In Saloon form, the Mazda3 might just be at its best. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The Mazda3 Saloon is the four-door version of this Japanese brand's engaging family hatch. This notchback body style is one not many manufacturers bother to offer in the family hatch segment these days, but it's welcome here. Read on to find out why.

Background

Here's a car that bucks the trend. It's conventionally shaped when fashion says it should be an SUV. It's got a normally aspirated engine when virtually every other car on the road has a turbo. And it's also that rarest of things, an affordable volume branded compact saloon. Welcome to the Mazda3 Saloon. It was originally called the Mazda3 Fastback, the Japanese brand reckoning that that moniker might make the car more likely to sell. And it needs some help: compact saloons don't traditionally do very well in our market unless they come with premium price tags and a posh badge on the bonnet. But this one might carve out a useful niche for itself - and here, we're going to find out why.

Driving Experience

We think the Mazda3 in any form is one of the best handling family hatch sector cars you could choose. We'd take it over a Ford Focus; it's that good. And it has the slickest manual gearbox of any car of this kind you could choose. Automatic transmission is optional, but for goodness sake try the stick shifter before you stump up for a self-shifter. There's only one engine option, a so-called 'Skyactiv-X' powerplant. It's a development of the Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre petrol unit used in base versions of the Mazda3 Hatch but is very different, developing 180PS and using what the brand calls 'Spark Controlled Compressed Ignition' or 'SPCCI', a patented lean burn process that delivers exceptional efficiency. Interestingly, it incorporates a supercharger, not for extra performance (though torque is increased by up to 30% over the Skyactiv-G unit) but instead to ensure that there's enough air in the engine for the compression ignition to work properly. Rest to 62mph takes 8.2s en route to 134mph. Unlike in the Mazda3 Hatch, you can't choose to have this powerplant mated with the brand's i-Activ AWD all-wheel-drive system.

Design and Build

So: reasons to buy the Saloon version of the Mazda3 over the Hatch. Let's start with the fact that you get more boot space - quite a lot more actually; 450-litres, 99-litres more than the 5-door version. And 1,138-litres if you drop the rear bench. It's a little harder to just drop your bags into this notchback model's trunk though. And predictably, you have to do without a wiper on the rear screen. The other reason you might buck the Mazda3 buying trend and choose this Saloon over the Hatch is that you might think this four-door looks a touch more elegant than its showroom stablemate. The reason volume branded compact four-door models just don't sell here is that they often look boring (Fiat's Tipo Saloon anyone?) But this Mazda doesn't. In fact it has quite a strong visual identity. Get a nicely specified one - ideally painted in the brand's trademark 'Soul Red' metallic - and a far pricier Audi A3 Saloon looks rather dull and bland by comparison. There's a fraction less of a sloping headline in the Saloon then there is in the Mazda3 Hatch, so it'll be better for the carriage of taller adults. Of course, the front part of the cabin is no different. There are smart materials crafted with interesting design and button clutter has been well and truly banished. Plus there's a big, clear 10.25-inch display on top of the dash nicely angled towards the driver. And there's a lower rotary controller for it so you don't have to stab away at inexact touchscreen functionality in the kind of way that's necessary with many rival set-ups. 

Market and Model

Prices are identical to those of the Skyactiv-X version of the Mazda3 Hatchback, but you can only have mid-level 'Exclusive-Line' trim. Which means that the Saloon range kicks off at around £29,000 and tops out at around £31,000 with auto transmission. Standard kit across the range includes high-end technology such as a windscreen projecting colour head-up display with Traffic Sign Recognition, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and LED headlights across the range. Every model in the line-up also features navigation and an advanced eight speaker audio system. All Mazda3 Saloon models come with a10.25-inch central screen to allow for clearer navigation mapping. Other connectivity upgrades include a wireless version of the brand's 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring set-up, plus QI Wireless Charging, while 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' navigation is now supported in the head-up display. Additionally, all models now feature USB Type-C charging ports.

Cost of Ownership

Mazda has taken a refreshingly honest approach to fuel efficiency here. Rather than offer downsized engines which do really well on the rolling roads of the EU's computerised fuel economy tests, it has instead offered this Mazda3 with larger capacity 2.0-litre powerplant which, it claims, work a whole lot better in typical real world driving conditions. The Saloon is slightly more aerodynamic than the hatchback and comes only with the engine we'd most recommend in this car, the 180PS Skyactiv-X unit. This unit is based on the 2.0-litre normally aspirated mild hybrid Skyactiv-G powertrain found in cheaper versions of the Mazda3 Hatch. But it can run far leaner than any ordinary petrol powerplant ever could, improving efficiency by up to 30% over the Skyactiv-G, helped by a supercharger which ensures that there's enough air for the clever 'Spark Controlled Compression Ignition' system to function. The result is a set of WLTP fuel and CO2 readings that should better those of many conventional diesel models in this segment. Think up to 51.4mpg and 123g/km in manual form. From a powerful 180PS engine; have cake - eat it. It's as simple as that. This comes courtesy of a ground-breaking 'SPCCI' 'Spark Controlled Compression Ignition' system.

Summary

The Mazda3 Saloon will be a rare sight on British roads, but the few folk who choose this body style will, we think, feel rather satisfied. There are lots of things we like about the Mazda3 Hatch - the great driving dynamics, the quality cabin with its premium infotainment system, the sharky front end and the efficient, yet responsive e-SKYACTIV-X engine. All of these, of course, also feature with this Saloon body style which - to some extent - corrects one of the few things we didn't like about Mazda3 Hatch - it's rather pokey rear cabin. Still, to choose one of these, you're going to have to be prepared to buck a few fashionable trends. Something tells us though, that a typical Mazda3 Saloon customer won't be too worried about doing that.

