Mazda3 Review
Published: 10th May 2005
Mazda3 Review
The Mazda3 made its UK debut in January 2004 replacing the uninspiring Mazda 323. It shares the same platform as the Ford Focus C-MAX and Volvo's new S40 and V50 but do not be mistaken in thinking that the Mazda3 is just a re-hashed Ford Group offering, it is a distinctively different car. Available in both hatchback and saloon guises - uniquely the saloon was designed as a separate model, not the normal compromised re-design of the hatchback variant.
Many of the Mazda3's characteristics have been inherited from the Mazda6 and RX-8 and they all share the unmistakable Mazda family styling. The Mazda3 range encompasses both petrol and diesel variants and prices range from £10,800 for the 1.4 5d S to £15,750 for the 1.6 5dr TS2 Diesel (109ps).
Mazda claim that the Mazda3 is 'Engineered to work hard - Driven for sheer pleasure'. We tested the 1.6 5dr TS2 model to find out whether Mazda's Zoom, Zoom, Zoom philosophy is enough to make the Mazda3 a credible contender within the C-Segment which includes class leaders such as the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.
Mazda3 Review Road Test Data | |
| Model Reviewed | Mazda Mazda3 1.6 TS2 |
| Body Type | 5-Door Hatchback |
| Colour | Velocity Red |
| Performance ~ manufacturers figures | |
| 0 - 62 mph | 11 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 114 mph |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Economy ~ manufacturers figures | |
| Urban | 30.4 mpg |
| Extra Urban | 47.1 mpg |
| Combined | 39.2 mpg |
| Insurance Group | 5 |
| Euro NCAP Rating | TBA |
| Warranty | 3-year/60,000 mile warranty from date of registration with unlimited mileage in the first year 6-year anti-perforation warranty 3-year unlimited mileage paint and surface corrosion warranty The Mazda 3-Year manufacturers warranty includes Mazda European Assistance |
| Price when tested on the 10/05/05 | £ 13,750 |
