Used Mazda 3 review: 2009-2010

The signs of bigger things to come were there early in 2008 when the Mazda 3 knocked Holden's Commodore off its long held lofty perch atop the local car market.

What had been unimaginable only a few years earlier when Mazda was struggling against a tide of disinterest and adverse exchange rates to sell its cars had come to be.

The Ford off-shoot was top of the pops. Some dismissed it as a one-off never to be repeated, but here we are a couple of years later and Mazda can boast it had the most popular car of 2011.

Mazda's success reflects the seismic shift in the market away from large cars to smaller ones. It's reasonable to think that shift will be reflected in the used car market, and the Mazda3 could well reflect is new car success in the used car arena.

The BL arrived in 2009 with much of the job done by its predecessor; it only had to build on what had been done and that's what it did. It wasn't revolutionary; rather it was an evolution of the BK model it followed.

A new body, improved cabin, together with worthwhile engine, transmission and suspension tweaks added to its appeal. If you compared the BL with the old BK you would notice the bigger smile on the front of the new model, but apart from that recognisable difference it was pretty much the same as the older car in the looks department.

Two body styles were offered; a sedan for oldies and a hatch for youngies. The sedan's main criticism was its boot, which was on the small side with a highish loading lip; the downside to the hatch was the level of road noise. Inside, the dash was revised; A new display screen and audio controls on the steering wheel, again tweaks to improve on what was already a success.

Like it was with the previous model, Mazda's engine range was made up of two petrol engines and a diesel. The base engine was a 2.0-litre four in the Neo and Maxx models; there was a larger, sportier 2.5- litre four in the SP25, and there was the choice of a 2.2-litre turbo- diesel.

UNDER THE BONNET

the petrol engines boasted a little more power and torque, and better fuel economy. On the road the chassis was agile and responsive and fun to drive. The ride was on the firm side, but not to the point of being uncomfortable.

IN THE SHOP

The Mazda3 has been a solid performer since its introduction and the BL seems to be following the pattern. A lack of complaints at CarsGuide HQ suggests the top-selling small car is doing the business. Check for a service record to make sure nothing has been neglected, and inspect bodywork for repairs that indicate a previous crash repair.

UNDER THE PUMP

The base engine is quite a thrifty little unit delivering decent economy at under 8 L/100 km in manual form; the auto is a little thirstier, but still an economical choice. Clearly the SP25, with its sporty bent and larger 2.5-litre engine uses more fuel, but even then the Mazda claim is a quite reasonable 8.6 L/10 km, which was borne out when tested by CarsGuide. The most economical engine choice is the diesel, which it is claimed will deliver 5.7 L/100 km.

IN A CRASH

The BL Mazda3 won a five-star tick from ANCAP, that's as good as it can get under the current regime. With front, side and head airbags, ABS brakes with emergency brake assist, traction and stability control it's got the lot when it comes to safety.

AT A GLANCE

Price new: $21,990 to $30,690
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 2.2- litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Transmission: 5-speed auto, 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Economy: 7.9 L/100 km (2.0P), 8.6 L/100 km (2.5P), 5.7 L/100 km (2.2TD)
Body: 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan
Variants: Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport, SP25, MZR-CD
Safety: 5-star ANCAP.

VERDICT

Subtle rework of an already good car makes a good used buy 4 stars