The Mazda 3 is sporty, roomy and fun. That is what we have found out from our research online. I have to admit that I have actually driven one before for about 6 months when I was on assignment in the USA, and definitely agree with the reviewers. The design is both contemporary, stylish with an added adventurous and aggressive look.

 

 

The Malaysian offering is both 1.6L and 2.0L Mazda 3 available in hatchback and sedan, with engine an in-line-4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve electronic controlled & S-VT. What is actually amazing about Mazda 3 (from our research), it’s a truly global car, sharing technology and components with the Volvo S40.

 

Some might argue that component sharing makes cars all the same, for example Perodua with Daihatsu, but I would love to know that my Mazda 3 is actually sharing technology with a Volvo J. Mazda actually developed the engine and transmissions while Volvo design the chassis and safety while Ford Europe did the suspension design. Anyhow we all know that Volvo is renown for its safety, thus making this Mazda a very safe car to drive. The tuning of the suspension was done by Mazda at its Hiroshima fast tracks. Each manufacturer (Mazda, Volvo and Ford) did what it does best and the result is the best of three worlds. I have to admit, that the 6 months car spent driving the Mazda 3 was truly an amazing experience, the handling, nimble, suspension… everything just feels right. I have not yet put my hand on the local version yet, will give it a try to see how it is different.

 

As we mentioned the safety design was done by Volvo, and a lot of work went into the rigid uni-body chassis. In a head-on collision the front of the chassis is designed to redirect energy to the outside rails, and not down the center toward the front seats. The steering column is crushable and the pedals are designed to retract away from the driver's feet.

 

Mazda calls the optional automatic transmission Activematic. That's a fancy name, but it is a fancy transmission. You can just put it in Drive and go, but it also features a manual mode programmed for quick shifting. Put it in Drive and it's smart, maintaining its gear going downhill for engine braking or uphill to reduce hunting.

 

 

 

In summary the Mazda 3 is sporty, practical and affordable. It's fun to drive and fun to look at. The Mazda 3 is solidly executed, with no flaws, but a strong engine, transmission, handling, brakes, comfort, packaging and looks.

 

 

The sedan 1.6L is priced at 114.9K while the 2.0L is priced at 133.5K, while the hatchback 1.6L is priced at 115.8K and 2.0L at 133.8K at www.mazda.com.my. The car might look a little bit pricey, but bear in mind, you get a Volvo and European ford design, and the car is manufactured in Japan. And apparently apart from the website there is a promotion going that says they start at RM99,500…….. its time for Zoom Zoom Zoom.