Probably one of the most awaited compact sedans on the market, the all-new, third generation Mazda 3 was launched last month to almost critical acclaim.
The third Mazda in the line up to receive the company’s Kodo design treatment, one of the Mazda 3’s key selling points is its looks. More European than Japanese in vibe, the design has been widely acclaimed, being the recipient of two design awards, namely, Red Dot’s Product Design Award, and Ward’s 10 Best Interiors, the only Japanese vehicle on Ward’s 2014 list. Not only that, the Mazda 3 is also a runner up for being the World Car Of The Year.
The Mazda 3 is also the third vehicle in the line up to receive Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology, which, as we now know, is a set of fuel efficiency technologies that include the car’s body, engine, transmission, and aerodynamics. Skyactive promises to bring fuel efficiency without compromising fun to drive performance.
Power is delivered via two engine choices. A 1.5 liter or 2.0 liter Skyactiv-G petrol engine. Both engines have a high compression ratio of 13:1 and direct injection. The 1.5 liter produces 110 hp @ 6000 rpm and 144 Nm of torque @ 3500 rpm, while the 2.0 liter mill produces 153 hp @ 6000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque @ 4000 rpm. Both are mated to one transmission option only. A 6-Speed Skyactiv Drive Automatic with Paddle Shifters. Surprised that a compact sedan has a 1.5 liter engine option? You’re not alone, but what the engine is like to drive, is even more surprising (in a positive way). Stay tuned for a double review of the new Mazda 3.
There are two variants on sale with two body styles, a 1.5V and 2.0R in sedan or hatchback, with the hatchback costing P3,000 more. All models are equipped with automatic climate control, Mazda’s new telematics system called MZD Connect with optional navigation feature, ABS with EBD, DSC, push button start, and. Bluetooth Handsfree and Audio. The 2.0 R, meanwhile, gains Mazda’s i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative braking system, i-STOP Start/Stop system. sunroof, heads up display, smart keyless entry, leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, huge 18 inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights, and power folding mirrors.
Here are the prices of the all-new Mazda 3. However, Berjaya Auto Philippines’ Steven Tan has announced that these prices are introductory, and may increase 6 months from now.
1.5 V – P945,000 (Sedan) ; P948,000 (Hatch)
2.0 R – P1,195,000 (Sedan) ; P1,198,000 (Hatch)
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