An Exhaustive Report by Eric Poon

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Nagare ("Na-ga-reh")

Funny how things always hits you when you least expect it. However, this is something that was not entirely unexpected. Its Writer's Block, Re-Visited. For the brief moments in time not too long ago, when I had the Mazda 3 in my hands, I had my camera equipment in the back seat along with my notepad. As I journeyed with the 3, I'd take some quick stops by the roadside, outside a cafe, at the traffic light to make short notes of the 3's characteristic, performance, convenience etc. Despite it all, despite the few pages of 'short notes', I'm still left without a word fitting enough to describe what I went through a few days ago.  Probably, by the end of this article, I hope to have found that one word that is eluding me. 

The 2010 Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, actually most new Mazda models embraces the Nagare concept. Nagare is Japanese for Flow and the Embodiment of Motion.  This was under the direction of Mazda’s new General Manager of the Design Division, Laurens van den Acker, the challenge given to the team was to “invent a novel means of registering motion in vehicles whether they’re moving or still.” Nagare also signals a “fresh design direction” for future Mazda vehicles, according to the company. “Mazda doesn’t produce concept cars to spin its wheels, and while some are more forward-looking than others, we simply do not create pure flights of fantasy. We develop these ideas to demonstrate what we really intend to build and sell,” said Mazda design director Franz von Holzhausen.

As I toy with the words flowing in motion all around me, I leave you with the review of the 2010 MAZDA 3 SPORT 2.0 

The Mazda design team has stuck very closely to the Nagare concept they showcased 4 years ago and it really shows in the design of the Mazda 3. The lines form a very graceful flow along the body which captured my attention. Its like seeing the flow of art in motion. The front end of the 3 is simply beautiful, each and every line, curve, vent and garnish have a very purposeful air of intent in them. I'm thinking of a graceful dancer with a paper umbrella twirling in the cherry blossoms while i'm watching in slow motion. BANG! The Mazda 3 has already subliminally planted some visions of fantasy in my head whilst my fingers work their way along its body. 

I try to stay focused, I really do. and I open the front door and drop myself onto the seats. Hmm, comfortable, and that center digital dash is illuminated with the words "Zoom Zoom" and the meter cluster illuminates with a gentle "Bing Bong" sound that sounds simply luxurious. Its seems that the designers at Mazda didn't stop with the Nagare concept being on the outside, they brought it inside as well.

Everything in the interior seems to flow into the right places which makes it a pleasant sight. You get the feeling that everything is right and that is a huge plus point as its helps one feel relaxed and at ease. It feels very Zen, with some Japanese-like serenity. The center dash has the player mounted right in the center with the air cond controls sitting below it. With a twist of the key, I fired the 3 up to be greeted by a slight purr from the engine. Damn, even the sound insulation is good. 

Now, I'm used to driving cars with bare basic functional interiors. In other words, a purely focused drivers' car and its only luxuries are 2 Airbags, a CD player and Air Conditioning. With the Mazda 3, I feel like a kid once more, in a huge toystore where every single function and button made me go, Wow!. What was considered to be luxury appointments (i.e: onboard digital computer, dual zone air conditioning, paddle shift transmission) a few years ago is found in the Mazda 3 today. Every little button on the Mazda simply amazed me. It was like being in a fighter jet's cockpit, only this is uber cool. 6 airbags within a black interior with a generous helping of matte silver trimmings is the order of the day for the 3's interior. 

The meter cluster has a very beautiful backlight which a mix of dark and light blue and orange for the digits while the left of the top tier shows the dual climate air conditioning readouts, the audio player display, and the right shows the readings from the on-board computer which displays (all in one long breath), outside temp, clock, service due, tire alignment and rotation, fuel consumption, average speed, distance till next re-fuel stop, speed limit warning set, and the list goes on. All of this is controlled via the buttons on the steering. 

The steering is also another work of art. It feels very good to hold and there's an instant connection between me and the 3. Despite the array of buttons and the paddle shifters laid out on the steering, it does not hamper the grip while driving. Only thing that took some getting used to was the 'UP' and 'DOWN' shift paddles on the same side, both sides of the steering. 

No shortage of compartments in the 3 and everything is easily accessible without causing much distraction to the driver. Another plus point.

