Mazda3 2.2d 150 Sport

Review

The Mazda3 has never enjoyed the same level of success as its larger stablemate, the Mazda6.

While the 6 has gained widespread praise (and two Fleet News Awards in its time), the 3 has never really put its head above the parapet in the lower-medium market sector.

However, that will change with the launch of the new version, which not only offers the driving dynamics of its bigger brother, but also some of the sharp styling which will help it become less anonymous in the sector.

As a result of this, and helped by a new family of diesel engines offering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, Mazda expects to double its fleet share in the sector – fleets will take up to 40% of Mazda3 sales, compared with between 10 and 20% for the old model.

The new diesel engines on offer include a 1.6-litre 109bhp unit which emits 119g/km of CO2, plus a pair of 2.2-litre units which offer a choice of 150 or 185bhp.

The 150bhp unit on test delivers claimed combined fuel economy of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 144g/km – a large improvement on the old 2.0D model which recorded 47.1mpg and 162g/km.

As well as lowering driver taxation by four benefit-in-kind bands (down from 23% to 19%), this new engine also drops below the key 160g/km writing down allowance threshold.

As well as improving economy and emissions, Mazda has also worked on refinement, with an improved chassis and thicker engine mounting brackets which result in a car that suffers little in the way of engine or tyre noise.

On the road the Mazda3 feels surefooted and solid, with a strong engine delivering power from the bottom of the rev range, a slick gearbox and compliant suspension.

Making the Mazda3 as pleasing to drive at the Mazda6 was a key part of the new model brief.

It also looks and feels well put together inside, and standard equipment is high, with a bodykit, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, Bose stereo and keyless entry and ignition.

This all-round improvement has seen CAP put its RV figure at £6,225/34%, which is well ahead of the Ford Focus and Renault Megane, but still behind the excellent figure of the Golf at £8,000/43%.

Fleet view

“I prefer the Mazda3 to the Civic. It is as refined as a Golf and I have a customer who is looking for some sub 120g/km cars.
The Mazda3 may just fit the bill instead of the Audi A3,”

Alex Butcher, sales manager,
Toomey Euro Lease, Derby

Rivals

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec
Renault Megane 1.9 dCi 130 Dynamique
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 140 SE

P11d price

Mazda undercuts the rest, and is £855 cheaper than the Focus. Golf looks good value.

1. Mazda3 £18,260
2. Megane £18,460
3. Golf £18,461
4. Focus £19,115

Emissions and tax

Mazda will cost a 20% tax-payer £54 a month in BIK. Golf and Megane cost £55, Focus £60.

1. Golf 129g/km/18%
2. Megane 134g/km/18%
3. Focus 144g/km/19%
4. Mazda3 144g/km/19%

Fuel costs

Golf returns 57.6mpg combined. Megane offers 55.4, Mazda 52.3 and Focus 51.3mpg average.

1. Golf 8.13/£4,878
2. Megane 8.46/£5,076
3. Mazda3 8.96/£5,376
4. Focus 9.13/£5,478

Wholelife costs

Golf’s strong RV makes it nearly £3,000 cheaper than Mazda3 and undercuts Focus by £4,600.

1. Golf 28.49/£17,094
2. Mazda3 33.45/£20,070
3. Megane 34.48/£20,688
4. Focus 36.17/£21,702

Leasing rates

Lowest monthly rental with maintenance from www.comparecontracthire.com (excluding VAT).

1. Megane £286 (Arval)
2. Golf £314 (TCH)
3. Focus £320 (TCH)
4. Mazda3 £354 (Arval)

Verdict

The Mazda3 puts up a strong showing in this test, but it can only be the second-best model to the Volkswagen. The new Golf offers very competitive BIK rates, is way ahead on fuel economy and residual values, and its subsequent running costs advantage makes it the clear winner here.