Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda 3

Facelifted Japanese hatch is surprise package of 2009 with good build quality, great steering and sporty chassis.

Mazda is aiming to shake up the popular trio of the VW Golf, Ford Focusand Vauxhall Astra with its latest family hatch.

We first drove the1.6-litre diesel 3 in January 2009, but it's the 1.6-litre petrol variant that's predicted to be most popular.

Withits sharper face, the new 3 is a distinctive machine. Wide arches, smart 17-inch alloys and bumperspoilers on our TS2 mean the design certainly fits Mazda’s ‘Zoom-Zoom’mantra.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, the layout is well put together, yetit doesn’t live up to the promise of the exterior. We like the rakishaluminium-trimmed dials, but otherwise the cabin is unremarkable

Yeton the road the 3 doesn’t disappoint, and it feels more potent thanthis engine’s 103bhp suggests.

The chassisis what really shines, though. Pliable suspension irons out bumps, andthere’s grip to spare in the bends.

Direct, communicative steeringmakes cornering a rewarding experience. One of the best aspects of thenew 3 is that, at 1,180kg, it’s 15 per cent lighter than before. Thishelps drop CO2 emissions to 149g/km, while the 1.6 petrol model hits45mpg, so it’s greener than its rivals.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,674 off RRP*Used from £8,862
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,481
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card
Presidential Renault Rafale - front static

Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card

The Rafale was chosen to showcase ‘French excellence and art de vivre’
News
16 Jul 2025
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025