Mazda 3
 | | Mazda 3 |
MAZDA'S latest Ford Focus rival, the 3, has swapped its rather plain and dumpy exterior for a brand new dynamic shape - and, boy, does it look good!
With a five-star crash rating, a wide range of engines and its dynamic appearance, the latest 3 is well prepared to win sales from its big European rivals like the aforementioned Ford and, of course, the Volkswagen Golf.
 | | Mazda 3 interior |
And even though the latest 3 is sitting on the same chassis as its predecessor, the newcomer's eye-catching appearance will transform people's first impressions.
Curvaceous sides and front and rear lights which project out from the bodywork give the Japanese car a three-dimensional, tactile feel that's a world apart from the previous generation.
So performance seems to be what this hatchback is all about - and in the 2.2 litre diesel tested, the latest 3 proves exactly that with quite eye-opening combination of acceleration and economy.
Available with either 147bhp or 182bhp, the engine also sees service in Mazda's bigger 6 model. Smooth and surprisingly revvy for a diesel, the 147bhp, 360Nm torque version - which is linked to a notchy short-shift six-speed gearbox - delivers an effortless drive and quite happily delivers fuel economy in the mid-50mpg range even when driven reasonably hard.
Unfortunately, hard is also the only way to describe the suspension set-up in the 2.2 Sport model tested - and the post-winter pot-holed roads around the London and south east really expose the 3's shortcomings in the comfort department.
Find a smooth, flat piece of tarmac and things do improve - and it's here you'll appreciate the 3's taught handling, informative steering and strong brakes.
Stability control is a vital safety feature that is fitted as standard throughout the range and in Sport trim the equipment levels get even more generous - with a tasteful bodykit, rear privacy glass, 17-inch alloys, a sports exhaust and a 10-speaker BOSE sound system to name but a few.
Space inside is good too - especially in the boot department where the 3 trumps both the Focus and Golf, with a 430-litre load area.
The rear seats fold flat to match the level of the boot floor and rear legroom is generous too.
It's a shame that the plastic door handles and cheap, scratch-prone silver trim around the centre console lower the tone though - and despite an effort to create soft-touch plastics for the main bulk of the dashboard, the general feel is that the 3 still lags quite a way behind both of its main European rivals in terms of interior quality.
However, take a look at the price lists and anyone tempted by the 3 Sport will be quids in.
With the five-door 138bhp Golf GT priced at £21,455 and the 134bhp Focus Zetec S at £21,702, the £18,440 Mazda looks quite a bargain - not only packing in more standard equipment but also a more powerful engine.
On looks alone the latest 3 is a massive improvement, so if you
can live with the Sport's harder ride and cheaper interior then this Japanese hatch comes highly recommended.
- Neil Greenfield
Mazda 3 Sport 2.2D 148bhp - from £18,440
|
|
|