Mazda 3 2017, first drive and test; slight changes for a very dynamic compact

If a week ago we got a first-hand look at the updated SEAT León, today it’s the turn to discover the offering from one of its biggest rivals, the Mazda 3.

Much like the León, the Mazda 3 receives slight updates, improving its looks and expanding its technical and technological capabilities.

The 3 is one of the most iconic models in Mazda’s lineup. Since the first generation debuted in 2003, it has been one of the most popular vehicles the Japanese brand has sold in the European market. Today it is no longer the best-selling model in the range, having been overtaken by the CX-5 and CX-3, two SUVs with huge popularity.

Exterior design: subtle differences

A “layman” in the car world would have serious difficulty spotting a 2017 Mazda 3 at a glance and telling it apart from a pre-facelift unit. The changes, although fairly numerous, aim to improve the harmony of the whole rather than introduce major variations.

At the front, the modifications focus on a grille with a redesigned surround and on the light clusters which, although the same size, have a revised internal design, with full LED lighting on the higher trims. The bumper is also new, integrating the fog lights and turn signals better.

The wing mirrors are also new, with integrated LED turn signals, as are the rear lights, which add more LED functions, such as the brake light. The rear bumper has more defined lines to better express the design language. The 18″ alloy wheels feature new designs, and three new body colours have been added.

Interior design: focused on driving

The interior follows a similar pattern to the bodywork: the changes are there, but until you point them out they are hard to spot. The most obvious is probably the new steering wheel, which has a different shape with thinner spokes, a slightly smaller airbag and a more pleasant material to the touch. The buttons are better organised, and although it will not be available in our country, it can be equipped with heating for the outer rim.

The centre console is also new, better organised, with cup holders that now feature a sliding cover to improve appearance and keep the lines clean. The central armrest loses some length, which may make it uncomfortable for drivers of certain heights.

In addition, the Head-Up Display has been substantially updated. It is now in colour, has greater resolution and visibility, and offers more complete information, including driver assistance details and navigation prompts. The instrumentation is now easier to read thanks to brighter lighting and a slight change in the angle of the dials.

The front seats have also been through the “operating theatre”: they are now more comfortable, with better grip and fewer pressure points on the occupant, which means less fatigue on long journeys. Sound insulation is also improved, thanks to revised seals and insulation materials.

Driving dynamics: Skyactiv engines and G-Vectoring

The famous Skyactiv philosophy of Mazda is well known by now, an approach that is reflected not only in the engines but extends to the chassis and gearboxes. The engine range remains unchanged, with three petrol options: 1.5 Skyactiv-G 100 CV, 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV and 2.0 Skyactiv-G 165 CV. All are paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, although the 120 CV engine can also be combined with an automatic with the same number of ratios.

The diesel offering is smaller, reduced to a 1.5 Skyactiv-D with 105 CV and a 2.2 Skyactiv-D with 150 CV, both available with either transmission. Interestingly, more than half of the 3’s sales are petrol engines, a trend that is constantly growing not just for this model but across the Spanish market as a whole.

During this first contact we tried the 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV with manual gearbox, an extremely well-balanced engine, with very progressive response yet no lack of power. It is undoubtedly a highly recommended engine, with optimal performance. Consumption in normal use hovers around 6 litres, thanks in part to long gearbox ratios, so at 120 km/h the engine barely reaches 2,500 rpm.

The 1.5 Skyactiv-G 105 CV engine also passed through our hands, offering adequate response in undemanding use with very low consumption, around 4.5 litres/100 km. That said, it is somewhat coarser than the other petrol engines.

The Mazda 3 is the second model in the range to incorporate the G-Vectoring system, which automatically acts on the brakes to improve the car’s line through corners, making it more stable and easier to handle. The system also improves on-board comfort thanks to reduced exposure to G-forces.

In real life the Mazda 3 enters corners with great ease, handling the situation without stress and without disrupting its trajectory. Good brake and steering feel, along with a gearbox with short throws and precise shifts, also help.

Technology: safety first

In the technology department the current generation already set the bar very high when it launched, but with the arrival of the facelift the Japanese compact improves its capabilities. The SCBS emergency braking system can now detect pedestrians, and its operating range extends up to 80 km/h. Meanwhile, adaptive cruise control also expands its range, going from 145 to 160 km/h.

The lighting system takes a step forward, replacing xenon technology with full LED lighting. In addition, the higher-spec variants can optionally opt for adaptive technology, which improves lighting in town, widens the field of view on motorways and can keep the high beams on without dazzling other traffic by switching individual LED modules on and off.

The vehicle can also detect driver fatigue and advise a break. Finally, the lane change alert system is now able to prevent an unintentional lane change, gently correcting the steering on wide-radius bends.

The 2017 Mazda 3 is now available to buy at dealerships of the Mazda network in Spain, with a starting price of €17,225 for the 1.5 Skyactiv-G 100 CV in Style trim. The volume version, the 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV Luxury, is priced at €20,765, both with discounts included.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso