The new Mazda3 it may even be about to receive the revolutionary SKYACTIV-X (a petrol with Diesel consumption), however, this does not mean that the Japanese brand has completely abdicated Diesel and the fact that it equipped the fourth generation is proving it. of the C-segment compact with a diesel engine.
The engine used by Mazda3 is the SKYACTIV-D, the same 1.8 l of 116 hp and 270 Nm which debuted under the hood of the renewed CX-3. To find out how the “marriage” between this engine and the new Japanese model went, we tested the Mazda3 1.8 SKYACTIV-D Excellence equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
A more recent interpretation of Kodo design (which even earned it a RedDot award), the Mazda3 is characterized by reduced lines (goodbye creases and sharp edges), with an uninterrupted, sophisticatedly shaped side surface featuring low, wide, and sharp edges. with a sportier posture leaving the role of C-segment family member handed over to the CX-30.
Inside the Mazda3
If there is an area where Mazda has applied it is in the development of the interior of the new Mazda3. Well built and ergonomically well thought out, the Japanese compact also features a careful choice of materials, relying on soft-touch materials and, above all, quality.
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As for the infotainment system, this one comes with a much more up-to-date graphics than in other Mazda models. There is also the fact that the central screen is not... tactile , being operated via the controls on the steering wheel or the rotary command between the seats, something that, despite being strange at first, ends up “ingrained” as we use it.
As for space, don't expect to be able to take this world and the next inside the Mazda3. The luggage compartment is only 358 l and the legroom for the passengers in the rear seat is not standard either.
Even so, it is possible to carry four passengers in comfort, with only some attention being necessary when entering the rear seats due to the descending line of the roof which can lead to some “instant encounters” between the unwary's head and the roof.
Despite being low, the driving position is comfortable.
At the wheel of the Mazda3
Once seated behind the wheel of the Mazda3 it's easy to find a comfortable (albeit always low) driving position. One thing is also evident: Mazda has given form to function over function, and the C-pillar ends up damaging (a lot) rear visibility — the rear camera, more than a gadget, becomes a necessity, and it should. part of the standard equipment on every Mazda3…
With a firm (but not uncomfortable) suspension setting, a direct and precise steering and a balanced chassis, the Mazda3 asks them to take it to the corners, making it evident that in this Diesel version with automatic transmission we have an extra chassis for the engine. less (similar to what happens with the Civic Diesel).
Speaking of Civics, the Mazda3 also bets heavily on dynamics. However, Honda's rival is more agile (and looser) while the Mazda3 reveals an all-round effectiveness — in the end, the truth is that after riding both, we get the feeling that we're dealing with two of the best chassis in the segment.
About the SKYACTIV-D , the truth is that this proves to be just enough. It's not that it doesn't, however there always seems to be some “lung”, something that is (very) influenced by the fact that the automatic gearbox is, in addition to being slow (we ended up using the paddles a lot), it has a lot of relationships. long.
The only place the engine/gearbox seems to feel like a fish in water is on the highway, where the Mazda3 is comfortable, stable and quiet. With regard to consumption, although not frightening, they never get to impress, being between 6.5 l/100 km and 7 l/100 km on a mixed route.
Rear visibility is hampered by the dimension of the C-pillar.
Is the car right for me?
If you are looking for a comfortable, well-equipped and dynamically competent car, the Mazda3 1.8 SKYACTIV-D Excellence may well be the ideal choice. However, don't expect high-quality benefits. Is that when combined with the automatic transmission, the SKYACTIV-D fulfills only the “Olympic minima”.
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In fact, the combination of the 1.8 SKYACTIV-D with the six-speed automatic transmission turns out to be the main "Achilles heel" of the Japanese model, and if you really want a Mazda3 Diesel, the best thing is to opt for the manual transmission.
We also had the opportunity to drive the Mazda3 SKYACTIV-D in conjunction with the manual transmission (six speeds), being difficult to defend the choice of automatic transmission. Despite the fact that the 1.8 SKYACTIV-D is never very quick, there is a greater vivacity of this one, with the bonus of the manual transmission offering an excellent mechanical tact.