This is a little Japanese car with the soul of a German machine. Not because it costs an arm and a leg. On the contrary, it’s quite affordable. Its German-ness stems from its performance on the road, or from the surprising stiffness of its chassis. I am of course talking about the 2010 Mazda3 GX.
 |
| Although the Mazda3 GX is a basic model, it certainly isn’t bare! |
Yet, this compact sedan in no way resembles a BMW 128i. It is but the humble competitor of popular cars like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Ford Focus.
Cheap, but by no means bare
Because it’s a basic model, you would think it would be pretty bare and rather bland. But the opposite is true, and its driving dynamics confirm it. Zoom Zoom, indeed.
But this cheapest of Mazdas (while we wait for the Mazda2 to arrive) isn’t the cheapest compact sedan out there. If you compare base prices with the competition, the Focus S costs $996 less, the Corolla CE $735, the Elantra S $146 and the Civic DX $5. You get the idea. Naturally, these price differences tend to level out the minute you start spiffing up the cars with various extras.
German on the road
So, what’s so German about the Mazda3? First, its driving dynamics. The Hiroshima firm has given its Mazda3 GX a precise, well-balanced power steering system, aggressive brakes that are easy to measure out and even a delightfully stiff suspension whose settings will be sure to please driving enthusiasts. A unique combination where affordable cars are concerned.
This is in fact one of the few compact cars whose standard equipment includes four wheel disc brakes with ABS. Only the Kia Forte and Ford Focus pack as much goodies into a basic model.
And the standard five-speed manual transmission deserves high praise. Even the GX’s lowly status didn’t prevent the automaker from pulling out all the stops here. Drivers will discover a precise gearbox with judiciously spaced gears that, along with the well-calibrated clutch, ensures worry-free operation even in dense traffic.
 |
| A sprightly 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre, 148-hp mill slumbers under the swooping hood. |
Finally, the GX rests on 16-inch steel wheels shod in all-season tires that are “just wide enough” (205/55R16). With its stiff suspension, large wheels would mean Spartan comfort for the occupants. Not to mention a hike in prices when shopping for winter tires.
 |
| The interior of the GX is a study in blackness. Not for the claustrophobic. |
Sprightly engine
The GX version is exclusive to Canada. Canadians are in fact quite taken with compact cars. That doesn’t stop this Mazda3 from sharing its 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre, multivalve engine with the GS, a 148-hp, high-revving mill that features great acceleration and throttle response.
It drives the front wheels by way of the aforementioned manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission. The latter is a five-speed affair with a manual mode, and it tacks on $1,200 to the sales price.
Note that the Mazda3 doesn’t benefit from the traction control system offered as an option with the GS. Seasoned drivers that have perfected their technique during a driving course won’t be bothered. Some will even welcome it. But everyone else will have to learn to massage the throttle with humility on slippery surfaces…
Black on the inside
The interior of the Mazda3 is reminiscent of small BMWs in a very particular way: it’s decked out in wall-to-wall black. Like a 128i or a 335i, only the orange backlit instruments brighten up the austere cabin – and only at night.
The claustrophobic will prefer the Mazda3 GS, which can at least be enlivened with beige cloth seats if you choose a red or pearl white body.
It must be said that the interior of a Mazda3 isn’t very big. The well-contoured bucket seats are fitted and the rather low seat cushion isn’t adjustable, except for the driver. Thankfully, drivers enjoy a tilt telescopic steering wheel that allows them to refine the driving position.
 |
| Particularly form-fitting, the bucket seats are very comfortable. |
In the back, though, the short wheelbase limits foot- and legroom. What’s more, the elegantly curved ceiling reduces headroom. Then again, if your passengers are of the kiddie variety, these spatial shortcomings won’t be too bothersome. However, if you’re chauffeuring a couple teens that are growing like weeds and stuck behind tall front occupants, expect some tense family moments.
And now for the downsides
To make rear access easier, the automaker carved an indentation for the top half of the doors. This has resulted in a sharp door tip… one that can catch an adult in the stomach or a child in the face. A detail that should be corrected.
Also irritating about the Mazda3 is its trunk – its small trunk. Its usable volume is among the least generous of any compact sedan. And its short, narrow opening proves quite inconvenient when loading large objects. You’re better off stashing them in the cabin and sacrificing the rear seats, that, very thankfully, are split 60/40 and fold down.
 |
| The Mazda3’s trunk is one of the least spacious of its class. |
Lastly, the body’s gorgeous profile, low and elegantly streamlined, reduces rear visibility. A common defect of many a modern car. Reverse manoeuvres thus require particular attention.
Not as basic as you’d think
On the other hand, the compact car’s list of equipment is rather comprehensive. The automaker only offers two options for the GX: the autobox and air conditioning ($1,195). However, Mazda wasn’t stingy when it came to air bags and curtains.
What’s more, the audio system is very respectable considering the price of the car. It’s even iPod compatible. The driver also benefits from electric side mirrors, electric central locking and electric windows. That’s enough to make anyone question its so-called “basicness”! And that is the crucial element for the target consumer.
Auto123.com
No comments:
Post a Comment