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Mazda 3 2.2D Sport

We get behind the wheel of the powerful diesel version of facelifted Mazda 3

Mazda 3 front cornering

By Luke Madden

January 2012

  • Rating:
Mazda has introduced a new and improved 3 for the New Year, but does the updated VW Golf rival have what it takes to steal a few more sales from mainstream offerings?

Although the facelifted 3 doesn’t look much different to before, it’s benefited from a few subtle exterior changes. Take a close look at the front end and you’ll notice a softer grille, while at the rear the light reflectors are moved to the outer edges of the bumper so the car appears wider.

The subtle approach continues inside, with a simplified centre console, improved instrument dials and a new gearshift indicator between the speedometer and rev counter. Unfortunately, the quality of the plastics on the dashboard and door panels still leaves a lot to be desired, with the materials feeling 
hard and scratchy.

We tested the 182bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel – apart from the MPS hot hatch, this is the fastest and most expensive car in the line-up. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, but what impresses more is the mid-range shove, which makes the 3 ideal for overtaking. Thankfully, the diesel engine is also smooth and refined on the move.

Mazda has made a few subtle changes to the engine so fuel economy is improved by 3.5 per cent to 52.3mpg. CO2 emissions are down from 149g/km to 144g/km, too – both very impressive figures for the performance on offer.

If the powerful diesel isn’t the right choice for you, there’s also a 148bhp version of the 2.2D, as well as a 1.6-litre diesel which is now more frugal, returning 65.7mpg. The entry-level 1.6-litre petrol engine is unchanged, but updates to the 2.0 petrol engine have improved average economy to 42mpg.

The Mazda has always been good to drive, and with a few tweaks to the dampers and a more rigid body the handling is tighter than ever. The electro-hydraulic power-steering is well weighted, provides a decent amount of feedback and is quick to respond. Combine all this with the firm suspension, and the 3 is the perfect choice for twisty back roads.

Our only complaints concern the driving position – the steering wheel doesn’t extend far enough towards the driver – and the notchy gearshift. Once on the move, shifting up and down through the gears is easy, but we found selecting first, second and reverse tough at times.

Other 3s we’ve driven haven’t suffered this problem, but with only 300 miles on the clock, we reckon our test car would loosen up a few months down the line.

In addition, the 3 feels slightly less comfortable than the likes of the Golf and Ford Focus, with rough roads sending a few more jolts into the cabin than you might normally expect. But when you look at what great value for money this 2.2D model represents, you realise you can probably live with these gripes. 

The only diesel-engined Golf with comparable performance is the GTD, and that’s nearly £4,000 more expensive than the £20,895 Mazda. Plus, the new car comes loaded with equipment. Heated front seats, integrated sat-nav (although the screen is far too small), keyless go and rear parking sensors are all included as standard on the 3, but will cost VW buyers extra. Take all that into account and this Mazda begins to look like a bit of a bargain.

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5 Comments

Subtle facelift,

but thats no bad thing as the 3 was always good to look at.

By cousins11 on 19 January, 2012, 3:16pm

look at picture number 4, the paint finish is terrible, I havent seen paint that bad for years.

By Shaun34 on 19 January, 2012, 6:47pm

not impressed

i currently drive a mazda 3 2.2 185ps and have thoroughly enjoyed it over the past 2 1/2 years. now im due a replacement in september but this update wont be on my list.
the facelift is far too minor and they have tinkered with the interior in a negative way in my opinion, it looks dull now with all black contrast.

however the thing for me is that mazda dont seem to be following the technology route like other manufacturers. i mean you pay 21,000 for the car and they cant even supply you with a USB port. it was always lacking from my current car. Then you have the likes of the new ford focus with all its gorgeous techno gadgets and none of these are available on the mazda.
i always found that mazda did not utilise the sat nav screen on the car to its full potential, such as showing scrolling album information etc etc.
All in all i think ill be passing on this and looking elsewhere. Shame it could have been so much better 2nd time round

By dja55 on 19 January, 2012, 7:14pm

You can shove your techno gadgets

I suggest you go a price some of this techno rubbish Ford is putting in their cars...YOU WILL fall over at the replacement costs for control modules....besides the 'toys', you need to look ahead and DRIVE, not play...cars are not toys.

Now as for the Mazda3, Europe (UK) missed out on the ALL new
Mazda ONLY Skyactiv Engines in both petrol and diesel....same engines (basically) as the all new CX-5.

USA and Australia already are selling the updated 3 with the new engines...UK/Europe will be in the Spring 2012..

Better mileage, better performance and a Diesel which beats any other...worth the wait.

By rx88888888 on 20 January, 2012, 11:45pm

No matter what make of car you choose replacement parts are expensive. Some of the small electronic parts are ridiculously expensive. That's why I'd never have a modern day car out of warranty.
I suppose not everyone needs to drive a car to its maximum at every opportunity, so are happy with a high spec nippy comfortable car full of neat technological touches.
I agree that the new sky active engines sound marvellous but I wouldn't be surprised as with every other manufacturer that the mpg is well overstated. Loved driving my Mazda 3 but ready for a few new toys and something a bit higher up the mpg chart. Toys don't mean safe driving goes out the window.

By dja55 on 21 January, 2012, 6:06pm

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Mazda 3 front cornering
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FIRST OPINION

    We like the Mazda 3 for its sharp handling and stylish looks and, thankfully, this latest facelift has subtly improved both of those. This 182bhp diesel engine is a perfect fit for the sporty Mazda, with its blistering in-gear punch, while the improved running costs are a bonus. There are still a few drawbacks, such as the cheap-feeling plastics on the dashboard. But when a comparable Golf costs nearly £4,000 more, those complaints begin to feel less and less important. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £20,895
    Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power: 182bhp
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 
    0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
    Top speed: 132mph
    Economy/CO2: 52.3mpg/144g/km
    Equipment: Sat-nav, keyless go, climate control, heated front seats, electric windows
    On sale: Now
     
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