2022 Mazda 3: Sporty styling and engaging handling

The 2022 Mazda3 is getting noticed in Mzansi thanks to its overall refinement, well-appointed interior, athletic driving dynamics, and a range of advanced safety features. The on-road comfort and ride quality are top-notch, and the power delivery is smooth and linear, thanks to the engaging handling and superb steering feel.

The 2022 Mazda3 hatchback is available in four trim levels – entry-level Active, Dynamic, Individual, and range-topping Astina.

All the models get a 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G mill with a slightly varied power output depending on the transmission, except the Astina. The flagship comes equipped with a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G generating 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The base 1.5-litre produces 88 kW and 153 Nm with manual and 82 kW and 146 Nm with automatic transmission.

Regardless of the engine, all variants are front-wheel drive, and the base Active is only available in manual transmission. The Astina is an all-wheel-drive only, while the Dynamic and Individual are accessible in both manual and auto.

Mazda estimates a fuel economy figure of 6.0L/100 Km for all the grades except the top-tier Astina, which is slightly thirstier with 6.3L/100 Km.

One of the biggest highlights of the new Mazda3 is the brand's Kodo design language. The sporty hatchback design is a head-turner with almost the exact dimensions as the Honda Civic hatchback, with a ground clearance of 5.5 inches.

The standard exterior amenities include LED head-, tail-, and daytime running lights, rain-sensing window wipers, and body-shaded dual folding power side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Besides, all trim levels get a rear roof spoiler, and the top-spec model has a power sliding-glass moonroof with a one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade. The 16-inch alloy wheels (silver metallic) are standard on Active and Dynamic, while the remaining two models sport 18-inch alloys, each with a different finish.

If you ask us about the best aspect of the Mazda3, we rate the interior the highest (10 out of 10). The reason is its premium cabin, which exudes a German luxury car environment. The interior styling is sleek and tasteful, and the material quality is high-class. The entry-level Active isn’t very promising inside, but every step above the grade level makes the interior more upscale. The leather seats and modern technologies like a head-up display (standard) are something we find only in high-end vehicles.

The main interior highlights include an 8.8-inch display screen with Mazda Connect to play multimedia, and the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other prominent features are a 7-inch TFT LCD digital meter, leather-wrapped steering wheel (tilt & telescopically adjustable) & gear shift knob, frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror (Individual and above), and 12-speaker Boss sound system (Individual and above).

The 2022 Mazda3 ensures safety through five airbags (Driver, Passenger, Knee, Side & Curtain), anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist, electronic parking brake, auto hold, hill launch assist, etc.

The Dynamic adds cruise control and rear parking sensors to the standard facilities. The safest in the lot is the Astina, which has everything we mentioned above, plus an adaptive front lighting system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse camera.

The 2022 Mazda3 Active starts at R409,600, the Dynamic goes for R425,700, the Individual costs R479,500, and the flagship Astina demands R538,200 for all the bells and whistles. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

Looking for a new ride? Online research is important to help guide you to the best decision. Keep an eye on the MotorHappy blog, where we review new models every month.

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.topgear.com