Mazda3 1.6: just replace the engine

ROAD TEST:

Mazda3 1.6 Dynamic sedan

I don't exactly enjoy shopping at the best of times. Often it's nothing more than a calculated mission that needs to be pulled off as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that I can get on with things that I actually want to do. But the part I dislike the most is the "almost purchase."

It's that pair of shoes that you really like but they don't have in your size. It's the item of furniture on discount that would look perfect in that corner of the house, but it's only available in hideous colours. Or that scrumptious item on the menu that's suddenly not available because one of the key ingredients is out of stock.

You could think of many more examples because we've all been there in one way or another. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit too much here, but I'd imagine that those interested in the new Mazda3 1.6 might feel a bit like that after test driving it.

Let's get to the heart of the matter: it's underpowered. At a stretch, I could forgive it for not having jumped on the modern turbo bandwagon like some rivals (Jetta, Cruze etc) have because most engines in this class are still breathing on their own. But even the big normally aspirated 1.6-litre players on this turf have power outputs of between 90 and 96kW and produce between 154 and 157Nm. Yet Mazda's trusty old 1.6 musters just 77kW and 144Nm, and it's a carry-over from the previous range so it's not part of Mazda's modern Skyactiv-G family like its 2-litre sibling.

SLUGGISH

With the additional burden of Reef altitude, this Mazda3 feels rather sluggish in just about every driving situation. Even the transmission is outdated, with Mazda having stuck with the five-speed recipe.

Performance is a disappointment, to say the least. Now, if the rest of the car was boring or stodgily made then there would be no agitation involved here, we'd simply write this off and start thinking about the other options. But the sad thing is that this is a really brilliant car in just about every other way. In fact with a better engine, and priced appropriately, I'm almost certain that it would lead the class.

Where to start? The styling is a breath of fresh air, with its catty headlights and its taut, muscular side creases and sweeping fastback roofline that flow into a neatly-chiselled tail end. In a class that's known more for reliable rental fodder than sporting designs, this Mazda has some real swagger.

SMART CABIN

The good vibes carry through into the cabin, where it has a kind of high-tech elegance that reminds me of Sony's latest smart-phones. Somehow it manages to be just a bit more interesting and glossy than your average German interior, while the high-quality textures make it look and feel at least nine tenths as upmarket as the best out there.

On the road, the driving controls make it a pleasure to operate - the steering provides ample feedback and the gearbox has a slick but weighty action.

Hovering above the air vents is a 'tablet' that can be operated as a touch-screen or via the Audi MMI-like rotary control in the centre console. The system is easy enough to use in most situations but some functions aren't quite as simple as they should be. I had to dig deep into the menus before I was able to work out how to reset the fuel consumption recorder, for instance. For the record, the car averaged 8.8 litres per 100km in an urban driving routine.

The screen's graphics look really classy, but it is a bit annoying that they left the 'navigation' icon in the main menu, even though it's not available on this car. That would make me feel a bit cheated.

As for passenger practicality, the Mazda3 offers reasonable rear legroom, but taller-than-average adults will bump their heads on that stylish roofline.

If there's any consolation for the meagre performance, the 1.6 Dynamic model, under scrutiny here, is rather well equipped for the price, with leather seats, multi-function steering wheel, auto lights and wipers, power folding mirrors, six airbags and 16-inch alloys.

It also comes with a rather bold after-sales plan that gives you a warranty and service plan that valid for three years, regardless of how many kays you cover. The Dynamic costs R253 100, but there are two lesser-equipped options, starting at R232 900, and you can choose between conventional hatch and 'fastback' sedan body types.

VERDICT

I really loved this car, but its performance deficit is a drawback too big for me to ignore. If you could live with it, then you're getting a car that's satisfying in just about every other respect.

Mazda's product planners would do well to consider the lower-spec 88kW 2-litre version that some overseas markets receive. For now, your best bet is to stretch (if you can) to the 2.0 Individual, which costs R293 600.

FACTS

Mazda3 1.6 Dynamic sedan

Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol

Gearbox: Five-speed manual

Power: 77kW @ 6000rpm

Torque: 144Nm @ 4000rpm

Consumption (claimed): 6.2 litres per 100km

Price: R253 100

Warranty: Three-year/unlimited km

Service plan: Three-year/unlimited km

SOME ALTERNATIVES

Ford Focus 1.6 Trend sedan (92kW/159Nm) - R255 500