A little over a year has passed since our first contact with the current generation Mazda3, a model that has received our praise for its eye-catching design, on-board comfort, level of equipment and good feeling behind the wheel. In 2017, history repeats itself.
In a segment with names like the Honda Civic, Peugeot 308 or Volkswagen Golf, all of them recently renovated, getting a significant "slice" of sales is far from being an easy task, in any market. Knowing this, the Japanese brand brought together in the Mazda3, a model that is now in its third generation, a set of aesthetic and technological innovations to attack the European market.
This time, we were able to get behind the wheel of the four-door version, or in Mazda language, the Coupé Style version. In addition to the price, the differences between this and the Hatchback version they are limited to the offer of engines. Compared to the previous model, the 2017 generation adds some improvements.
A design that wins... and convinces
On the outside, the changes may appear subtle, but they contribute substantially to greater visual impact. Starting at the front, the grille was revised and the fog lights redesigned. On the flanks, the lines are visibly more creased.
Unlike the Hatchback bodywork, which has undergone a bumper update, there are no major changes to the rear of this CS version. Overall, it's an evolution of the balanced design we know from this model, influenced by Mazda's KODO design philosophy, a language several times awarded in the recent past.
Unsurprisingly, the interior space remains organized and enveloping. From the leather steering wheel, to the center console and touchscreen, passing through the door frames and inserts, the Mazda3 is more modern and also technological: the Active Driving Display now presents information in color, which makes reading easier.
Another important detail is the use of an electric parking brake, which frees up space in the center console. At the rear, the row of rear seats isn't as spacious, but it's still comfortable. Unlike the Hatchback, in this Coupé Style variant the luggage compartment capacity is more generous – 419 liters.
And behind the wheel?
It was again with the 1.5 liter SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engine that we hit the road. The 105 hp of power may know little, but with 270 Nm of torque available right at 1600 rpm there is no lack of “power” even on steep slopes – the engine is quite helpful in any rev range.
Whether in town or on the open road, the driving experience is above all smooth and… silent. This diesel engine is equipped with three new technologies debuted on the Mazda6: Natural Sound Smoother, Natural Sound Frequency Control and High-Precision DE Boost Control. In practice, the three work together to improve engine response, cancel out vibrations and above all reduce noise.
As for the consumptions , here lies one of the Mazda3's strengths. Without much effort, we achieved an average consumption of 4.5 l/100 km, close to the 3.8 l/100 km announced.
already in the dynamic chapter , nothing to point out. If last year we praised the cornering ability of this compact family member, compared to its successor, the revamped Mazda3 brings the new dynamic assistance system G-Vectoring Control. If you've read our Mazda6 test, this name isn't strange to you: the system controls the engine, gearbox and chassis in an integrated way to improve both responsiveness and stability. In practice, the car's handling is smooth and immersive – the SkyActiv-MT six-speed manual gearbox, precise and pleasant as always, also helps.
All in all, the updated version of the Mazda3 doesn't disappoint in any chapter, whether the exterior and interior looks or the driving experience, and it surprises us with very nice consumptions.