2011 Mazda 3 Sedan Review
Price
from: RM99,374
to: RM119,375
Installment
from: RM948/mth
to: RM1,138/mth
2011 Mazda 3 Sedan at a glance
The 2011 Mazda 3 inherits the sporty handling of its predecessor, and adds better refinement and a bold, stylish new look. In a segment overcrowding with Toyotas and Hondas, the 2011 Mazda 3 makes for a refreshing alternative.
2011 Mazda 3 Sedan quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Mazda 3 Sedan ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Cars in this mid-size segment are usually conservatively styled, so as to not alienate any potential customers. But Mazda has decided that conventional is not the way forward, and gave the Mazda3 an all-new makeover. The bold, stylish new look feels more Japanese than European, and this comes at a time when most automakers are styling their cars to be more European. Yes, some might be put off by the aggressive, plumped-up looks, but for us, the 2011 Mazda3 looks fantastic and refreshing, and should win more fans than critics.
Handling
Thanks to the use of high-tensile steel, plus increased welding and bracing, the 2011 Mazda3 is stiffer yet lighter than before, which translates into better precision on the roads. The excellent body control is matched by bags of grip and agile responses. But the 2011 Mazda3 lacks the class-leader Ford Focus's communicative steering. The steering is accurate and responsive, but does not weigh up enough or provide enough feedback at speed.
Comfort
The firm low-speed ride smoothes out as speed increases, and neither bumps, potholes or undulations could really unsettle the 2011 Mazda3's ride composure. Mazda has also addressed the previous model’s biggest flaw: Wind and road noise levels are much lower than before, although road noise is still more prominent than in rivals. With the two-way steering and seat-height adjustments, getting comfortable behind the wheel is fairly easy. Good ergonomics and clearly labelled controls make up the rest of the well thought-out cabin.
Quality + Reliability
Like in the previous Mazda3, cabin quality is good overall. Everything feels sturdy to touch, and the fit-and-finish are completed to the high standard we have come to expect of a Mazda. Materials used feel classier than before, too. But the dashboard features too much hard plastics—an area that Mazda needs to improve upon for the 2011 Mazda3 to rival what certain rivals are offering. Mazda's reliability record is superb, and the Mazda3 should do little to tarnish it.
Performance
The 103 bhp 1.6-litre and 145 bhp 2.0-litre engines are carried forward from the previous Mazda3. The smaller 1.6-litre will likely be the volume seller, but while it revs eagerly, it lacks the ultimate punch and thus needs to be revved hard for more than mediocre pace. There is no doubting the 1.6-litre's refinement, however. The 2.0-litre revs smoothly and delivers a spirited performance on the roads, but working it hard brings out a coarse engine note, which slightly mars its refinement. A five-speed automatic is standard for the 2.0-litre, while the 1.6-litre has one gear ratio less.
Roominess
The 2011 Mazda3 is roomy enough, providing good, if not class-leading, amount of interior room. The front driver and passenger will have no complaints at all. But things are less rosy for rear passengers: legroom is tight compared to rivals', shoulder room is lacking, and the middle rear seat is too narrow for the third rear passenger to enjoy a long trip. The well-shaped boot offers decent loading space, and the 60/40 split-fold rear seats provide additional space and versatility.
Running Costs
All new Mazdas are going on a diet to reduce weight, in order to improve fuel economy. As a result, fuel consumption has improved marginally, with figures more or less on-par with rivals'. Servicing and repair costs should be comparable to rivals', too. The key concern is the Mazda3's depreciation: the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis depreciate the least by class standards, thanks to the Honda and Toyota brands. The Mazda brand, on the other hand, commands much less premium in Malaysia.
Value for Money
Like before, the 2011 Mazda3 comes without the 1.8-litre engine option that the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis provide. The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre Mazda3 variants cost more than comparable Altis and Civic variants. Beyond the pricing however, the fact is that in a sea of Altises and Civics, the Mazda3 makes an interesting and refreshing alternative. Its two key rivals still offer more overall, but the 2011 Mazda3 is closing the gap. And it would not surprise us if the bold, stylish new look wins you over.
Equipment
1.6-litre variant gets electric exterior mirrors, air-conditioning, radio/CD/MP3 audio system, power windows, keyless entry, immobiliser, dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioner, whiplash-reducing front seats, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). 2.0-litre variant adds front fog lamps, steering wheel mounted audio controls and fully-automatic air-conditioning among others.
Environment
A car's weight is key to its fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions. Which is why Mazda set out to reduce the weight of all models including the Mazda3's. Lighter than before, the 2011 Mazda3 now has fuel economy and emissions comparable to the two most efficient and cleanest in the class—the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Bold, stylish look
Good to drive
Improved refinement
Firm low-speed ride
Road noise still prominent
Tight rear room
See Another Model
Top Competitors
Price : from RM108,980
Price : from RM129,000
Price : from RM95,888
Price : from RM98,766
Price : from RM117,676
