Mazda Mazda3 XD Astina 2014 Review

Diesel and fun aren’t two words you normally place together in a sentence, especially when referencing small hatchbacks. Traditionally, diesel-powered models are all about screwing down the best fuel economy figure possible, usually at the cost of any joy behind the wheel.

Sure, a few models have come and gone that are exceptions to this rule. Volkswagen's Mk5 Golf GTD springs to mind, as do a few prestige Euros. But this is a Mazda — the same company that just a few short years ago didn’t even offer the choice of an automatic transmission with its MZR-CD (diesel) 3 and 6 variants.

What a change a few short years can bring… Now not only does Mazda offer its new Mazda3 XD Astina with the choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, but also with one of the strongest performing engines in its class.

Offering 129kW at 4500rpm and a tyre shredding 420Nm from just 2000rpm, the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D four-cylinder turbo-diesel is the same found under the bonnet of the larger Mazda6 sedan and wagon range, and CX-5 SUV.

Like the Mazda6, the new Mazda3 XD Astina offers i-ELOOP (brake-energy recovery) and i-STOP (idle stop-start) technology to further improve fuel efficiency, and like the rest of the ‘3’ range is offered with the full complement of SKYACTIV engine, transmission, chassis and safety technologies.

ADR figures show the XD Astina has a combined-cycle consumption figure of 5.0L/100km in manual form and 5.2 when fitted with an automatic. The CO2 emissions tally is also quite low at 129 and 137g/km respectively.

And while these figures are all well and good, it’s the experience behind the wheel that sets the XD Astina apart from its rivals. Mazda says that only one per cent of Mazda3 customers will consider the spirited new model, but that lucky few will enjoy the ride.

The XD Astina is said to accelerate from standstill the 100km/h in 7.7 seconds in manual form (0.6 sec slower than the SP25 hatch) and 8.4 seconds for the auto (0.5 sec slower than the auto-equipped SP25 hatch). It feels faster, and with gear ratios closer in both units than their petrol siblings, it probably should. Though the most noticeable difference is in roll-on acceleration.

Mazda hasn’t supplied official figures [we’ll conduct our own when we have the XD Astina through for a seven-day test soon], but according to the seat of our pants the hatch is quick to respond to throttle inputs, often without the need to downshift.

As such overtaking is a breeze and when dashing from corner to corner, the torque on offer from low in the rev range provides plenty of drive from the bends. Of course, the lower revving nature of diesel engines means the availability of torque is confined to a relatively narrow band, and after 4000rpm there’s little left to give.

Though that’s not to say the engine won’t continue to rev. We saw 5500rpm on several occasions, although there was little point continuing to drive at this engine speed. The XD Astina’s light yet positive shift action and well-weighted clutch further maximise driveability.

And really, that’s what the XD Astina does best. It’s a quick tourer, rather than a hot hatch, and this persona is felt in equal amounts through the suspension. It’s not as hard-edged as similarly priced and sized hot hatches (Ford Focus ST, Volkswagen Golf GTI, etc.), yet remains tenacious enough to get through even shaper, tightening radius bends with little in the way of wasteful wheelspin, and only moderate amounts of torque steer.

Mazda says the XD Astina's engine is 90kg heavier compared to manual SP25 variants and 100kg heavier in automatic form. Though it doesn’t feel any heavier in the nose, which is a bit of a surprise given the front suspension is unaltered from its 2.5-litre petrol sibling.

What has changed are the rear dampers (which are larger) and rear spring rates, though on balance the ride is a happy compromise that in some ways feels even more settled, and slightly more sure, than the SP25. Like that model, the steering feel and braking performance is likewise excellent.

In fact, the only real let down to the XD Astina’s long distance touring prowess comes from the relentless road noise generated from the standard 18-inch alloys and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx hoops. The ‘3’ is an improvement on its predecessor in this respect, but compared to its rivals remains quite loud — especially on coarse-chip surfaces.

And it wasn’t exactly what you’d call efficient. Sure it could be argued that our pace on the launch drive was not conducive to fuel economy and that the engines, with barely 1000km on the clock, were hardly run in. But as a sport model, the XD Astina wants to be driven enthusiastically, and in that sense our average number of 7.9L/100km is really not too bad.

The Mazda3 XD Astina arrives as standard with the same equipment levels as the petrol-powered SP25 Astina. Highlights include a sunroof, radar cruise control, suede and leather combination trim for the seats (heated at the front and powered for the driver), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, nine-speaker audio system, sat-nav, push-button start, reversing camera and dual-zone climate-control.

Minor aesthetic changes include SKYACTIV-D badging on the tailgate, red grille accents and red stitching across the seats, steering wheel and (model-specific) floor mats.

Agile, confident and with a tenacious grip on the road, the XD Astina is a diesel-powered hatch offering plenty of fun. Though at $40,230 (plus ORCs) in manual guise and $42,230 (plus ORCs) for the automatic, we’re not sure there’ll be many that can resist the allure of similarly priced hot hatches offering (arguably) greater badge cred.

2014 Mazda3 XD Astina hatch pricing and specifications:
Price: $40,230 / $42,230 (plus on-road costs)