Mazda3 SP25 Astina 2014 Review

A new body, SKYACTIV fuel-saving technology, a vastly improved interior, and an impeccable ride/handling balance sum up just some of the new Mazda 3’s improvements. Arguably the most anticipated small car release of the past 12 months, the competitive SP25 Astina variant is the feature-packed hero of the line-up. With stylish looks, and a distinctive personality, the very much improved Mazda 3 is set to impress both brand faithfuls and those new to the brand.

It would be fair to say that the all-new Mazda 3 is possibly the most anticipated of mainstream automotive release this year. With faithful Mazda owners holding out to upgrade their current ‘3’, I dare say the majority who’ve waited would not regret their decision – this car was worth the wait.

Having recently reviewed the Volkswagen Golf, I was extremely keen to drive the Mazda 3 as I had heard many in the industry mention that the all-new model would be right on par with the latest-gen Golf. After spending a week with the 3, I was splitting hairs to decide which one I liked better.

The new body shape is certainly more elegant and refined than its predecessor, taking cues from other Mazda models already on-sale across the globe. Some may find it a little long in the nose, however, it is makes for a very lean looking vehicle, particularly when paired with 18-inch alloys.

My first impression of the interior was that it is slightly overwhelming. There is a lot going on! However, within minutes of making myself comfortable I soon realised how well the cockpit is put together, and how fantastic the ergonomics are.

Everything from the lumbar support in the seats to the position of the infotainment screen and instrument panel appear to have been deliberately designed with the comfort of the driver in mind.

I got a buzz out of the Head Up Display (HUD) feature in this SP25 Astina variant. Not only is it visually appealing, but once electronically adjusted to your driving position and height the driver barely needs to drop their eyes to gauge speed; great for keeping one’s eyes on the road, Rhonda.

I also found that it was easy to adjust the entertainment system, too, with a convenient dial set on the centre console that allowed me to easily skip songs, change radio stations or utilise the sat-nav, which is also voice activated.

Not only do these features mean that safety is amplified, but that the driver will find them incredibly comfortable to use – all suggesting Mazda has spent millions on research and development in the area of ergonomics.

Further features which only add to the safe driving experience include a lane-keeping assistant, radar cruise control, and an innovative Emergency Signalling System which, should the driver be forced to brake rapidly when travelling over 50km/h, will activate the hazard lights. These features are standard in the SP25 Astina variant, however, can be optioned into the other models at an additional cost.

The SP25 Astina is also fitted with all the luxuries you could ask for including an electric tilt and slide sunroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.

The leather trimmed seats, with contrasting stitch detail, not only look great, but are very supportive and comfortable. The back seat is relatively roomy, considering the vehicle’s size, with ample legroom to accommodate two adult passengers comfortably.

The attention to detail in relation to trim is very impressive, especially when compared to that of the predecessor. The faux chrome and piano black accents highlighting the elegant lines of the cockpit add a modern feel to the ambience, while the addition of mock carbon-fibre elements to the door trims add a sporty feel.

The nine-speaker BOSE premium audio system, which includes built-in Pandora and Stitcher applications, is phenomenal. It seems Mazda has spared no expense in this regard, and the Bluetooth integration is incredibly easy to use.

Visually, the entertainment screen is nothing extraordinary, but is nonetheless uncomplicated and user-friendly.

To my mind, the only significant flaw in the interior’s design and function would be that the hatch’s cargo area is slightly smaller than the previous model; and around 100 litres smaller than that of the sedan’s.

On the road, and in comparison to the second-gen 3, the all-new model feels more stable, and safe. The electric steering aids low-speed manoeuvrability, especially when parking, but at the same time is not too sensitive so as to detract from feedback at freeway speeds. Here, the steering ‘hardens up’ giving a sense of constant control, even during busy or demanding exchanges through bends.

Complementing this tangible sense of authority is a ride that is both incredibly comfortable yet also appropriately metered. The suspension provides top-notch cushioning over everything from a slightly rough surface through to oversized speed-bumps – another field vastly improved from that of the preceding model.

Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre SKYACTIV four-cylinder petrol engine packs enough punch to launch quickly from the mark, while also providing decent overtaking ability. This slightly larger engine (the Mazda 3 is also offered with a 2.0-litre) wrapped in a small car package is sure to appeal to those downsizing from a larger sedan or wagon without sacrificing power.

Mazda’s eco-friendlier SKYACTIV technology – which is applied to the chassis, engine, transmission and ancillaries –is said to improve fuel economy without detracting from drivability. However, our warm week of testing saw the SP25 Astina return an average of 9.0L/100km, more than 50 per cent more than the ADR Combined figure. Granted most of my driving was inner-urban...

The elevated fuel use was also surprising considering the Mazda 3 is fitted with an idle stop-start system (ISS), which is supposed to save fuel by switching off the engine whilst stationary. Operationally, it is a good system whose use can be dictated simply by modulating your pressure on the brake pedal when stopped. Don’t want the engine to stop? Just hold the pedal lightly. Going to be sitting for a while? Then just push it a little harder.

If I had one final criticism of the Mazda 3 it’s that I found the engine to be relatively loud when worked. Compared to other models I’ve sampled in the category [namely the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf] it seems especially strident.

Otherwise, the hype surrounding Mazda’s new 3 was certainly justified. The ride, the design, the safety and the tech features are well worth the coin and place the new model right up there with the best in this segment.

Like I said, it has been worth the wait.

2014 Mazda 3 SP25 Astina pricing and specifications:
Price: $38,190 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 138kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 143g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star Euro NCAP

What we liked:
>> Elegant interior
>> Solid yet sporty handling
>> Extensive safety features