As well as a stable passenger safety cell with side impact reinforcement in the doors. In addition, Mazda have used their Impact Distribution and Absorption System, designed to secure the critical interior space in the event of an accident. Lastly, the Mazda3 also features a Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) comprising a central control unit and crush sensors, seatbelt pre-tensioners, load-limiters and dual-stage airbags. With rain sensing front wipers and Xenon headlights coming as standard in the 3 Sport. Heated door mirrors are also a nice touch, which demonstrates the attention that has been paid to finer details.
The rear is kept simple with an integrated series of Lexus Chromed style round lights, that mirror the layout of the front lights. The boot lid is home to a discrete spoiler, which luckily distracts your eye from the two unsightly bumps in the roof line which conceal the boot hinges.
From my perspective, the overall package does not look sporty. Sure the big 17 inch wheels, deep front spoiler and rear boot lid spoiler all help, but the car is just too tall and does not look muscular enough to be worthy of the badge Sport.
|
| |
Interior Styling
|
| |
The interior styling is marginally better than the exterior. The dials consist of three large binnacles, that are somewhat reminiscent of a Porsche 911. They, have a black background with red numbers, and look attractive when swimming in the blue hue of the night-light. Seated in the drivers seat, you could be excused for initially thinking that you where seated in an Audi, which is no bad thing. The centre console definitely has a Germanic feel. However, closer inspection brings me back to my previous comment regarding over design. I counted no fewer than five different textures around the centre console alone, almost as if they had been selected by a committee that could not agree on an overall look and feel. Having said that the interior does have a solid, quality feel.
For a Sport model, I also felt that the steering wheel was too large, however it does offer adjustment for both reach and rake.
The door panels are unfortunately the most eye-catching feature of the interior. Each door is meticulously covered with a dubious, ribbed Black and blue cloth that is reminiscent of the polo neck Steve McQueen has been wearing for the last twenty years. In addition, the seat covers echo the same ribbed look and appear as if they are from your Grandma's Fiesta, although seemingly there are more subtle options available. On the subject of seats, I would have preferred a something firmer and more figure hugging to inspire more confidence when cornering at high speed. |
| |
| Blue and Blue ribs may not suit all tastes. |
|
On a more positive note, the glove compartment is spacious enough to comfortably house all manner of maps and other inane articles that end up in the car. It is also illuminated and lockable, essential for locating items whilst driving at night. There is an optional sunroof available but this was not fitted to the test car.
The radio is another plus point, with six speakers and a 6-CD in dash autochanger. Duplicate stereo controls can be found on the steering wheel which for a car in this price bracket is a nice touch. The radio has a flashy LED start-up and shutdown night rider effect, great for all budding Michael Knight and Kitt wannabes. The radio can conceivably be operated by most older adults, although whether you want your Mum in the passenger seat messing around with your settings is another matter.
Lastly, there is plenty of room for your friends or family to sit comfortably in the back. Mazda state that the "Mazda3 is one of the largest vehicles in it's class." The seats are comfortable and supportive with both height and recline adjustment, with lumbar adjustment on the drivers seat.
From a safety point of view, the Mazda3 has benefited from the Volvo influence. It boasts the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) engineered 'triple H' body structure to help protect occupants from impact forces. Other safety features include dual front air bags, optional side curtains, seatbelt pretensioners, and whiplash-reducing front headrests. ISOFIX child seat anchors should come as reassurance to anyone with little ones. Also a Thatcham Category 1 alarm is included for increased security and reduced insurance premiums.
|
| |
|
| |
Ride, Handling & Steering
|
| |
| Comfortable but not particularly sporty ride. |
|
The Mazda3 feels solid and grips the road well, with good visibility and few blind spots. Mazda claim that the Mazda3 is 40% stiffer than the Mazda 323 which ensures a good connection with the road surface.
The 3 Sport has independent suspension with MacPherson struts on the front, 4-point rubber mounting system and liquid-filled bushings. To the rear there is a e-type multi-link suspension with angled dampers and low-mounted springs to maximise load compartment space. The 3 Sport has a front wheel drive chassis that has been developed to enable both passenger comfort and handling stability. I would categorise the ride as more comfortable than sporty, but I personally prefer a hard ride. In heavy cornering the 3 Sport held up well. After some initial body roll the chassis seems to resist the urge to roll further, this does not initially inspire confidence but after you have gained the confidence to hang on, the 3 Sport rewards with a big grin and predictable slight understeer.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TSC) enhance control during cornering and acceleration, although I found them all too eager to kick in. For instance when taking a round-about, in the dry, at reasonable speed I was surprised to see the DSC light flickering, surely Mazda must have more faith in the mechanical grip of their chassis. This common chassis is also going to be the basis for the new Focus, does this bode well for one of Fords best selling model over the past few years?
