A beefier stew..Mazda 3

Our initial expectations of the Mazda3 hatchback were that it would share the same performance as its sedan sibling – something which we featured some months ago.

So it was with much surprise that we found the hatchback so much more exciting to drive. Full of zip and zest, it is very responsive and punchy and has the performance to match its sporty looks. To say the least it is head and shoulders above its sedan variant!

We tried to figure out why – when both the sedan and hatchback variants use the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC (dual-overhead camshafts) electronic fuel-injected engine with S-VT and VIS (Variable Induction System) and electronic throttle (fly-by-wire).

The engine package in both promises enhanced torque across the engine’s entire rev range, along with good power delivery and more efficient fuel consumption.

As such, the 2.0-litre engine delivers 147Ps at 6,500rpm and182Nm at 4,500rpm.

What we suspect is that the gear ratios and pre-programmed modes in the electronically controlled four-speed Activematic automatic transmission are tuned differently in the sedan to give smooth executive power delivery and in the hatchback to give power-packed performance.

But once we discovered the big difference, we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves and were pushing the hatchback at every opportunity.

Activematic automatic is Mazda-speak for their tiptronic style of manually changing gears. This sequential manual change allows the driver to have better control of the engine revs.

A nice touch, we found, is that the engaged gear, whether in automatic or manual mode, is clearly shown on the instrument panel. Most cars show the gear selection only in manual mode.

We found it very useful as a quick glance at the gear engaged in auto mode allows the driver to know whether he should press hard on the accelerator to do a kick-down for greater acceleration. Or, in manual mode, whether he should downshift two gears for the same.

The instrument panel has the sporty theme of red lettering with red backlighting for improved night vision. The gear numbers are in a yellow that allows the driver to spot instantly.

Putting the Mazda3 hatchback through its paces shows that everything jelled.

The sporty engine performance, the brakes, the suspension and the steering all played their part and made our test drive a thoroughly exciting and enjoyable affair.

The brakes are large diameter discs all round with the latest ABS (anti-lock braking system) and (EBD) electronic brakeforce distribution to give even and safe braking under all driving conditions.

The suspension system is the usual MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link set-up for the rear. The difference is that settings and shock absorbers have been fine-tuned to give a decidedly sporty ride that is firm and hard, but not to the point of harshness.

The interior carries over the sporty theme with leather covered seats that are red-lined at the edges. The central console is aluminium and it shows.

The seats are comfortable and do grip quite securely when driving fast.

The power assisted steering is a change from the norm. It does feel heavy at all times but will respond instantly when the wheel is turned – which is ideal for fast driving as then the driver has a feel of the road at all times.

Yet we found the steering is nippy, taking tight corners and sharp turns without us having to break into a sweat! Even for tight parking conditions we could manoeuvre around without any problems.

The interior of the car also is quieter which Mazda says is due to advanced engineering.

For instance, the suspension is carefully tuned and reinforced to reduce vibration.

Also, heavy-duty insulation is fitted behind the dashboard to keep engine noise away from the cabin, and the MZR 2.0-litre engine has extra sound insulation on the underside of the bonnet.

Then there is “Thinsulate” soundproofing material in the roof liner to absorb road noise from the floor and keep wind noise out of the cabin during high-speed driving.

Mazda says all these improvements make the Mazda3 one the quietest rides in its class.

Overall, Mazda has given more sporty performance to a sporty-looking car. Too often carmakers make sporty looking variants but with the same performance as the sedan siblings.

Keep up the good work, Mazda!

Cycle & Carriage Bintang’s Mazda Division, says the Mazda3 2.0 hatchback as tested is available for less than RM130,000 (without insurance).