Mazda has installed all-new engine tech often thought of as the holy grail of engines that promises big things. We find out what it’s really like.
The Mazda3 has been one of the most popular small cars in the country for most of the past decade, we take a look at the top-spec version with groundbreaking new tech.
YOU CAN BUY AN AUDI FOR LESS
At more than $45,000 drive-away, the Mazda3 X20 Astina has a chunky price tag that reflects the depth of luxury and equipment on offer.
The X20 refers to the mild-hybrid version of Mazda’s naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. An Astina grade Mazda3 G25 with 2.5-litre engine is $3000 less and, with 139kW and 252Nm, has better numbers than the X20’s 132kW and 224Nm.
So what’s going on? The X20’s 2.0-litre Skyactiv-X engine delivers cutting edge compression-ignition tech, which promises the responsiveness of a petrol engine but the torque and efficiency of a diesel. There’s lots of science involved and if that’s your bag, this motor should appeal.
THE ENGINE’S FOR TECH LOVERS
If you’re turned on by speed and rapid acceleration more than smart engineering, your $45k is better spent elsewhere.
The X20’s engine brings reasonable low-speed response, but it’s not on a par with a decent turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel. It’s not earth-shatteringly efficient either.
The official figure is 5.5L/100km – a fair chunk better than the 6.5L/100km claim of the 2.5-litre Mazda3 – but it needs pricier premium fuel. Our week-long test saw the X20 return a not-great 6.7L/100km.
A tiny supercharger helps smooth the engine’s little torque gaps during acceleration, helping with silky power delivery, while impressive noise suppression gives this Mazda3 cabin a serenity more in line with executive sedans than small family cars.
IT’S LOADED WITH FEATURES
This isn’t your nanna’s old Mazda3. White leather seats add an air of business class, though they’re not ideal if you have messy kids. Black leather’s also on offer at the same price.
There’s an 8.8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose audio, satnav, a digital radio, digital instruments for the driver, colour head-up display, heated seats and steering wheel, radar cruise control and a sunroof.
Much to spoil you, but despite the X20’s price, there’s power only for the driver’s seat and no wireless phone charging.
MAZDA’S GONE BIG ON SAFETY
Entry-level Mazda3s have generous safety tech, but these high-spec grades get the works. It makes the car very hard to crash, and even if you manage to, it has the third highest ANCAP adult occupant protection score of any car.
Highlights include auto braking if you’re about to drive or reverse into a vehicle, pedestrian or bicycle; rear and front cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, radar cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist and a 360-degree camera. The constant nannying beeps do grate after a while, though.
THE DESIGN IS SMOOTH AND CLEAN
Pretty as a sedan but gorgeous as a hatchback, the Mazda3 stands as a pillar of style purity while many rivals get ever pointier and edgier. Rear visibility and space are compromised, but you accept this when the shape has you looking back for an extra admiring glance.
Does Mazda deserve to be seen as semi-premium? This cabin suggests so. The driving position and controls layout are first class, plastics are overwhelmingly soft to touch and the leather feels expensive.
Best of all, most of this goodness comes in $30,000 drive-away Mazda3s if the X20’s tag is a stretch too far.
MAZDA3 X20 ASTINA VITALS
Price: About $46,000 drive-away
Safety: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, colour head-up display, radar cruise, 360-degree monitor, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 132kW/224Nm
Thirst:5.5L/100km
Spare: Space saver
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