Already smitten by all that my eyes could behold. I drove off from the Mazda Dealership, Bermaz Motor and made my way to the places I knew best that would, hopefully, bring out the best in the Mazda 3.

The 2010 Mazda 3 is powered by a peppy, rev happy 2-litre, variable valve timing inline four engine which is carried over from the previous model but now mated to a 5-speed drive-by-wire automatic gearbox for better fuel economy. This engine is a new generation Mazda MZR engine that comes with S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing), VIS (Variable Induction System), ECT (Electronically Controlled Throttle), TSCV (Tumble Swirl Control Valve).

Engine power is rated at 145 PS @ 6,500 RPM and a heady 182 NM of Torque @ 4,500 RPM. Engine compression is a decent 10.0:1. All these features implemented in the new MZR engine was meant for low emissions and better fuel economy but its no slouch on power either as it demonstrates quick throttle response from standstill and just continues zooming from there on.

The engine has a delightful sporty note when revved and the induction sound is just nice. One beautiful feature is that, when you switch to manual mode, floor the throttle and the tires light up a little and watch the revs zoom past the redline and all the way to 7,300 RPM before cut off. Now, that's what I call enjoyment.  

Transmission is an Activematic 5-speed auto with a direct shift mode. Gear change is smooth and slick but once driven hard, I could extract that 'Dual Clutch' feel during downshifts. The 3 however, has a safety feature to prevent the engine from over-revving. So, if you're thinking of doing that high revving downshift, this may come as a slight disappointment to you. Get the revs down to around 6,200 RPM and hit the 'DOWN' button to downshift from which ever gear you're at. So, you'll have to play around with your brakes and transmission, which will take a little while getting used to, but you will never feel shortchanged. 

The moment I left Bermaz Motor, I already had the ideal test location in mind. I decided it was to be in the hills, Bukit Tinggi to be precise. With a fair bit of highway in between and some urban roads it looked to be the ideal proving grounds to test the 3's mettle. I headed home, packed in my camera equipment and my notepad, headed over to my good friend's place, had a spot of lunch and made our way up. 

The roads that led up to Bukit Tinggi was none other than the infamous Karak Highway. Its a highway of twists and bends with uphill turns and downhill straights and plenty of blind corners that entice the unwary. Even before hitting the hills, this was already a challenge. My foot was constantly at full throttle, occasionally nudging the brakes and downshifting to overtake the rest on the road. Funnily enough, as I'm driving, the flow of time seems to stop for the outside world and before I know it, the speedo is reading 170 KM/H. Wind noise levels are low, and the engine note is barely audible at that speed, so much so I can still carry out a very decent conversation with my buddy in the front passenger seat. 

To get the most out of the Mazda, you'd have to have your foot planted on full throttle most of the time and never letting the revs dip below 4,000 RPM. Not that this is a bad thing. I get to exploit every single usable horse under the hood and draw out its maximum potential. From standstill, the pickup response is amazing and before I know it, my fingers are hitting the 'UP' paddle and the revs are shifting at 7,300 RPM and by then 3 is already hitting speeds exceeding 160 KM/H. 

The Mazda 3 comes equipped with 17" rims and 205/50/R17 profile tires along with a front Macpherson strut and a E-Type Multi Link rear suspension setup. On the go at lower speeds, the suspension is pliant and very comfortable. Its suppleness belies its true nature and intentions.

Once the Mazda 3 is up to speeds above 80 KM/H, it takes on a serious personality and the handling nothing short of  amazing. Actually amazing is not the word I'm looking for. It transcends amazement. I felt so connected with the 3, it gives me the confidence and goads me on gently. The steering feel is sharp and responsive. The chassis is lively and very capable. The chassis responds to every ministrations of the throttle and poises it self in that nano second to any sudden movements. It is a very involving drive but not tiresome. I feel like I could go on all day. The 3 is taut, very taut. Its also agile, sharp and very precise. Looks like the old Mazda adage, "Jinba Ittai" - One Rider, One Horse working as one, made found its way into the Mazda 3 and blends in harmony with the Nagare concept making it a very complete car for the masses and enthusiasts alike. 

