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2024 Mazda3 Evolve review (video)

Over the years, the modest hatchback became our everyday, reliable get-about. But like with sedans, Australia’s choice of small hatches is quickly diminishing with the ambush of SUVs and utes.

But why is this so? Hatchbacks are still very practical, cheap, and fun to drive, and quite efficient not just in terms of fuel but their lightness usually means cheaper running costs and maintenance, including tyres.

One that appears to be dying is the Mazda3. Sales in 2023 dropped 5.8 per cent, and down 31.8 per cent in 2022. We thought we’d check out the 2024 Evolve variant to see how it shapes up against current market trends.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-rear

2024 Mazda3 Evolve G20: Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 114kW@6000rpm / 200Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.0, 215/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1335kg
Power-to-weight: 11.71:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 5.9L/100km
Our consumption: 7.0L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 51L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 19.32kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.93 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.18 seconds*
60-110km/h: 7.13 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.37 seconds at 135.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.694g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.15m in 3.14 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.313g*
Decibel at idle: 40*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 85*
Starting price: $32,020

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Mazda3 Evolve: How much does it cost?

You can pick up the base Mazda3 G20 Pure from $30,470. Then the G20 Evolve that we’re testing here retails for $32,020. Further up the ranks is the G20 Touring and G25 Evolve SP, both selling from $34,670. Then there is the G25 GT from $38,570, and the G25 Astina sits at the top from $42,470 (all excluding on-road costs). All variants can be had in sedan or hatch form for the same price.

Models with the G20 name are fitted with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that outputs 114kW and 200Nm. The G25s score a larger 2.5-litre unit, but still with no turbo. It produces 139kW and 252Nm. Both powertrains power the front wheels only in Australia, and pair to a six-speed automatic transmission. There was a G20e mild hybrid engine available for less than two years, but it was axed in mid-2023, along with the choice of manual transmissions.

Likening the Mazda3 to its few competitors, its lower spec models are reasonably priced as they sit in the middle of the pricing spectrum. Comparing all entry-level auto variants, the Hyundai i30 hatch, Kia Cerato, and Toyota Corolla hatch undercut the Mazda3 by $4500, $3500, and $800, respectively. But the Skoda Scala and Subaru Impreza are $3500 and $1000 more expensive.

All Mazda3s are offered with an industry-typical five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of free road-side assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, and is advertised upfront when carried out at a Mazda dealership. The first seven services will cost $334, $530, $414, $530, $334, $609, and then $334. Unlike some other brands, there is no option to purchase a pre-paid servicing package to save money.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-interior

2024 Mazda3 Evolve: Interior & packaging

That famous Mazda3 slick look has been around for a while now. But it is still very much liked by buyers. The smooth contours, large and flat rear pillar, contrasting black accents, and sharp, slanted headlights and taillights stand the fashion test of time.

The interior starts to show a few signs of age from its original 2019 design, but it feels sturdy and high in material quality, as Mazdas commonly do. There are generously-sized storage holes and cupholders throughout, and for a small hatch, there is a suitable amount of space for passengers – even in the backseat. However, the large C-pillars take away any airy feeling in the back and confine blind-spot vision. Further back, boot space cannot compete with small SUVs, but its 295 litres also falls short of some direct rivals.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-seats

Compared with other contenders on the market, it would be good to see a wireless charging pad and a handsfree key proximity locking right from the base model. They are not awarded until you spend $34k on the Touring model. Though, all models come fitted with the important stuff. Like forward and reverse collision mitigation, traffic-sign recognition, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, and a driver attention alert system. And it is a surprise to see blind-spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, and a head-up info display as standard at this end of the range.

The extra $1500 to upgrade to our tested G20 Evolve gives you bigger 18-inch alloys (up from 16-inch), dual-zone climate control, auto dimming rear view mirror, front passenger seat height adjustment, and gear paddle shifters.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-rear seats

Our test vehicle also has the $2000 ‘Vision Technology’ pack, which adds driver monitoring, a 360-degree view monitor (rare for this segment), cruising and traffic support, front parking sensors, and a bigger 10.25-inch widescreen colour display. This pack is available across the board (for $1500 on the G25 GT), except the top-spec Astina as the features are standard.

