Business First Digital, March 2017 Business First Digital Magazine, March 2017 | Page 71

MOTORING

Smarter Mazda 3

harper, smarter and more sophisticated. that is how mazda describe their 2017

SMazda 3

It certainly looks a little more sophisticated its bold styling, premium quality and advanced technology saw it win praise for its sharp handling, upmarket cabin, alluring looks and efficient engines.
Maintaining an award­winning range of SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines, the 2017 Mazda3’ s broad spread of enhancements are designed to keep it at the forefront of this competitive class. Externally, the 2017 Mazda3 is marked out by a revised grille with a stronger three­dimensional look and a new front fog light bezel. Across both body styles, revised door mirrors feature wraparound turn indicators, while hatchback versions have a redesigned rear bumper.
The 2017 Mazda3 is offered with a choice of 105ps 1.5­litre or 150ps 2.2­litre SKYACTIV­D diesel engines, alongside a petrol line­up that includes 120ps and 165ps versions of the 2.0­ litre SKYACTIV­G.
I tested the 120 bhp petrol engine version, fitted with a six­speed gearbox. It all worked well although I was a bit surprised as the engine seemed tuned for efficiency rather than performance.
Fuel economy was excellent and I averaged close on sixty miles to the gallon not matter what way I drove the Mazda 3 or whether I was in City or out on the open road.
Well, I think that is the way of the world now all manufactures have efficiency and low emissions high on their list.
The Mazda 3 has lost none of it fun to drive. A sweet chassis offers sports car like handling; with sharp steering and taut yet comfortable suspension. The manual gear box is a joy to use and you do have to use it a lot as the gear ratios are long, so to keep the engine on the boil constant use of the gearbox is needed, I liked it. On the Motorway in sixth gear the Mazda 3 is beautifully quiet and comfortable.
Inside, the 2017 Mazda3’ s cabin evolves the driver­oriented interior space with a host of updates that include higher­quality switch panels and handle bezels on the doors, plus a newly designed trim insert on the dashboard.
The adoption of an electric parking brake creates space for a more practical center console, while another highlight is a new leather steering wheel design that enhances feel and style.
The interior is filled with high quality materials and laid out in refreshing clean way. I am not that big into to many touch screens as I feel they tend to get dirty and look shabby very quickly.
The Mazda 3 offers plenty of interior space for this size of car and the boot is generous.
Mazda, has done a good job on the tweaks they have made to the 2017 model and it being a Mazda it reliability is really a given. check the rev. 0 SKYACTIV­G 120PS SE Nav2.0 SKYACTIV­G 120PS SE Nav
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