2002 Mazda 323 Sport review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

I know nothing will, it's a MAZDA!!!

The 2.0i Sport model is simply stunning. Many people may think of Mazda's to be bland and characterless, the 323F sport isn't! I cannot believe the difference from my Nissan Almera GTi. Okay the car was quicker, but it lacked style and refinement.

Anyway back to the stunning 323F, the 2.0i engine is just so smooth and quiet. I think the 0-62mph time could be improved from 9.7sec to about 9.0sec, however it feels very nippy on the move. Fuel economy of 33mpg on the combined cycle could also be improved by 2mpg I would say, but this is a performance car. The 323F Sport calls it a day at exactly 130mph, even though Mazda figures show 126mph.

At speed there are low levels of wind and road noise, the car remains taut and composed at all speeds. Some may say that the 323F is dull to drive. The problem with the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra are that their steering is just too sharp, the slightest movement and the car is off. The 323F doesn't suffer from uninvolving and lifeless steering like some other Mazda's, it is just inbetween. The steering isn't as sharp as rivals mentioned above, but it feels exactly right as it is, whether you want a relaxing Sunday drive listening to Classic FM or a boy-racer style drive listening to 95.8 Capital FM.

Saftey and security are excellent, the Sport is fitted with ABS, 4 airbags, traction control, body stability control, three rear headrests etc. Security is first class too. This is just truly an exceptional car. You get:

Climate control

E/sunroof

4 airbags

CD player

16-inch alloys

4 e/windows

Heated mirrors

Trip computer- (ave. speed/mpg etc.)

Front fogs

Body kit

Nardi leather steering wheel.

ALL FOR £13995!

This is amazing, who needs an Audi A3 that with all of this would cost about £21995 and isn't half as fun to drive. The 323F is the best Mazda I have driven, and I have driven a good few, the ride quality is sporty, but just so smooth, the car has a good low down pull, too! Buy one, I guarantee anyone who finds a single fault has spent too much time in a £50,000+ Merc or something similar.