Mazda3 X20 Astina Skyactiv-X review: Holy Grail engine claims big fuel savings

Mazda has developed a new engine that could revolutionise petrol-powered cars. We find out if it lives up to its potential.

Mazda has fitted a new fuel-efficient engine to more expensive versions of the popular Mazda3. Is the new tech worth the extra money?

Here is everything you need to know about the new Mazda3 X20 Astina.

VALUE

The Japanese brand made the decision to take the new Mazda3 upmarket when it launched last year.

The Mazda3 is an expensive small hatch.

The cheapest variant will set you back more than $30,000 drive-away.

We are the new top-shelf X20 Astina hatch, which is priced from about $44,600 drive-away. That is a lot of money for a small car that competes with vehicles close to half the price.

But the X20 Astina is loaded with all the latest safety gear and plenty of luxury kit.

The big addition is the new fuel-efficient engine that is claimed to combine the frugality of a diesel engine with the free-revving feel of a petrol motor. This combination is something of a Holy Grail for engineers working to further improve internal combustion. Mild hybrid technology helps to reduce fuel use.

All Mazdas are backed by a five-year/unlimited km warranty. Servicing will cost you $1780 over five years, but service intervals are short at 12 months or 10,000km.

COMFORT

The Mazda’s interior oozes quality, with soft-touch surfaces and precise finishes throughout the cabin.

Leather-trimmed heated front seats are supportive and firm and have a memory function that saves two different driving positions.

Inside the Mazda is all class.

Infotainment is taken care of by an 8.8-inch display controlled by a rotary dial. The screen is ever so slightly angled towards the driver, helping peripheral vision and minimising the time your eyes are off the road.

The back seat is cramped and small windows could make it claustrophobic for kids. But it wins back some points thanks to two rear aircon vents.

Boot space is below par at 297-litres, the sedan version adds about 150-litres.

SAFETY

The Mazda3 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to seven airbags and an impressive list of driver aids including auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, front cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist.

Mazda has loaded the 3 with a long list of active safety equipment.

DRIVING

The 3 is one of the most engaging small cars around, with light, direct steering and well-sorted suspension that delivers a good balance between comfort and road holding.

The new 2.0-litre engine puts out 132kW and 224Nm, which is slightly less than the cheaper 2.5-litre versions.

The engine is willing enough, though, feeling zippy around town if a little coarse under heavy acceleration.

The claimed fuel consumption figures are hard to hit. In a mix of highway and urban driving we averaged close to 7L/100km, a fair way off the claimed 5.3L/100km. It also requires more expensive premium unleaded.

The Skyactiv-X engine is responsive and zippy around town but you’ll struggle to hit the claimed fuel use.

Road noise is acceptable and the Mazda3 does a good job of soaking up most bumps along the way, although it can feel a bit skittish over poor roads and corrugations.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Safe and fun to drive, but the premium asked for the new engine is hard to justify. Cheaper variants are a better bet.

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid, from about $38,500 drive-away

Ultra efficient small car that is surprisingly fun to drive. Tiny boot and lacks the premium feel of the Mazda.

Mazda6 Touring, from about $42,800

Stay in the Mazda family but go bigger. Well equipped and luxurious with a supple and comfortable drive, although thirsty.

Volkswagen Golf Mark 8

Due to arrive early 2021, the German small car promises big safety and infotainment tech advancements.

MAZDA3 SKYACTIV X VITALS

Price: From about $44,600 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 5-yr, unl’td km/$1780 over 5 years

Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 132kW and 224Nm

Safety: 5 stars, 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert

Thirst: 5.3L/100km

Boot: 295L

Originally published as Mazda3 X20 Astina Skyactiv-X review: Holy Grail engine claims big fuel savings