Business First Digital, March 2017 Business First Digital Magazine, March 2017 | Page 71

MOTORING

Smarter Mazda 3

harper , smarter and more sophisticated . that is how mazda describe their 2017

SMazda 3

It certainly looks a little more sophisticated its bold styling , premium quality and advanced technology saw it win praise for its sharp handling , upmarket cabin , alluring looks and efficient engines .
Maintaining an award­winning range of SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines , the 2017 Mazda3 ’ s broad spread of enhancements are designed to keep it at the forefront of this competitive class . Externally , the 2017 Mazda3 is marked out by a revised grille with a stronger three­dimensional look and a new front fog light bezel . Across both body styles , revised door mirrors feature wraparound turn indicators , while hatchback versions have a redesigned rear bumper .
The 2017 Mazda3 is offered with a choice of 105ps 1.5­litre or 150ps 2.2­litre SKYACTIV­D diesel engines , alongside a petrol line­up that includes 120ps and 165ps versions of the 2.0­ litre SKYACTIV­G .
I tested the 120 bhp petrol engine version , fitted with a six­speed gearbox . It all worked well although I was a bit surprised as the engine seemed tuned for efficiency rather than performance .
Fuel economy was excellent and I averaged close on sixty miles to the gallon not matter what way I drove the Mazda 3 or whether I was in City or out on the open road .
Well , I think that is the way of the world now all manufactures have efficiency and low emissions high on their list .
The Mazda 3 has lost none of it fun to drive . A sweet chassis offers sports car like handling ; with sharp steering and taut yet comfortable suspension . The manual gear box is a joy to use and you do have to use it a lot as the gear ratios are long , so to keep the engine on the boil constant use of the gearbox is needed , I liked it . On the Motorway in sixth gear the Mazda 3 is beautifully quiet and comfortable .
Inside , the 2017 Mazda3 ’ s cabin evolves the driver­oriented interior space with a host of updates that include higher­quality switch panels and handle bezels on the doors , plus a newly designed trim insert on the dashboard .
The adoption of an electric parking brake creates space for a more practical center console , while another highlight is a new leather steering wheel design that enhances feel and style .
The interior is filled with high quality materials and laid out in refreshing clean way . I am not that big into to many touch screens as I feel they tend to get dirty and look shabby very quickly .
The Mazda 3 offers plenty of interior space for this size of car and the boot is generous .
Mazda , has done a good job on the tweaks they have made to the 2017 model and it being a Mazda it reliability is really a given . check the rev . 0 SKYACTIV­G 120PS SE Nav2.0 SKYACTIV­G 120PS SE Nav
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