Mazda Mazda3 1.6 S 5dr Car Review - February 2012

There is a clear division between the petrol and diesel models of the Mazda3. The diesel model is definitely the one to go for as it gives better acceleration and top speeds but this 1.6 litre petrol fairs admirably, delivering 104 bhp with torque figures of 107 lb-ft. Acceleration speeds reach 0-62 mph in 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 114 mph is adequate for a car of this description.

Like its predecessors, the Mazda3 is built with the keener driver in mind so some aspects of comfort have been sacrificed. The Mazda3 thunders over bumps and imperfections in the road unlike the Renault Megane or Ford Focus.

However, there is little body roll so the car feels planted and stable on the road. The Ford Focus handles bends better than the Mazda3 but this model still has responsive steering which should feel sharp enough for most drivers.

The styling of the Mazda3 is its trump card and it is one of the best looking hatchbacks available in this class. There is an essence of the Mazda RX-8 Coupe in the design as the Mazda3 is covered in slashes and creases, making this family hatchback look quite sporty. The body of the car sits comfortably on its big wheels and gives it an impressive exterior appearance.

Unfortunately, the interior does not follow this trend and drivers are overwhelmed by a mass of buttons and dials which lack organisation or logic. The cabin lacks the effortless simplicity of the VW Golf’s and although the Mazda3's interior feels well built it does little to combat the disorganised layout.

The standard kit for the Mazda3 is fairly extensive with electric rear windows, electric door mirrors, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, stereo with cd, climate control, alloys and electric windows all included. For an extra £420 you can have a metallic paint finish to further enhance the exterior style.

When it comes to practicality, hatchbacks will either do the job brilliantly or fail miserably. The Mazda3 unfortunately falls a little at this hurdle and the main issue is that there just isn’t enough room in the rear- not even for children. Adults will also struggle with headroom and whilst the boot holds a substantial 340 litres with the seats up and 1,360 litres with the seats down this does little to compensate for the restricted cabin space.

The Mazda3 is a car that means business and is built to last. Previous generations of this model have frequently scored high in reliability tests and considering that this is built on the same frame there is unlikely to be any problems here.

In fact, the Mazda3 has an extensive safety kit which includes front and side airbags as standard along with active head restraints to protect against whiplash, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

The car is so respected for its safety that it achieved a five-star rating in the NCAP crash tests, including an excellent score for child protection. The tests showed that the Mazda3 excels in eighteen month old and three year old infant protection, giving it high praise for families.

Whilst the 1.6 litre petrol engine gives a decent 43.5 mpg this is a lot lower than the 64.2 mpg figure of the diesel model. The fact that carbon emissions are also higher at 149 g/km, putting it in tax band F, means running costs will be more expensive.

That being said, the Mazda3 is built and finished to a high standard. It is reliable and will enjoy good resale values but the high running costs and poor economy means rival cars and the diesel model are a better investment.