Mazda3 2.2 Diesel Sport

Nov 28 2009 John Scantlebury

MAZDA transformed its small family 3 car when it developed the new version, lifting ideas from across the family to come up with something that is actually almost sexy.

Maybe not in dramatic effects, although the Sport trim cars have their special bumpers and skirts - and the winning sound from a Sport exhaust system - but it is the improved driveability of the 3 that makes the biggest impression.

The car is still Focus-platform based but a lot of tweaking has been going on. The chassis is much stiffer now and the suspension upgrades are reflected in the sure-footedness and the handling.

Actually, the set-up is quite firm, being worked out on roads in Germany, where the car was designed and developed, and lower-quality British surfaces make themselves felt. However, it is not excessively hard going and the ensuing high levels of grip and control are quite endearing. Cornering is certain and the nicely-judged electro-hydraulic power steering contributes to good fun on back roads.

This happy responsiveness is underlined by the verve of the new 2.2-litre common rail turbo diesel, especially in its more powerful guise of 185PS (there's also a 150). That's allied to hefty pull at 1,800 revs, so pick-up is lively. The even-better news is that, nevertheless, the economics are good, with an open-road return of more than 60mpg, while the carbon dioxide emissions are at 149g/km to save you a few more bob. The engine is smooth and refined, too.

The Mazda3 doesn't shout performance on the outside despite the Sport additions, although the rising waistline delivers visual pace and the haunched rear, very much echoing the RX-8, the spoiler and the bold front and rear lights give character. The new interior, though, is very much a different story.

Angles and curves in a black and silver mix sweep across the dash and the door architecture in geometrical artwork. Dull and boring it certainly isn't, but somehow it doesn't detract from the classiness of the cabin, that being furthered by optional black leather upholstery and finishings which featured in this particular car.

But there is so much switchgear around that the prospect in front of you are first meeting is a touch daunting, particularly with the all-embracing entertainments system.

There's a most-impressive premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers at play here, with six-CD autochanger and auxiliaries aplenty, with some controls at the steering wheel, along with satnav controls, communications features, cruise control and information buttons.

Quite a lot to swat up on , then, and it is a relief that much information is clearly presented. The Multi Information Display under a broad hood at the top of the dashboard is excellent, and dial and digital displays in front of you are equally easy to read.

More pampering for the driver comes in the bucket-style front seating, heated and with electric multi-adjustment. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height and the Ford-inherited heated windscreen is always welcome from autumn on. The faraway nature of the handbrake (typical left to right conversion) is a bit of a nuisance, as is an airflow problem that requires frequent use of the wiper on the rear window.

Other features include keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers, while among the safety measures you'll find stability and traction control, six airbags and emergency-stop signalling.

The cabin ambience is very good, Mazda having put a lot of work in on noise suppression. Head space throughout is excellent, there's very good leg room at the back, even for adults, and there are arm rests front and back, the first with a deep container and the other with cup holders.

The rear sets fold flat so considerable luggage space is available; the boot itself is of a fairly good size and is uncluttered.

With all the equipment, it's not surprising that there's quite a hefty price tag on this particular model, but it is top of the range (save for a new red-hot version) and the drive and handling qualities are to be found in 3s further down the list, with prices starting at £13,500. Already it's done pretty well for Mazda and you can understand why.

FAST FACTS

Mazda3 2.2 Diesel Sport 5dr

Price: £19,900

Mechanical: 185ps, 2184cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 132mph

0-62mph: 8.2 seconds

Combined mpg: 50.4

Insurance group: 12

CO2 emissions: 149g/km

BIK rating: 15%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles