THE SEXIEST HATCHBACK AUTOMOBILE EVER MADE

 

WHAT IS IT?

The Mazda 3 is a family hatchback; it is not an SUV, crossover, or anything else that it isn't trying to be. Nowadays, though, you wouldn't incur the expense of building a brand-new platform from scratch without using it for several purposes. It also gave birth to the CX-30, a vehicle that is similar to a 3 but higher and more suited to be off-road.

Overall, Mazda is a fan of simplicity. There are just two gasoline engines offered: a 2.0-liter 120-bhp gasoline engine (naturally aspirated, defying the trend toward turbochargers), and the deviously brilliant 2.0-liter e-Skyactiv-X high-compression engine, which essentially behaves like a diesel to achieve outstanding real-world efficiency. It has 184 horsepower and, obviously, is the more powerful of the two, reaching 62 mph in 8.1 seconds.

"Clever engine and an upmarket cabin make the Mazda 3 a superb family hatch contender"

WHAT ARE MY TRANSMISSION OPTIONS?

Each one is available with a six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission—a typical automatic, not a twin-clutch transmission. In addition to costing RM8083, it will also waste energy and produce too much CO2. So, in order to justify it, you really need to want the convenience of a car. The mild hybrid system on both engines uses the brake regen to power the electrics.

Mazda claims that its fourth-generation vehicle, which went on sale in 2019, was completely redesigned from the ground up, paying attention to everything from 'visible noise' in the cabin to friction levels in the engine.

The operation of the switchgear, the processing speed of the infotainment, and the balancing of the quality of the white light in the interior have all received special attention. the very honourable behaviour that rarely makes headlines. It takes a very Japanese approach, and the end product is a cosy, laid-back hatch with few flaws.

MY EYES AREN'T DECEIVING ME, IT LOOKS INCREDIBLE TOO RIGHT?

It's very attractive, and the proportions, roofline, and roundels in the rear light signature have echoes of the Alfa Giulietta. not like the Ford Focus' excessive design. This car has a long nose and precise proportions, making it attractive without being fussy. Aside from the excessively thick C-pillar, it is truly beautiful.

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

"Madza's family hatch is low on excitement, but very high on quiet satisfaction" 

The Mazda 3 is not a radical automobile. And that's disappointing on some levels. By now, Mazda should be advancing into electric and hybrid technologies. It would be beneficial to have this engineering and design-driven company take the reins.

Instead, we get an ordinary hatchback with two petrol engines, one of which is devilishly brilliant and the other quite lame. And with the globe currently embracing electric at a breakneck pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult to sell.

However, you sense that Mazda is genuinely concerned. There isn't much cynicism in this; rather, the small nuances have been refined to gradually enhance the driving and ownership experience. The comfortable and stylish cabin, the lack of intrusive noise, the smooth ride, and the handling. And underneath that, the minor details like the switchgear operation and cabin lights have been done properly. At least a thousand times superior to the new Golf. Yeah! You won't find a touch-sensitive slider here!

Things have been done for the right reason which is improving quality of life, not grabbing headlines. It follows a human-centered strategy. The end effect is an automobile that is pleasant, kind, and undemanding to live with.