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The real reason you buy a Mazda3, however, is for its driving dynamics. It’s true that the Mazda engines have a certain tendency to guzzle more than their rivals. It’s also true that the formerly standard 2.3-litre version on the sport models was even thirstier. This time, with a 2-litre engine equivalent to the basic version of the 3, Mazda is hoping to pull it off: reduce fuel consumption and offer a little less power but just as much fun.
From a driving dynamics point of view, the difference in potency isn’t significant. The torque isn’t as present, but you certainly can’t say the car is under-powered. Coupled with a more precise steering system and a slightly stiff but voluntarily sporty suspension, the Mazda3 has no cause to be jealous of anyone, even in a more limited version.
On the contrary, it has one great advantage: you’ll save around a litre of fuel every 100 kilometres, unless of course you took advantage of the cavernous cargo area of the sport version to load up every last piece of your luggage.
And you’ll have in your hands one of the rare compact cars that almost, and I do mean almost, handles like a small sports car. Just without the power.
photo:Mazda
The real reason you buy a Mazda3, however, is for its driving dynamics. It’s true that the Mazda engines have a certain tendency to guzzle more than their rivals. It’s also true that the formerly standard 2.3-litre version on the sport models was even thirstier. This time, with a 2-litre engine equivalent to the basic version of the 3, Mazda is hoping to pull it off: reduce fuel consumption and offer a little less power but just as much fun.
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| The real reason you buy a Mazda3 is for its driving dynamics. |
From a driving dynamics point of view, the difference in potency isn’t significant. The torque isn’t as present, but you certainly can’t say the car is under-powered. Coupled with a more precise steering system and a slightly stiff but voluntarily sporty suspension, the Mazda3 has no cause to be jealous of anyone, even in a more limited version.
On the contrary, it has one great advantage: you’ll save around a litre of fuel every 100 kilometres, unless of course you took advantage of the cavernous cargo area of the sport version to load up every last piece of your luggage.
And you’ll have in your hands one of the rare compact cars that almost, and I do mean almost, handles like a small sports car. Just without the power.
photo:Mazda
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