Mazda3 Review
Published: 10th May 2005
Mazda3 1.6 TS2
Ease of Use
A great deal of thought has gone into the ergonomics of the Mazda3 and this really shows. The cabin is spacious with excellent head and leg room in both the front and rear. Visibility is good all round with few blind spots making the Mazda3 easy to park and manoeuvre. The doors are large and open to reveal wide access points which make it a very easy car to get in and out of for front and rear seat occupants - this is particularly helpful for people with mobility problems.
The dashboard is ergonomically laid out, simple and uncluttered. All the controls are tactile and stylish and most importantly logically laid out with everything to hand. The automatic climate controlled air-conditioning was particularly efficient and very easy to operate via large tactile dials. The steering wheel incorporates the stereo controls which keep your hands where they belong safely on the wheel.
We found the main beam mechanism very easy and quick to operate.
On a practical level the Mazda3 1.6 TS2 incorporates 4 large door bins, front centre console with storage box, hinged storage tray and lid, 2 lidded cup holders in the front and in all the door pockets, rear armrest, 2 rear coat hooks, cigarette lighter, illuminated lockable glove box which is the largest we have come across in a car of this class. Seat back pocket on the passenger side, map reading lights and a luggage compartment storage box (hatchback only) for the stowage of valuables and helpfully a luggage compartment light.
The Mazda3's wide tailgate opening has a low sill facilitating easy loading of bulky items also the rear seats and passenger seat have a 60/40 rear split and fold flat for extra space when required.
Safety and Security
All Mazda3's feature MAIDAS ( Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System) Mazda's unique Triple-H design, which delivers a safe and strong passenger cell that resists impact deformation and disperses impact energy in all possible crash scenarios.
The following safety & security equipment is standard on the Mazda3 1.6 TS2:
(SRS) supplementary restraint system - central control unit and crush sensors. (ABS) anti-lock braking system with (EBD), (EBA) emergency brake assist, (DSC) dynamic stability control with (TCS) traction control system, high-mounted stop light, dual-stage front airbags (driver and front passenger), side airbags (front), curtain airbags (front and rear), seatbelt reminder (drivers seat), front seatbelts 3-point with pre-tensioners and load-limiters, rear seatbelts 3 x 3-point, intrusion minimising collapsible safety brake pedals, collapsible steering column, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, remote central door locking, deadlocking, immobiliser system and Thatcham category 1 alarm.
