The Mazda 3 has always been one of the better small cars available in Australia, and the X20 Astina is the variant that goes furthest in the range. The Skyactiv-X engine with mild hybrid technology is the technical headline: it uses a combination of spark and compression ignition to improve efficiency, an approach that Mazda has developed independently rather than following the battery-heavy hybrid route taken by most of the competition. It is an engineering story worth a proper road test.
Jenny reviews the Mazda 3 X20 Astina across the full range of Australian driving conditions, including the highway stretches where the Skyactiv-X engine's efficiency credentials can be properly assessed. The car itself is one of the most refined hatches in the segment in terms of ride quality and cabin noise. The interior at Astina level is the best Mazda 3 experience, with quality materials and a clean layout that holds up against more expensive alternatives.
The Mazda 3 X20 Astina is for buyers who want the best version of an already strong hatch. The Skyactiv-X technology is interesting but the efficiency gains in mixed Australian driving are modest rather than transformative. The cabin and driving experience are the stronger arguments. A well-rounded top-spec hatch that deserves serious consideration.
The full review is on the CarTell.tv YouTube channel above.
