Mazda 3 1.5D driven: review

The 104bhp newcomer comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard; the optional six-ratio auto pushes emissions up from 99g/km to 114g/km. Whichever the guise, it’s no hot performer, especially at higher speeds. However, there’s plenty of low-down torque, which makes it useful around town and means you don’t have to work the gears too hard.

Engine refinement could be better, particularly under acceleration, when it starts to sound strained and harsh. Motorways bring their fair share of road and wind noise, too, but at least there’s a welcome lack of steering wheel or pedal vibration.

While handling and ride are never going to match those of Ford’s class-leading Focus for involvement, they certainly don’t let the Mazda down. Corners are tackled with an appealing eagerness, and the body and grip remain stable and progressive throughout. The smaller wheels give the best ride comfort, and the steering is at its best when manoeuvring or cruising. Inconsistent weighting when pushing on through bends slightly detracts from the experience, however.

It’s business as usual for the 3 inside, with a decent, multi-adjustable driving position, logically designed dashboard plus high-quality infotainment system complete with standard digital radio. The VW Golf and Skoda Octavia come out on top for rear and boot space, but that doesn’t mean the Mazda is lacking in these areas.

Business or private user, the main consideration to make when choosing between the 1.5 and 2.2 diesels is the trade-off in efficiency vs performance. Are the newcomer’s economy savings enough to warrant the latter’s drop-off, or are 0-60mph times, cruising refinement and top-end numbers more important? And don’t forget those low-emission family hatch rivals either, the classy Golf Bluemotion and great-value Octavia 1.6 TDI Greenline. But if it’s a Mazda you want, plenty of drivers will be more than happy with this decent, all-round capable 1.5D.

Mazda 3 1.5D

Engine size: 1.5-litre diesel

Price from: £18,895

Power: 104bhp

Torque: 199lb ft

0-62mph: 11.0 seconds

Top speed: 115mph

Fuel economy: 74.3mpg

CO2: 99g/km