Review: Mazda3 Sedan 2.0-litre

It’s a sports car in sedan clothing! By Jerrica Leong

Mazdas have been under the radar for a long time, pardon my saying this but the older generation still believes that Mazdas are unreliable and ugly cars. But look at the Mazda3, not only did this model make a comeback with a look that is miles sportier than the previous model, it is also jam-packed with Skyactiv technology.

Our editor has already rated the 3 on the top of his top five cars he has driven last year on Friday Fives, and I’m not about to call him out for that decision. How well does the car that has us both praising the car to no end?

Exterior (Score: 5/5)

It’s not to say that the previous generation Mazda3 looks bad, it just didn’t make a statement like the present one does. The new 3 is revolutionised with the KODO design language. Its sharp lines offer the car a fierce and stylish look that gives a person the impression of an aggressive shark. You can’t argue that the 3 grabs your attention when it comes cruising down the road, effortlessly making overtakes like a ballerina.

Interior (Score: 5/5)

It felt like I was sitting in a sports car the entire time I was in the Mazda3: the bucket seats are set so low to give you the impression that you’re sitting close to the ground, like you would in a sports car!

Everything about the interior is comfortable although tyre roar is louder than I would have expected. But despite having conversation getting drowned out by tyre roar, there is barely any engine whine. The only times you will hear the engine would be when i-stop kicks in to turn off the engine.

Power and handling (Score: 5/5)

Flex your foot on the throttle and the Mazda3 will just fly like, as you’ve guess it, a sports car. So not only does the car sit like a sports car, it’s got the power output and torque to match as well. Even if you drive the Mazda3 hard the car has brilliant road holding and is capable of holding its own even with a much fiercer car breathing down its neck!

Tech and Safety (Score: 3/5)

The Mazda3 comes equipped with six-airbags in the specially designed Skyactiv-Body that gave the car a high score of five-stars in the Euro NCAP. The bucket seats only served to give the illusion of a safe environment in the car.

Tech wise, the 3 comes equipped with the usual seven-inch centre display that comes with every new Mazda model that rolls out of the factory but unfortunately, the navigation isn’t the helpful technology that Mazda provided.

Summary

With interior that is covered in leather to feel premium to the touch, road-holding to rival an inexpensive sport car and a look that would make anybody think twice before overtaking, the Mazda3 is ticking all the right boxes as a driver’s car. Mazda has definitely jumped the ladder by creating a car that is so much more improved than the previous model that critics had to bite their tongues!

Overall score: 18/20

Mazda3 Sedan 2.0L

Price

RM135,159.00 (without insurance, not inclusive of GST)

Engine

1998cc, SKYACTIV-G, In-line 4 Cylinder DOHC 16 Valve, 162 @ 6000, 210 @ 4000

Transmission

SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-Speed Automatic

Length/ width/ height

4580/ 1795/ 1450

Weight

1292kg