The market place for this size of vehicle is primarily Astra and Focus but the people who look outside the box and look at other vehicles apart from the mainstream have been surprised and well pleased with the Mazda3.
There is a new 2.2 litre diesel being entered into this smaller body shell and with a choice of 150 bhp or 185 bhp from this engine it is going to be a little pocket rocket.
The 3 has always been an extremely good seller and the new 20 strong model line-up comprising 16 hatchback and four saloons has introduced a more striking design with higher levels of interior comfort and Mazda suggest a premium cabin environment.
I’m not quite certain what that means, all I know is the interior of the two vehicles that I test drove were was extremely accommodating, extremely comfort and showed no discernable problems whatsoever.
The 3 was one of those vehicles that when I sat in it I immediately felt at home and comfortable and the driving dynamics of the two vehicles I drove proved to be very successful and a surprise to me in which one would be my choice.
New body
The body style has been tweaked somewhat. The sides and the rear section really stand out and you need to place the old and new models side by side to see the differences.
The designers have introduced a line mid-way down both front and rear doors and a section at the bottom of the doors, which I initially thought was painted on as a side skirt, is part of the formation of the panels and it really gives a wonderful look.
The new 3s are going to be offered with the choice of four petrol and three diesel engines, the petrol options include a 1.6 litre producing 105 bhp, and a 2-litre with 150 bhp and a choice of either a new five-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission.
A 2.3 litre, fire-breathing 260 bhp turbo is being introduced later during the year. The diesels are a 1.6 litre 109 bhp and the new 2.2 litre, which will produce either 150 or 185 bhp.
With the new shape of the Mazda having a lower drag factor and also a reduction in weight the power aspects were always going to be good. CO2 levels are important and it is pleasing to note they have been cut quite substantially.
Reduced road tax
For example the petrol is now down to 159 from 189 due in part to new technology. The little 1.6 diesel has also been reduced to 119 which, of course, means that road tax will be reduced especially on the higher 2.3 litre which is now down to £215 from a hefty £405.
The driving dynamics were, to be quite honest, an amazing adventure. If you have the opportunity even if you are not in the market place go and ask for a test drive in the 2.2. litre diesel.
Take someone with you and then ask him or her at the end of your test drive if they thought you had been driving a diesel.
I have been writing about cars and driving various types of cars for more years that I care to remember and my colleague and I were both astounded at the performance of the 2.2 litre 150 bhp engine.
We were both unable to believe that we were driving a diesel - there was no clatter, the performance was excellent, it revved like a diesel should not do, and all in all it really was a pleasant vehicle.
The big surprise to us both was the model that we would buy if it were our purse strings that were being loosened; it was surprisingly enough the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol at a price on the road of £13,500.
Great handling
This vehicle was superb, it handled beautifully, to use a cliche it went around bends as if it was on rails, it had no pitching or wallowing, the brakes were excellent and the 1.6 litre engine albeit only producing 105 bhp was a little gem.
It responded to every request you made of it, it’s power output was sufficient to give a top speed of 114 mph, and a 0 - 60 of marginally over 12 seconds, it should return 44 mpg on the combined cycle and just over 30 mpg around town. For us that was the star performer of the package.
Mazda badge their vehicles as S, TS and TS2, and the level of equipment is on the high side with all of them.
Our entry-level derivative, for example included air conditioning, trip computer, height and reach adjustable steering wheel and a height adjustable driver’s seat.
It had electric front windows and remote control central locking with deadlocks, Safety has not been overlooked either with a plethora of air bags and in addition ABS with electric brake distribution, also traction control.
This, bear in mind, on the entry level vehicle and included in the package a Thatcham Category 1 anti-theft alarm and an engine immobiliser. So all in all the entry-level vehicle with a brilliant 1.6 litre engine is the one that ticked the box for me.
Metallic finish
One particular feature which is absolutely astounding on the new Mazda 3 is the mica-paint finish - the level and the depth of the metallic nature has to be seen and once more visit the dealership just to have a look at this paint.
On the new vehicles it is stunning and astounding, I dread and I fear for the poor body shop people who will have to try and match this in the event of an unfortunate dink on your vehicle.
The range prices start with the five-door at £13,500 and will top out at £21,000 with the 2.3 litre MPS when it is introduced later in the year.
Mazda gives a three-year or 60,000 miles warranty and in addition a three-year European Roadside Assistance package is included.
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