28 Jun 06
The 1.6-litre petrol engine (105bhp and 40.9mpg) remains unchanged, as do the 1.6-litre diesels (90bhp and 109bhp, and now 60.1mpg and 58.9mpg, respectively). The latter are an extremely pleasant drive, but given their higher pricing, you'd have to do a high mileage to recoup the extra outlay, and it's no surprise that the 1.6 petrol remains the best-selling version in the range.
The only surprise that remains is that the Mazda3 - whatever the engine choice - doesn't sell in greater numbers here in the UK. It's not that the car is undistinguished to look at or to drive - it's much more individual-looking than the old 323 and, given that it is so mechanically similar to the perennially excellent Ford Focus, it's no dullard to drive. It's got a slightly smarter, more upmarket image than the Focus, too, even if that is largely down to its comparative exclusivity, but it just hasn't crossed over into the mainstream as an option for younger, more sports-focused drivers.
Mazda is hoping, however, that the upcoming MPS will work for it in the same way that the Type-R has for Honda's Civic, drawing in a whole new demographic to its hatchback range, establishing its credentials as more than just a maker of reliable, dependable but uninspiring family cars and dispelling the notion that there are only a couple of models in the Mazda range - the MX-5 and RX-8 - that are of any interest to enthusiasts.
On the evidence of these revised 3s driven so far, the MPS stands a good chance of doing just that.
