2012 Mazda 3 1.6 petrol

Summary:

A more sporty small family saloon than a Corolla or Civic

Faults:

Driver's seat belt from new.

Gearbox leak at 40,000 km.

General Comments:

Comfortable seats and driving position.

A driver's car, but smooth for passengers also.

Hugs the road in most conditions and is fun to drive.

The 1.6L engine is adequate for both town and intercity driving, and not especially under powered as some claim.

Poor petrol consumption in town - 7-8 km per litre (18-19 MPG) - even with gentle speed, acceleration and braking, but remarkably better on a long run with 20-25km per litre (50 MPG ++) possible. I average 27-31 MPG with mixed motoring.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2018

22nd Sep 2022, 15:30

Manual transmission will solve the mpg issues - mines does a solid 40 mpg mixed driving. Mazda claim 44 mpg is possible, but only on very long drives with an endless motorway cruising at 65 mph.

2004 Mazda 3 1.6

Summary:

Buy it for the looks, but the Corolla and Civic are better

Faults:

Dashboard vibration at low revs since it was new. Two friends have the same model with the same noise. Mazda fixed it with sponge.

General Comments:

The 1.6 engine is underpowered, acceleration is poor for the class and less than the official engine power suggests.

Automatic gearbox with semi automatic mode is great, one of the main reasons I bought it.

Nice interior, but looks and feels cheap in places.

Handling is better than expected, Ford Focus like in general feel, but more precise. Fairly neutral when pressed.

The air conditioner is poor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2004

24th Jul 2004, 02:06

I am currently in the market for a new car and have test-driven the Mazda 3 on several occasions. I too have found the interior to be a bit 'cheap' and feel that the steering is a bit too sensitive. Although the car looks good, I am afraid it's a bit of a case of 'bells and whistles' for the Mazda 3, although the models in the lower range are probably value for money.

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