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| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Body styles | Rating | Drive-away price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda3 G20 Pure | 2.0-litre petrol | 114kW | 200Nm | Hatch or sedan | 83% | From $28,888 |
| Mazda3 G20 Evolve | 2.0-litre petrol | 114kW | 200Nm | Hatch or sedan | 83% | From $30,639 |
| Mazda3 G20 Touring | 2.0-litre petrol | 114kW | 200Nm | Hatch or sedan | 83% | From $33,518 |
| Mazda3 G25 Evolve | 2.5-litre petrol | 139kW | 252Nm | Hatch or sedan | 83% | From $34,033 |
| Mazda3 G25 GT | 2.5-litre petrol | 139kW | 252Nm | Hatch or sedan | 83% | From $37,643 |
| Mazda3 G25 Astina | 2.5-litre petrol | 139kW | 252Nm | Hatch or sedan | 83% | From $41,758 |
The Mazda3 (known as the Axela in Japan – a portmanteau of "accelerate" and "excellent") is the car brand's fastest-selling model. To date, there have been four generations of Mazda3. The first shared a common architecture with the second-generation Ford Focus and the 2004-2012 Volvo V50 wagon, among others.
In Australia, the Mazda3 consistently sells well. In 2006, it was the fourth most sought after passenger car. Likewise, it also ranked fourth overall in 2018.
What should you think about before buying a Mazda3? Why would you go for the Mazda hatch over one of its rivals, like the Hyundai i30 or Volkswagen Golf?
The fourth-generation Mazda3 only launched in 2019. In 2020, the company will launch Skyactiv-X engines in Australia. These gasoline engines use a combustion process that is similar to the principle a diesel engine works upon. Mazda promises this first mass-produced petrol compression engine is 20-30% more efficient.
Based on previous Mazda3 life cycles, it's likely Mazda will give the car a facelift, perhaps with some extra equipment and features in 2021. There may well be a second revision around mid to late 2022 before the model is replaced by 2024.
The term best is subjective and depends on your individual preferences and style of driving. Therefore, different models of the Mazda3 will appeal to different buyers.
Any of the Mazda3 range would suit parent buyers. Even the entry-point G20 Pure, which starts at $28,888 has a heap of equipment. Standard safety features are plentiful and impressive.
Plus, the infotainment is equally well specified. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard inclusions. Unusual for the segment, even the lowest-end model has satellite navigation. Other highlights include an 8-inch widescreen display, a 7-inch multi-information display and radar cruise control.
The only downsides could be the pokey boot, but the rear row should be perfectly fine for families with little ones.
Unlike competitors such as Hyundai, VW, Honda and Ford, there's no dedicated performance hot hatch in the Mazda stable. Even so, the G25 GT and G25 Astina have a sporty exterior design and offer some advanced safety assists that rival hot hatches do without. If you're fastidious, the manual models are almost 30kg lighter over comparable automatics.
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For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the G25 Astina is comprehensively stocked. Key highlights include the following:
You also get leather seats, power adjustable and heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, a Bose premium 12-speaker system and cylinder deactivation technology.
Mazda Australia doesn't sell a diesel-engined 3.
Mazda assembles the hatchback at their Hōfu, Nishinoura district plant in Japan. According to a company press release, the Ujina 2 Plant in Hiroshima also handles some of the manufacturing responsibilities.
If you're thinking of buying a Mazda3, make sure to take a few seconds to compare different loans below. You could possibly save hundreds of dollars over the loan term.
Picture: Supplied
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