Body Glass

Electric front/rear windows with one touch/auto up/down

Privacy glass with dark tinting on rear side windows and rear window

Rain sensing front wipers with adjustable sensitivity and speed

Brakes

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Intelligent Traction Control system

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

G-Vectoring control plus

Electronic parking brake with auto disengage function and auto hold function

Front smart city brake support

Mild Hybrid system with regenerative braking

Communication

Integrated bluetooth with steering wheel mounted controls

Mobile App interface

Audio transfer from bluetooth devices

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Qi wireless charging

Alexa in-car voice assistant

Advanced E-call with GPS

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Reversing camera

Emergency stop signalling system

Adjustable speed limiter

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert

Intelligent speed assist

Driver attention alert system

Mazda Radar Cruise Control

Front and rear parking sensor with audible and visual warning

Lane keep assist system (LAS) with Lane departure warning system (LDWS)

Traffic sign recognition (TSR)

Driver Convenience

Engine start/stop button

Car finder

Driver Information

Trip computer

Head up Display

Service indicator

Digital instrument cluster

7" colour TFT display

Colour active driving display inc Windscreen projected,Traffic Sign Recognition, turn-by- turn navigation and Mazda Radar Cruise Control information

Mazda Navigation System with european mapping

Multimedia Commander

10.25" display with Mazda Connect infotainment

Mazda connected services

Driving Mirrors

Body coloured door mirrors

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Auto dimming driver's door mirrors

Electrically adjustable, heated auto power folding door mirrors

Engine

i-stop

Entertainment

2 USB-C ports in the front

Mazda Multimedia System with AM / FM / DAB radio with 12 Speaker Bose sound system, bose centerpoint, bassmatch+audiopilot technology

Exterior Body Features

Chrome finished signature wing

Gloss black finish front grille

Power tilt and slide sunroof

Dual chrome tailpipes tip

B-pillar garnish in piano black

Rear colour coded bumper

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Front body coloured bumper with chrome lower bezel accents

Exterior Lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

Coming/leaving home lighting function

Rear fog lights

LED third brake light

Signature LED daytime running lights

LED indicator lights

Dusk sensing headlights

Front kodo turn signal

Signature LED rear combination lights

LED auto headlight levelling

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone climate control air conditioning

Interior Features

Cloth upholstery

Roof mounted sunglasses holder

Leather wrapped gear shift knob

Tilt/height adjustable steering wheel

Front armrest

Leather wrapped steering wheel

Paddle shift controls

Driver, Front passenger and two rear grab handles with coathooks

Folding rear centre armrest with two cup holders

Front centre storage with two cupholders

12v electrical power outlet

Chrome interior trim accents with steering wheel centre bezel, surround of engine start / stop button and glove box handle

Driver, front passenger and two rear door pockets

Front passenger seatback pocket

Power outlet in luggage compartment

Gear shift drive selection switch sport mode

Interior colouration dashboard and doorcards in black with dark stitching

Dark cloth door panel inserts

Light roof headlining, ceiling and pillars

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

LED light in luggage compartment

LED interior light

Front and rear courtesy lamps

Safety

Front side airbags

Front and rear curtain airbags

3 point ELR front seatbelts with pretensioners

3 rear 3 point seatbelts with ELR

Drivers knee airbag

Front passenger airbag cut-off switch

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Dual stage driver and single stage passenger airbags

Manual child lock in rear doors

Seatbelt reminder audible warning for driver, passenger and rear seats

Seats

Three height adjustable rear head restraints

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

ISOFIX child seat anchorage points attached on outer rear seats

Front passengers seat manual slide, recline and height adjustment

60/40 split fold down rear seats

Heated front seats with 3 stage setting

Driver seat manual slide, recline, height and seat tilt adjust

Single front passenger seat

Security

Remote central locking + deadlocks

Auto door lock when driving

Smart keyless entry

Thatcham accredited alarm and immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors + vanity mirrors (drivers side with ticket holder)

Wheels - Alloy

18" Bright alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Emergency tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 135

Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Delivery: SUPERCHARGER

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: 15.0:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 91.2

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinders: 4

CC: 1998

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low: 37.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - High: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 46.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.1

General

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22E

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 98

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Safety Assist %: 73

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 186

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Series: Exclusive-Line

Coin Description: e-Skyactiv X MHEV [186]

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 24.5

Top Speed: 134

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.5

Engine Power - KW: 137

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 186

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 177

Engine Torque - NM: 240

Engine Torque - RPM: 4000

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 215/45 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Tyre Size Rear: 215/45 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2725

Width (including mirrors): 2028

Height: 1440

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1795

Length: 4660

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1959

Minimum Kerbweight: 1521

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 51

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600

Max. Loading Weight: 438

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 450

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1138

Max. Roof Load: 75

Exterior Body Features

Mica paint

Pearlescent paint

Special metallic paint

Premium metallic paint

Metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Zircon sand

Metallic - Platinum quartz

Metallic - Ceramic

Metallic - Ceramic white

Metallic - Polymetal grey

Paint - Mica

Mica - Deep crystal blue

Mica - Jet black

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Snowflake white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Machine grey

Special metallic - Soul red crystal

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Premium dark grey