Mazda 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.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?Mazda's goofy looking, all new singing and dancing ute. The XTR sits between the XT and GT models and this one has the six-speed manual. It and the Ford Ranger are twins under the skin.Prices start at $32,590 plus on-roads. This one is $48,810. The optional six-speed auto adds $2000 to the price.The Ford Ranger springs to mind. Same mechanicals but better looking. Then there's the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton not to mention VW's more expensive Amarok.The range kicks off with a 2.2-litre diesel, but this one gets a big 3.2-litre five cylinder diesel that kicks out 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs. No mention of a petrol model.Rated at 8.9 litres/100km (auto gets 9.2) We clocked up 500km at a rate of 8.8 litres/100km just taking it easy.Pretty zippy for such a big bus. The short shifting manual is ideal for getting through the gears in a hurry but, with narrow gates, it's easy to muff the change if you're not paying attention. Hills require little effort, even in top gear.Gets 2.5 out of five stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius sets the benchmark with 5). Produces 235g/km of C02. All variants with side airbags (which includes this one) score a maximum five stars for safety which means it could double as a means of family transport.Relatively. The suspension is truck hard and jiggly on all but the smoothest roads, but you have to expect this from a ute (especially an off road one).Fun. That's the important thing. At close to 2.1 tonnes, almost 5.4 metres in length and more than 1.8 metres wide, it's a big truck and takes up a lot of driveway. All grades come with cruise control, Bluetooth, power windows and mirrors, airconditioning, and a whole suite of safety technologies. XTR models add 17-inch alloys, front fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, leather gear shift knob and steering wheel, satellite navigation and chrome trim.Apart from the goofy styling there's not much to complain about. With an 80-litre tank it has a range approaching 900km, has a 1.1 tonne payload capacity and can tow 3.3 tonnes. Ground clearance is 237mm but is compromised by the side steps.

Mazda 2 Neo and Kia Rio go head-to-head in this comparative review.

No wonder they held the diesel back for the launch of this car last month. The Skyactiv-D performs so much better than the petrol-powered model that frankly it's embarrassing. But this performance comes at a cost because its available only with the more expensive models, only with all-wheel drive and only with the automatic. No talk of a cheapie . . . not yet.The five-seat CX-5 is a replacement for the sporty CX-7 and the first of Mazda's cars to feature the full array of Skyactiv fuel saving measures. In the short time that it has been out the petrol model has been widely criticised for its lack of throttle response. But anyone driving the diesel for the first time is unlikely to harbour any of these feelings. With 129kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the Skyactiv engine boasts class leading torque and fuel economy and is so far ahead of the field it doesn't bare comparison.It is 2.2-litres in capacity like the old MZR-CD diesel in the Mazda3 and 6, but this is a much more sophisticated engine. Puts out more power and uses less fuel than either one of them too. Operates at a very low compression for a diesel. This means additional precautions to avoid cold start problems, but the benefits are a cleaner, more controlled burn with a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. You can read all about it here: https://www.mazda.com.au/mazda-news/Hallelujah. As well as the diesel this marks the introduction of Mazda's first automatic to be paired with a diesel engine. It's been a long time coming but it's been worth the wait. Together with the six-speed auto, the diesel accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 204km/h. You can change gears manually via the shifter but really with so much torque on tap there's little need. The engine responds quickly to the throttle, delivering effortless performance.Impressive. Not as smooth or quiet as the petrol engine, but not what you'd call noisey either. The tyres are noisier if anything. Good off the mark acceleration and at lower revs coming out of corners. Doesn't suffer from the awkward kick down issues that the petrol engine does. For those interested the diesel all-wheel drive can tow up to 1.8 tonnes.Like the petrol engine is features start/stop technology that automatically shuts the engine down at traffic lights to save fuel. The diesel is rated at 5.7 litres/100km. Normally the manufactuer's claim does not translate to the cut and thrust of daily driving, but in this case we're happy to report the figure is certainly obtainable. We managed 5.6 litres/100km on one leg of the launch without too much effort. We'd expect figures in the mid 7s for daily use.It's all good until you get to the price because the diesel is going to cost you $3000 more than the equivalent petrol model. It's available with the mid spec Maxx Sport and top of the range Grand Touring models, priced from $39,040 and $46,200 respectively both before on-road costs. The optional tech pack which includes automatic high beam, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring is unfortunately available only with the Grand Touring for an extra $1990.

