Our Mazda 3’s pliant ride quality complements high standards of driving refinement and is not hindered by chunky 17-inch alloys.
More sensitive are the auto lights, and driving under even short canopies of trees activates the headlights, although the red backlit instruments are thankfully illuminated permanently, removing the problem of reflective sunlight.
Gaps between fuel stops are lengthening as the Mazda’s average consumption edges up to 44.5mpg, even if I frequently snag the floor-mounted filler cap release lever when clambering out of the 3.
| Mazda 3 2.2d 150PS Sport 5-door manual |
| Mileage |
2511 |
| Claimed combined consumption |
52.3 mpg |
| Our average consumption |
43.3 mpg |
| P11D price |
£18,260 |
| Model price range |
£13,500 -£21,500 |
| CO2 (tax) |
144g/km/19% |
| BIK 20/40% per month |
£58/£116 |
| Service interval |
12,500mls |
| Insurance |
group 10E |
| Warranty |
3yrs/60,000mls |
| Boot space (min/max) |
300/1360 litres |
| Engine size/power |
2184cc/150PS |
| Top speed/0-62mph |
127mph/9.2secs |
| Why we’re running it |
Can it step up to its
class mark like the 6? |
| Positive |
Strong street presence,
refinement and performance |
| Negative |
Inadequate spec compared
to petrol |
|
