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Entering Lipa City, the stop-and-go traffic required two different sorts of disciplines: quick steering and sure-footed braking. Good thing the 3 had both. It was maneuverable under the tightest conditions, helped by the small turning radius, quick steering and excellent all-around visibility. Braking was not a problem on the 3 as it had four-wheel disc brakes as standard. Again, although the 2.0R had the advantage of anti-lock brakes, the 1.6S had a good pedal feel and great bite—the marks of a well-engineered driver’s car. Reaching BRC, the convoy arrived just on schedule to start the day’s activities. With safety remaining one of Mazda’s main thrusts, a quick rundown on circuit racing do’s and don’ts (e.g. proper slalom techniques, braking, racing line) was administered by JP Tuason and his crack driving school team. Supposedly just an appetizer to the day’s main autocross event, everyone had their fill of the 3’s acceleration, braking and handling. Remaining standard, including tire pressure, both the 1.6S and 2.0R handled each challenge well, gaining the respect of just about everyone present. Don Gelinas, Ford’s VP for Finance, mentioned that the 3 was the fountain of youth on wheels. On the track, as it was on the open road, the Mazda3 remained 100 percent predictable and easy to drive on the limit, even on the rain-soaked tarmac. The steering was immaculate, turning the 3 with almost telepathic precision. Body roll was controlled on both models, though the 1.6-liter had a tad more understeer, a given because of its smaller 15-inch tire package. There were a few frightening moments where driver error caused more than one 3 to spin, but overall, the 3 received a standing ovation even from JP Tuason himself. As the day started fading away, it was time to start the autocross. Everything learned and practiced with the 3 would be put to a test in a specially-made course. It combined all sorts of obstacles from slalom, braking, maneuvering and (gasp!) even parallel parking. For an added challenge, everyone was using the 1.6S—so no anti-lock brakes and no sporty suspension to help. Even so, everyone made it through the course—some even managing to show off with a couple of handbrake turns and locked wheels. In the end, who won or what followed wasn’t the most important fact. What was more important was this event served as a, pardon the pun, quick reminder of the Mazda3’s first birthday. While others may be more than happy to celebrate success and anniversaries with unnecessary pomp and pageantry, the 3’s birthday bash was in-your-face and direct to the point; much like the car and the company behind it then. With such an exciting first year, things are certainly looking more ‘zoom-zoom’ for the 3’s coming birthdays. |
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