The Mazda 3 is one of the most popular cars in Australia, but even if you have decided that the 3 is the right model for you, you will still need to consider which variant you would like. There is quite a difference between the model options from features to engine capacity. So, here we’ll explore the key differences between the variants to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Table of Contents
The Mazda 3 G20 Pure
The entry level 3 offers all of the essentials. The 2.0 litre petrol engine can be paired with a manual transmission or automatic that offers a fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres or 6.2 litres respectively. Inside the cabin, there is an 8.8 inch widescreen infotainment display with sat nav, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and reverse camera. Like all models in the range, the G20 Pure features the Mazda autonomous emergency braking system or Smart City Brake Support. This uses cameras to detect any potential collisions with a car, cyclist, or pedestrian, automatically applying the brakes to avoid an impact. This system also works when you’re moving in reverse to help prevent any parking accidents. There is also a whole host of other safety features, including adaptive radar cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, and driver attention alert.
Engine Options
The four cylinder 2.0 litre petrol engine is the only option on the G20 Pure, G20 Touring, and G20 Evolve. As mentioned above, this offers a fuel economy of 6.4 or 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The sportier G25 Evolve, G25 and G25 GT are offered with a more powerful 2.5 litre engine that adds 25 percent more power in most driving conditions. This creates a more fun driving experience, with only a slight fuel consumption increase.
Both of these engine options feature auto stop start, which cuts your fuel usage during city driving. The system automatically shuts down the engine when you stop, restarting when you move to drive away. This can be invaluable when you’re stuck in traffic in city driving.
Higher Spec Variants
When you move past the G20 Pure, the next variant is the G20 Evolve. This offers paddle shifters for the automatic and a leather trimmed steering wheel, handbrake lever, and gear lever. This variant also adds sportier 18 inch alloys, centre fold down rear armrest, and dual zone climate control.
The next model up is the Mazda 3 G20 Touring, which swaps out the cloth trim for leather, and the driver’s seat is a 10 way power adjustable unit. There is also keyless entry, two position rear view mirror memory settings, illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors and auto dimming driver’s side mirror.
Taking a step up to the GP25 Evolve means that you will move up to the 2.5 litre engine. The spec is very similar to the G20 Evolve, but there is 10 way driver’s seat adjustment and advanced keyless entry, but it is back to cloth trim.
The GP25 GT brings the black leather trim back to the specification list, but there are also heated front seats. It offers the features of the G20 Touring, but there is also a 12 speaker Bose sound system and heated steering wheel.
Finally, at the top of the line, the G25 Astina, adds a 360 degree parking monitor, sunroof, adaptive LED lights, front parking sensors, auto braking, and front cross traffic alert. There is also the option of a white leather interior in the sedan or burgundy if you choose the hatch.
Cabin Space
The new Mazda has a slightly larger frame, but the cabin space is almost the same as the outgoing model. The boot space in the hatch is 295 litres with 60/40 split folding rear seats and a larger tailgate opening to make loading and unloading easier. The sedan variants offers more space at 444 litres, which is 36 litres more than offered on the previous model, but it does lack the hatchback functionality.
Despite the modest proportions, the Mazda 3 does offer a decent amount of space in the rear. While it may be a little squeeze to accommodate three larger adults, it does have plenty of space as a practical family vehicle, particularly with younger children. In fact, the Mazda 3 has two ISOFIX and three top tether child seat anchor points, to provide even more flexibility to accommodate your children. The two ISOFIX anchor points are on the outer rear seats, so you can easily load and unload ISOFIX compatible seats as and when needed. This means that you can use the Mazda 3 even if you have three children, as the anchor point in the middle can be used for a booster seat.
Safety
All Mazda 3 models are equipped with a fantastic safety suite that includes stability control, six airbags, rear parking sensors, and seat belt reminders for all seats. There is also Smart City Brake Support, Lane Keep Assist, and auto braking that extends the operating range to 160 kilometres per hour. All of the new Mazda 3 models have a reverse camera and rear parking sensors to assist with parking in tight spots, but the top of the line GP25 Astina also has a 360 degree camera display and front parking sensors.
There is also blind spot monitoring that alerts you if another car is detected outside of view of your mirrors when you indicate to change lanes. Fatigue detection is also standard, which looks for changes in the way you steer and if there is evidence that you may be getting sleepy, it alerts you. All of these features have contributed to the Mazda 3 being awarded the maximum five star ANCAP safety rating.
If you would like to learn more about the Mazda 3, Perth based Mandurah Mazda is here to help. Our sales staff members are available to answer any queries or questions, discuss finance options, or arrange your test drive.