The Mazda 3's chassis is also very forgiving to driving errors and just when you think the 3 is going to lose it, it corrects itself very naturally. So all I do is downshift from 4th to 3rd to 2nd, my foot on full throttle and let the chassis and suspension work its magic as the plows through the corners of Bukit Tinggi and Karak Highway.

Brakes are vented discs for the front and solid discs for the rear. However, I found the brakes a tad too soft for my liking. More pressure needs to be applied to get the brakes to bite, but nothing that I can't adapt to in a short space of time while I'm in the 3.

The Mazda 3 has enough luxury functions to pamper a primadonna and that is saying a lot. First there's the sweet Auto Cruise function that works like a charm, all controlled via the steering. Then there's this Auto Headlight function that switches the headlights on when it goes dark and also the Auto Wipers with the auto rain-sensing function. 

Lighting-wise, it comes with a Bi-Xenon Projector headlamps which practically turns night into day and there's also the LED tail lamps which add that extra touch of luxury to the Mazda 3. Another great feature is the anti-pinch window function on all windows with a remote control function.

Seats are snug and comfortable but they hold very well and has good lumbar support, not to mention that legroom for the rear passengers are good. 4 huge adults can sit comfortably without feeling claustrophobic and cramped. Boot space is a huge 430 liters which swallows up a good amount of luggage for the whole family.

The best of all that impressed me the most, is the rear view mirror with the auto anti-glare or auto dimming function that has a light sensor that reacts to any glaring light source and instantly dims the rear view mirror to avoid eye irritation for the driver.

Its all these little bits of technology that makes the already good Mazda 3 a great car.

• Taut, agile, sharp and precise handling
• Steering is sharp, snappy and responsive
• The chassis and suspension work in perfect harmony and responds to the driver's throttle input
• Beautifully designed exterior and interior
• Induction note is sporty and sweet and Engine revs close to 7,500 RPM.
• Throttle response, seamless gear change and power delivery
• Invokes excitement and inspires confidence
• Small turning radius
• All the luxury bits that would impress anyone that steps in to the car
• Fantastic driving position and view

• Braking needs to be firmer
• Handbrake lever a little too far for reach 
• Lacking the water temperature gauge
• Power window buttons a little too high for convenience during driving

There are cars that are built for the mass market, unexciting, dull, boring and everything that falls in between those words. And then, there are cars designed for a greater purpose, for a higher calling. More often than not, the general public would choose the former. Why? Because it has extra cup holders, compartments and a boot the size of a Tesco Hypermarket. Personally, I always choose to see beyond the superficial bits printed on the brochure. 

A car is not just a tool to get one from A To B. Its what's between A and B that matters the most. Its not the destination, its the drive, the journey. The Mazda 3 is the embodiment of this.

The Mazda 3 is not just a car. Its a work of art on wheels crafted by brilliant artisans and its not just a looker, its a drivers' car. Personally, its a car for the boy racer who's grown up to be a family man and yet still seeks the thrill of the drive. Its refined and has class and finesse, but will bare its fangs and claws when the need arises. The drive is fun and involving yet never tiresome. I could just downshift to 2nd and put my foot on full throttle and watch the magic unfold as the chassis and suspension weaves its ways through any corner or during high speed lane changes.

The list of equipment still leaves me in awe as, all the little bits of technology comes bundled together in a very neat and tidy package.

It may not be huge on horsepower and you need to throttle it to get the power and torque out, but the Mazda 3 is all about balance, so one is able to enjoy decent straight line performance and yet have a huge amount of fun through the corners. The 3 is an immensely capable car and it strikes the right note in me that made me feel so connected with it. It just feels so right, like meeting that one person that just completes you. 

I remember myself bracing for the inevitable as I return the keys to Bermaz Motor, the Malaysian distributors for the Mazda 3, my heart was filled with the indescribable feeling of sadness and emptiness in knowing that I've left a part of me in the awesome 3. A perfect combination of sheer driving pleasure and luxury.

Coming back to the word I was looking for. Its not ecstasy, nor fantastic, nor pleasurable. I still can't find that one word to embody the feeling I had the moment I stepped into the Mazda 3. I believe its the combination of these 3 words and then some. Seriously, there's no word to describe the immense feeling of joy and wonder for the experience I had in those 4 magical days.