Mazda 3 Sedan

Overview

The Mazda 3 Sedan competes againstC-segment sedans, mainly the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis. What makes the Mazda 3 stand out is the quality of materials and attention to detail, giving the car a more upmarket feel than its rivals. There are 2 variants for the 2022 Mazda 3 sedan. Mazda Philippines offers the sedan with a spacious cabin has a 5-passenger seating capacity with ample legroom and headroom. Specific trims and features differ between the two variant levels although both come in a black interior.

History

The Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan (first three generations), a combination of "accelerate" and "excellent"[4]) is a compact car manufactured by Mazda. It was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, replacing the Familia/323/Protegé in the C-segment. A second-generation Mazda3 for the 2009 model year was unveiled in late 2008 and The third generation was introduced in mid-2013 as a 2014 model and then The fourth generation of the Mazda3 was launched on August 14, 2019 with two body types to choose from. The compact car is available in either Sedan or Sportback variants.

Price

The 2022 Mazda3 is a compact sedan sold in the Philippines. Locally, the sedan version of this model has two variants: the Mazda3 Sport 2.0 AT, and the Mazda3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT. Mazda 3 price Philippines starts at ₱1,495,000 for the entry-level Mazda3 Sport 2.0 AT, while the top-of-the-line Mazda3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT is priced at ₱1,695,000.

Exterior

The Mazda 3 is the first model to embody the second generation Kodo design philosophy of ‘less is more’. And the result is a cleaner, more sculptured look compared to the previous generation and It also has fake air vents on the lower bumper where the fog lights should be. Compared to the previous generation, the design of the current Mazda3 is more subtle and features more curves than angles. in Philippines, The Mazda 3 comes in six color options: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic, and Machine Grey.

Dimensions

Lighting

LED headlights and taillights are standard across the range. Daytime Running Lights are LED on the range topping High Plus variant, while the rest are bulb type. The vehicle itself does not feature fog lights but instead features LED headlights that Mazda claims that will eliminate the need for fog lights

Wheels

The High Plus variant wears 18-inch wheels wrapped with 215/45 tyres, lower rung variants wear 16-inch wheels with 205/60 tyres.

Interior

Dashboard

The upper dashboard is not as squidgy as typical soft-touch materials, but feels high quality nonetheless. The middle section is wrapped with soft leather that goes around the cabin through the doors.

Space and Practicality

Like other Mazda models, the space inside is adequate rather than spacious. Two 6-footers sitting behind one another would struggle for knee room. Though storage spaces are well thought out with a large centre storage space that can be partitioned, two cupholders in front of the gear lever and decently sized door pockets.

Boot

Despite having a rear torsion beam suspension, boot space is not as large the Honda Civic’s, which has a 519-litre boot space compared to the Mazda 3. Sedan’s 444-litre. However, the shape of the boot is rather square, making it easier to arrange items.

Features

Comfort features

High and High Plus variants get dual-zone automatic climate control and 10-way power adjustment with memory function for the driver seat. Standard features include auto dimming rearview mirror, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and head-up display.

Safety features

7 airbags, stability and traction control are standard on all variants. On High Plus variant, it features i-Activsense which includes:
Adaptive Front-Lighting System
Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert
Smart Brake Support – Front and rear
Mazda Radar Cruise Control

Infotainment features

All variants get an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There are 8 speakers in total; audio is crisp and clear, while there is no boominess in the bass region, it lacks weight and depth.

Powertrain performance

Engine

This Mazda 3 is powered by the Skyactiv-G 1.5 F-P5 engine or the Skyactiv G 2.0 PE-VPS engine. The 1.5 liter engine produces 109 hp and 146 Nm of torque while the 2.0 liter produces 152 hp and 200 Nm. Both engine options have a 6-speed automatic transmission. unfortunately, there is no manual option for the Mazda3 in the Philippines.

Transmission

All engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Drivetrain

Power is sent to the front wheels.

Riding & Control

Both the hatchback and sedan feel smooth on straight and winding roads and provide a fairly smooth ride quality. The Mazda 3 retains the fun-to-drive nature of the previous model. It has tight body control, a natural-feeling steering wheel, and a solid ride that manages to not punish passengers on rough roads.

Fuel consumption

With the 2.5 S Sedan and the standard SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine with VVT and front-wheel drive, the Mazda3 achieves a fuel economy of up to an EPA-estimated 26 city and 35 highway mpg.

Ride comfort

Sound proofing

Sound insulation is much improved over the previous generation Mazda 3, and is now the among the quietest in the segment. At 110 km/h, the sound level meter recorded an average of 68 dB.

Passenger comfort

The suspension is on the firmer side but still able to maintain composure when going through broken surfaces. Front seats are sculptured in a way that maintains the natural body posture and it is evident, back and thigh is well supported. Rear seats can be a little upright to some, but they are supportive like the front.

The Mazda 3 Sedan speaks to your emotions rather than the rational mind. Because the rational mind would point out the steep price and tight cabin, and direct your attention to the Honda Civic. But if you love driving, love the feeling of being connected to the car and the road, appreciate an upmarket interior, willing to sacrifice a bit of space and pay the premium, then the Mazda 3 Sedan is the perfect car for you.