Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.0 Review: Mazda's magic number

What we like:

Stylish looks

generous equipment list

remains one of the best handling car in its segment.

What we dislike:

A tad pricey

engine that runs out of breath higher up the rev range.

So while Raymond spent his week with the hatch, I spent mine with the sedan. And along the way, we also swapped cars to really try finding any marked differences between the two.

Interior build quality is class leading, and ergonomically speaking, it's easy to get into a comfortable driving position. To make it an even sweeter deal, controls are well laid around the driver, with additional displays smacked in the centre to give it a stylish touch. Boot space in the sedan is similarly sized as the 3 Series, and that should be good news to the masses.

Technically, I'm glad to report that I didn't find any remarkable difference between them. Ok, so the hatchback still has the slight handling edge thanks to the missing boot (the sedan is 90mm longer but 13kg lighter), but to the everyday driver, they'll still go "hmm...good handling there".

Yes, handling is still the 3's forte. It's much better this time around, it can easily pass off as a German. Mazda retained the MacPherson front and multi-link rear set-up, strengthened the bushings and then gave it slightly stiffer springs. Result? The 3's ability to chase the 320i down a series of bends. But there is a downside for that - a little compromise on passenger comfort, which the Honda Civic seem to be better at.

Body roll is well-controlled, and like I've mentioned about the Golf Sport, is what I like to call a "good body roll" - the sort that rolls together with you, not against you. Plus, instead of running out of ideas as you enter a corner hard, you can feel a good amount of feedback from the steering as you point it towards the exit.

The 2.0-litre engine planted into the 3 is the similar unit seen in the bigger 6. It's eager and rev happy, but seemingly past 4,500rpm, it just feels flat. Thankfully, the 5-speed automatic transmission makes up for it - cogs are swapped when it should (and smoothly too), and that extra gear makes expressway punts a refined one. There's also the tiptronic mode to let you take charge of your own gear-changing as and when you feel like it.

Also what I noticed while prodding the throttle hard is this - engine noise that is properly hushed. Well, looks like Mazda placed a strong emphasis on cabin insulation for the second-generation 3. Wind noise is also kept at bay, but unfortunately the same can't be said about the tyre noise - it needs some improvement there.

As a whole, the Mazda3 remains one of the better Japanese sedans currently available in our market. And fortunately, the $75,988 price tag undercuts the Honda Civic Si ($86,800) and the Mitsubishi Lancer EX GT ($78,988).

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai, pictures by Azfar Hashim