CO2 /tax
117-147g/km
£155
Running costs
42-51mpg (2.0 Skyactiv-G)
£80 fill-up
Performance
0-62mph/top speed
10.4 seconds/122mph
MAZDA is an unusual company; while it produces cars that look distinctive, are fun to drive, reliable and very well made, it’s not the most visible brand.
The firm deserves a higher profile, not least of all because it’s in that semi-premium twilight zone; it’s neither mainstream nor truly premium, much like Volkswagen. But while branding is important to some, for most it’s the ownership experience that really matters, and that’s something that the Mazda 3 seems to have well covered.
We ran a Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-X GT Sport for 10,000 miles and loved it, revelling in its user-friendly infotainment system, sharp handling and gearchange, plus those glorious looks. More muscle from the non-turbo petrol engine would have been the icing on the cake, but you can’t have it all.
History
THE fourth-generation Mazda 3 arrived in UK showrooms in May 2019.
