THE Mazda3 is a stylish family hatchback that is as fun to drive as anything I've tested before.
A big claim you may think, but the Mazda3 is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a dependable car that is also surprisingly economical.
Launched at the beginning of last year, with all the various model refreshments and new launches at Mazda this year, the Mazda3 will be the oldest model in the range come the start of 2016.
The 36-strong third-generation line-up is infused with Mazda's lightweight and advanced SKYACTIV technologies and comprises 21 five-door hatchback models - including eight with diesel power - and 15 four-door Fastback models, five with diesel engines.
The range is powered by a choice of three naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G petrol engines - a new 1.5-litre unit that develops 100ps and 150Nm, and a 2.0-litre powerplant with two different outputs - 120ps and 210Nm, or 165ps and 210Nm.
Diesel variants are powered by Mazda's award-winning 2.2-litre 150ps 380Nm SKYACTIV-D turbo diesel engine, which meets advanced Euro VI regulations. Buyers will have a choice of six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual or six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions.
Buyers also have the choice of five specification levels - SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and the flagship Sport Nav, and every Mazda3 comes with Smart City Brake Support, which helps to reduce or prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to act, i-stop idle-stop system, and Hill Hold Assist to prevent roll back on inclines.
Further standard equipment also includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power-folding heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, trip computer, radio/CD with six speaker audio system, a seven-inch colour touch screen, USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth® hands-free system.
I was lucky enough to drive the top-of-the range two-litre Sport Nav model, which added a raft of extras including slightly bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a clever head-up display which projects real-time driving data directly into the driver's forward field of view, such as speed and turn-by-turn navigation.
There's also a Bose® premium audio system with nine speakers, smart remote keyless entry system and a silver dashboard decoration panel.MZD Connect makes it easier for you to pair your mobile phone with your car and take advantage of functions such as internet connectivity and access to social networking.
I've said it before, but it's worth mentioning again that the whole system is as easy as any on the market, and within minutes I had connected my mobile phone to the system and was making good use of the services on offer.
I've also written before about how much I like the look of Mazdas nowadays, and the signature wing front grille with its predator-like headlamp styling gives it a sporty feel and makes it instantly recognisable.
Sleek and a bit of a stunner on the outside it maybe, but the interior is all about comfort and style. With plenty of room for four adults, there was a premium feel about the Sport Nav I drove, which was largely due to the light stone leather upholstery and clean and clutter-free dashboard styling. All in all the Mazda3 is a very nice place to be when driving.
I took it for a trip to North Yorkshire and loved every minute of the journey. It's such an easy car to drive thanks to its sharp steering, and the two-litre engine gave it plenty of grunt when needed on the motorway and dual carriageways.
It may not be the quietest on motorways down to the wide tyres, but the way it handled on twisty country lanes too and the smooth and effortless gear changing more than made up for it. All this and the range of easy-to-use gadgets meant the time I spent in the car was comfortable and as relaxing as any that I've been in.
Safety plays a key role in the upgrades that have been made to the Mazda3, with an optional Safety Pack available on all Sport Nav models.This includes Rear Vehicle Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning System and High Beam Control. The Mazda3 is frugal too, with combined mpg coming in at 55.4.
The Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus may have dominated the family hatchback market in recent years, but the Mazda3 is definitely worth considering.
Available in nine body colours, including the 'Soul Red' metallic first seen on the larger Mazda6, as well as two new launch colours – Titanium Flash Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica, the Mazda3 is priced from £16,995 to £23,745 on-the-road
The model I drove cost just over £21,000 thanks to the addition of the leather upholstery, metallic paint and Safety Pack.
