Mazda 3 redesigned with style

cars and the Mazda 3 that I am looking at this week is no exception.
The Mazda 3 is well known for its extraordinary handling abilities, fuel and service economy.
This car, which was launched about seven years ago was just recently redesigned.
It has continued with the trend of impressive performance, and with a fresh, modern body design, which we will soon see on our roads in Zimbabwe, it has the style to match.
I remember back in 2004 when the words zoom-zoom were coined, everyone wanted to get their hands on a Mazda 3, mostly for its affordability and economy when it comes to service and fuel.
Some people who have had the privilege to own one since then will testify that this vehicle provides suitable levels of economy and practicality.
Even the base Mazda 3 comes with a refined engine and a surprisingly sophisticated suspension and interior, and higher trims offer more zip and plenty of useful convenience and luxury-oriented features.
I personally would have picked this car, which did quite well in Botswana, with most of them being bought for or by women because of its nippy and cute shape.
Those on a tight budget who consider driving a favourite pastime should strongly consider the Mazda 3, whether shopping new or used, after all, we have our very own Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries so parts should not be a problem.
The Mazda 3 is available in two body styles: a sedan or a four-door hatchback.
No matter which Mazda 3 you buy, expect an impressive level of convenience and safety-related equipment, which is value for your money.
While most economy cars have little in the manner of interior aesthetics, the cabin of the Mazda 3 shows impressive attention to detail with its controls simple to use than those found in competitor models.
The materials used are some of the nicest found in this class – your passengers are bound to think you paid more than you actually did.
Even taller passengers will be comfortable up front, and the driver will appreciate the standard steering wheel.
The hatchback offers more cargo area in the back than the sedan’s trunk.
And the rear seats in the hatchback fold down 60/40, which nearly doubles the amount of cargo room.
The Mazda 3’s refined road manners will come as a surprise to most economy car shoppers.
Thanks to its performance-oriented chassis tuning, the Mazda 3 is blessed with good body control and a healthy amount of grip on twisty blacktop, and its steering is quick and reasonably communicative.
In the real world, this translates to a greater sense of driver confidence.
Out on the highways, this car provides a smooth ride for all, although drivers who prefer softly sprung compacts like Toyota’s Corolla might think that it is too firm.
Altogether, we think the Mazda 3 should be the first vehicle you test drive when shopping for an economic family sedan or hatchback. It hits all the right notes and its flaws are few and far between.
The current, second-generation Mazda 3 debuted for the 2010 model year. The original Mazda 3 was produced from 2004-’09.
Much of the current car’s underpinnings were carried over from its predecessor, so both generations will offer similar driving dynamics.
The original base Mazda 3 featured essentially the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as today, although in its first two years in production, it lacked variable valve timing.
What is sad is that there is no automatic transmission, just manual, but then again I always feel that automatics take the fun out of driving and handling because you want to feel the torque on your feet as you move from one gear to another with clarity.
My friend keeps saying automatic is for lazy people and she wants to get an auto because she is just tired of changing gears. . . ha ha.
For 2007, there was a very minor exterior refresh along with a few other changes.
So you can see that it has evolved quite a bit. We wait to see the new and way better version soon.
The Mazda 3 is one of my top choices in the economic family sedan segment. So, there we go, a car that will save you money and get you around safely at just under US$30 000.
Till next week, buckle up and enjoy.
l Fact D Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via e-mail: [email protected]