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Standing on its own four wheels “so to speak”, Mazda has gorgeously penned a range of vehicles that were designed to set them apart and captivate the eyes of potential customers. 

Mazda’s design philosophy, KODO, encompasses the mantra of ‘breathing life into the car’. A car isn’t simply a mass of metal. Mazda believes it’s more like a living creature. Creating an emotional bond between a driver and their car - comparable with the relationship between horse and rider. That’s the goal of Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” or KODO design philosophy.

The Mazda3 is no exception. And now it’s been improved!

2018, new-look, Mazda3 features G-Vectoring as standard on the 2.0 Astina Plus model. This system improves the car’s handling characteristics for the driver and the comfort for the passengers. Additionally, there are a host of advanced safety features like Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Blind Sport Monitoring (BSM). Note, these features are often found on cars double or triple the price of this Mazda.

Interior enhancements on the new-look Mazda3 range, which are still available in both 1.6 and 2.0 engines, include standard Bluetooth from the entry model. There is Cruise Control on Individual models and the introduction of 6-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior enhancements comprise an updated Mazda badge that sits slightly lower than the current model, redesigned fog lights, alloy wheels and side skirts. The back of the hatch received a redesign to make it look sleeker, and new exterior colours have also been introduced; Eternal Blue Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Soul Red Metallic and Machine Grey Metallic.

The Mazda3 is a versatile package within the Mazda family - as it is available as a sedan or a hatch. This range, like that of the entire Mazda family, can be ordered in a hierarchy of specifications. Beginning with the Original, followed by the Active, Dynamic or the Astina and now, the pinnacle - the Astina Plus model.

Its cabin ambience is clean and follows a similar ethos to Audi’s minimalist Bauhaus influence. The seats, steering wheel dimension and the fluid motion of the design details within and without hint towards a sporting prowess.

Easy to drive and more dynamic than before - due to its G-Vectoring enhancements. Steering is electrically power assisted - the result is firm in a sporting manner, but with less feedback than you’d expect to find in an actual sports car. The ride of the car leans towards the firmer side of life, albeit by no means hard, but rather acute - versus a Corolla, which has a soft and supple ride, giving the car a less than athletic handling character.

The 2.0 motor is blessed with 121kW, which is almost double the power of the 1.6 and mated to an effortless and proficient 6-speed automatic. Sometimes, but not always, the top of the range model in a range is the pick-of-the-bunch - in this case, the 2.0 Astina Plus possibly is. Loaded with a host of features like start/stop technology, a BOSE sound system, head up display and a keyless entry system as well as the features mentioned earlier. Both cars feature leatherette interiors and Bluetooth® hands-free telephony and music connectivity.

Basically, the Mazda3 Hatch looks great, is loaded with a host of technological features and priced competitively. It's an all-rounder.

Plus +

Good-looking.

Great standard specifications list.

Big range.

Minus –

No diesel in the range.

The Competition

Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30/Elentra, KIA Cerato, Opel Astra, Renault Megan, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Auris/Corolla.

Pricing

Sedan

1.6 Original R258,500

1.6 Active R271,700

1.6 Dynamic R285, 000

1.6 Dynamic Auto R296, 700

2.0 Individual R333, 000

2.0 Individual Auto R345, 200

2.0 Astina R380, 400

2.0 Astina Plus R410, 400

Hatch

1.6 Original R264, 000

1.6 Active R277, 200

1.6 Dynamic R290, 500

1.6 Dynamic Auto R302, 200

2.0 Individual R338, 500

2.0 Individual Auto R350, 700

2.0 Astina R385, 900

2.0 Astina Plus R415, 900

Service and warranty

When you buy a new car from a Mazda Dealer, you get a comprehensive MazdaCare Warranty. It includes:

• a 3-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty.
• 3-year roadside assistance.
• a 3-year service plan.
• a 5-year Corrosion Warranty is also included.

My choice

2.0 Individual R338, 500

www.mazda.co.za