Besides being a well-crafted car when it is in motion, the Mazda 3 hatch is a playground of technology on the inside with so much to look at.
Every now and again you'll come across a car that stays in your head, even if you caught just a small glimpse of it.
Supercars and vintage classics are normally the main culprits but a certain Japanese hatch draws similar emotions.
Needs no introduction
The fourth-generation Mazda 3, a prime example of how superb design and modern day technology can be rolled into one for a complete driving experience.
REVIEW | Mazda’s 3 gets the basics done
Mazda will always have people's respect whether it goes back to the 1991 Le Mans-winning days or production of the iconic Wankel rotary engine. Whatever the reason, they've done a stellar job on the new model.
Image: Robin Classen
Besides being a well-crafted car when it is in motion, the '3' is a playground of technology on the inside with so much to look at. Wheels24's Robin Classen notes some of the standout features of the 2.0-litre Astina.
1. Don't miss a beat with the Bose sound system
It's cool sound system comprises of 9 speakers that provides you with the perfect, crisp sound if you're blasting tunes from your phone or merely listening to the radio.
For a hatchback, that type of improvement is unheard of and just shows how well the '3' has improved. Bose is a well-known name in the world of audio candy with the likes of Nissan, Audi and Porsche making use of it in their model line-up.
2. Passionately sculptured interior
You feel like you own the road and belong in this car just by sitting in the front seat. It's as if the design engineers specifically took your posture into consideration.
Image: Robin Classen
Rear passengers receive the same treatment in addition to rear seat ventilation, a cool feature to make use of in those scorching summer days.
3. Top-notch safety
Safety is an important aspect of any car and a factor customers will always consider when they plan on buying a new set of wheels. The Mazda 3 is packed with a plethora of safety features. Also well worth noting is its 5-star Euro NCap rating.
Driver, passenger and rear occupants are well protected in the event of a crash while the innovative i-ACTIVESENSE feature makes use of detection devices, supporting the driver to recognise potential hazards and pre-collision scenarios.
Furthermore, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring are also there when reversing or switching lanes safely.
4. MZD Connect
This cool 23cm screen gives you full access at the touch of your fingers, also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The driver is in full control on everything happening in and around the car and the screen's unique central placement gives it an enhanced premium feel.
5. A cockpit made for the driver
Adjusting the air conditioning, toggling with functions on the multi-function steering wheel are all within half an arms reach. The emphasis here is to enjoy driving and Mazda has hit the nail on the head quite superbly.
Image: Robin Classen
The interior comes to life at night with white illuminations on the centre console and speedometer which is a sight to see.
6. Topped off with a sunroof
Some cars just look better with a sunroof and the Mazda 3 falls into that category. It fits with the sleek appeal of the car and as a younger person, it is a definite tick in the box.
7. Those Burgundy seats are heaven
While the seats are in a league of its own, the Burgundy colour is something different as opposed to the normal black. It also breaks the colour nicely.
