Car Test
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R0356 | |
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September 2003 |
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| First Drive | Mazda 3 | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.6 Hatchback | |
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Eighteen months ago, indefatigable Mazda promised it would introduce four all-new cars in quick succession, to revitalise the company's flagging fortunes. With the launch of the 3 (complementing the 6, 2 and RX-8), that promise has been fulfilled.
The new model (launched initially as a five-door hatchback) is, true to current fashion, slightly longer, wider and higher than the model it replaces - the 323. It needs to be significantly better than its lacklustre forebear, too, because its platform is to be shared by both the next-generation Ford Focus and the forthcoming Volvo S40. So, is it better? Well, for starters our tape measure revealed that, despite the car taking up an extra 17cm of kerb space, rear leg and kneeroom are slightly inferior to the 323's. The boot is a bit smaller, as well. Curious! And another thing: while the back seat is very comfortable, with good headroom and generous foot space, it no longer slides to increase boot space or reclines, as in the outgoing model. To double the length of the carpeted load area, the rear backrests fold on to the fixed cushion with the head restraints in situ. The backrests can't be locked when upright, as they can in the forthcoming saloon version. Substantial screen pillars do forward vision no favours, but, thanks to a good range of adjustments to the steering wheel and the shapely seat, the driving position is excellent. The deeply sunken, Alfa-style instruments are difficult to read, though, and the handbrake isn't ideally placed. On the other hand, the stalks and most of the minor controls are convenient, and the satnav screen (where fitted) is well-sited in the facia top. Putting its controls down by the gear lever wasn't too clever, however. Initially, only two petrol engines will be available, with a 1.4 and two 1.6 diesels to follow. We covered most miles with the 1.6/104bhp motor and found it to be smooth, well-muted and tractable - a nice engine. Trouble is, it's low geared in top - a sixth cog in the sweet-shifting 'box would make motorway cruising more relaxed. Of course, if you want swift performance from your 3 (0-62mph in 9sec, allegedly), the 148bhp two-litre (as seen in the 6), will provide a lot more zoom-zoom at the expense of less refinement. But what mars the two-litre model is the light and uncertain feel to its electro-hydraulic steering - the 1.6's conventional assistance, offering clean, precise responses, is much better. It confers an alertness to the 3's handling that enables the nimble and nicely balanced newcomer to be cornered with spirited, roll-resistant urgency. The downside to this semi-sporty behaviour is that, while the tyres feel well planted on the road, the stiff-limbed suspension gives a firmer, bump-thumping ride on B-roads than we had expected. But then, the 3 is, apparently, aimed at a younger audience with press-on pretensions. Progress is more composed on main roads and motorways. |
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