Mazda 3 i-Stop (2009-) Review

Category: Small Family

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Summary of the Mazda 3 i-Stop (2009-)

Price Range: £11,950 to £19,900

Assets

Quick and quiet restart; punchy petrol engine; decent handling.

Drawbacks

CO2 and fuel economy figures are good, but not sensational; i-Stop won't work in certain circumstances.

Verdict

The combination of a stop/start system and 2.0-litre petrol engine is a good start for Mazda's new technology.

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Running Costs

The Mazda 3 i-Stop should be affordable to run because it offers over 41mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions of 159g/km also place it neatly below the capital allowance tax threshold of 160g/km, making this an enticing prospect for company car drivers looking for a combination of the sporty driving characteristics of the 2.0-litre petrol engine and decent fuel economy.

Private buyers will also benefit from road tax of £150 a year (VED Band G), group 8 insurance and relatively inexpensive servicing costs from Mazda.