2014 Mazda3 Review: Australian Preview Drive
2014 MAZDA3 REVIEW
What’s hot: Interior quality, improved infotainment, outstanding body control
What’s not: No rear air outlets.
X-FACTOR: Thinking of making your next small car a Euro? Think again.
Vehicle style: Small hatch/sedan
Engine/trans: 114kW/200Nm 2.0 petrol, 6spd manual | 138kW/250Nm 2.5 petrol, 6spd auto
Price: To be confirmed
Fuel consumption listed: 5.7 l/100km (2.0 litre) | 6.0 l/100km (2.5 litre)
OVERVIEW
What is it that keeps the ageing second-generation Mazda3 at the top of the charts for sales to private buyers?
And though in its twilight years, the current 3 is running a close second to the newer Corolla in overall new car sales.
At $19,990 for the base model, it's a decent buy even in run-out - if not the lowest in its segment.
The interior of the current model isn’t the most spacious, the most modern nor the most stylish in its segment. But, through two generations, Mazda has managed with the 3 to hit that sweet spot for a small car.
The new Mazda3 then has big shoes to fill.
We can now report that after our first taste of the car in local conditions, it’s more than up to the task.
To demonstrate its confidence in the new model, Mazda Australia invited TMR to the Anglesea Proving Ground in Victoria to test two pre-production prototypes.
Not only would we be driving the new car, but the older outgoing Mazda3 too: 2.0-litre manual versus 2.0-litre manual, 2.5-litre auto versus 2.5-litre auto.
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