Does 118bhp feel right in a sporty hatchback? Well, yes, actually. It lacks sufficient torque at low revs, but above 2500rpm the Skyactiv-G starts to sing. It needs to be revved hard to get the best from it, as maximum power comes in at 6,000rpm, but it has a linear power delivery. You’ll find yourself downshifting to keep in its power band, which is fine because the six-speed manual gearbox is a delight. It has a short shift, allowing quick and accurate gear changes.
The second reason is that it’s rather comfy. It doesn't have Citroen C6 levels of road-ironing comfort, but it doesn’t have the hardcore ride you’d expect given its looks. Some larger bumps are felt, but overall, the suspension set-up is mmpressive, combining excellent handling with good levels of comfort.
The 3 feels happy to be thrown into corners, with no discernable understeer until it is pushed hard. Sporting credentials are aided by a wonderfully judged steering set-up. It’s well-weighted, accurate and requires only a light touch to successfully knit a series of bends together, even though it doesn't have the feedback of some rivals.
The sporting magic dust has been sprinkled over the interior. The sports seats are now clad in half suede and leather, with the doors getting the same treatment. The door linings are finished in suede with red piping to match the seats. However, despite a neatly designed instrument binnacle, which is reminiscent of an RAF wings badge, and soft-touch plastics, the interior is slightly drab. The fascia is dominated by Mazda's brilliant 7.0in colour touchscreen and rotary dial-controlled infotainment system.
The front sports seats have good side bolster support, but are overly firm on the backrest around the shoulder blades. The seats adjust well for height, but after you have put your seatbelt on, the backrest adjustment lever is covered and difficult to get to.
In the rear, access is tight and leg room is limited for adults. At the back, the boot has quite a lip to get over before you get to the flat and usable boot space, although its 364-litre capacity is short of the best in the class. In comparison, a Seat Leon offers 380 litres of space.
Should I buy one?
We like the Mazda 3. It's a very capable and likeable car, while in Sport spec it has uprated driving dynamics that make it more fun to drive. This Sport Black special edition, limited to just 800 units in the UK, gives it more menacing and purposeful looks.
Even so, we’d recommend you take a look at Seat's Leon 1.4 TSI FR before you buy. It costs about the same money as the 3 Sport Black, but is quicker, more spacious, even better to drive and more economical.
Matthew Griffiths
Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 Sport Black
Location Surrey; On sale Now; Price £20,995; Engine 1998cc, petrol; Power 118bhp; Torque 155lb ft; Gearbox 6-spd manual; Kerb weight 1355kg; 0-62mph 8.9sec; Top speed 121mph; Economy 55.4mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 119g/km, 20%
Join the debate
heidfirst
engine output
smokescreen38
Mazda 3
1990's try 1980's Cavalier SRI 130. 130bhp from a 2ltr 8 valve. 1993 Mk1 Mundaneo 1.8 115bhp, 2.0 136bhp. 1990's mk1 Renault Laguna and its predecessor the 21 2ltr 8 valve 115bhp. Vauxhall 2.0 16v "red top" 150+bhp. So yes Mazda needs to pull its finger out slightly.
Jimbbobw1977
The engine is already as said
Will86
The engine is 'rightsized' in Mazda speak
bowsersheepdog
Vroom with no view
I don't need to put my name here, it's on the left
Add your comment