The range-topper Mazda 3 2.0L HighPlus sedan is a wolf in sleek clothing, an amazing car that devours distances like a ravenous beast. At the heart of the beast is a Skyactiv-G 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4 Cylinder-VVT, powering the car with 115 hp with 143 Nm of torque. It is great for distance driving and still maintains its composure in urban settings.

The Mazda 3 sedan comes in 3 variants starting with the range-topper 2.0L HighPlus spec priced at RM 159,356.13, mid 2.0L High at RM 149,520.53 and low 1.5L at RM 141,828.31.

The Mazda 3 Sedan’s body dimensions are Length 4,660mm, Width 1,795mm , Height 1,440mm and Wheelbase 2,272mm, Weight 1,361kg and 51 Liters tank capacity.

The car’s curvy lines and aerodynamic design makes it look like a rocket ready to be fired.

The front is fitted with a large grille that swallows air like a huge whale consuming all in its wake. A bold curvy design that attracts and appeals to clean aesthetics.

A short trim back gives it a compact look, with subtle indentations giving it a simple but appealing design.

Mazda 3 is fitted with LED headlamps with bulb Daytime Running Lights, with Auto-dimming and auto levelling features.

Rear combination tail lamps are LED as standard, it is slimmer and more agile looking compared to its predecessor.

Auto-fold side mirrors with integrated turn signals, is a nice addition to the safety for the passengers and other drivers.

As always, ventilated front brakes and solid disc brakes for the rear, but coloured calliper brakes would make a nice accessory.

The wheels are 16-inch wheels with black alloy fitted with the 205/60R16 tyres.

Mainly the top range comes with luxurious leather. There’s plenty of soft-touch materials, and a 7-inch screen provides the infotainment centre. It is not a touchscreen, however, and is controlled by a rotary knob located below the gear shifter. 

The Speedometer and multi-info centre is mainly analogue when many manufacturers have gone digital. Depending on the drivers taste to go for digital or analogue.

Equipped with comfy leather semi-bucket seats with manual adjustment.

Being a C-segment sedan, it still has enough space for 4-5 adults to sit comfortably.

Centre armrest with hidden storage area. Also has sunglasses storage above the rearview mirror and a decent size glove compartment to fit in a few 500 ml mineral water bottles.

A total of 4 cup holders, 2 at the rear centre armrest and 2 more at the front near the centre console. There are also 4 bottle holders, each at the door panels.

There is one 12v charging port at the centre arm-rest, as well as 2 USB ports at the front and centre armrest.

Under the i-Activesense by Mazda, the vehicle is equipped with active safety features such as ABS, DSC, EBD, EBA, TCS, ESS, HLA, Auto Hold function, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, High Beam Control, BSM, RCTA, Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Alert, Smart Brake Support and Mazda Radar Cruise Control. 

As for passive safety, it has 7 SRS Airbags, 3 point Seat Belts and ISOFIX mounting points.

Running on the Skyactiv-G DOHC 16-valve 4 Cylinder-VVT 2.0-litre engine. Output 115 hp @ 6,000 rpm at 153 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Direct Injection type with fuel tank capacity at 51 litres.

Paired with the 6 speed automatic with manual shift mode.

Power is sent to the front wheels of the Mazda 3 Sedan.

0-100 kph 12.1 seconds with a top speed of 200 kph.

consumption at 5.8L / 100km

Equipped with keyless entry and push-to-start button, as well as the heads up display to give the driver peace of mind.

Rear occupants have access to the rear air vent located behind the front centre armrest.

The Mazda 3 gives off a comfortable ride in and out of the city with auto idling to help with fuel efficiency. 

Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology (GVC plus) provides better stability when manoeuvring tight corners.

The sound proofing is quite reasonable at high speeds not far off from the average sound insulation provided by other cars in this range above 100 kph.