Road Test Mazda3 1.6 TS2 Category: OTR Price Fuel: CO2:
Small Family Hatchback £16,995 43.5 mpg 149g/km
The 104bhp 1.6 petrol isn’t fast but is just about adequate for the job. The engine isn’t the most refined around, but it only gets noisy when you really rev it hard, and it stays reasonably smooth.
It doesn’t cause undue noise on the motorway, either, and because wind and road noise are well contained, the 3 is a decent cruiser. The 3’s low-speed ride is firm, and verges on being uncomfortable. As speed increases, things smooth out only slightly, but there is excellent body control, as well as bags of grip. The steering has virtually no feedback, but it is very responsive and overly light at speed, a combination which makes the car feel twitchy in a bend. The 3 is very aggressively priced compared with most rivals, especially considering the amount of standard kit you get. This 1.6 model is moderately efficient, returning almost 45mpg, but with CO2 emissions of 149g/km, it commands quite high company car tax bills. The cabin isn't as appealing as a VW Golf's, with hard dashboard plastics letting things down. Still, everything you touch feels sturdy, and there's reasonable reassurance in the fact that the 3 was rated as average for its mechanical reliability by owners in the 2012 JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey. As standard, the 3 comes with active front headrests, which minimise whiplash injuries, as well as twin front, side and curtain airbags. Stability and traction control systems are also present and correct, while an alarm and deadlocks help to deter thieves. It's easy to make yourself comfortable, thanks to a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake, and a driver's seat that can be cranked up and down. You also get chunky controls for the stereo and heater, both of which come with cool flashing lights. Shame there are so many buttons on the dash and steering wheel. The 3 is roomy enough, seating four six-footers in comfort. Access to the rear can be a little tricky, though – the gap at the bottom of the doors makes it a bit tight for getting your feet inside, and shoulder space is rather tight, too. The good-sized boot is well shaped, though, and the 60/40 split rear seats fold to make an almost flat extended load floor. In TS2 trim, in addition to the basic remote locking, four electric front windows, alloys and climate control, it adds niceties such as Bluetooth, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. A comprehensive road test report on the Mazda3 can be found at http://www.mermormotormedia.com - 27 -