1996 Mazda MX3 V6 review from UK and Ireland

Rear silencer was starting to rot when I got the car.

I bought the car at auction intending to buy a Hyundai coupe, but when it came into the hall I was smitten. I'd never really considered one before and wasn't too sure on the looks. I'd heard about the peach of the 1.8i V6 and once I heard it I had to buy.

First impressions; corners like its on the proverbial rails, far better than my previous 3series BMW. Fast, more than enough for me with a really good dollop of torque in the mid range. Get it up to 4500rpm and it really starts to fly. Ride is a bit firm (you know which side a coin is lying on if you drive over one) but nothing too hard. Fairly refined for what it is, nice pleasant exhaust note and not too much wind or tyre noise.

2nd Impressions; Amazingly practical, rear seats you can actually use and a boot (trunk for our cousins) that can take a full load, although the lip is a bit high and just not wide enough for my golf clubs. The seats, although fabric, are still comfortable after a long run. The dash although plastic isn't something you'd find particularly offensive and once I'd put in a CD changer it was a car I looked forward to driving more and more.

So what's the downside? Well just about 30mpg on a long run (admittedly not hanging back on motorways), and just over 24mpg around town. That's not so bad if you've a decent tank, but it just isn't big enough. The reserve light was a bit untrustworthy too.

In the end I put up for sale after a month and someone came halfway down the country to pay me just over twice what I'd paid for it. Apparently it's a bit of a cult car to those in the know. If I was looking for a car to keep for those days when you want a grin on your face, I'd have another tomorrow.