Test drive Hyundai i30 Fastback vs Mazda 3: design matters

Competition between two elegant compact models

Two new models are preparing to attack the compact class with their eye-catching styling, and the Mazda 3 is adding mild hybrid technology. It's time for her to face the sleek Hyundai i30 Fastback.

To be a model in the golf class, there are two more basic recipes for success. At least, this is the situation in the European market: for this, the model must either be as close as possible in quality to the market leader, or, conversely, do everything radically differently. Undoubtedly, the Japanese company Mazda has a wonderful tradition of resisting fashion and doing things its own way - including the Hiroshima company is now going against the downsizing trend, and successfully. And also in terms of design - the new, fourth generation of the "troika", like most other models of the brand, has an extremely characteristic appearance. According to Mazda's press release, the car's design is a new interpretation of the Kodo design line.

Let's pay due attention to the new version in the Hyundai i30 line. The Fastback version has a specially shaped rear end, which creates associations with some Sportback models. Audi - The i30 also appears to be ambitious to take its place among the design models in its segment. In addition, equipped with a 1,4-liter petrol turbo engine, it is sold at a very reasonable price.

Mazda 3 is quite affordable

Mazda 3 with a two-liter Skyactiv 122 hp gasoline engine and the manual transmission has an impressive base price. The safety package includes a 360-degree camera, traffic jam and parking assistance with the ability to stop the car, while the Style package includes other key elements, including LED matrix headlights.

For an i30 Fastback in an expensive Premium version, it is desirable to invest in a very profitable navigation system. Comfort front seats with leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and ventilated can be ordered in an optional package. The nearly 4000 leva surcharge for a dual-clutch transmission in the Hyundai doesn't seem particularly necessary, though the shifting in the Korean model isn't as precise and pleasant as in the Mazda. For gasoline models of the Japanese brand, a six-speed automatic with a torque converter is offered as an option, which, however, is recommended only for people who do not want to drive a car with a manual transmission at any cost. After all, it is a fact that even without an automatic transmission of a naturally aspirated two-liter engine, it is quite difficult to impress us with dynamics - especially at a time when we are pampered by the powerful thrust of turbochargers. Against the backdrop of forced charging competitions, the smoothly increasing power of the Skyactiv engine seems pleasant, but not very impressive. Interestingly, according to real measurements, the objective difference is not very significant, because for the intermediate sprint from 80 to 120 km / h, the i30 is faster than 3 by only about a second. Yes, it's a considerable amount, but it's nowhere near as many as the subjective feeling of driving a show. There are no drastic differences in fuel consumption, despite the two engine concepts being so different.

Mazda is more economical

In most day-to-day operation, the naturally aspirated Mazda engine is more economical and consumes on average about half a liter per hundred kilometers less than the i30 with its turbocharged engine. Almost nothing is felt from the mild hybrid technology, except for the surprisingly mild start-stop operation. The Hyundai turbocharger has 18 hp. and 29 Nm more, responds more sharply to acceleration and allows you to drive with fewer gear changes. That his work is one idea coarser can only be established by direct comparison of the two models.

Otherwise, the Hyundai is generally the more comfortable car in this comparison. It rolls over bumps more smoothly than a one-piece Mazda, has better seats, and feels roomier inside. 3 has a fairly stiff chassis setup, and especially on bumpy roads, the rear end bounces quite uncontrollably. Transverse junctions of bridges and highways are also a major concern for Mazda's behavior. For this reason, leisurely and comfortable travel is the priority of the i30 Fastback, whose trunk is also larger and more comfortable than the 3. In fact, behind the trendy Fastback name lies a well-known concept that combines the practicality of a station wagon with a pronounced external elegance.

The fact that Mazda has a 7,5cm longer wheelbase for the same overall body length does not show up in the interior volume. However, the advantages of the Japanese model of this feature are felt when driving fast in corners. He is significantly more energetic when changing direction, is extremely accurate and behaves in a neutral and confident manner. These disciplines are not top notch for the i30 Fastback. Its front end feels a lot heavier, its demeanor is more awkward, and its handling is far from dynamic. At least, these are the subjective impressions behind the wheel of both cars. Objective measurements show that the i30 is actually even slightly more likely to penetrate between the pylons than the Mazda 3.

Intuitive i30 ergonomics

Mazda's novelty is an ergonomic concept that targets German competitors with its push-and-turn control. Working with most elements is extremely convenient, not a very good impression is left by the small screen of the infotainment system and the many buttons on the steering wheel. The i30, like most models of the South Korean concern, has a completely different concept: a lot of clearly defined buttons for individual functions and the most simplified ergonomics instead of endless digging into the menus and submenus of a distracting touchscreen. This earns Hyundai a few extra points in the function control score, which, combined with balanced comfort and a more punchy engine, gives it a clear advantage over Mazda in the final rankings of this comparison test.

Text: Heinrich Lingner

Photo: Ahim Hartmann

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