Mazda3 Sport Nav

The Mazda3 Sport Nav is a family hatchback that competes against the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. It's the top-of-the-range model and is available with choice of a 118bhp and 163bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines or a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. The entry-level 99bhp 1.5-litre engine is not available on the Sport Nav trim.

The most efficient of those engines is the 2.2-litre diesel that averages 68.9mpg. The 118bhp returns 55.4mpg, while the more powerdul 161bhp version of the same 2.0-litre average 48.7mpg.

The range-topping Mazda3 comes standard with climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free calling, internet radio, sat-nav, a premium sound system and keyless entry.

Good points

The Mazda3 is a stylish family hatchback that’s also very economical and great fun to drive. The engine range is excellent and mixes decent performance with low running costs.Buy the Mazda3 if you’re looking for a hatchback with a comfortable ride as its suspension does a great job of soaking up the road’s imperfections.Inside, the cabin feels well built and of good quality and there’s plenty of standard equipment.

Bad points

The Mazda3 isn’t a cheap car when you compare it to models like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. Despite being longer than a Ford Focus, the boot is also smaller than its rivals, which is disappointing given the high price.What's more, the efficient petrol engines also have to be worked quite hard with lots of revs to get the most out of them.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Alarm
• Rear parking sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Stop/Start
• Automatic wipers
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Safety pack
• Leather seats

Our choice

It might be the most expensive choice, but our favourite Mazda3 Sport Nav is the one fitted with the 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine. It combines strong performance with low running costs and is surprisingly quiet for a diesel.