Mazda 3 - Tried and tested

By Imraan Buccus

The new Mazda 3 has been around for a while. And no doubt it has come a long way. It comes as no surprise that they are now associated with comfort, efficiency and reliability. The new Mazda 3 does not disappoint in living up to this; proving itself in my drives around Cape Town’s meandering and picturesque routes.

Mazda has resisted the industry’s obsession with constant reinvention, choosing instead to refine what already works. The result is a car that feels considered, offering old-fashioned reassurance.

In recent years, Mazda’s have become known for their aesthetically pleasing designs; a departure from their past. The sedan is elegant, almost conservative, but the hatchback carries a more creative personality. It has curves in the right places and feels appropriately sculptured.

It may not be universally loved; with some complaining about rear visibility being compromised, but I experienced no issue with visibility. But that seems almost beside the point. This is a car that prioritizes elegance and efficiency.

Inside, the Mazda 3 continues to impress. The cabin manages to feel rich, without forced extravagance and the controls are easy to find, unlike so many new brands on the market. There’s a sense of calm here that’s increasingly rare, without the over-stimulating screens, that are difficult to navigate. Just a quiet, deliberate focus on the driver.

The Mazda3 has an all-new 8.8-inch infotainment screen supporting MZD Connect, which comes standard on all models. The base models feature an all-new 8-speaker sound system, which utilizes a 3-way layout with mid-bass drivers moved from the doors to the panel area for improved sound quality and bass response. The Individual model is equipped with the top-tier Bose premium sound system

A new leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring illuminated controls and switches exudes luxury. Standard features include Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, remote keyless entry, push-button ignition, auto door lock, auto headlights and wipers, electronic parking brake, new knee air bags and two USB audio inputs. This elevates the Mazda3 to premium status.

And that’s really where the Mazda 3 distinguishes itself. It is, above all, a driver’s car. The steering is as precise as one would expect and the ride is composed and comfortable.

The naturally aspirated engine feels smooth and predictable, while the turbocharged version adds a layer of effortless urgency that never tips into aggression. Under the bonnet, power ranges from 88kW for the Mazda3 hatch 1.5 Dynamic and goes up to 114kW for the Mazda3 hatch 2.0 Astina.

This dual-engine strategy allows the car to cater to both everyday commuters and those seeking more spirited performance. The turbo variant, in particular, is among the quickest in its class, capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in under six seconds.

However, it should be noted that Mazda prioritizes refinement over outright sportiness. The driving experience is not aggressively dynamic, which may disappoint drivers expecting hot-hatch levels of excitement.

There’s also something faintly nostalgic about the availability of a manual transmission. Not because it transforms the car into something it isn’t, but because it acknowledges a shrinking group of drivers who still want that tactile connection. It’s less about speed and more about involvement, in this context

The rear seats on the hatchback are a little tight but manageable. You get the design benefit, though.

When it comes to electrification, Mazda will need to catch up soon. I’m hoping we see more hybrid and electric versions in the near term. I’m sure the Mazda 3 will pivot from its more traditional philosophy soon.

What makes the Mazda 3 compelling is that it offers something less easily quantified. A sense of cohesion, a feeling that each element, from the way the door closes to the way the car settles into a corner, has been tuned with intention.

It’s a car that asks you to slow down slightly, to notice the details, to appreciate the difference between something that simply works and something that feels reassuring and rewarding. Not everyone will care about that, but I’m sure most people will.

For those who still believe that even an everyday car can have a point of view, the Mazda 3 continues to make a quietly persuasive case. It’s tried and tested.

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