Photo: Mazda
Even though the current generation of the Mazda3 is just three years old, the Japanese manufacturer had facelifted it for the model year 2017. Slated to go on sale in the UK from October 1st, the mildly redesigned and enhanced Mazda3 also happens to be £500 more than yesteryear’s model.
The increase on-the-road price is worth it, though, chiefly because £17,595 buys you a nicely equipped hatch with a naturally aspirated engine, a slick-shifting manual, and lots of safety features. £24,195 buys you the best 3 Mazda has to offer. But there’s more to the 3 than just the pricing.
After one too many complaints about the lack of a sub-2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, Mazda complied. The frugal 1.5-liter SkyActiv-D is similar in specification to that available in the Mazda2, as in 105 PS (104 bhp) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,600 and 2,500 rpm.
The hatchback and the sedan alike come as standard with what Mazda calls G-Vectoring Control. This technological gimmick is, for all intents and purposes, a driving aid that automatically varies the torque of the engine depending on steering angle and speed for the sole reason of optimizing wheel load. It’s not tuned to feel sporty like full-on torque vectoring systems do, but for a slightly safer and more comfortable driving experience.
Also new for model year 2017 are three exterior finishes: Machine Grey Mica (Mazda MX-5 RF, anyone?), Eternal Blue Mica, and Sonic Silver Metallic. Even the entry-level SE grade is adorned with 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as an more useful things such as an electronic parking brake. Optimized door seals, additional vibration damping materials, as well as sound deadening materials are on the menu as well, further improving cabin comfort.
Pricing for optional extras has yet to be made public, but make sure the Adaptive LED lights and full-color head-up display are on your shortlist.
After one too many complaints about the lack of a sub-2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, Mazda complied. The frugal 1.5-liter SkyActiv-D is similar in specification to that available in the Mazda2, as in 105 PS (104 bhp) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,600 and 2,500 rpm.
The hatchback and the sedan alike come as standard with what Mazda calls G-Vectoring Control. This technological gimmick is, for all intents and purposes, a driving aid that automatically varies the torque of the engine depending on steering angle and speed for the sole reason of optimizing wheel load. It’s not tuned to feel sporty like full-on torque vectoring systems do, but for a slightly safer and more comfortable driving experience.
Also new for model year 2017 are three exterior finishes: Machine Grey Mica (Mazda MX-5 RF, anyone?), Eternal Blue Mica, and Sonic Silver Metallic. Even the entry-level SE grade is adorned with 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as an more useful things such as an electronic parking brake. Optimized door seals, additional vibration damping materials, as well as sound deadening materials are on the menu as well, further improving cabin comfort.
Pricing for optional extras has yet to be made public, but make sure the Adaptive LED lights and full-color head-up display are on your shortlist.
Google News