As long as there are cars, any small-scale Motor Show will be interesting enough if they display a car that suits your needs, and you have put a down payment to book the car of your choice. Here is one Mazda3 2.0 Sedan appearing in a small-scale Motor Show, or better known as small-size Motor Sales in Bangkok that really catches our eye.

Exterior

The Mazda3 2.0 is available in four-door sedan and hatchback body style. The one we are viewing is the 2012 sedan model that looks sportier compared to all its previous generations. It was treated with bold halogen projector headlamps, some really cool LED lamp for better illumination, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 series tires that perform well on all kind of driving surfaces. What is most important is when you view the car from the front, the car face (front grill) always smiles at you with a pair of dimples (fog lamps).

Interior

If you place your face to the driver’s side window and peep into the interior, you will salivate on the window. The cabin is unbelievably spacious. It does not look that big from the outside. There is also plenty of room in the trunk and if that is not enough, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat is able to create more room. High quality leather seats and a fully functional steering wheel with paddle shift make anyone wants to sit on the driver’s seat and go for a drive. If you switch on the ignition, the blackout meter will immediately turn to blue-illumination. The light can be switched to red or white through the touch of dial. Besides beautiful design, the interior features serve many useful functions such as auto wipers with rain sensor, auto cruise control, nice audio system with six speakers, Tilt and Telecospic adjustable steering, and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

Power and Performance

The 2012 model has a new optional 2.0-liter MZR four-cylinder engine that develops 145 hp at 6,500 rpm and 182 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The fuel injection system is controlled electronically by the ECU itself. The front suspension uses an independent MacPherson strut with coil spring and double acting shock absorbers. As for rear suspension, an E-Type mult-link with low profile springs and cylindrical double acting shock absorbers are used. Both the front and rear suspensions have contributed well enough to make the handling more precise and the response faster. It has the feeling of driving a sedan race car. The renowned engineering of the car has earned over 77 automotive awards, this has really proven something.

At the back of the car under the trunk, it is equipped with four rear parking sensors which are camouflaged with the same body color. It helps a lot in any kind of driving situations especially parallel parking or reverse parking.

Fuel Economy

30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway; 12.75 km/l city and 17 km/l highway.

What is good about this car?

• Safety is what we are concerned about. The Mazda3 features dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags, traction control, and 4W-ABS + EBD + BA brake system. Front wheels are equipped with ventilated discs and rear wheels with solid disc brake.
• The Mazda3 is made available in a few variants. If the 2.0-liter engine is too powerful, there is an alternative to go for the 1.6-liter engine. If it is inadequate, there is always an option to go for the 2.5-liter engine which delivers more power.
• Good visibility for drivers.
• Good fuel tank capacity at 55 liter.

What is not so good about this car?

• Fuel economy is impressive for highway drive but not city drive.
• The suspension gives a good feeling for most people but it could be too hard for some – this is very much an individual perspective.
• The car is still using the old type wiper.

Price

• Thailand: 1,025,000 baht
• United States: MSRP from $15,200
• United Kingdom: £18,025
• Malaysia: RM119,774 (Metallic)

Mazda3’s competitors and similar cars: Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Honda City, Kia Forte, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion, Peugeot 308, Nissan Almera, and Mitsubishi Lancer.

In conclusion, the Mazda3 (or some called it Mazda 3) is the choice for consumers who prefer something different from all its competitors or similar cars listed above. Quiet cabin, luxury interior, and comfortable drive are what attract consumers the most. The car catches many eyes in the mini motor show and it will definitely give a bit of attention on the road.