Mazda 3 Reviews
The Mazda3 is a stylish and distinctive hatchback from the Japanese manufacturer that’s something of an alternative to the mainstream small family car sector.
Priced from around £15,000 and with high-end models priced at around £23,000 for the MPS hot hatch model, the Mazda3 is not especially cheap, but it is competitive in the busy hatch segment. Mazda3 reviews and Mazda3 ratings which praise the hatch for its aggressive stance and design, which was recently updated.
Mazda’s renowned for its stylish design, which normally focuses on aggressive lines and flares on the exterior of its models. That’s the case with the Mazda3, particularly along its flanks and capped off by the spoiler at the rear of the hatchback.
As is often flagged up by Mazda3 reviews and Mazda3 ratings, the hatch’s drive and handling match its dynamic looks.
As well as being agile, taut and controlled around corners, the Mazda3 also makes for an excellent motorway cruiser thanks to its varied range of engines.
With the most recent generation Mazda3, the Japanese manufacturer has stepped up its attention to detail in terms of engine refinement and the hatchback comes with an extensive range of diesel and petrol engines.
The most economical engine in the range in 2012 is the 1.6-litre 115bhp diesel unit, which returns an impressive 65mpg in terms of fuel economy and emits 115g/km in CO2 emissions.
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While some manufacturers make use of electronic gadgetry, Mazda focuses on lightweight engineering to reduce fuel consumption and emissions – although new Mazda3 reviews are more likely to focus on the small family car’s driving dynamics and handling – another positive result of the manufacturer’s drive to reduce weight in cars.
The standard Mazda3 is an impressive car when equipped with the range-topping 185bhp 2.2-litre diesel unit; however the hot hatch, Mazda3 MPS is more impressive again and a genuine drivers’ car.
It comes equipped with a 256bhp 2.3-litre petrol engine and can clear 60mph in just 5.9 seconds. At speeds like that it’s easy to see why it Mazda3 reviews focus on the hatch’s potential for performance.
Asian manufacturers come with strong reputations in terms of reliability and build quality and those stereotypes apply to the Mazda3 hatchback.
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