The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)

Mid-size Mazda is sharp suited

Jack McKeown is pleasantly surprised with the Japanese brand’s sporty all-rounder

-

Mazda’s 3 is a mid-size hatchback that’s always managed to hold its own in a crowded field.

Good looks, decent driving dynamics and the Japanese firm’s excellent reliabilit­y have ensured its popularity.

It competes in a talented field topped by the superb Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

Formerly budget models such as the Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30 are now excellent, and premium cars such as the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class are there to tempt buyers to spend a little bit more.

Safe to say the new Mazda 3 has its work cut out. One thing in its favour is its appearance. Its squat, sporty shape is closely related to the Kai concept car Mazda revealed two years ago.

Couple it with Mazda’s stunning soul red colour and you’ve got one of the

best-looking hatchbacks out there.

Where many rivals are cutting engine sizes, going for 1.0 litre three cylinder engines with turbos, Mazda is sticking with tried-andt-ested larger capacity units, albeit with a lot of engineerin­g wizardry to keep emissions and fuel consumptio­n low.

The 3 is available with just two engines – a 2.0 litre petrol and a 1.8 litre diesel, with 122 and 116bhp respective­ly.

The petrol has a 24v mild hybrid system and cylinder deactivati­on technology, which allows it to break 40mpg in real-world driving.

On a launch event that took us from Edinburgh deep into rural Northumber­land, I drove both engines. The petrol is smoother and quieter, while its lighter weight makes the car handle better.

Unless you do mega miles, it’s the one to go for (the stats shown opposite are for the petrol in GT Sport trim).

A new engine called “Skyactiv-X” will be added later this year, which promises diesel economy from a petrol unit.

Inside, there’s plenty of room in the front and a very large boot. Space in the rear is a bit pinched though.

The infotainme­nt system is better than any of its rivals. A rotary controller and buttons make it much safer

and easier to use than a touchscree­n when on the move.

Prices start at £20,595, which is good value when you consider Mazda has to pay a 10% import tariff (set to drop to zero due to a free trade agreement between Japan and the EU).

The 3 doesn’t shine in any one department but it’s an excellent all-rounder.

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? The new Mazda 3 is a sharp-looking hatchback with a smart interior
The new Mazda 3 is a sharp-looking hatchback with a smart interior
 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom