Mazda3 Celebrates In Style.

Mazda3 Celebrates In Style.

A powerful statement in design, the all-new Mazda3 is confident, invigorated and energised in equal measure, while also creating a sense of vitality. Additionally, no detail or consideration has been overlooked in terms of interior quality, and ambience, with a driver-informed cabin taking pride of place. The stunning new Mazda3 hatchback is now available in a luxuriously-appointed and limited-edition trim line to celebrate Mazda’s 100^th anniversary in 2020. Mazda was founded in 1920 as a manufacturer of cork products initially, before becoming an innovative manufacturer of motorised vehicles decades later. Launched in 1960, the R360 was Mazda’s first actual passenger car, and was the result of Mazda’s creativity, hard work and courage.

Iconic Style;

The Mazda3 100^th Anniversary Edition is based on the iconic style of the Mazda R360 from 1960 and features Snowflake White Pearlescent paint, burgundy leather seat trim embossed with a distinctive ‘100^th Anniversary’ logo, burgundy carpets and floot mats, stone leather dash and door trim, 360-degree parking monitor, front cross-traffic alert, rear smart brake support, distinctive exterior badging, exclusive ‘100^th Anniversary’ wheel centre caps, and a key fob with an embossed ‘100^th Anniversary’ logo – all of which ensure exclusivity in every detail. Powering this special Mazda3 is a revolutionary 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine (Skyactiv-X) that uses clever ‘Spark Controlled Compression Ignition’ which allows the engine to switch between spark and compression methods. Effectively, this results in the low-down torque and efficiency of a diesel engine, whilst retaining the high-revving character of a petrol engine. Additionally, mild-hybrid (M Hybrid) technology comes as standard, enabling as little as 5.3-litres of petrol to be consumed for every 100km’s driven on a combined driving cycle (WLTP). Thanks to a low CO2 emission rating of 120g/km (WLTP), annual road tax is just €190.

Upmarket Cabin;

The well-appointed and supremely-comfortable cabin of the special edition Mazda3 is a wonderful place in which to spend time, with the upmarket burgundy leather seat trim and burgundy carpets providing a true sense of occasion on every journey. Finding a comfortable driving position is simplified by way of an 8-way power driver seat (with lumbar support) and a multi-adjustable leather-trimmed steering wheel. Soft-touch materials in all the important areas of the cabin is testament to the high standard of finish throughout, while leg, head and elbow room is impressive. A boot space of 358-litres is available with the rear seats in their upright position, but the 60:40 split rear seat backs can be folded flat to greatly increase the load volume.

Test Car;

My test car was an absolute joy to drive, and handled with all of the poise and precision that we have come to expect from Mazda’s latest generation of cars and SUV’s. The short throw and precise action of the car’s standard 6-speed manual gearbox made engaging the right gear super-easy, enabling the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 8.1-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 216km/h (where permitted). Producing 186PS (184bhp) and a healthy 240Nm of torque, the Skyactiv-X engine powers the Mazda3 in a smooth and refined fashion, while the M Hybrid system works seemlessly to run the electrics from brake regeneration.

The instinctive firmness of the car’s platform ensures that the car can be driven briskly with total confidence, while remaining superbly composed, and retaining excellent ride quality. In addition to the exclusive 100^th Anniversary Edition features already outlined, the standard specification is outstanding, with key features such as distinctive 18” alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, front & rear LED signature lights, rear privacy glass, BOSE sound system with 12 speakers, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, front & rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, Mazda MZD Connect, high beam control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, 8.8” colour centre console display and multimedia commander, 7” TFT Digital Dashboard, Traffic Sign Recognition, and a Head-Up Display, along with a whole suite of innovative safety systems. Crucially, the car benefits from a new infotainment system, and brings the new Mazda 3 right up-to-date in terms of cutting-edge technology.

Work of Art;

The new Mazda 3 is one of those cars that stirs every one of your senses, even before you drive, as it strikes you with its powerful, seductive presence and strong, sporty appeal. It is designed to make you feel like you are looking at a work of art – not just a car. The way light plays on it’s flowing lines gives the impression that it is moving, even when standing still. It is a design language that works extremely well, and is sure to turn heads everywhere it goes.

Pricing;

The sporty & seductive new Mazda3 range is priced from just €28,595, with the 100^th Anniversary Edition priced at €37,220 (inclusive of standard Snowflake White Pearlescent paintwork). All Mazda passenger cars come with a 3-year/100,000km warranty, a 3-year paintwork warranty, and a 12-year corrosion warranty for total peace of mind motoring.

Visit www.mazda.ie for further information.