Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV Aut. Luxury, road test (Engine, handling and consumption)

A few months ago our test team took the wheel of the Mazda 3, the Japanese compact has plenty of arguments to be considered a real alternative for those looking for a different compact. At the time we were able to try the Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-D with 150 CV.

But for those looking for an automatic petrol compact, in the petrol range of the Mazda 3 the only engine with an automatic gearbox is this 120 CV 2.0 Skyactiv-G. This version is especially designed for the city: an engine with good response, no turbo, a very smooth automatic gearbox and a car with compact dimensions for urban environments. Keep reading this test and we will tell you everything about the Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV automatic.

Engine and performance

In the new era of ever smaller, ever more tightly packed turbo engines, this two-litre unit is a “rara avis“. It is the same engine that delivers 165 CV, both naturally aspirated and even with the same torque figure (210 Nm at 4,000 rpm).

These are the new engines with Skyactiv technology, which we have already discussed on many occasions, and which basically seek to reduce consumption to the maximum through a series of improvements in the engine design.

Its smoothness stands out, both when starting and in operation, and it is very linear in power delivery (it has no turbo), starting to push strongly from 3,000 rpm, although it copes well with long gears.

The automatic gearbox has six ratios (torque converter), but it is not an old-fashioned automatic; it is entirely new, created under Skyactiv technology, and above all it is a very comfortable and quick gearbox. It has paddle shifters and works very efficiently: gear changes are barely noticeable, and as soon as we order a change from the paddles, it responds immediately. That said, if we had to find a fault, it lacks a sport mode.

Although it only has 120 CV and its performance is modest (0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds), the Mazda 3 surprises: it has a lively pull off the line, and whenever we demand power the gearbox drops gears and revs up to get the best out of the engine.

It features the start/stop system, which like all such systems can be switched off, although in the city it helps save fuel; it is not, however, among the fastest on the market.

Handling

We already noticed on the diesel Mazda 3 test its level of dynamism and agility. It is true that today there are many compacts on the market and most of them handle very well, but the agility of the Mazda 3 and its good behaviour through corners place it near the top of the most dynamic cars in the segment; above all, it feels very light when driven.

On the road it is comfortable, although we felt the soundproofing could be improved, especially the wind noise. In town it is also a comfortable car, with a suspension that absorbs road irregularities well, and the automatic gearbox completes the comfort. The steering has a firm feel; it is not especially direct, but it does its job well, as do the brakes.

Consumption

Consumption is not particularly low, but bear in mind that this is a two-litre naturally aspirated engine with an automatic gearbox. That said, the 6 to 6.5 litres per 100 km we achieved in several road tests are very reasonable.

On the motorway, the figure rises to 7.5 litres per 100 km, the on-board computer reading we obtained on our usual motorway route. In town consumption climbs to 9 litres per 100 km. As always, these are worst-case figures, since we measured them on an urban route in Vigo, a city with many hills.

In the second part of the test we will focus on design, equipment, prices and our personal opinion of the Mazda 3 with this petrol engine and automatic gearbox.

Photos | Test team