The Mazda3 benefits from improved bending rigidity, braking and steering. The brake system involves a hydraulic, diagonally divided dual-circuit system with power brake unit. The Mazda3 also features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA). At the front there are 278mm (300mm on 2.0 MZR) ventilated disc brakes, to the rear 265mm (280mm on 2.0 MZR) disc brakes.
The 2.0 Sport model tested includes EHPAS electro-hydraulic power-assisted, speed sensitive power steering. I personally felt that the steering was too light, maybe due to the large steering wheel. It generally lacked enough feedback to find out what was really happening at the wheels, this gave a remote feeling to the overall driving experience.
|
| |
Engine, Gearbox and Performance
|
| |
| 2.0-litre 150 ps (110 kW) @ 6000 rpm / 187 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
|
The 3 Sport manages 0-62 mph in 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). The engine is quiet, maybe too quiet, offering smooth power delivery. I would prefer a "Sport"y car to sound more sporty. That said, get over 5000rpm and the engine starts to sing, or howl depending on which way you look at it. You have to drive it hard to get the desired aural response and grin factor.
A 55 litre tank coupled with fuel economy provides good range. Fuel consumption in mpg is reported to be: urban - 24.6, extra urban - 44.8, combined - 24.5. The CO2 emissions are 196 g/km which is the equivalent of EC emission level IV.
The following spec applies to the 3 Sport engine:
1999 cc in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, front-mounted, developing 150 PS (110 kw) at 6000 rpm and 187 Nm at 4500 rpm.
sequential electronic multi-point fuel injection and variable induction system.
Bore x stroke 87.5 x 83.1 mm
4 valves per cylinder
Maximum output - 6000 rpm
Maximum torque - 4500 rpm
Compression ratio - 10.8:1
The 5-speed manual gearbox on the 3 Sport tested was adequate, with a pleasant notchiness, although locating reverse proved troublesome on more than one occasion.
Manufacturers figures:
|
| |
| Acceleration | 0-30 |
0-40 | 0-50 | 0-60 |
0-70 | 0-80 | 0-90 | 0-100 |
| Mazda 3 2.0 sport | | | |
(9.0) | | | | |
|
| |
Practicality
|
| |
| Practical and Spacious, almost a mini MPV |
|
The 3 Sport fares very well from a practicality perspective. The doors open to provide spacious access points, which is handy for anyone who is tall, carrying shopping, children etc. There is plenty of room in the back, both from a height and leg room perspective. The split rear seats can be folded flat to enable the transportation of large loads. Practicality is also enhanced by a low sill at the rear of the car.
The dashboard dials are easy to see and understand, as is the radio. The inclusion of stereo controls on the steering wheel is also useful, enabling the driver to maintain their concentration on the road. The Xenon headlights and rain-sensitive wipers are a nice touch and indicate the market that Mazda is trying to break into.
The 3 Sport also features a number of accessories that seem mundane but actually go a long way to enhancing practicality. These include 2 lidded cup holders in the front and rear, storage tray and lid, centre console storage box, rear coat hooks and rear arm rest. Even Under the boot carpet Mazda have provided a tray above the spare wheel with various compartments for bits and pieces to slide around. These extras are the sort of items that wouldn't be on your wish list when buying a car but are very handy to have once you've bought it.
At £15,500 the 3 Sport offers a high specification for the price, undercutting both the equivalent Golf and Civic by about £1,300.
|
| |
Conclusion
|
| |
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom... not quite. The 3 Sport is a good, all-round, practical car that is enjoyable to drive, but tips its hat to being sporty rather than actually delivering the Sport experience.
Is it a 'hot hatch'? The answer is no, it would be completely out classed by peers such as the Honda Civic type 'R' or the Seat Cupra 'R'. If you are looking for a hot-hatch I suggest you look elsewhere. However, this should not detract from what is a very good car. The Mazda 3 Sport offers a semi-sporty experience and will appeal to a wider audience, rather than the hardened petrol head. Perhaps the imminent Mazdaspeed3 will do more to satisfy the speed lovers amongst us.
So did the Mazda 3 Sport provide me with a "unforgettably thrilling drive"? The answer is no. However, this is a practical well specified car with a quality feel. Occasionally it will even put a smile on your face when pushed hard.
|
| |
Lee & Maddy
|
| |
|
|
|
|
