This was confirmed as we put it to the test from Jozi to Durban- to cover the infamous but troublesome race horse. Legend has it what happens in Rome remains in China. Amen!
Talk of a legend, the Mazda 3 has been around for a long time, and recently Mazda released the fourth-generation model.
Value for money in that petrol-wise it gave me confidence to throttle it from 80 to 120km/h along the valleys and mountains of Drakensberg, having topped it up in Montrose.
The SkyActiv-X engines featured in Mazda 3 Sedan allows the engine to operate in two different ways: The spark plugs can burn like a normal petrol engine when power is needed, and then can operate like a diesel-type compression spark plug to improve fuel consumption.
This new technology is combined with a supercharger in the 2.0 liter engines and manages to push out 187 hp and 230Nm of torque, complemented by a 6-speedmanualor automatic transmission.
The exterior looks familiar to its predecessor, with a bit improvement from long bonnet, low sloping roofline, teardrop shaped back window and almost 8cm longer.
The interior has been updated and is built with high quality materials.
Mazda has added a larger 8.8 inch screen above the dashboard, which is controlled by a knob in the centre console. The speaker layout has been redesigned to get the most out of the speaker Mazda audio system, however there is also a more powerful 12-speaker Bose Sound System.
As for safety it features lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, standard automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. This was tested in the evening as a result of major roadworks, were one had to be alert continuously.
The leg-room was enough to carry four-passengers and a driver- as we experienced, and the boot allowed us to bring more larger traveling suitcases, for ‘better- half’ oh, and ocean water bottles, as my Cousin did.
It might NOT have been a head-turner at the pilgrimage (Durban July) where either you see or be seen; but it provided the comfort, safety one needs on such long haul drives.
The only snag I’m disappointed with Mazda 3 Sedan- the driver’s seat is manual- that meant considering my height- I had to keep bending to search and push for a side lever. Really in this technology age Mazda?
Overall the Mazda 3 Sedan is extremely good value for money, with great safety ratings and features, good looks, fairly spacious practicality and class leading performance with fuel efficiency combined tech.
Mazda makes some of the most fun-to-drive vehicles on the road thanks to their KODO: Soul of Motion Design strategy along with the efficient performance of their SYKACTIV® engine lineup.
It also stands behind each and every one of the vehicles that they produce with a strong warranty that includes a New Vehicle Limited Warranty, a Limited Powertrain Warranty, and 24/7 Roadside Assistance
Price range:
| Sedan 1.6 Dynamic | R 296 600 |
| Sedan 1.6 Dynamic auto | R 308 700 |
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (5)
Petrol 1-10 (7)
Image (The comfortable Mazda 3 Sedan was a friend en-route to Durbs).
