CBU – Japan
-Engine : 16Valves DOHC S-VT
-Output : 108kW/6500rpm
-Torque : 182Nm/4500rpm
-Transmission : 5 Speed Activematic
-Dimension : 4580(L)mm x 1755(W)mm x 1470(H)mm
-Turning Radius : 5.2m
-Suspension Front :McPherson / Rear: MultiLink
INTERIOR / CONVENIENCE
-Dual Zone Auto Climatic Air-cond
-Auto-cruise
-Paddle shifters with Direct Mode (5 Speed)
-Leather steering wheel, gear knob, brake lever
-6CD changer with MP3 & WMA capability & 6 speakers
-Premium quality dual-layout dashboard
-Multi Information Display (MID) with maintenance reminder, status and programming capability
-Auto dimming Interior rearview mirror
-Sliding armrest with storage compartment
-Overhead sunglass compartment
-Welcome Illumination Lights / Windscreen Antenna
-Ignition key with boot release & power window control function
-60/40 foldable rear seats / 430 Litre cargo space
EXTERIOR
-Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with LED tail lights
-Auto-on and auto headlamp levelling function
-Auto Wiper with Rain Sensor
-Electro-Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (EHPAS)
-Concealed windscreen washers
-Power fold Side Mirror with signal light
-205/45R17 Tyres with 17″ Alloy Wheels
SAFETY
-One touch power windows(4) with anti-pinch function
-6 Airbags – Front, Side D&P, Curtain
-Active headrests (front) for anti-whiplash protection
-All round disc-brakes with ABS, EBD, BA
-Reverse sensors / Seatbelt pre-tenioner
Mazda 3 Malaysia Pricelist :-
The new Mazda 3 was launched by new Mazda distributors Bermaz, part of the Berjaya group. Although it has an all-new exterior and interior, the new Mazda 3 continues to ride on an adaptation of the old car’s platform.
Mazda’s new front grille which features a rather large smiley is the first thing you’ll notice if you have the front of the car in view. The design is quite dynamic and has a little organic touch to it, looking more like a hybrid metal and organic alien lifeform rather than what we’re used to seeing, especially in the design cues of the typical C-segment sedan. And it’ s a very happy-looking one indeed.
Surprisingly the new Mazda 3 is one of the few modern cars who still provide some really nice soft padding on the dashboard, although its only in a majority of the surface and not everything, so that’s a nice touch. The seating position is slightly higher than a regular sedan’s so it depends on your personal preference whether you like this or not. Nevertheless when the situation comes, it helps with maneuvering the car around tight spaces because you get to see the edges of the car more clearly.
The entertainment system and steering wheel are chock full of various dials, buttons and other controls because the car is specced quite generously, with a CD changer with USB and MP3 text support, and a trip computer with lots of useful tools such as service reminders, a dedicated odometer for maintenance tasks such as tyre rotation, rain sensor wipers, light sensor headlamps and etc. In other markets the multi-info display is available in full colour with integrated GPS navigation but in Malaysia it gets a regular monochrome display with a white backlight, which looks rather out of place in a sea of red on black displays.
The 2.0 model has a two-tone dark grey and beige interior and a matching two-tone black and beige colour for the decent supportive leather seats (Leather is an option at RM2,800).
Some controls especially on the center dash area are just about above average in feel but the steering wheel controls and signal stalks feel very good and tactile, especially the switch-like controls on both sides. The steering wheel audio controls are quite complete with even a quick mute button to quickly silence your audio system for incoming calls.
There is a paddle shift function and the implementation is not the usual left to downshift and right to upshift, but instead both sides of the steering wheel provide the same upshift and downshift functions via pulling and pushing respectively. Manual shifting can also be done via the gear lever and I like that Mazda has implemented the “proper” way of pulling to upshift and pushing to downshift.
Unlike the Focus which has the same powertrain, the Mazda 3?s transmission has 5 gears instead of 4 allowing for a bit more flexibility in choosing just the right gear to be in when you attack a corner, as there more ratios within a specific range. You won’t be forced to go in with an overly screaming engine, or too slow with the engine not in the powerband.
The Mazda 3 has bi-xenon headlamps, which means you get xenon headlamps for both the high beam and the main beam. Alot of car manufacturers only equip xenons for the main beam, leaving the high beam functionality to a regular halogen bulb. The default setting is pointed rather high so you may want to adjust this in order not to annoy other road users, but at the default, the cast of the beam is far, wide and bright. The 2.0 liter model also uses LED for the rear lighting instead of normal bulbs for the 1.6 liter.
The 2.0 liter model produces 145 horsepower at 6,500rpm and 182Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. In terms of ride comfort, it tackled road irregularities decently enough though the ride is slightly on the firm side.. Most bumps and rough roads can be felt but its nothing jarring, with the car soaking up some but not most of the vibration. It’s a trade-off for the sporty handling, though the steering and the way the 3 behaves as it slices through the bends as engaging as the Focus.
There’s lots of grip and not much bodyroll though so it’s still enough to impress all but the most sensitive butt-o-meters who are fussy about how much the steering picks up everything it goes over. Although its platform-mate the Focus provides a more engaging drive together with the same engine, but the Mazda 3 holds its own quite well in that aspect. It can be used as a tool to enjoy the occasional B-road on the way back to the kampung, or just up and down for fun without any particular destination in mind.
Safety features include 6 airbags (all of them are for the front passengers), and anti-lock brakes. The remote control is able to control the car’s windows so that’s an added convenience, allowing you to pre-air the car after its been parked all day long on a hot day before you embark on your way home.
The Mazda 3 is a niche product for someone who wants something that looks different and drives sportily enough. The car has little nice and friendly touches to it to remind you that you’re in something different, such as the center dash illumination that pulsates every time you change the volume, or the welcome and good bye messages that display on the multi-info display. Heck, you can even customise the volume of your turn signal indicators clicks! All these little things are nice touches and let you know you’re driving something out of the ordinary, especially at this segment.
