Mazda 3 Sedan: Hits and misses

Fashioned for luxurious drives, the all-new Mazda 3 Sedan did not disappoint its fans. Aside from its brilliant design, this powerful sedan also boasts a reliable engine with smooth driving dynamics and unmatched handling.

The Mazda 3 Sedan is locally available in two trims ⁠— the 1.5L Elite and the 2.0L Premium. Both trims are cladi with Mazda’s KODO design language that is known for conveying a sense of movement and spontaneity while capturing the pure, linear motion of natural forms. This is the main rationale for the fascinating contours around the car that makes it intricately amazing.

Mazda 3 Sedan Dimensions:

Dimensions	1.5L Elite and 2.0L Premium
Length	4580 mm
Width	1795 mm
Height	1450 mm
Ground Clearance	135 mm
Wheelbase	2700 mm
Kerb Weight	1242 kg (Elite) - 1318 kg (Premium)

When it comes to size, both trims are similar except for the kerb weight whereas the Premium is pretty much heavier given it has bigger 215/45 R18 18-inch alloy wheels than the 205/60 R16 16-inch of the Elite.

The Elite trim is powered by a 1496 cc, 1.5L In-line 4 Cylinder, DOHC 16 Valves gasoline engine that fires up to 111 PS at 6000 rpm and 146 Nm torque at 3500 rpm. On the other hand, the Premium model is equipped with 1998 cc, 2.0L In-line 4 cylinder DOHC, 16 valves that can produce a maximum power of 154 PS at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm torque at 4000 rpm.

Both cars are shifting gears through the SkyActiv-Drive 6-Speed Automatic Transmission.

So, what are the pros and cons of Mazda 3 Sedan?

Given its sleek and premium design that is already a big plus, what are the other things that makes this car stand out from its competitors, like Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra, and what makes are the things that can be improved?

Pros of Mazda 3 Sedan

Performance - Mazda 3 Sedan models are powered by SkyActiv Technology that helps on making your daily drives better through enhanced driving dynamics and boosted fuel efficiency. It is Mazda’s latest technology and the SkyActive Vehicle Dynamics installed in Mazda 3 Sedan also has the G-Vectoring control. This technology improves stability, increases traction, and reduces driver workload while also making sure that all the passengers are having a smooth and comfortable ride.

What is G-Vectoring Control?

In the most simplified description, G-Vectoring Control is an electronic system that momentarily pauses ignition when sophisticated sensors determine the steering wheel is being turned at the same time the vehicle is moving at speed (New York Daily News, 2016).

In addition, the SkyActiv Technology helps the car on achieving seamless cornering by adjusting power delivery and shifting vehicle weight efficiently.

Technology - One of the most promising inclusions in this car is the entertainment system powered by Mazda Connect Infotainment System with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display that is compatible to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with navigation and voice command. You can also enjoy your driving playlist through the Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system that are perfectly installed around the car.

There is also an optimally positioned multi-function Commander control that lets you navigate the system’s features while staying focused on the road. An all-digital instrument panel and dual-zone automatic climate control are also a plus for this car.

Seating and Comfort - This premium car boasts sport seats clad in leather that are built to provide utmost comfort and elegance. You can also enjoy quieter rides since the Mazda 3 was engineered to help on insulating distracting noise outside you can focus on driving and of course, your music.

Safety - Japan-based Mazda is known for the safety features of its cars and the all-new 2020 Mazda 3 Sedan is not an exception to that. Apart from the standard airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD and brake assist, traction control, and high beam headlight control, this car is also equipped with smart brake support, lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring system, and a reverse camera with parking sensors.

In addition to this, the Mazda 3 models also has the I-ActiveSense Safety Technology that are consisted of sophisticated safety innovations that gives you added notification for hazards to help you on avoiding collisions or at least lessen the impact. The Active Safety Technology helps in preventing accidents from occurring while the Pre-Crash Safety Technology reduces the risk of an accident.

Cons of Mazda 3 Sedan

Lack of Manual Option - As mentioned, both trims of Mazda 3 Sedan are equipped with SkyActiv Drive 6-speed Automatic Transmission with no option for any trim that has a manual transmission. Instead, you can just engage the manual select then use the paddle shifters.

Not so much change from the previous - Although there are some additional technological features, the interior design has received not so much update. But, it is still premium-looking by default.

Lesser head and legroom in the rear seats - In spite of the premium sport seat present in the car, the rear cabin has a little bit of issue. The head and legroom might be quite an issue for taller passengers since the new design limits these aspects of the car.

Scratch-prone piano black plastics that may look a little bit off when the car gets old.

Mazda 3 Sedan Price List

1.5L Elite	2.0L Premium
PHP 1.30 Million	PHP 1.50 Million

Conclusively, regardless of the minor disadvantages of Mazda 3 Sedan, it is still a very good car that you can rely on for daily drives. Not only it is very pleasing in terms of the design aspects and the additional technological features but it is also affordable and can provide comfortable driving experience through the installed SkyActive technology in its engine and transmission.

It is also an ideal car for both ladies and gentlemen who just like to keep their driving sleek and effortlessly smooth. After all, this car’s previous model wouldn’t be hailed as the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year and Women’s World Family Car of the Year for nothing.

So, there you go folks! Now that you know what the Mazda 3 Sedan automakers have hit and missed for their 2020 edition, it’s time for you to see it yourself! Get a test drive today at your nearest Mazda dealership!

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