Summarize

Mazda has been doing things pretty properly since its bust-up from Ford and this Three is yet another great example of exactly that. It seems it is on a mission to get everything spot-on. And it’s working. Everything about this car impressed us – Mazda’s design based on the Kodo principle is more than evident on the Mazda3 2.0 Hatch Astina Plus, which conjures the idea that a car is not simply a mass of metal but more along the lines of a living creature.  

Kodo suggests an emotional bond between drivers and their cars – comparable to the relationship between horse and rider – the ultimate goal of ‘Soul of Motion’ design.   

It’s a chic look will date far better too, but that to a cabin will put many a bigger car to shame too – OK, it may be a bit dark, bordering on sombre, but it’s styled brilliantly, put together beautifully and comprised of fine materials to exude true quality feel. Never mind it packs in a hell of a lot of great spec too – from HUD to the literal kitchen sink. 

Mazda has also gone its own route with its SkyActiv tech – opting for high compression in place of forced induction. It’s a brave move but it is working, even if the engines are a bit noisier than the norm. 

On the road, Astina feels smooth and lively, its positive cornering ability assisted by a refined steering feel.  Skyactiv-body and Skyactiv-chassis also well assist in delivering a comfortable ride. Driver focussed, the Astina revs energetically to 6500rpm offering a fine sporty feel. 

By finely controlling engine torque, based on the steering and acceleration of the driver, G-Vectoring Control improves both handling for the driver and ride quality for the passengers around corners.

Another impressive safety feature is pedestrian detection. Called SCBS, it monitors the vehicle in front to assess the possibility of a collision at forward speeds between 4 and 80km/h. If the system detects a high risk of impact it issues visual and audible warnings, priming the brakes for faster response should the driver brake. Should the driver not apply brakes they’re also applied automatically.

Other features such as the next-generation human-machine Interface system to assist drivers maintain proper posture for improved road safety and the smart i-stop system for quick, smooth restarts while using just half the amount of fuel, are other highlights.

Mazda is making some pretty impressive cars these days – don’t ignore them on your shortlist. 

QUICK TEST – Mazda3 Hatch 2.0 Astina Plus 

Engine:          121kW 200Nm 1995cc petrol I4

Drive: 6-speed automatic FWD

TESTED:                                             

0-100km/h: 8.43 sec

0-160km/h: 23.6 sec              

400m: 16.0 sec @ 141km/h

80-120km/h: 5.68 sec

CLAIMED:                                           

Vmax: 198km/h

Fuel: 5.9 l/100km      

CO2: 140 g/km

Warranty/Service 3y 15Kkm/3y unl.  

LIST PRICE:  R432K

RATED: 86%