For the first time in my life I bought a car I consider a piece of art. A 2018 Mazda 3 hatchback in Machine Grey, 6 speed manual transmission and Skyactiv-G 2.0 petrol engine, which is a naturally aspirated engine. It’s an import from Germany, the Pfalz region to be specific. This special edition called ‘Nakama’ was presumably only sold in Germany. The only press release I can find is in German. The Nakama version has dark grey 18-inch rims and a semi-premium package including heated seats and steering wheel. In Japanese, nakama (仲間) means colleague, compatriot, friend or comrade.

Now it’s time to beat the hell out of this car and get it dirty.

Previous car: my 2015 Renault Clio IV Grandtour in color ‘Gris Cassiopée’ with a very fuel efficient 1.5 dCi diesel engine. Mercedes uses this (K9K*846) engine in its A and B classes.