173MotorscopeThe official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Mazda3 range: Combined 42.2 (6.7) - 56.5 (5.0)^. CO2 emissions (g/km) 128 - 107^.
Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will
depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. ^There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2
figures shown however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles registered between 01.07.19 and 30.09.19 at
participating dealers. T&C apply. *4.1% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase available on all new Mazda3 models. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR.
Model shown: All-New Mazda3 122ps GT Sport, OTR from £24,595. Model shown features optional Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint (£790). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence,
first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European roadside assistance. °Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction
with any other offer unless specified. Saltmarine, trading as Saltmarine Mazda is a credit broker and not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance
providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.ALL NEW MAZDA 3
ENGINEERED TO A FEELINGEnter the latest Mazda3! This is no facelift but
a complete work-over that produces an eye-
catching and dynamic hatchback capable of
competing strongly with the Ford Focus and
Volkswagen Golf.
A demanding drive over narrow mountain
roads in the north of England was more than
enough to convince me of the credentials of
the new 3. This may not be a sports car but it is
great fun to drive with sharp steering, strong
roadholding and a slick gear change.
Two engines are available at launch - a
1.8 diesel and a 2.0 petrol - and I tried both.
Mazda eschews turbos and full hybrids with
their Skyactiv engineering that aims to make
its conventional engines as clean and efficient
as possible. These were quiet and relaxed,
making the Mazda 3 feel very refined. The
diesel felt flexible with plenty of torque to pick
up the pace after bends or crests. It is rated
at 116PS giving a useful everyday range of
power. Its emissions are stated at 107g/gm.
The 2.0 petrol is even more hushed and has
a long-legged feel. Slightly more powerful on
122PS it eats up the miles with ease. The CO2
emissions from 117g/km is a commendable
result of the latest engineering which now
includes a ‘mild’ hybrid system to recoup
energy. A radical new petrol engine is to join
these two later this year. Called the SkyActv X,
this new compression ignition unit is said to
combine the advantages of diesel and petrol
power.
Inside, the Mazda3 has more of a premiumfeel. Clear round dials, simplified controls and
a quality feel are very close to the up-market
German brands. Technology includes a
head-up display to project your speed on the
windscreen. Safety features abound including
automatic city braking, lane warnings and
driver drowsiness alerts.
All round, this is a most impressive new car
from Mazda with a lot of equipment in even
the starter model.Priced range starts from a keen £20,595
for a petrol car in SE-L trim. The diesels start
from £22,395. There is a walk up through
SEL-lux, Sport and GT trims. The diesel GT
Sport with automatic gearbox tops out the
launch range at £27,470.Eye-
catching
and
dynamic
DEREK BLACK TAKES
THE MOUNTAIN ROUTE TO TRULY TEST THE MAZDA3.