Always the bridesmaid, never the bride – Mazda3 is the alternative to Golf and Focus.
Mazda3 for 2012 gets a subtle facelift that brings it back to the top of the list of 'the others'. Motors went to Venice (the dry bits!) to test out the latest Mazda3 in 1.6-litre diesel guise. The 1.6-litre power plant is used throughout the industry by a number of carmakers and is a superb engine. The tax band 'A' (€104), four-cylinder turbo-diesel has been tweaked to deliver its 115bhp in a very smooth way, while at the same time producing less CO2 (115g/km).
Outside, the five-door car's facelift is only just noticeable. The front bumper makeover means there is slightly less of that smiling grille. Minor aerodynamic alterations to the lower corners of the bumper aid a reduction in drag. The rear bumper gets a small renovation and bar some new alloys and the addition of a new brown paint colour (Autumn Bronze Mica), that's pretty much it.
Inside, the dash gets a freshened centre console that appears more sophisticated. Graphics and dials are now easier to read in daylight. Mazda3 has always had a driver-focused cockpit, and this continues to be the case.
Under the car's skin the body has been stiffened to make the ride and handling more dynamic. The stiffer under-floor and revised suspension settings help Mazda3 deliver Ford Focus-rivalling ride quality. The six-speed gearbox is tight and precise as we've come to expect from Mazda. Thanks to a remapping of the electro hydraulic power steering pump, the previously sharp steering has been improved further.
The best compliment I can give is that I would have to think long and hard if asked to choose between a Focus and Mazda3 for an entertaining spin on Irish roads. NVH (noise vibration harshness) has been lowered further so that at motorway speeds you won't have to raise your voice to be heard. The nature of the 1.6 diesel engine (270nm) means you can easily return great fuel economy (4.3 litres/100km combined is possible) or enjoy enthusiastic driving without much effort.
There are other engines in the range including a 2.2 diesel (185bhp/400nm) and an outrageously quick petrol powered 260bhp Mazda3 'MPS' 2.3 litre with 380nm of torque. Sadly for motorists, VRT and CO2 do these versions no favours in the Irish market – even the 1.6 petrol model doesn't add up for Ireland! There are some new toys on the options list but nothing radical.
Prices for the 2012 Mazda3 will be slightly higher, but the car remains competitive next to its rivals. Despite Mazda UK's recent decision to drop the saloon version of the 3, Mazda Ireland could not be happier with the saloon as it accounts for roughly 65% of sales. In Ireland we adore small saloon cars, and Mazda3 is one of the best.
Over 3 million Mazda3s have been sold to date worldwide - and that's not bad for a niche brand. If you need a car that can entertain, transport the family and hit the DIY store while being economical to run, Mazda3 could be a perfect fit. Mazda3 is simply not on the radar for many drivers, but it should be – go test drive it!
Michael Sheridan
