Overview

MEASURED against inflation, the $31,310 + ORC base-grade Mazda 3 G20 Pure hatchback tested is actually cheaper by a couple of grand than it was 20+ years ago when the model line kicked off.

The Small segment G20 Pure and other Mazda 3s are something of a throwback as they eschew any form of electrical powertrain assistance, have a conventional six-speed torque converter transmission (no manual available), front-wheel drive and in the G20’s case rolls on out-of-favour 16-inch alloys.

Becoming long in the tooth after first appearing Down Under back in early 2019, the generation four small Mazda is ironically somewhat refreshing to drive due in part to the above-mentioned features… and others.

But it faces serious competition from Toyota’s cheaper base model Corolla hatch, Subaru’s same priced Impreza hatch and possibly Hyundai’s more expensive (+$4K) i30 hybrid hatch. Yes, choices in the small car segment are dwindling as buyers seem to prefer cloned small SUVs.

And that’s something that can’t be said about the Mazda 3 as in our eyes, it rates as one of the best-looking mainstream production passenger cars around… bar none, emphasised when you park it up beside some of the more hideous current offerings across the whole new car market.

In Mazda’s quest to go “premium”, the G20 scores plenty of desirable kit including head-up display, LED lights front and rear, auto high beam, park sensors and reverse camera, wireless smartphone connectivity, Mazda Connected Services, radar cruise, native sat nav, and eight-speaker audio, among its generous equipment inventory.

There’s the usual ADAS features to incessantly annoy you…. and a five-star ANCAP rating.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine delivering 114kW/200Nm.

The 1418 kg five door, five seat hatch rides on a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension with disc brakes all round, happily runs on 91RON or E10 at a claimed 5.1 litres per 100km combined rate.

Driving Impressions

Getting into the G20 may be problematic for larger humans as the door apertures are low and small meaning you pretty much must post yourself into the front pews… same in the back.

Once ensconced it’s relatively comfortable apart from limited headroom for taller passengers/drivers caused by the low roofline.

The G20 has comfy, well-shaped seats upholstered in a practical dark cloth material featuring decent side bolstering and adequate manual adjustment on the driver’s side. Boot space is on par with the competition expandable with the rear pew folded.

The dash presents as simple and well designed with a decent size landscape shape centre screen controlling many functions through a rotary dial between the front seats and a supplementary panel underneath the screen.

A simplified instrumentation array provides the necessary information clearly using three old school round dials with pointers and a few digital readouts.

The head-up display is handy as is the hill holder, reverse camera and parking sensors.

We found the radar cruise control too pessimistic causing the car to drop back too far from traffic in front encouraging other drivers to cut-in causing a knock-on effect.

The rake and reach adjustable multi-function tiller feels good in your hands and features easy to use switches/ buttons for in-car functions, audio and cruise control.

The model has idle-stop system that we switched off along with all other ADAS on entry as we reckon they can be a danger under certain scenarios… such as in stop/start’s case, exiting a blind intersection or spearing the car into a deep pothole when lane keeping assist activates or when the car panic brakes unnecessarily at high speed.

The engine fires up with a noticeable growl from under the bonnet and can’t be considered the smooth, silent type by any stretch. It is audible most of the time and particularly when pressed for overtaking at highway speeds using kick-down or booting it off the mark.

Overall performance is adequate from the SkyActiv four although it likes to consume petrol at a real world indicated rate of 7.0 litres per 100km with mixed driving.

Crouching low, the G20 telegraphs its dynamic capabilities backing the stance with sharp reflexes, strong braking and responsive steering verging on sporty.

It is nippy in traffic, gives a controlled relatively smooth ride despite the rudimentary torsion beam rear axle and feels good to drive overall.

Some features had a hiccup on test like the front demister that sometimes refused to go to recycle then sometimes clicked right in and the Apple CarPlay that occasionally wouldn’t connect Waze.

Tones from the eight-speaker audio are sweet and the standard air-conditioning is up for the job.

Hypothetically, we could supplant some features for others such as swapping the uncooperative auto high beam and replace it with heated exterior mirrors… and have an ADAS off button that sticks.

The temporary spare is better than many other brands now provide, and the 16-inch hoops offer decent grip through corners, in the wet and traction off the line with no discernible noise.

Though approaching its seventh year, the Mazda 3 G20 hatch is a good thing all considered… stylish, well specified, has acceptable performance, isn’t too complex, is affordable and provides “Built in Japan” confidence.