Mazda 3 SP25 2014 Review

New Mazda 3 is a cracking good car. Way better than the super popular previous model -- and around the same money. Other players in this part of town had better beware, and so should the so-called prestige Europeans who trade a tad (a bit too much) on their name.

New 3 is in four-door sedan and five-door hatch with our preference being the sedan. We've had a couple brief of steers of the new 3 already but this time it was the 'full monty' 1000km, week-long test and we came away impressed to the point where the SP25 auto sedan would be on a short list of cars we would buy.

PRICE / FEATURES

The six-speed auto test car goes for $27,890, a price we think plenty of buyers would be comfortable with. It includes a generous level of luxury and safety kit as well as some of the coveted drive assist features filtering into some new cars. This is a mid-range model available with a safety pack that should be fitted regardless of the $1500 impost.

The SP25 scores plenty of kit like dual zone climate control, keyless entry and button start, Bluetooth audio and phone, a large info screen, satnav, BMW style multi-control knob, 18-inch alloys and plenty more.

But the new Mazda3 is the first "Japanese" mainstream small car to fully embrace driver assist features like Activesense driver support, radar cruise control, collision avoidance system, auto high beam and wipers, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, forward obstruction warning, smart brake, smart city brake and rear cross-traffic alert.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

The 138kW/250Nm engine features direct fuel injection auto stop/start variable cam timing and friction reduction technology to boost efficiency. Same thing with the paddle shift six-speed auto which is small and high tech -- optimised technology. And not a turbo, supercharger or dual clutch transmission in sight.

The full Skyactiv efficiency suite is used through the powertrain including engine and transmission along with aerodynamics and other efficiency measures. The 1334kg 2.5-litre auto sedan we drove sips a scant 6.0-litres/100km and offers strong and smooth performance across a broad range of engine speeds. No wonder Commodore and Falcon struggle. It's tuned to run on regular 91 octane fuel for further savings.

DRIVING

It's roomy and practical inside with a stylish dash and logical layout that's easy to use. The boot is big and expandable. We love the look of the sedan in particular which is handsome and arresting all at once. It looks a bit like a slightly scaled down Mazda6.

The chassis feels rock solid forming a stable platform for the conventional strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Safety rates five stars with all that brings. It was everything expected and more, offering an addictive mix of class and style along with new technology, refinement, sporty performance and feel and quality finish.

VERDICT

The previous model became one of Australia's most popular private cars and this one is a massive leap upscale from that.

2014 Mazda3 SP25
Price: from $25,890 (manual), from $27,890 (auto)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, 138kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic 
Economy: 6.0-6.5L/100km (2.5 litre engine)
Service intervals: 10,000km/12 months
Capped pricing: Yes, 10,000km: $286, 20,000km: $313, 30,000km: $360, 40,000km: $376, 50,000km $286, and so on.
Length/width/height/wheelbase: 4460/1795/1455/2700 (hatch), 4580/1795/1455/2700 (sedan)
Boot volume: 308 litres (hatch) 408 litres (sedan)
Turning circle: 10.6 metres (old model 10.4 metres)
Warranty: Three years/unlimited km