2010 Mazda 3 Reviews

Mazda 3’s ongoing success on the new car market has resulted in a surge in interest in the small-medium model as a used car.

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 BONNETthe 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 SHOPThe 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 PUMPThe 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 CRASHThe 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 GLANCEPrice new: $21,990 to $30,690Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 2.2- litre 4-cylinder turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed auto, 6-speed manual, front-wheel driveEconomy: 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 sedanVariants: Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport, SP25, MZR-CDSafety: 5-star ANCAP.VERDICTSubtle rework of an already good car makes a good used buy 4 stars

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.

It is one of the enduring mysteries of modern diesels.

And just sometimes, you can get it all and still hear the reassuring sounds of change rattling in your pocket.  Small cars don't have to be cheap and nasty or even perform like an asthmatic snail in a bid to maximise fuel economy. Nor do they have to be cramped or have the visual appeal of a packing crate that instantly identifies you as cheap.  Here are five small cars that will haul you and three friends - and do it on a miserly fuel budget.The good news is they're all less than $30,000. And that includes comprehensive safety features with electronic stability control and ABS brakes.  But best of all, turn up the wick and these things will give you a decent thrill.  Two are turbocharged and one has a 2.5-litre engine. No need to be red-faced at the traffic lights in these.Mitsubishi Colt RalliartThis looks like a small apartment block sitting on a cute set of alloys. In fact, it's a powerhouse that will dust of a lot of cars with twice the engine capacity and has room for four adults, parks in weeny car bays, runs on a sip of fuel - though you'll need premium brand - and is the perfect shopping trolley for people who like their food fast.Price: $25,740Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.7 l/100km premiumPerformance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 secSafety: two airbags, ESC, ABS, BAVolkswagen Polo GTIThis baby sister of the Golf GTI quickly gets off the mark thanks to some component sharing and a 1.8-litre turbo engine. It comes only as a three door so may limit those with heaps of friends, though certainly looks as good as it goes. Solid German construction and versatile interior add to its appeal.Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.9 l/100km Premium0-100km/h: 8.2 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, diff lockFord Fiesta ZetecYou can get this in three and five-door versions (extra money for the five door) and while it's not turbocharged, is a spirited performer with lots of aesthetic charm. It's an easy hatchback to live with and aside from a small fuel thirst, runs on cheaper unleaded petrol. Comprehensive safety features show you care for your friends.Price: $20,490Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 88kW/152NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.1 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.2 sec (estimated)Safety: 5 airbags, ESC, ABS, BASuzuki Swift SportYou know the Swift, now meet its more beefed up brother. The Sport is unassuming though gets a bigger engine and tauter suspension to accentuate its handling and acceleration. That makes it as practical and reliable as its less-powerful relations. Also has great features and the full safety package.Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.5 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.8 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BAMazda3 SP25This is a great package at a superb price. The SP25 just takes the refreshed Mazda3 to another level, boosting power and torque yet not crushing attributes such as its fuel economy. The features are also excellent as is the safety equipment. It's physically bigger than its rivals here and that means more cabin and luggage room, so it never feels like a small car.Price: $29,740Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl 122kW/227NmTransmission: 6-speed manualFuel economy: 8.6 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 7.9 sec (estimated)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BA