Quite simply, when you are looking to buy the best compact car in the class, then you have to consider the chic, refined elegance of the Mazda3.
The Mazda3 offers owners many of the outstanding features of other models of car, carefully engineered into what is undeniably one of the best compact cars available on the market today.
The car comes as a standard five-door hatchback, but that is where the whole notion of ‘standard’ ends. There is a wide range of engine options available, to suit the needs and pocket of every driver, ranging from a 1.6-litre petrol model to a powerful 2.2-litre (185ps) diesel. Regardless of engine size, the car comes with Mazda’s outstanding build quality and reliability. In addition, it has been designed to be cleaner and greener, with both models mentioned above emitting just 149 g/km of CO2.
Internally, the Mazda3 is outstanding; there’s plenty of space for the driver, not always the case in compact vehicles, and the boot is spacious and can be increased further by folding the backseats down. Although the car is green, compact and practical, it doesn’t feel as though the design team have compromised on comfort levels, or design quality.
It is in terms of performance where the Mazda3 really begins to shine. The 1.6-litre version handles with an outstanding degree of accuracy and allows the driver to experience the joy which driving should be about.
Despite being precise, the Mazda3 also has plenty of power available when necessary. Certainly, in this area, the 2.2-litre diesel version comes into its own with 185ps and 295 lb/ft of torque given out by the engine. Acceleration is a rapid zero to 62mph in just over eight seconds and the car has a top speed of 132mph, quick enough for any driving situation.
With gadgets and gizmos aplenty adorning the interior, outstanding looks and style, and Mazda’s fantastic build quality, potential customers can be sure that driving the Mazda3 will be a joyous, rewarding and greener form of motoring. As a compact car, it is certainly one of the very best in its class.
