Mazda3 2009-2010
15-February-2012
- Vital Stats
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$21,990 - $30,690
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Petrol, Diesel
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Mazda was certainly the underdog for awhile. Much like our home-grown superstar Ricki Lee Coulter, her career saw her battling to keep up with the big wigs. So she took a hiatus, pulled herself together and came back guns blazing.
If you’ve seen Ricki Lee lately, like at the 2011 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, you’d know what we mean. She’s hot stuff and so is the Mazda3.
Upon realising they needed to shake things up a few years ago, Mazda came out with a redesign and were rewarded in 2008 when they robbed Holden’s Commodore of its favouritism among the public. The Mazda3 BL arrived in 2009, working off the reputation its predecessor, the BK, had already established.
Offering a sedan and hatch style, the Mazda3 covers all its bases. Drivers can choose their desired engine - 2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol, 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol or the 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel as well as 5 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmission. Variants in style include the Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport, SP25 and MZR-CD with an impressive colour range to boot. It’s kind of like a ‘Build-a-Bear’ shop. Every decision has a repercussion, however. The manual form guzzles 8L/100km, while the auto is thirstier. The most eco-friend option is the diesel, which will deliver 5.7 L/100km.
In terms of looks, the Mazda3 is easy on the eye, especially the Maxx and Maxx Sport editions. The boot leaves much to be desired, but inside the cabin is an impressive dash with a decent display screen and auto controls on the steering wheel, making for easy song selection when on the road.
DESCRIBE THIS CAR IN 3 WORDS
Reliable, Controllable, Crafty
WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THIS CAR
There’s plenty of selection under the Mazda3 banner and dependent on your needs (first car/family/mid-life crisis) there’s something there for everyone.
WHAT ARE THE DOWNSIDES OF THIS CAR
If you’re not a savvy packer, you’ll have problems with the boot
WHAT KIND OF PETROL DOES IT USE?
2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol, 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol or the 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
LIKED IT?
My pick would be the Maxx or Maxx Sport. They look stream-lined and are easy to handle, especially if you like a bit of rev in the engine.
RECOMMENDED SOUNDTRACK?
Fader – The Temper Trap
IF THIS CAR WAS PERSONIFIED, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Ricki Lee Coulter