Australia's favourite car in 2011 was the Mazda3.  The Japanese compact also topped the small-car class despite a solid challenge from the Toyota Corolla and opposition from more than 20 other babies.But does that make it the best small car in Australia today? There is only one way to find out, which is why we have the Mazda3 lined up against its toughest showroom rivals for the first in a series of Carsguide title fights.Picking the top four for this punch-up is - relatively - easy. We might like the idea of an Alfa Romeo, or the patriotism of a Holden Cruze, or the space in a Mitsubishi Lancer, but we would not recommend one of those to our best friend.And, apart from personal preferences and bias, that's what car choice really comes down to. Which car would you choose to drive away if it was your life and your money?The Mazda3 is an automatic choice since it's the reigning champion, and the Toyota Corolla gets an automatic spot as the number one contender. We also have to take the Volkswagen Golf because it's the best car in the small-car class - if not the best value - and the final spot goes to the Ford Focus because it's the sweetest drive and was a finalist in last year's Carsguide Car of the Year award.VALUEYou can spend just over $20,000 to put a quality small car on the road, but it's easy to go much higher with high-performance models such as the $39,490 Mazda3 MPS and $52,490 Golf R. So we settled in the midrange, where most private buyers spend their own cash, with four fighters with prices covered by only $2000. The Corolla Levin ZR comes in at $29,990 and the Golf 118TSI Comfortline is $31,990.All come with a host of creature features that just five years ago were standard only in luxury cars. Apart from being the cheapest, the popular Corolla is also a valued asset because it is easier to sell at trade-in and is the only one here with the security of capped-price service costs. It also doesn't scrimp on features with a totally keyless entry and start system that detects when you approach the car and automatically unlocks, Bluetooth, an MP3 compatible CD player, front fog lights, cruise control, moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, auto-on HID headlights and climate control airconditioning.Our Mazda comes with much the same gear, but this luxury version adds $3000 to the $27,990 price for Bi-Xenon headlamps, a sliding centre armrest console, leather seat trim and a 10-speaker Bose 242-watt sound system. The Focus Sport includes a spoiler, sports seats, auto wipers, Sony sound, leather steering wheel, dual-zone airconditioning and, since December, satnav as standard.The Golf is the only one here with daytime running lights. It also has an optional park assist system at $1400 and rearview camera at $500.TECHNOLOGYThe newest engine here is the Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre with an auto stop-start system called i-stop. It's not the most powerful unit at 113 kiloWatts, well down on the 125kW Focus However, Mazda's engine is married to a new Skyactiv six-speed transmission which is not only silky smooth but, together with the i-stop function, helps the vehicle achieve the best fuel figures of 6.1-6.2L/100km.It is marginally lighter on fuel than the VW which has the smallest 1.4 engine, but boosted to 118kW with a turbo. It manages 6.2L/100km due also to the transmission, a seven-speed DSG auto. Toyota's ageing 1.8-litre engine is the weakest with only 100kW and is relatively thirsty at 7.3L/100km because it only has a four-speed auto.On the electronics side, the Mazda and Ford have voice recognition and satnav, although the high-mounted screen in the Mazda is almost impossible to see in direct sunlight or for anyone over 50. On the low-tech side, the Corolla is the only vehicle with a full-size spare.SAFETYCarsguide takes safety seriously and all four cars have a five-star ANCAP rating. The Toyota and VW lead the pack with seven airbags, adding knee protection for the driver, while the Mazda and Ford have six airbags each. All have parking sensors to avoid carpark bingles, but the Focus and Golf have an optional self-parking feature which is a real show-stopper.DRIVINGJumping back into the cars is a reminder that small-car buyers have never had better choices than they do today. All four of the so-called babies have plenty of space, good performance and the sort of equipment that used to make time in a Mercedes-Benz special. But there are significant differences.Looking first at the champion, the Mazda's cabin feels surprisingly cramped and dark, there is lots of noise from the tyres, and there is also bumping and thumping on poor surfaces. The Focus is a nicely sporty drive, but the cabin controls are complicated and confusing and it doesn't seem all that big.The Corolla has the roomiest feel and update work last year has made the cabin a nice place, while the suspension is great. It's just a pity about the four-speed gearbox. And the Golf? We