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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