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  Pumped up and quite squat, the 3 diesel has an agile and sporty look, helped along by a rear spoiler and side skirts, plus chrome exhaust extensions. Photo Gallery

Jonah Wigley road tests and reviews the Mazda3 diesel.

Adding a diesel variant to their already popular 3 range seemed like an obvious decision by Mazda HQ, given that the world is turning increasingly towards better fuel efficiency. And given the already impressive sales figures to date, it seems like the decision was a sound one.

But why no automatic version in our market – which is increasingly heading away from self-shifting? Mazda tells us there isn’t one available to them yet that can handle the torque of the diesel, unfortunately.

Engine

Priced from $29,715, the latest addition to the Mazda3 range is powered by a 2.2-litre, in-line four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that puts out 110kW at 3500rpm and 360Nm at 1800rpm. Combined fuel economy of 5.7l/100km and emissions of 150g/km respectively, put the hatch in the frugal – and environmentally concerned -- end of the market.

Appearance and equipment

Pumped up and quite squat, the 3 diesel has an agile and sporty look, helped along by a rear spoiler and side skirts, plus chrome exhaust extensions.
There is no shortage of interior standard features with a multi-function steering wheel, satellite navigation and Bluetooth, cruise control and trip computer, all included in the base price.

As well as a comprehensive air bag package, the list of safety features includes anti-lock brakes, child restraint anchor points, dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and traction control.

Drive

The first thing we noticed -- or rather, didn’t notice -- about the car was the teeth-grindingly predictable tractor clang of the diesel engine.  Also happily lacking as we hummed along the highway was wind swoosh over the door mirrors and tyre noise up through the floor. Both were there but only just discernible, which made conversation less of a chore.

The retuned McPherson strut-front and multi-link rear suspension chewed up pot holes and helped to float the car over ruts and gouges. It also made windy bits of road a lot more fun. 

Intuitive controls inside complemented the simplicity of the design. The substantial steering wheel functionality meant much less time reaching for buttons and knobs on the dash, while the six-stacker stereo added ‘set-and-forget’ to the comfort factor.

We found it difficult initially to hear where we were on the rev range, as the pitch seemed very similar at all levels. It took a bit of getting used to, but it wasn’t long before our senses adjusted and we enjoyed the 3’s smooth and seamless manual transmission.  Putting the foot down gave us almost immediate boost that kicked on to become quite a healthy amount of power, but we weren’t surprised -- given the hefty torque.

But it’s at the bowser where this new addition to the range comes into its own. Our 650+km round trip test drive started on just over two thirds of a tank. Given that most of it was around rural areas where you can’t be guaranteed a service station on every corner, as the needle started to dip towards E, there were a few worried likometres.

But there needn’t have been. We made it back to base with 80kms of travel still left in the tank. Given the recent umpteenth interest rate rise, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Mazda3 diesel

Price: from $29,715
Engine: 2.2L/4-cylinder turbodiesel 110kW/360Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Economy: 5.7L/100km claimed; 6.2L/100km on test

Rivals

Hyundai i30 CRDi: $22,890
Peugeot 308 HDi: $30,690
VW Golf 77TDi: $28,690