Mazda 3 1.6 TS 5dr Review

Good Points
Practical.
Good fuel consumption for an automatic.
Looks good.
Handles well.
Good performance.

Bad Points
A little more expensive than some of the 5 door hatch backs, on a par with Honda prices.

General Comments
I have owned my Mazda 3 for 6 months, I wanted to wait before I wrote a review and my last car (a Chrysler) started with problems after 3 months ownership.

However, I am very happy to say that my Mazda appears to be doing well, okay it does not have the presence of the Chrysler or the individuality but it is still a good looking car and it isn't too common.

The main reason for this is that all Mazda cars are produced in Hiroshima, Japan and only so many are exported to the UK.

The advantage of this is that you get the skillfull Japanese production but the disadvantage is that it may take quite a long time to get the car you want.

I was very lucky, on the day I went to the Mazda showroom (after test driving cars by just about every make already) an Automatic Mazda 3 had just been traded in. I test drove it and was very impressed with the fact that it's 1.6 engine out performed my previous 2.0ltr engine by a very long way, it's handling is great and it holds the road like the tyres are coated in glue.

Fuel consumption is excellent as with automatics you always lose on MPG, however with 34mpg average I am very impressed.

The interior of the Mazda is very stylish and quite sporty, mine has black seats with blue checks with a black dash board with round silver dials around the clocks.

The radio is fab, it isn't the full Bose system that the Mazda 3 Sport has but it is a custom made radio/cd player with parts from Bose, to be honest the sound system in the Mazda sport must blow your mind as I know that also has a sub woofer under the drivers seat and yet the Radio in my car is the most powerful I have heard! On full blast you have to shout to the person sat next to you to be heard at all - Fab!

I had previously been warned that the servicing costs for Mazda were high, but whilst speaking to the salesman I asked to see the servicing costs before I paid the deposit for my car, I have to say that they were very reasonable indeed, he advised me that the prices had been overhauled recently and so were much less costly than they used to be.

Insurance wise, my Mazda is very inexpensive even with my learner driver husband as my named driver, in addition my husband also loves the Mazda and finds it very easy to drive with good visibility and easy handling proving it to be a great car for someone who is learning as well as keeping an experienced driver happy behind the wheel.

All in all I am extremely impressed with my Mazda, it is in the higher price bracket along with Honda, but I did test drive a Honda Civic and was far more impressed with the Mazda for design and value for money. My father in law who is a Huge Honda fan drove my car after I picked it up and even he was impressed and could see why I bought it, for him to admit that, it must be a good car!

When I decide to change my car again (which will not be for quite a few years yet) I will definitely be looking at Mazda's first.

If you are thinking of buying a 5 door hatch or smaller than family size 4 door saloon I highly recommend you test drive a Mazda 3!