expected to drive best and it goes, but the cabin is dark and not particularly inviting, and the DSG gearbox - once a first choice with Carsguide testers - now has us worried. We get lots of owner complaints and poor feedback, and that's not good.VERDICTNo drum roll, no fanfare, just the bottom line: it's the Toyota Corolla. The world's favourite small car is my choice - back at the top again, after a long run down the field - as the best small car in showrooms today.The Mazda3 is still the people's choice, and consistently Australia's favourite, while the Volkswagen Golf is the class of the field and the Ford Focus is the most fun. But picking a winner in a very tight contest means I have no friends and must consider everything.The Golf is quality but you pay the price, the cabin is like a cave, and I cannot help wondering and worrying - after a string of owner questions and complaints - about the DSG transmission. It's a lovely car, and one I love to drive, but I could not buy one. The Mazda3 is, plain and simple, showing its age. The cabin is cheap, there is too much road noise and suspension thump, the engine is nothing special, and - even though it's a little thing - the satnav screen is tiny. It's nice, but not as good as I remembered. And the Focus, a COTY contender last year? The thing it does best, corners, is the one thing most Australians don't care about. It's a good car, but not a great car. And the messy dashboard and confusing switches drive me batty.In a field of four, the Corolla is ordinary but extraordinary. It sneaks up on you with surprising strengths that reflect a deep and long-term understanding of the real needs of small-car buyers. It's only got a four-speed automatic, but that is easily offset by capped-price servicing through the warranty period. The Corolla is the car I would be happiest to drive away and own, and that makes it my winner.Paul Gover Rating1. Toyota Corolla2. Volkswagen Golf3. Mazda34. Ford FocusToyota Corolla Levin ZRPrice: $29,990Warranty: 3 years, 100,000kmService: capped-price for 3 years or 60,000kmSafety: 5-star ANCAP, 7 airbags, stability and traction control, ABS, EBD and BAEngine: 1.8L 4-cylinder 100kW/175NmBody: 5-door, 5-seater hatchDimensions: 4245mm (L), 1760mm (W), 1515mm (H), 2600mm (WB)Weight: 1280kgTransmission: 4-speed auto, FWDEconomy: 7.3L/100kmVW Golf 118 TSI ComfortlinePrice: $31,990Warratny: 3 years, unlimited kmService: 15,000kmSafety: 5-star ANCAP, 7 airbags, stability and traction control, ABS, EBD, BA and hill startEngine: 1.4L, turbo 4-cylinder, 118kW/240NmBody: 5-door, 5-seater hatchDimensions: 4199mm (L), 1785mm (W), 1479mm (H), 2574mm (WB)Weight: 1330kgTransmission: 7-speed auto DSG, FWDEconomy: 6.2L/100km, 144g/kmMazda3 SP20 Skyactiv luxuryPrice: $30,990Warranty: 3 years / unlimited kmsService: 6mths/10,000kmSafety: 5-star ANCAP, 6 airbags, stability and traction control, ABS, EBD and BAEngine: 2-litre 4-cylinder, 113kW/194NmBody: 5-door hatchDimensions: 4460mm (L), 1755mm (W), 1470mm (H), 2640mm (WB)Weight: 1346kgTransmission: 6-speed Skyactiv auto, FWDEconomy: 6.1-6.2L/100km Ford Focus SportPrice: $30,190Warranty: 3 years, 100,000kmService: 15,000km/annualSafety: 5-star ANCAP, 6 airbags, stability and traction control, hill launch, ABS, EBD and BAEngine: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 125kW/202NmBody: 5-door, 5-seater hatchDimensions: 4538-4362mm (L), 2010mm (W), 1451-1484mm (H), 2648mm (WB)Weight: 1900kgTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDEconomy: 6.6L/100km, 154g/km

Mazda is still playing cover-up on its BT50 ute. The softer styling of the new model, most notably the smiling car-like front, has been masked to give it a harder edge and more of a tough-truck look.Almost every promotional shot of the BT50 shows it with a confronting bull bar and bulging spotlights.The face mask on the test car looked bizarre with its winged Edna Everage style cat's eye glasses and night piercing eyes. Without the facial surgery, styling marries a passenger vehicle front with the tub of a ute. Clearly some like it, some don't.The pointed nose, bulging wheel arches and wrap-around tail lights are overtly sporty and bear a striking resemblance to other Mazda models. Add the "zoom-zoom'' catch-cry and it's clear Mazda is gunning for what it calls the "active lifestyle'' market as well as the workhorse business.The new BT50 is a quantum leap over its predecessor. It is more powerful, more refined, safer, more capable, better equipped, nicer to drive and is longer, wider and taller with a larger interior and a higher payload.Under the skin it is the same as its non-identical twin the Ford Ranger. If you could drive blindfolded you would not pick one from the other. Mechanically they are identical right down to the gear ratios.Unlike Ford, which offers an entry-level petrol model, Mazda's engines are diesel only - a 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.2-litre five cylinder. The 3.2-litre