Mazda 3 Astina 2.0 Hatchback – Style Meets Substance

When it comes to the compact hatchback segment, the Mazda 3 Astina 2.0 stands out like a finely tailored suit at a casual dinner party—it’s all class, with a dash of sportiness that commands attention. It’s the kind of car that makes you glance back after you’ve parked, just to admire it one more time.

The Design – Art in Motion

Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy is in full swing here, and the 3 Astina looks like it's always ready to pounce, even when it’s parked. The sleek, sculpted lines give it a refined yet aggressive stance that sets it apart from your average hatchback. Honestly, if I had a rand for every time someone mistook this for a luxury car, I’d probably have enough to fill the tank a few times.

The Soul Red Crystal paint option? Absolute eye-candy. It catches the light in all the right ways, turning heads wherever you go. And those 18-inch alloy wheels? A perfect match. They give the Mazda 3 a grounded, athletic look without feeling over the top.

Interior – Where Minimalism Meets Luxury

Step inside, and you’ll find an interior that’s as sleek as the exterior. Mazda’s minimalist approach is on full display here, but don’t mistake that for boring. The quality of materials is top-notch—soft-touch plastics, leather accents, and a tactile finish on everything you interact with.

The heads-up display and 7-inch TFT instrument cluster? Pure convenience. You get all the crucial driving info without taking your eyes off the road. Plus, the Bose sound system delivers crisp audio that’s perfect for whatever playlist you’re vibing to. Whether you’re blasting some classic rock or just cruising to podcasts, the acoustics hit just right.

But it’s not all about looks—the interior is practical too. The seats are incredibly comfortable, with just enough support to keep you fresh after long drives, and there’s a surprising amount of space for both passengers and cargo. So, whether you’re hauling your gym gear or taking a weekend road trip, the Mazda 3 won’t leave you wanting for space.

Performance – Zoom-Zoom Still Lives On

Let’s talk about performance, because what’s style without substance? The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine under the hood delivers 121 kW of power and 213 Nm of torque. Now, you’re not going to win any drag races with this, but that’s not what the Mazda 3 Astina is about. It’s more about balance—enough power to keep things interesting without sacrificing efficiency.

Mazda’s Skyactiv technology does wonders here. The car feels peppy and responsive, especially in urban settings. The throttle response is sharp, and the steering is tight and precise—exactly what you’d expect from Mazda. On the highway, it cruises effortlessly, with minimal road noise thanks to excellent sound insulation.

Fuel efficiency is respectable too. With a combined consumption of around 6.3 L/100 km, you won’t be visiting the petrol station too often, even if you’re pushing the car a bit on those winding roads.

Tech and Safety – Fully Loaded

Mazda didn’t skimp on the tech or safety features. The Mazda 3 Astina is packed with an array of driver assistance systems that are usually reserved for higher-end models. You get adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and even traffic sign recognition. In short, this car practically drives itself in tricky traffic situations, making your life a whole lot easier.

The 360-degree camera and parking sensors take the guesswork out of tight spots. Parallel parking? No problem. It’s like having an extra set of eyes at all times, and who couldn’t use that?

Final Verdict – A Hatchback for the Discerning Driver

The Mazda 3 Astina 2.0 Hatchback isn’t just a car—it’s an experience. It’s perfect for someone who wants the refinement and tech of a premium vehicle but doesn’t want to break the bank. With its blend of style, practicality, and performance, this car ticks all the boxes. Sure, it’s not the most powerful in its class, but what it lacks in raw horsepower, it more than makes up for in sheer driving pleasure.

Whether you’re commuting to work, taking it for a joyride, or just cruising the city streets, the Mazda 3 Astina makes every journey feel just that little bit more special.

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Mazda 3 Astina 2.0 Hatchback Stats

• Engine Type: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated

• Power Output: 121 kW (162 hp) @ 6,000 rpm

• Torque: 213 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

• Drive Type: Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Performance

• 0-100 km/h: 8.2 seconds

• Top Speed: 210 km/h

• Fuel Efficiency: 6.3 L/100 km (combined cycle)

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 51 liters

• CO2 Emissions: 145 g/km

Dimensions

• Length: 4,460 mm

• Width: 1,795 mm

• Height: 1,435 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,725 mm

• Curb Weight: 1,340 kg

Interior and Features

• Infotainment System: 8.8-inch display with Mazda Connect

• Sound System: Bose 12-speaker premium audio

• Seats: Leather upholstery

• Cargo Space: 295 liters (expandable with rear seats folded)

Safety Features

• Cruise Control: Standard

• Blind Spot Monitoring: Standard

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Standard

• Parking Sensors: Rear