Kentmotors

Lexus takes a leap of faith

ES is a nameplate steeped in history. Roll back to 1989, and the launch of the Lexus globally, the ES was one of two cars tasked with allowing this new Japanese firm to take on traditional premium rivals - and its success has seen it now enter its seventh-generation. Despite that, this is the first iteration of the executive saloon coming to the UK, replacing the slow-selling GS.

The adoption of an electronic parking brake frees up space for a twin cup-holder while the door pockets are wider and deeper. The boot is capacious – the hatchback tested here can swallow 364 litres (1,263 with the standard 60:40 split rear seats stowed away) while the Fastback can accommodate 419 litres – so there’s ample room for the weekly shop and all the other odds and ends that accumulate in a family runaround. Mazdas have always justifiably been lauded for their poise and handling and the 3 is no exception. The steering is direct and informative making it relatively easy, even for a novice driver, to exploit the talented chassis and generous amount of front end grip. The brakes are excellent, providing consistent braking force while the six-speed manual is as slick and precise as they come, not that you’ll be swapping cogs too often because the 2.2-litre diesel pulls well from low down and shows great flexibility right across the power band. In fact, the car feels quicker than the 8.1-second 0-62mph time suggests and, in my humble opinion, is probably just about worthy of the Sport moniker. The diesel’s flexibility – as well as its excellent refinement – means that the 3 is a competent longrange cruiser. The ride is absorbent, cosseting, and there’s very little intrusive noise to complain about, either from the engine or other exterior sources. The current Mazda3 is five years old now and it’s even starting to feel like an age since it received its mid-life revisions but, the fact is, it has lost none of its lustre. It still feels like a premium product and its ride and handling remain a highlight. It’s facing ever-tougher competition but if you’re one of the diminishing number of people who aren’t trading their hatchbacks for compact SUVS, the Mazda3 still deserves a place on your list of maybes.