Mazda has always built cars that are reliable, quite nice to drive, but with the notable exception of the MX-5 – don’t exactly make the heart race.
The CX-5 and Mazda6 models changed all that. Both were much more dynamic to drive than previous Mazdas and, just as crucially, are striking to look at.
Both employ a muscular new design that has been carried over here, in the Mazda3 range.
It’s very handsome indeed, with curves, bulges and scoops that are almost reminiscent of Ford’s iconic Mustang.
Buyers can choose from two body styles, a five-door hatchback and a four-door saloon (billed as a fastback). I’ve driven both of them. The saloon, having a slightly stiffer bodyshell, is marginally more dynamic and comfortable to drive. The hatchback is slightly more practical.
To my eyes, the saloon is the better looking car and for that reason (it seemed as good as any) the details below are for this model.
There are 1.5 and 2.0 litre petrol units producing 99bhp, 118bhp and 163bhp. The only diesel engine is a 2.2 litre with up to 148bhp.
That’s a pretty big engine for this size of car but thanks to Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology (a range of weight saving and efficiency improvements) it betters 70mpg.
The range opens at £16,995 and Mazda sent me the 2.2 diesel in top spec Sport Nav guise, costing a little over £22,000.
Inside, cabin quality is good. My top of the range model came with leather seats and all the technology you’d expect, but standard kit is good across the range.
A touchscreen monitor operates the stereo, sat nav and other controls. Through this you can also get access to a smartphone app that integrates with the car allowing you to stream internet radio, podcasts and social media.
The interior is a bit dark and doesn’t have the same panache as the outside of the car but apart from that it can’t be faulted.
Comfort up front is very good and there’s space in the back for anyone up to around six foot in height.
The hatch provides 364 litres of luggage space with the rear seats up more than the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra and 1,263 with them folded. The saloon has more at 419 litres but of course you lose the seats-down practicality of its sister car.
The 3 is very good to drive, with grippy handling, a smooth ride and very powerful performance from the 2.2 litre diesel.
This is a car that matters greatly for Mazda. The CX-5 is lauded by everyone who has driven it but mid-size SUVs don’t make up a gigantic section of the car market.
The 6 will be a bigger seller. But the 3 is a more important model yet for Mazda. They need it to be a success.
On this evidence, it should be.
Price: £22,145
0-62mph: 8.0 seconds
Top speed: 132mph
Fuel economy: 72.4mpg