2014 Mazda 3

By Alex Forrest
May 29th, 2014

Despite it being a four year old design by the end of 2013, the Mazda3 still managed to be Australia’s second best-selling car after the Toyota Corolla.

In the two years before that, the Mazda3 had held the crown of best-selling car. Now that the new Mazda3 is here, it’s clear the Corolla will have a fight on its hands in the battle for the sales crown in 2014.

Mazda has completely overhauled its all-important small car, from its line-up of highly efficient, high compression engines, through to its extraordinarily good interior ergonomics and the all-important external styling.

Prices are generally down compared to the previous generation Mazda3, although there’s been a slight increase in the cost of the base model Neo, which is $160 more, now at $20,490 before on roads. As in the past, there is no price difference between the hatchback and sedan.

There are six model grades, starting with the base model Neo, then the Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT and SP25 Astina. The latter re-introduces the Astina nameplate after more than 10 years.

The Neo, Maxx and Touring models have a 2.0-litre engine (114kW, 200Nm), while the SP25 models have the 2.5-litre powerplant (138kW, 250Nm).

To get the 2.5-litre engine, you’ll need at least $25,890 plus on-roads for an SP25, but this is well down on the $31,490 that was being asked for previous SP25.

Significantly, Mazda conducted extensive research into how long the driver has to look away from the road to interact with controls such as the audio system and the speedo.

Among the changes this research initiated was the raised height of the central LCD screen and the inclusion of a heads-up display on the higher specification models.

The research also found that drivers have to look at a touchscreen for a longer amount of time than when a button is used for the same function.  Hence, the display is operated by buttons and a toggle, which with familiarity, can be operated without looking away from the road.

Simply put, the Mazda3 is a brilliant small car from a manufacturer that’s currently at the top of its game. Watch out, Corolla and Golf.