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Price: £17,780
Top speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
MPG: 74.3
CO2: 99g/km
What can the teachings of the Japanese elders show us about the mythical union between driver and car? Quite a lot, actually, if you believe what Mazda has to say. It calls the force underpinning the design of each model: “Kodo, Soul of Motion”. It’s about creating an emotional bond between you and your vehicle – a spirit of togetherness. For advanced students of the lessons of Mazda, this union is a reflection of “Jinba Ittai” – the bond that grows between horse and rider. The great thing is that to achieve this “oneness” between human and hatchback you don’t have to shiver on a mist-wrapped mountain or become a top level show jumper, you just have to pitch up at your local dealer and ask to test drive the new Mazda 3.
For a transcendental transporter you might at first be underwhelmed. It is, after all, just a medium-sized family hatchback. But enlightenment takes time and patience, so stick with it. You’ll discover the 3 is a good-looking alternative to the big bullies of its class: the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. In order to stand outfrom the crowd, Mazda’s design masters have gone bold. The long bonnet running down to its abruptly chopped face and large open grille reminds me of a basking shark – impressive but harmless.
If the striking exterior has brought its A game, the interior is having a bit of an off day. It feels a little cramped despite the increased width; and though leather and chrome is used throughout, it somehow doesn’t add the premium veneer you’d expect. A lavish fabric would feel more sumptuous to me than this workmanlike hide. And for a car hailing from one of the world’s digital capitals, the user interface feels clunky and outdated – the satnav isn’t clear and intuitive. Also, despite the sporty feel of the steering wheel, the instruments look fairly tame.
Mindful of the battles the 3 is likely to face, Mazda has, however, given it a fighting chance by ensuring it is one of the most well-balanced and sweet-driving cars in its sector. There has been a trend of late to produce lighter and smaller engines, but the 3 comes with a choice of a pretty meaty 2-litre petrol or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel. There is also 1.5-litre diesel option, but as the market turns against this fuel source fewer buyers are going to opt for a car which could be prohibitively expensive to drive in city centres in five years’ time. No matter, the bigger petrol engine is your gain. The aerodynamic and lightweight body design delivers a drive that is precise, agile and rewarding. The 3 sits low and wide on the road, too, which means it handles brilliantly and sticks to the road through even the tightest and fastest of bends. It feels “strong and stable” to quote someone else with a sticky grip, despite the fact the going’s getting tough.
A sporty drive, of course, is pointless unless it’s backed up by safety – and the 3 is as safe and secure as they come. It’s equipped with a bunch of advanced active and pre-crash features which Mazda calls advanced i-ACTIVSENSE. Among other things, the 3 will adjust your steering if you are about to leave your lane on the motorway; monitor your driving behaviour and prompts you to take a break; and it will hit the brakes in the city to prevent a collision.
So, there you are, young warrior. You have arrived comfortably at your destination. Turns out the road to enlightenment is a pleasant drive.
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
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Mazda 3 review: ‘Like a basking shark – impressive but harmless’https://goo.gl/mmJQY6
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