Mazda 3 Maxx Sport 2011 Review

Putting "fun to drive" and "family car" together in the same sentence isn't something you expect in a car test. But then the rather conventional Mazda 3 isn't what you expect in a lot of ways. It's the biggest single seller to the private market in Australia.

In numbers, it was just pipped by the Corolla in 2010 and was soundly beaten by Commodore - but both are buoyed by hefty fleet sales. Mazda has no such fleet advantage.

Ask them why and they say they saw them on the road, liked the style and liked the Mazda name. Better, they paid for them without hurting my bank account.

VALUE

Excellent. This is a top car - the hatch is tested here but the sedan is the same price - with an eight-model choice from the $21,300 manual Neo to the $33,575 SP25 Luxury auto. There's a diesel and two turbocharged petrol models, too!

The Maxx Sport six-speed manual tested is $26,360 and is a slick drive for those who enjoy a clutch. Add $2000 is you want an auto. This model gets sat-nav, body kit, Bluetooth, six-disc CD player, cruise control and switches on the steering wheel. This model is the best in the range in terms of value for money.

DESIGN

Practical, distinctive and, if I'm harsh, looks a bit nose heavy. But it's neat and attractive - especially from the rear - and is the perfect size for every buyer from a couple and two children, to singles and retirees.

Boot space is very good - but the spare tyre is a space-saver - with fold-down and split rear seats giving the hatch a lot of versatility. The cabin is simple, has oodles of perceived quality, has ooh-aah features like the red dash lights at night, the little colourful sat-nav screen and the "hello' and "goodbye' messages on the audio when you switch on or off.

A decade or two ago that would be corny. Now it's cute, personally bonding Mazda with its owner.

TECHNOLOGY

Mmmm. Not much that really comes out and hits you with a stick. But that's because one of the car's biggest strengths is its simplicity.

The platform goes back to a shared arrangement with Volvo (S40) and Ford (Focus) but each then hones suspension and steering to suit their desired markets.

The engine is all Mazda and comes from the same family that feeds the Mazda6 and CX-7. It is to be superseded with the Sky-Activ (CORR) engine later this year - but that's a completely different story.

SAFETY

The best news of all for your family - or daughters - is the five-star crash rating of the Mazda3. It also comes with all the electronic mumbo-jumbo to help improve your chances of avoiding an accident and, as a last resort, to protect occupants from harm in a collision. Standard is electronic stability control, six airbags, ABS brakes on four discs and brake assist.

DRIVING

Behind the wheel this feels like home. Its seating position is damn near spot on, visibility is good and it never feels cramped - there's plenty of room for large people. The "fun to drive" aspect is related to the very good response of the engine, the positive feel of the steering wheel, the comfort and support of the seats and the flat cornering stance.

The engine's performance is aided by the slick manual gearbox and the well-spread ratios. So light is the gearchange and the clutch action that drivers now used to an automatic could comfortably make the transition. Mazda has done work on this second-generation Mazda3 to correct the cabin noise of the previous model.

It's heaps better and on the Maxx Sport is down to the levels of other cars. Apparently low-profile tyres were the culprits.

VERDICT

Value for money is the theme here. It's been around for a while yet Mazda has cleverly refreshed the shape and will continue that in the next model due this year.

The Mazda3 is not only good value, but should have strong interest on the second-hand market. It is a d difficult new car to overlook.

MAZDA3 MAXX SPORT

Price $26,360
Warranty 3 years, 100,000km
Resale 68%
Service Interval 15,000km or 12 months
Economy 7.9 l/100km; 187g/km CO2
Safety Equipment six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.
Crash rating 5 star
Engine 108kW/182Nm 2.0-litre petrol
Transmission Six-speed manual
Body 5-door, 5 seats
Dimensions 4460 (L); 1755mm (W); 1470mm (H); 2640mm (WB)
Weight 1294kg
Tyre size 205/55R16
Spare tyre Space-saver