Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X | Test Drive

4 January 2021 Redazione News, Tested

Words by Tommaso Mogge / Photos by Gian Romero

Driven by the enthusiasm of Mazda’s centenary and aware of the fact that in recent years the Japanese brand has raised the quality and image of its vehicles to a level that identifies it as the absolute leader in terms of price/value, we could not resist in front of the lines of the new 3, the C-segment hatchback unveiled last year and immediately able to get important results, above all a considerable number of units sold.

That of the 3 is in fact a written destiny, first with the evolution of the 6 sedan (and wagon), then with the profound updates on the CX-5, CX-3 and with the arrival of the intermediate CX-30. Without calling into question the intergalactic successful MX-5, not even the brand new all-electric MX-30, the 3 is the model that weighs more for the brand income, offering more space and new engines than the small Mazda 2. Indeed, the new Mazda 3 brings with it the latest innovations in terms of design, with a front made extremely aggressive by the tapered mouth and a soft line that runs along the sides and joins the tail with a harmony that captures at first sight. In 180 cm of width, 446 of length and 144 of height you get 5 doors and 5 seats, a rather large trunk and – once again – one of the most beautiful cockpits that can be found on the market, if not the best, precisely coming back with an eye to the price list. Argument that forces me to underline how the entry level 3 starts at just € 23,700 and brings with it the 2-liter hybrid engine with 122 horsepower. Browsing through the Evolve, Executive and Exceed versions, we then move on to the other variants available – still 2.0 cc – with 150 or 180 horsepower – without forgetting the possibility of opting for the still valid diesel pot, a 116 hp 1.8-liter.

It is logical to imagine that the ideal choice is represented by the 180 horsepower 2.0, equipped with Skyactiv-X technology, a mild hybrid system that combined with a naturally aspirated engine gives the Mazda 3 relaxed and precise driving dynamics in any situation, from city to motorway or b-roads, where the perfect seating position and a precise chassis demonstrate how the 3 could also be a great starting point for a “performance” version – what if MazdaSpeed division read this. Having said that and remembering that it is available both with automatic transmission and with the cheaper but equally effective 6-speed manual gearbox, the Mazda 3 really seems to have only positive aspects and it proves it from the first moments at the wheel, where the same cockpit presents a very beautiful shape finished with high quality materials.

It is in fact precisely in the details that Mazda proves to be truly on levels of absolute respect, with a sober but refined dashboard, a multimedia system that is simple to use, yet precise, a communicative steering wheel and soft red leather seats that perfectly contrast with the dark gray of the exterior. At the wheel, the Mazda 3 does not allow its 180 horsepower to wink at abrupt kind of driving, but allow to be delivered calmly along a revs scale that peaks at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 224 Nm that sits midway, at 3,000 rpm. In other words, it translates into a rather sly behavior, which does not prefer a frantic drive and which pays more attention for comfort, aspect for which if you are a person who likes to start the day in full relax, the 150 hp version is not going to disappoint.

Driving it for a long time and in the most disparate situations allowed me to make sure that the wow factor triggered by the exterior look did not mislead my overall judgment, but this did nothing but convince me that the Mazda 3 is one of the cars that the following weeks I suggested to friends and relatives looking for a car of a decent size for replacing a random hatchback, a sedan or even a crossover or a small SUV (the 180 hp is also available with all-wheel drive) – this despite the seats in the back may suffer from low light due to the lack of the rear pillar glass. So is the new Mazda 3 really a masterpiece? For a good 85% it is, in fact, excluding an engine which despite its effectiveness and efficiency – average fuel consumption in the mixed cycle is just 4.5 l/100 km – could have been more lively at low revs, manages to embody the look that Mazda points to the future, without making any kind of compromise, packaging the ideal car for this specific type of segment and customers, with the great and not at all obvious merit of showing off an overall harmony that nowadays many designers seem to have forgotten. With this I am sure Mazda is about to live more 100 extraordinary years!

MAZDA 3 SKYACTIV-X

Layout   –  front-engined, front wheel drive

Engine  –  4 cylinder 1.998cc

Transmission  –  6-speed manual gearbox

Power  –  180 hp @ 6.000 rpm

                      224 Nm @ 3.000 rpm

Weight  –  1.395 kg

Acceleration  –  8,2 sec.

Top Speed  –  216 kph

Price  –  from € 23.700 (from € 31.600 as tested)