2017 Mazda3 SP25 GT Hatch Review | 1000km in Two Days – Putting G-Vectoring Control To The Test
As a brand infused with “zoom zoom” spirit, one of Mazda’s goals is to restore the joy of driving to even its most run-of-the-mill products.
In the case of the new Mazda3 (and the Mazda6), the addition of G-Vectoring Control is a Mazda development designed to make its cars better handling, more agile, and more connected at the wheel.
But there’s more to the system too - Mazda also claims there’s a chance of increased occupant comfort and reduced fatigue. So to put that goal to the test we embarked on an old fashioned Aussie road trip.
Vehicle Style: Small hatch
Price: $31,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 138kW/250Nm 2.5 litre 4cyl petrol | 6sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 6.1 l/100km | Tested: 6.4 l/100km (highway)
OVERVIEW
Though we’re behind the wheel of the Mazda3 SP25 GT, every model in the recently updated Mazda3 range, from the basic Neo all the way to the top-spec Astina, comes fitted with G-Vectoring Control - which operates all the time reducing engine torque during cornering to tip the car’s weight balance forward and settle the front wheels.
What does that do exactly? Well, by increasing front wheel contact it means more stable cornering; and not just big corners either, all those tiny adjustments you make even in a straight line benefit from being more accurate, according to Mazda.