1st Mazda 3 Fastback

Sharp looks and sharp drive give four-door version of family car the edge in this test

THE Mazda 3 Fastback is based on the regular 3, but with its rear-end redesign it’s a true saloon. As a result, the boot is deeper and it offers more space than in the standard hatch.

However, it does impact practicality a little in other ways because for most people the hatch version’s easier access will be preferable – and even the i30 Fastback uses a hatchback boot to improve access to the load bay.

Mazda offers a limited range of 3 Fastbacks, with only two trim levels and one engine: this 118bhp 2.0-litre petrol. The good news is that the engine is a highlight of the driving experience.

With no turbocharger, the naturally aspirated unit is smooth and very satisfying to use. You’ll need to keep on top of your gearchanges in order to stay in the power band, but that’s no hardship because the manual gearbox in the 3 Fastback is one of the best in any car, with a delightful, precise and mechanical-feeling shift.

In our in-gear tests the Mazda fell behind slightly, because it doesn’t have the same lowdown torque as the turbo engine in the i30. It took the Mazda 11.4 seconds to cover 50-70mph in fifth, while the i30 was a whole second faster, recording a time of 10.4 seconds. The 3 was also slower in third and fourth from 30-50mph.

While the petrol engines in both cars deliver little more than adequate performance, their appeal is more focused on their refinement. The Mazda is the smoother of the two, and in particular is more hushed at motorway speeds. It will also appeal more for keen drivers despite a performance deficit, because it’s more fun to rev.

Ride comfort is another highly important factor for these two models, and the Mazda has the edge over the i30 here. It rides smoothly over bumps and potholes, both at speed and around town. There’s not a lot in it – both cars are more than comfortable enough – but the Mazda’s better damping puts it ahead here.

It’s also significantly more composed in corners than its rival, and is genuinely fun to drive. The well-weighted controls, balanced chassis and satisfying powertrain mean the 3 is engaging at all speeds in pretty much all environments. The Mazda’s good driving position is also a match for the experience.

Another factor that sets the 3 apart here is its high-quality interior. It doesn’t look quite as modern as many hatchback rivals’, but next to the Hyundai the Mazda’s dashboard is made of more upmarket materials and feels very solid.