The First-Generation Mazda 3 1.6S: 10 Years After It's Debut, Is It Still Relevant?

(I am writing another review for our 1^st generation Mazda 3 1.6 as I cringe every time I get to read my older review. Here’s to a hopefully better review.)

The first-generation Mazda 3 was a revelation for Mazda. Unless you’re a car nut, you would’ve probably not known that Mazda produces some of the best-handling Japanese cars in history. However, their rather expensive servicing, unimpressive engine performance and dismal fuel consumption has left the brand way behind Japanese powerhouses Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi. The Mazda 3 has brought back the Japanese carmaker to relevance. 10 years after its unveiling, is the first-generation Mazda 3 still relevant?

Interiors

The Mazda 3’s looks, despite its age, still kicks ass. The interior may be simple but its one of the classiest during its time. It is a great place to be in where everything that you need is within reach. Let us not forget that it had great features like a multi-information display, three-cluster instrumentation, rheostat, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls that were only present in more expensive midsize sedans. I even dare say that the car can still hold its ground when placed beside newer car models. Yes, there's cheap plastics all around but it has one of the best laid out instrumentation and interiors in the compact car segment.

The only downside of this car's interior is it's rear legroom. At 5'6", I am not exactly tall. But I feel a bit cramped inside it. People who suffer from claustrophobia will definitely feel a bit ill in the rear seats. Plus, the thud that comes from the closing of the rear doors aren't that reassuring. But you're not supposed to enjoy the car from the backseat anyways because the driver seat is where you should be.

Ride

The 3 still gives its driver a great drive. In fact, it is one of the most, if not the most, fun-to-drive cars in its class. With its 4-wheel completely independent suspension, it absorbs almost all bumps just fine and it grips the road well, making it a joy to throw in corners. The car handles too well that it boosts your confidence while behind its wheel, making you want to drive faster while attacking corners; and that is where the car doesn’t shine well.

The downside? There is too much noise, vibrations, and harshness. While on the road and driving at speed, you'd hear the noise the tires makes as it seem to effortlessly enter the cabin. Mazda could've utilized better use of insulation for the car but that would make the car even heavier. Why do I have an issue of it's weight? I will get to that later.

Performance, or the lack of it

The 1.6 liter 16-valve twin-cam engine with Mazda’s Sequential Valve Timing, or S-VT in Mazda speak, has been and will always be underpowered by its contemporaries' standards. While Hondas, Hyundais, and Toyotas’ 1.6 engines produce a little over 128 horses, the Mazda L6 engine only manages to produce 103. That’s almost 25 horses less against the competition. With a stone-age 4-speed automatic transmission, the car feels heavier and more underpowered. So don’t expect the 3 to win drag races. Sure, powerful engines tend to consume more fuel, but fuel efficiency has not been, and never will be one of this car’s strengths. 

There are other problems with the car too. The base model Mazda does not have ABS, EBD, and it only has a driver-side airbag. Seeing car crashes left and right, you might want to feel safer with your car and you might want to have more safety features built in standard. But if you dig a safer car, then you should have gotten your hands on the pricier 1.6V or the range-topping 2.0R.

There are times when you want to drive and feel the road literally. You want to feel the car take on the road (and the bumps on it), and hear the car go faster. However, the suspension can be a bit on the stiff side for daily use. Plus, the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels of the 3 can be a little too high, making it uncomfortable to drive on the highway. Unless of course, you're a real car nut and you do appreciate these little issues with the car.

Relevant?

Yes the 3 is a very old car, hence its shortcomings by today's standards. Its looks may be a bit outdated, it doesn’t have much toys, it may not win drag races, and it may not be as frugal as its competitors. But if you have a limited budget and you are looking for a nice-looking car that does the job well and brings joy to your face whenever you take on corners, then the first-generation Mazda 3 1.6 is still a good choice for you. And a great car like the Mazda 3 will always be relevant for you.