The 3’s efficient cabin is a civilized place.
Operating the “infotainment centre” does not require a degree in ergonomic second-guessing and the “premium” Bose sound system lives up to its name. Also, Mazda‘s emphasis on more muscular diesel engines pays dividends on country routes with less need for gear changing, cutting stress and consumption. However, low-level diesel chatter is infiltrating its way into the passenger compartment via the nearside ventilation duct (pictured), compromising a lack of mechanical noise.
| Mazda 3 2.2d 150PS Sport 5-door manual |
| Mileage |
3449 |
Claimed combined
consumption |
52.3mpg |
| Our average consumption |
45.3mpg |
| 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 |
|
