Mazda3 hatchback

Drive

The accuracy of the steering gives the Mazda3 a responsive, sporty feel, regardless of engine choice. There's a feeling of well-engineered solidity throughout the car, from the preciseness of the gearchange to the firmness of the brake pedal. Getting a good driving position is a little tricky, as the seat is mounted very low to the floor. However, visibility is still good. Grip levels are high, making the 3 a fun car to drive fast. Recent improvements to suspension have helped ensure the car is a little more comforable on rough roads. Watch out for the top of the range Mazda3 MPS. The 2.3-litre turbocharged 3 MPS is hugely fast, but there's so much power that the car struggles to stay in a straight line during hard acceleration. Its stiffer suspension can make minor bumps feel like big rocks in the road, too.

Comfort

Though the latest 2012 car is definitely more comfortable than the car it replaces, its sporty focus means that it is not as comfortable as rivals. Sport-spec cars ride over potholes a little more harshly, while the MPS is so hard that it becomes tiring. The 3 suffers from some obvious wind and tyre noise, especially on the motorway, but the diesel engines are quiet. Steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo are supposed to make life easier, but there are so many of them that it's actually more confusing.

Reliability

The previous Mazda3 had an excellent reputation for reliability, and this model is no differently. It's built of sturdy stuff, and the cabin plastics feel very hard wearing. It's safe, too, with front, side and curtain airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints and traction control as standard. It's a five-star Euro NCAP rated car, with excellent scores for adult and child protection.

Practicality

There's a useful central storage box and a decently sized glove compartment, but Mazda's 3 is no more practical than any other five-door family hatch. The boot is a nice square shape and there's a standard split-folding rear seat. Its 340-litre capacity is on the small side, and the floor is low so it can be awkward to load.

Value for money

Although entry-level S versions feel basic, more expensive TS and Sport models, with their alloy wheels, climate control and upgraded stereos, feel well equipped and are still reasonably priced. The MPS offers exceptional value for a hot hatch – it has so much standard equipment, it doesn’t actually have an options list. The 3 also retains its value well.

Running costs

The 2.2-litre 182bhp diesel found in the Mazda3 2.2D Sport returns a manageable 53mpg and 144g/km of CO2, while the least powerful 1.6-litre diesel delivers an impressive 66mpg and Road Tax-friendly 115g/km of CO2. It has start-stop, too, which cuts the engine when it's idling. Petrol versions offer economy in the low forties, so aren’t ideal, and you’ll be lucky to hit 30mpg in the hot MPS.