Test drive of the Mazda 3 Skyactiv-G 122 CV, an ECO concept

Mazda kicked off the year by completely renewing one of its flagship models, namely the all-new Mazda 3 that arrives on the market fully updated and with significant improvements that undoubtedly make it a benchmark compact in its segment.

We have been able to test the new Mazda 3 with the 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol engine producing 122 CV with micro-hybrid technology that earns it the ECO label. It has no turbo, and its displacement has not been reduced to the minimum, but both in terms of feel and performance this combination in the Mazda 3 is convincing and then some. If you are looking for a premium compact, stay with us and we will tell you in full detail about the impressions this Japanese car gives.

Design: from concept to the street with a simply premium interior

This new generation of the Mazda 3 goes a step further with the well-known “kodo” design, and most of the lines that defined the concept have carried over to the production model. The front and rear stand out powerfully.

At the front sportiness is present thanks to the huge grille that takes centre stage, flanked by headlights with the brand’s signature look and LED technology for all lighting functions as standard.

Another striking element is the enormous C-pillar and the absence of side character lines, creating a clean and elegant design that is enhanced by the different light reflections. Again the concept’s lines can be seen at the rear, where the lights and the two exhaust outlets stand out, adding a sporty touch.

When we move to the interior the changes are even more noticeable, since the centre console has been completely redesigned and quality has increased, with soft-touch plastics and materials that have nothing to envy from the interior of any premium compact.

Something you notice at first glance, and which is welcome, is the elegance of simplicity. Let me explain: the design is simple yet functional, with everything to hand and in harmony (even the screen is integrated into the lines of the dashboard). There are barely any climate controls, and the multimedia system can be operated using the controls located on the centre tunnel.

The instrument cluster features a digital display, but the needles are analogue (again something to appreciate now that it is a trend to use a screen as the speedometer; I may be nostalgic, but I prefer a partly analogue setup). From there we can see all kinds of information from the on-board computer.

The driving position is comfortable. Since Mazda has worked on seat ergonomics to improve the driving posture so that it is more comfortable and natural. As a curious detail, the door armrest is at the same height as the one on the centre tunnel for more comfortable driving. The seats hold the body correctly, and our test unit had electric adjustment and heating.

The rear seats do not stand out for their generous space, nor is access the most comfortable in the segment, but they correctly provide legroom and headroom. A detail worth noting is that the exterior design affects the shape of the rear window, reducing light at the back. The boot is a good size, with a capacity of 358 litres.

In short, the new Mazda 3 stands out for its interior quality and design. If we had to find a fault, perhaps some ambient interior lighting would not go amiss.

Engine: remarkably naturally aspirated and with an ECO label

That naturally aspirated engines still exist today is something to highlight, because with such restrictive anti-pollution regulations the norm is turbocharged engines or other systems to help reduce emissions. Here, Mazda has managed to comply with current emissions regulations without complicating the mechanics of its cars, and with a naturally aspirated engine under the bonnet.

This two-litre unit stands out for its smoothness, delivering all its horsepower in a linear fashion, but you have to rev it higher to get the most out of it, and its 213 Nm of torque are available at 4,000 rpm. This is unusual in an era when most engines are turbocharged, but for those of us who enjoy driving, it is a point in this Japanese car’s favour. We can cruise calmly at just over 1,500 rpm or rev up to more than 4,500 rpm if we want more aggressive behaviour, always with smoothness as the premise.

This Mazda 3 carries the ECO badge thanks to micro-hybridisation, as it has an electrical system (M Hybrid) which, through an alternator and a small battery, assists the combustion engine when power is demanded, reducing consumption and even adding extra punch when needed. It is one of the few compacts on the market with this micro-hybrid technology.

The ideal complement to the engine is its six-speed manual gearbox, although the automatic gearboxes work well. My recommendation is always to opt for the manual, because its feel is simply outstanding. By “playing” with the gearbox you will get the most out of the engine, giving the sensation that there are more horses available under the bonnet.

Driving: dynamic, smooth and comfortable

In this new generation of the Mazda 3 you can feel the work the brand has done in improving the chassis and its sense of dynamism (the previous generation already stood out in this area), but the new Mazda 3 surpasses itself. The feeling at the wheel is one of neutrality; we perceive no inertia, and the car enters corners with outstanding stability, being predictable and precise.

The sensations at the wheel on bends are natural, typical of a more sporty compact. On the road it is a smooth car with good interior soundproofing (in this respect it also improves on the previous generation).

Overall this allows for relaxed, calm driving with a high level of comfort, or more dynamic driving where its engine, with only 122 CV, is a surprise, because it can really be great fun on a mountain pass or a road with plenty of bends.

Consumption

Fuel consumption on the road during our usual route ranged from 5.7 litres per 100 km (with more careful driving) up to 6.4 litres per 100 km (driving more carelessly). On the motorway the figure hovered around 6 litres per 100 km, and in the city, on our usual route around Vigo, it came to 7.4 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

What stands out most in the equipment is the enormous arsenal of driver assistance systems, including: blind-spot warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking for frontal and rear collisions, unintended lane-change control, automatic high beam, among others.

From a single button we can activate or deactivate this whole arsenal of safety systems, with some peculiarities that other models do not have, such as the audible blind-spot warning (some models in the segment only have an indicator light, not an audible alert) or automatic braking for rear collisions (which can bring the car to a complete stop if it detects traffic behind and a possible collision), which is very useful in town when pulling out of a parking space or manoeuvring with limited visibility.

The complete equipment is notable from the basic “Origin” trim, with multiple driver assistance systems as standard, a driver’s knee airbag, a multimedia system (Mazda Connect) with an 8.8-inch screen and 8 speakers, dual-zone climate control, LED lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, among others.

One item of standard equipment at this trim level that has been completely renewed is the Bose sound system with 12 speakers, which sounds really good but, in my personal opinion, has lost some power compared with the previous generation, where it was simply sublime. Lastly, the entertainment system stands out for being minimalist yet offering all kinds of functions, being easy to use and very intuitive.

Price of the Mazda 3 and Personal Opinion

The starting price for the Mazda 3 is 23,765 euros, for the five-door version and without taking into account discounts or other commercial promotions that may occasionally apply. At this starting price we get a Mazda 3 with a petrol engine and M Hybrid technology that earns it the ECO label, all with comprehensive standard equipment that includes an arsenal of driver assistance systems and basic features that today are expected in a compact (wheels, multimedia system, climate control…).

On the other hand, it is clearly positioned above mainstream compacts and has nothing to envy from a premium compact, despite a lower price. Add to that good dynamic behaviour and an interior that eschews gimmicks but offers quality and functionality, because not everything today is based on huge screens. The Mazda 3 represents a different vehicle philosophy: more minimalist, but one that invites you to enjoy every kilometre behind the wheel.

Photos | Test team