The Mazda 3 has received a model year update. All engines now feature mild hybrid technology and certain trim levels are richer in their gear. In this edition of ‘Back to Basics’ he is once again in the spotlights.
Mazda 3 e-SkyActiv-G 122
€ 27,990
The Mazda 3 is no stranger to this category. He already passed by in 2019, then with relatively little visual material. Fortunately, Mazda has also improved the configurator in the meantime, so that it can now be seen from all angles. The Mazda 3 is still fairly fresh, so the brand has not yet had any major external changes. So there are none. Among other things, the engine range has been overhauled. All generators now have the mild-hybrid M Hybrid system, so the basic engine will also receive the addition ‘e’ in front of its model designation.
This means next to nothing for performance: the power source still delivers 122 hp and 213 Nm of torque and the sprint time to 100 km / h remains the same at 10.4 seconds. The top speed did increase from 197 km / h to 202 km / h. For the basic price you will have to change gears yourself with the manual six-speed gearbox, the six-speed automatic transmission has a considerable additional cost of € 2,500. New in the range is the e-SkyActiv-G 150, which in terms of performance bridges the gap between the base engine and the e-SkyActiv-X 186, which has also gained 6 hp. However, the e-SkyActiv-G 150 has a higher starting price because it is only available in the temporary Sportive version. It does have a complete standard equipment, but more about that later
Unchanged
The model year update does not actually change the nameless base version of the Mazda 3. As standard, it is still painted in the color ‘Arctic White Solid’, for all other nine available colors you have to feel in the pouch. ‘Soul Red Crystal Metallic’ remains the most expensive paint color with an additional cost of € 1,150. The Mazda 3 always rolls on 16-inch light alloy in its basic trim. Furthermore, LED headlamps with halogen daytime running lights, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors and rear parking sensors are also included in the starting price.
The Mazda 3 also has a dual exhaust on the e-SkyActiv-G 122. The difference with the e-SkyActiv X is that the trim pieces of the range topper are slightly wider. The hatchback also always has a chrome window frame at the bottom of the windows and black glossy design accents in the grille. Prefer a sportier look? Then you can order 18-inch wheels for € 1,250 with the Comfort trim level, which adds € 2,000 to the starting price. This Comfort version also includes parking sensors at the front and a reversing camera.
Anything but bald
The interior of the Mazda 3 base trim is rather sober, with black cloth on the seats and black leatherette trim for the dashboard. The equipment is not scanty, however, because the hatchback already has things like an 8.8-inch color screen with navigation, DAB + and Apple CarPlay, a multifunctional steering wheel and a light and rain sensor. Mazda of course does not give away all the cards, because the air conditioning is manually operated and the seats are also not heated as standard. For things like that, you have to turn to Comfort.
There is nothing more to order in terms of safety systems. Mazda crams the 3 as standard with Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control with a ‘Stop & Go’ function, but the latter is only available on the automatic transmission.
Mazda has the options included in the trim levels and packages. We just mentioned the Comfort version, which in addition to the extra parking sensors and the reversing camera for € 2,000 seat and steering wheel heating, keyless entry, two-zone climate control and keyless entry add to the equipment. In addition, this version can be combined with the Bose / Leather package, which for an additional € 2,000 extra leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, head-up display and Bose audio system. However, then you are at almost the same price level as the Luxury, which is in the price list from € 33,940 and has all the aforementioned things on board, including adaptive LED headlights and a more luxurious finish of the interior.
Sporti (e) ve (r)
If you want to take full advantage of the model year update, however, you should go for the Sportive trim level. Then for € 31,490 you not only get the e-SkyActiv-G 150, but in addition to the Comfort equipment level, you also get things like LED headlights at the front and rear, privacy glass and a frameless interior mirror. For an extra € 2,105 you can tick the Sport package, which includes a sportier-looking front and rear bumper, side skirts and a roof spoiler. Also nice: the sports exhaust from Remus, which is in the price list for € 786. Attractive, or do you prefer another variant?