a gasoline car with an ECO label that is enjoyed by shifting gears with the usual lever

Mazda has just launched a new microhybrid engine in our market that becomes the go-to mechanics of its compact Mazda3although it also does so in the Mazda CX-30. It is about the 2.5 e-Skyactiv G which replaces two previously available mechanics and simplifies the range of both cars.

This new mild-hybrid version It is the main novelty that updates the compact and SUV of the Japanese firm, although it is accompanied by some technological and connectivity improvements. We have already tested it in the Mazda3which is the firm’s third best-selling car in Spain and therefore one of its reference models.

This is the new Mazda3 with 140 HP and ECO label

The fourth-generation Mazda3, introduced in 2019, is still the same car we knew. It maintains dimensions, so it is a compact 4.46 m in its five-door hatchback version and 4.66 m in the sedan body. The habitability is therefore the same as what we have analyzed in previous tests. The trunk does not change either, which remains at 358 liters and 450 liters respectively.

It is 2.5 e-Skyactiv G of 140 CV It is the protagonist in the new Mazda3 family: it replaces the previously available 122 HP and 150 HP, both also mild-hybrid. And together with the 186 HP e-Skyactiv X, they become the only ones selectable in this model.

New gasoline microhybrid with the unmistakable Mazda seal. This mechanism has the watchword of the Japanese brand, which continues to differentiate itself from the rest of the brands. This 2.5 liter block is four-cylinder naturally aspiratedso it does not resort to the usual turbocharging.

Accompanies it with the already known Mazda M Hybrid system, only 24V and not 48V as usual. It still consists of a small 4.8 kW (7 HP) B-ISG electric motor and a 0.17 kWh battery. It essentially powers the electrical systems and operates as a starter motor, although it also occasionally supports the heat engine.

In addition, the 2.5 e-Skyactiv G also maintains another of the fundamental aspects of its successors: the cylinder deactivation. When the demand is low, for example on the flat at constant speed, it automatically disconnects cylinders two and four, thus helping to reduce emissions.

Mazda boasts that this 2.5 e-Skyactiv G, designed specifically for its compact family, stands out for its powerful torque delivery at low and medium rpm. Offers a total of 238 Nm available from 3,300 rpm.

It also promises to be quieter, more pleasant to drive and to be 1.6% more efficient than the previous 2.0 e-Skyactiv G with 150 HP (even 7% on the highway). This new mechanics is offered with both a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission. It always transmits power to the front axle.

An efficient mild-hybrid that is enjoyable to drive

He Mazda3 five-door with this new engine We have tested 2.5 e-Skyactiv G with manual transmissionwhich suits you very well. And it delivers what it promises: it offers great torque in low rev ranges. From a standstill, or after stops, it never feels choked if we change to low and medium gears between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm.

Not many thermal systems can boast of this, adjusted to change in that range, but which take time to respond, for example after a yield or a STOP. Mazda has optimized it to be as elastic as possible in transitions. This, added to its good manual transmission, makes it a car that not only runs very well, but can even be fun on demanding roads.

The Mazda3’s own architecture also contributes to this, which has been slightly adjusted to improve its maneuverability and stability. Likewise the sistema G-Vectoring Plus (GVC-Plus) which modifies torque delivery to optimize the vertical load on each wheel. For example, when exiting a curve, it applies braking force to the outside wheels, which stabilizes and helps the car return to the straight line.

Regarding consumption, we exceeded 7.0 l/100 km, without driving efficiently and essentially going on secondary roads and crossroads, but not on the highway. In any case, it is close to those 5.9 l/100 km that it promises with manual transmission (16-inch wheels) or the 6.0 l/100 km with 18-inch wheels, as was the case with the finish we tested.

In short, I really liked this new mechanism, it is very balanced and those 140 HP are more than enough for the Mazda 3: it responds quickly and perfectly when we accelerate in difficult maneuvers such as overtaking.

He Mazda3 driving position remains very comfortablefocused on the driver, with everything necessary at hand and with an abundance of physical controls: driving modes, air conditioning… The multimedia screen can also be operated from a wheel in the central tunnel, surrounded by four direct access buttons so that we take our eyes off the road as little as possible.

With Alexa assistant and improved browser

In addition to this mild-hybrid mechanics, the Mazda3 releases technological innovations. Now the Japanese compact integrates Alexa as a smart assistant. Apart from controlling hands-free functions such as making phone calls, navigation functions, managing the air conditioning or checking the weather, it also allows you to control other Amazon smart devices in the home: turn on lights, raise or lower blinds or control the air conditioning.

Mazda has also improved the Mazda3 integrated navigatorcloud-based. It now offers more points of interest without having to be connected to the Internet, which are stored on your SD card. And traffic information is updated every 30 seconds, based on different sources to give more accurate data.

Although you can use Google Maps through a wireless connection to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, this integrated navigator works very well and shows gas stations, restaurants or any incident while we are driving towards our destination. In addition, the indications are also shown on the Head-Up displayavailable as standard from the most basic finish.

Finally, the Mazda3 equips the Intelligent Speed ​​Assistant, mandatory since July, and which warns acoustically if the speed is exceeded. In the Japanese compact, it allows you to easily disconnect it while driving from a control to the left of the steering wheel, which is indicated with an icon. So it is very intuitive to do it and we always have it at hand. It is appreciated.

Well equipped from the cheapest. These changes are added to a complete equipment already offered by the Mazda 3, which at no extra price from the base Prime-Line finish includes two screens, a seven-inch instrument screen and a 10.25-inch central screen, manual air conditioning, push-button start. , electric parking brake, automatic lights, wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio, rear camera, rear parking sensors or the aforementioned navigation system.

Also most of the assistance systems that this model can equip: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot detector, active lane departure assistant, slope assistant or fatigue detector.

And from the second Centre-Line finish we find elements such as wireless charging for mobile phones, keyless access, dual-zone climate control, electrochromatic interior mirror, heated steering wheel, front parking sensors, 360º camera or cruise control with traffic jam assistant, among the most outstanding.

From 27.350 euros

He Mazda3 with this new 140 hp mild-hybrid version It is now available in Spain in all available finishes for each body: six in the case of the five-door hatchback and four in the sedan.

All prices detailed are those of the tariff and include 2,000 euros campaign that always apply. Furthermore, if we finance, depending on the program, another 700 euros or 550 euros are added. If you opt for the Flexioption, the fee is 179 euros per month with an entry of 6,189 euros and a final of 16,051 euros, financing for 36 months. This option includes a 10-year warranty and three maintenances.

It is not a cheap car, but the Mazda3 It competes in the premium compact segment such as the Audi A3, the BMW 1 Series or the Mercedes-Class A, with a quite competitive price. For example, the A3 Sportback starts at 35,140 euros with the 116 HP mild-hybrid ECO-labeled engine or at 36,580 euros for the 150 HP one, with it competing for power.