Despite a facelift, the 3 still looks a little bland and dated. However, it certainly has a place in this sector of the market, with good build and reliability high on everyone's customer satisfaction survey. But it doesn't match the Golf, for instance, on interior trim or performance.
Three petrol engines are available: 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 litres. Even the 1.4 is adequate, but it has to be revved hard to get anything out of it. There are also 89bhp 1.6ltr, 108bhp 1.6ltr and 141bhp 2.0ltr diesels. Fuel consumption is good with all engines and the emissions are low enough to score high on the company car tax bands. The 2.0tr petrol and the diesels are a little noisy at low speeds or when revved high, but otherwise the wind and road noise are acceptable.
The ride is firm, especially at slow speeds, but the car is not uncomfortable. Different steering mechanics are used in different models, with the 1.6ltr engines having hydraulic power steering and the 2.0ltr an electric-hydraulic system.
Airbags, anti lock brakes and brake force distribution are standard, with stability and traction control on everything from the TS2 model up. Otherwise, there are generous levels of equipment.
Insurance is in groups 4-9
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Mazda 3.