Unless you choose the Vision Technology pack, the standard infotainment offering is an 8.8-inch centre screen with a centre console commander wheel. There is a substandard non-branded eight-speaker sound system with digital radio, sat-nav, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all models except the top-spec Astina. That gets a Bose 12-speaker sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-boot

2024 Mazda3 Evolve: Powertrain & handling

Behind the wheel, the Mazda3 G20 engine is, frankly, breathless during scenarios when you need an extra boost. A turbo would really help out on hills, with a load, or when overtaking. It feels like it has less than 114kW/200Nm. But if you seldom get heavy footed, it will inconspicuously cruise around suburban streets adequately. We tested 0-100km/h in 10.18 seconds using a Vbox and a private road (video below).

Further hindering the underpowered feel of the engine is a six-speed auto gearbox. It feels as though it has been programmed for a torquier engine. It has a habit of selecting a higher gear rapidly, leaving the engine to struggle to pull forward. In turn, this results in frequent gear changes. We think a manual transmission would make the engine’s power feel more versatile, but that is no longer an option.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-length

We also find a refinement issue with power delivery. Under light acceleration, there is a wobbly surge and pull-back that takes away any acceleration smoothness. This may be Mazda’s Skyactiv-G cylinder deactivation at play. Nonetheless, it could do with some tweaks in our opinion.

Speaking of Skyactiv-G, Mazda explains the name covers a new generation of high compression engines that aim to reduce fuel consumption by about 15 per cent. The G20 engine theoretically averages 5.9L/100km. Though, our testing revealed a higher 7.0L/100km. Which is a tad high in comparison to industry averages among this market. In its defence, it can run on cheaper 91 RON or E10 blend fuel.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-handling

Being a smaller vehicle, and light in weight (1335kg), the Mazda3 is at an advantage when it comes to handling and on-road dynamics. It feels light and zippy around corners, and it takes on bumps without much disturbance to its flow.

Even though the rear uses a basic torsion beam suspension arrangement instead of an independent setup, it handles competently and provides a comfortable ride. This is a car that you could happily – and enjoyable – take for a Sunday cruise to your favourite quaint town, taking the long way.

In other quick mentions, there are some notable NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) signs when the engine is pushed or running at higher revs. As a result, it is pretty noisy. The adaptive cruise control is also a little delayed to react when proceeding cars move out of your way. But the steering is light and appropriately weighty at higher speeds.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve-rear suspension

2024 Mazda3 Evolve: Key attractions/reasons to buy

  • Quality interior: Premium and strong feel and a nice design.
  • Driving dynamics: Lively handling with excellent road manners.
  • Standard kit: Some features surprising to see as standard; blind-spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, and head-up display.
  • No CVT auto gearbox: What a relief.

2024 Mazda3 Evolve: Key considerations before you buy

  • Where’s the turbo? Engine is breathless during overtaking and up long hills.
  • Power delivery: Under light acceleration, there is a wobbly surge and pull-back that throws out a smooth speed increase.
  • Standard audio system: Sounds awful when you crank up the volume.
  • Some missing features: It would be pleasing to see a wireless phone charger and proximity sensor keyless entry in the Evolve – a sign of its age?

2024 Mazda3 Evolve: Video

How does it rate against its rivals?
  • Price
  • Quality look & feel
  • Interior tech
  • Powertrain performance
  • Ride & handling
  • X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
3.8

Final word

Overall, the Japanese-built Mazda3 is a familiar and acquainting car to drive. The engine could do with a turbo, and the model run is starting to age, but it still easily fulfils the needs of anyone that wants a familiar, small run-about. And we can’t be fussy as we’re lucky to still have a hatch on the market at all.

Mark Davis

Mark's fascination with cars originated long before he was allowed to get behind the wheel himself. To him, cars are more than just a mode of transport; especially the ones that adopt purposeful innovations while preserving the joy of driving. With a master's degree in IT, he brings a tech-savvy perspective to our car reviews, particularly as the automotive industry embraces digital advancements. Mark joins Driving Enthusiast as a road tester after more than a decade at PerformanceDrive.

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