Mazda has upgraded the 1.6-litre diesel engine in its lower medium 3 model, with an extra 6hp yet a fuel economy improvement of 1.4mpg.
The change won’t make any different to the car’s benefit-in-kind tax, as the 2g/km it shaves off the emissions only takes it from 119g/km to 117g/km, while rivals such as the Ford Focus and Seat Leon are below 100g/km with the same performance offered.
Despite not being at the front of the queue for emissions and economy, the whole-life costs package for the 3 is competitive. A P11D price lower than the equivalent Seat or Ford helps keep the car in the same ballpark, although better residuals for its two competitors mean they both pip the Mazda.
But despite that, the Mazda 3 is a competitive, Smart, well-driving choice that is deservedly growing in both awareness and sales.
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