diesel in the XTR on test produced a class-leading 147kW and 470Nm, or 37kW and 95Nm more than the 2.2 and 42kW and 140Nm more than the previous 2.5-litre diesel.Combined fuel use is 8.4 litres/100km, the same as that averaged by the test ute in outer urban and country running, including an off-road loop. The dual cabs and freestyle cabs are on sale now but, like Ford, the single cabs have been delayed yet again due to the floods in Thailand. Pricing is similar to the Ranger, although there are few direct comparisons because models and equipment vary.There are three trim levels - XT, XTR and GT. All models come with front and curtain airbags and all but the single cab get side airbags. Other standard features include stability and cruise control, traction and trailer sway control, Bluetooth, airconditioning and anti-skid brakes with electronic brake force distribution.The XTR adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, and a leather gear shift knob and steering wheel, while the GT adds leather seats, auto lights and wipers, and an auto dimming mirror. Pricing is similar to the Ranger, although there are few direct comparisons as models and equipment vary.Off road, the BT50 has the grunt, traction, clearance and wheel travel to cope with anything a driver might do. And hill-descent control works in neutral albeit at the expense of extra brake wear. The suspension compromise between a decent ride and disciplined handling is impressive.Mazda says it has gone for a firmer, sportier suspension than the Ranger, but it is hard to pick. Inside, the cabin is long and wide with generous head, leg and hip room, quality trim and a host of storage bins. The dash is clear, logical and intuitive and the main dials are easy to read.Large rear doors on the crew cab open wide and give easy access to the well-padded seats, which have a decent rake on the backrest.

There's a reason why mid-sized SUVs outsold middleweight cars last month - and vehicles like the CX-5 have to accept responsibility.The ride position is the only giveaway you aren't driving a sedan. And get your hands dirty, or buy gloves, but try the diesel Mazda CX-5 if you can afford the $3000 premium over a comparable petrol model.The 2.2-litre turbodiesel's 129kW/420Nm has the 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder's 113kW/198Nm blown away at the lights and the bowser.VALUE The diesel Mazda starts at $39,040 for the Maxx Sport with a six-speaker Bose sound system.Spend $46,200 for the Grand Touring version and there are powered and heated leather seats, xenon headlamps,a sunroof, auto-dimming mirror and front, a nine-speaker Bose sound system and rear parking sensors. GT buyers can also stump up another $1990 for the Tech Pack option (see Safety).TECHNOLOGYThe fuel-efficiency benefits of the petrol skyActiv engine comes at the cost of some performance. Only greedy buggers and diesel buyers want to have their cake and eat it too - and they can with the CX-5 turbodiesel.A claimed diesel use of 5.7 litres/100km with the standard six-speed auto is 1.2-litres better than the equivalent petrol version and comes with double the torque and a decent lick more power.DESIGNThink Mazda3 on 'roids and you won't be far off the mark. The CX-5 is a deep-snouted SUV that is a huge dynamic step up on the CX-7.Interior space is generous as long as three adults aren't in the back preparing to endure an interstate marathon and that practicality extends ito decent storage spaces, topped by a 403 litre cargo area.SAFETYSix airbags, ABS with ESP and traction control and a solid chassis make the CX-5 a five-star car. Grand Touring can spend another $1990 for the Tech Pack option which adds a first for this class in blind-spot monitoring, auto high beam control and a lane departure warning system.The high beam system dips the headlights when it detects oncoming headlights at 600m or approaching brakelamps at 500m. The lane departure system operates at speeds of 65km/h up.DRIVINGThe first set of corners is enough to convince me the Mazda is just about the pick of the mid-sized diesel SUVs for handling and driving feel. There's enough play off-centre to keep things tidy on multi-lane highways but the feedback increases with wheel bias to help negotiate hairpins.The extra weight of the AWD system doesn't help but it is the only option with the oilburner. The six-speed auto is crisp and, despite a stutter off the line, the turbodiesel engine has a great midrange and pulls until close to the 5200rpm redline.VERDICTThere's very little to criticise with the CX-5 - it even comes with a full-sized spare and a decent 1800kg braked towing capacity.A few exterior curves, an understated interior with a high-riding seat that doesn't compromise the sedan handling and a willing engine make the CX-5 diesel a smart choice for buyers who will rack up big miles or just want the extra grunt without the pain at the service station.Mazda CX-5 dieselPrice: $39,040-$46,200Warranty: Three years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService intervals: Six months/10,000kmSafety: Six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, TCCrash rating: Five starsEngine: 129kW/420Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinderBody: Five-door wagonDimensions: 4540mm (L), 1840mm (W), 1710mm (H), 2700mm (WB), 1585mm/1590mm tracks front/rearWeight: 1591kg-1687kgTransmission: Six-speed auto, all-wheel driveThirst: 5.7 litres/100km, 149g/km CO2

