Bay Harbour: September 25, 2019

PAGE 20 Wednesday September 25 2019
BAY HARBOUR
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Tough choices for Mazda3 buyer
Motoring
Ross Kiddie
WHEN I recently evaluated the
entry-level Mazda3 with its 2-litre
engine, I wrote that it was the car
for me.
For one, I particularly like the
hatchback/sedan concept and,
for another, its affordable price
and build quality makes it a very
tempting proposition.
However, I’ve since changed
my mind, after driving the next
level up in the series I’ve discovered
that it is even more tempting.
The Mazda3 GTX shares much
the same specification as the
entry-level model, but its 2.5-litre
engine is an absolute stunner and
I’d be prepared to pay extra for it.
To recap, the all-new Mazda3
lands in six variations, there
are three hatchbacksand three
sedans, all priced similarly. There’s
a choice of a 2-litre or 2.5-litre
engine in both body styles, with
Limited variations rounding out
the series at $48,795.
The base model GSX lands
at $36,595, while the mid-spec
model which has really captured
my attention sits at $40,795.
When I say mid-spec, it doesn’t
miss out on much. Sure it doesn’t
get leather trim nor electric seat
adjustment, but that suits me
fine. I’ve often written that some
MAZDA3 GTX HATCHBACK: Effortless power from 2.5-litre
engine.
buyers don’t want all the bells and
whistles and that’s me, I’m very
much drawn to those models
which provide the best value.
The Mazda3 GTX benefits from
its bigger engine. It does everything
just so easily and never feels
strained, also fuel usage isn’t compromised.
Mazda claims 6.6-litre
per 100km (43mpg) combined
cycle average for the 2.5, that’s
opposed to a 6.2l/100km (45mpg)
figure for the 2-litre engine. That
being the case, the difference is
marginal.
During my time with the GTX
it was constantly sitting around
7.8l/100km (36mpg), which was
much the same as those I recorded
in the GSX. At 100km/h
the instantaneous readout sits
at 5l/100km (56mpg) with the
engine turning over at a leisurely1900rpm,
reinforcing my statement
that the engine is largely
under stressed, and that accounts
for the efficiency.
On the subject of figures,
Mazda claims 139kW and 252Nm
power outputs for the 2.5 (2-litre,
114kW and 200Nm). While the
2-litre punches above its weight,
the extra torque of the 2.5 really
shows, the GTX is also lightweight
at 1368kg, so the powerto-weight
equation is biased
well towards performance. The
GTX will scamper to 100km/h in
8.8sec, and will cut out a highway
overtake in 4.9sec (80-120km/h).
Drive is channelled through a
six-speed automatic transmission,
that is the only gearbox in the
range.
It stands out for its quick,
smooth shifts andratios which
always seem to have the engine
in the right zone for response to
throttle request.
The GTX doesn’t get paddle
shifters, but they are pretty much
a luxury and are included on the
Limited. However, if the driver
wants to be involved in the gearshift
process sequential shifts can
be manipulated from the main
gearshift lever.
I took the evaluation car inland
to Methven, it’s good to see the
gateway to Mt Hutt vibrant on a
Sunday afternoon. The roads were
a little tricky with frost still showing
on the grass berms, and water
on the road that looked like it was
on the point of freezing over with
ice.
Nevertheless, the Mazda3
travelled the tricky sections with
surety. There is a lot of rubber on
the road (215/45 x 18in), consequently,
there is a lot of feedback
through the steering wheel and
positive turn-in when corners
arrive.
I mentioned in my last evaluation
that the new Mazda3 has
a torsion beam rear suspension,
that’s a departure from the previous
generation model, nevertheless,
the more I’m in the new 3 the
more I’m enjoying the chassis and
suspension dynamics.
The rear doesn’t quite have the
freedom of the past, but it’s not
disgraced, and occupant comfort
• Price – Mazda3 GTX
hatchback, $40,795
• Dimensions – Length,
4460mm; width, 1795mm;
height, 1435mm
• Configuration – Fourcylinder,
front-wheel-drive,
2488cc, 139kW, 252Nm,
six-speed automatic.
• Performance –
0-100km/h, 8.8sec
• Fuel usage – 6.6l/100km
has certainly not been jeopardised.
The Mazda3’s handling
qualities are certainly up to par.
I particularly liked the way it
steers and drives out of a corner, it
is sports-like, and I guess that’s no
surprise given Mazda’s heritage
with performance vehicles.
For its price the GTX is well
specced. It gets satellite navigation,
idle stop-start, head-up
display and radar cruise control,
the latter part of a huge safety
package Mazda label I-Activesense
that easily earns it a five-star
Australasian New Car Assessment
Program rating.
The new Mazda3 hatchback
stands out for one other reason,
its styling is bold and captures
attention. The rear quarter is
almost chunky, but such is its flow
it doesn’t look awkward.
If its styling is too bold for some
then the sedan could well be the
way into the range. I’m due to
drive it soon, and I simply can’t
wait.