Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the Mazda3 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

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The updated version of the third generation Mazda3 may look a whole lot like the previous model, but it packs a bunch of clever changes under the skin to help it remain one of Australia's favourite cars.

One of the most important changes is that the previously optional auto emergency braking is now standard across the board.

The Maxx and above get all the previously optional safety pack features fitted standard, plus rear AEB, but the base Neo still misses out on a standard reversing camera.

Now If you look closely, you can see it does get new headlights that have the chrome grille running into them, along with a new bumper with reshaped openings.

The back of the hatch gets a restyled bumper, but the sedan is exactly the same as before from behind.

The SP25 models also get a slightly different wheel design, and the Astinas get a darker finish like the GT versions of the MX-5.

On the inside theres a bunch of detail changes including the new steering wheel from the CX-9, and the Touring upwards gets an electric handbrake instead of a lever.

The two-litre and 2.5 petrol engines are unchanged from before, along with the choice of manual and auto in any version. The top spec XD Astina diesel has been dropped however due to a lack of popularity.

The chassis does get some big upgrades though, with revised structural elements and springs and dampers, which have improved the refinement and comfort across the board.

The auto also now gets selectable drive modes, which means you can choose between efficiency and a more aggressive Sport setup to the throttle and transmission.

The updated 3 is also the first model to get Mazda's new G-Vectoring Control system, which is an extension of the stability control system that aims to reduce steering inputs and stability at high speed and on slippery surfaces.

We put it to the test on a skidpan and a closed road loop, and you can feel a slight improvement over the old model, with less tendency to slip at the same speeds.

I've never felt there was anything particularly wrong with the suspension setup on the 2.0-litre models with the smaller 16-inch wheels, but the updated 2.5-litre models on tbe bigget 18-inch wheels are now a much better balance between handling and everyday comfort.

The Mazda3 was already a very good small car, but the updated model has been polished in almost every respect to make it that much better. Throw in the improved standard safety gear, and its a very compelling package.

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