Ford Focus Sport and Mazda3 SP20 Luxury go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The medium SUV market segment continues to dominate the sales race in Australia so Mazda's introduction of a completely new vehicle in the class, the CX-5, couldn't have come at a better time for the Japanese maker. We have sampled Mazda's clever Skyactiv systems in other vehicles over the past year, but the CX-5

Mazda’s success streak seems to know no bounds. Not content with having the top-selling car in Australia last year with the Mazda 3, it has backed up with the top seller in the small car class, the Mazda 2. That's impressive, considering the rivalry in the small-car class and for a car approaching its fifth birthday and available in hatch only after the sedan was dropped last year. Competitors are many and include the Hyundai Getz and i20, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra and Holden Barina.Mazda2 sales were up 18 per cent last year in a light-car market that shrank by 4.4 per cent. There is however a twist to this "who's on top" tale. Hyundai replaced the leader, the Getz, with the i20 and sold the two alongside each other last year. Adding them together would have allowed Hyundai to claim it had sold the most light cars.Pedantics aside, the Mazda2's key attributes are its savvy styling, nippy performance, agile handling and a cheerful and reasonably spacious interior, bolstered by regular facelifts and a solid reputation for reliability and retained value.VALUEThe latest upgrade came with the reintroduction of the top-of-the-range Genki last year after a six-month absence. The Genki gained climate control, a trip computer and automatic wipers as standard equipment, and the price dropped $445 to $20,495 (auto $22,145), helped by the strength of the Australian dollar.Equipment includes stability control, six airbags, a six-CD four-speaker audio system with MP3, but no Bluetooth or USB connection. There are also steering wheel audio controls, cloth seats and power windows. You need to be a car freak to pick the minimal cosmetic changes -- a chrome exhaust tip, revised alloy wheels and subtle changes to the front bumper.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONEngine output remains at 76kW and 137Nm from 1.5 litres, which combines with a light body to produce lively performance and decent pull from low engine speeds. The four-speed automatic transmission (on test) is generally smooth and disciplined, but can be snappy on kickdown and asks for plenty of engine revs under load. There are "second" and "low" gear slots, but no sequential manual shift mode.Not the most frugal in its class, fuel use on the combined cycle is 6.8 litres/100km in the automatic, and 6.4 litres/100km in the manual. However, a new direct-injection 1.3-litre petrol engine claiming as little as 3.3 litres/100km has been released in Japan and will make it here.DRIVINGWith an emphasis on fun, the suspension favours handling over ride with crisp turn-in, minimal body roll and confident grip. Ride is firm and well controlled on smooth surfaces, but it can be fidgety over bumpy roads and rough edges. The cheeky exterior styling is carried over in the bright and bubbly interior, and all the controls are easy to master.It has a height-adjustable driver's seat, low waistline for good visibility and a gearshift and handbrake placed close to the driver. Front seats are well padded and supportive and suit most frames, even though the steering wheel adjusts for rake only and not reach. Leg room is adequate in the rear seat, but headroom is tight for lanky frames.Storage is mediocre and includes a two-level glovebox, a single cup holder and door bins for small bottles. Load space in the deep boot is adequate for this class and the rear seats split fold, but not to the same level as the floor of the boot, under which rests a space saver spare wheel. Noise levels are average for this class with noticeable but not intrusive engine and road noise and some thump from the Genki's wider 16-inch tyres.MAZDA2 GENKIPrice: $20,940 (manual), $22,145 (automatic)Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrolPower: 76kW/6000 revsTorque: 135Nm/4000 revsTransmission: five-speed manual, four-speed auto, front-wheel driveDimensions: 3913 mm (l), 1695 mm (w), 1475 mm (h)Wheelbase: 2490 mm, tracks front/rear 1465mm/1455mmWeight: 1038kgEconomy: 6.4L/100km (man), 6.8L/100km (auto)Emissions: 152g/km CO2 (man), 162g/km CO2 (auto).