28 Jun 06
The real news, however, is about the engineering: modifications have been made to enhance refinement and some of the engines on offer have been revised.
Aided by new wheel/tyre combinations, noise intrusion into the cabin is down, thanks also to more insulation under the bonnet, a quieter fan, better cabin sound-proofing, increased chassis rigidity and reduced vibration from the suspension. The 3 was never a noisy bone-shaker anyway, but now it makes for a particularly comfortable motorway cruiser.
Topping the range - at least until the launch of the 250bhp Mazda3 MPS, on sale early next year - is the 150bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has gained sequential valve timing and an electronic throttle, as well as a new six-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption shows a useful improvement - now up to 35.8mpg - and in-gear acceleration is stronger - although the 2.0 isn't quite in hot hatch territory, and has a relatively comfort-oriented suspension set-up compared to, say, the Focus ST, it's certainly quick enough.
Maybe it's familiarity with the technology, or improvements in the technology itself, but the advent of the electronic throttle is imperceptible; when these started to replace traditional hydraulic set-ups, the fashionable criticism was that they felt dead or inert under-foot, with a slight delay between press-down and response, but this isn't a noticeable issue in the Mazda 3. It's sharp off the mark and flexible throughout the rev range, remaining quiet and cultured under most normal demands.
At the other end of the line-up, the 1.4-litre petrol engine (84bhp) has a modified version of its sequential valve timing, with torque (pulling power) stronger at low- and mid- engine speeds; fuel consumption is now 42.2 mpg. Besides this decent economy, it's not a bad drive, either: it calls for frequent down-shifts to keep up pace when climbing steep, twisty hills, but otherwise, it's a perfectly adequate performer and lively enough to suit most potential buyers.
