Mazda’s style is shining through

The Mazda 3 is a car that doesn’t need to rely on brute force to entertain its driver.

The well-judged chassis and suspension set-up, tweaked to better cope with British roads in the recently face-lifted range, mean an engaging drive is always on the cards, even in the 1.6-litre entry-level petrol model.

And, with an engine that turns in strong emissions and economy figures, it’s likely to be a big seller.
There’s been a growth in smaller turbo-charged petrol engines recently, but the simplicity and suitability of a good 1600cc unit still seems an ideal fit with this size of car.

There are a lot of worthy contenders in the family hatchback sector, but the revised Mazda3 consolidates its position as one of the best. Its strengths are its fine chassis and composed handling, engaging design and roomy cabin. The quality of the interior materials has been improved and the dashboard is more attractive. Overall, it’s a package that’s hard to fault.

Meanwhile, the MK3 model Mazda 6 looks to blend the best attributes of the first two models with a style all of its own. Mazda’s clever ‘SYYACTIV’ technology has delivered class-leading running costs able to embarrass those of many potential rivals.

On top of that, with a driving experience unequalled in this segment, this is a car good enough to prise customers away from mainstream rivals.

As for looks, they’re rather superb. From the front, where the headlamps incorporate smart LEDs and neat halo-ring lights, you might well guess the brand without the badges — and admire the swooping front wings and the low, rear-leaning coupe-style cabin.

Under the bonnet, Mazda’s 145PS 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol unit is nearly as impressive, delivering returns that are well-nigh identical 
to those of a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel Mondeo — and streets ahead of other similarly-performing medium range-segment petrol rivals.

If you want something that offers the finest driving dynamics, the lowest running costs, 
the most space and arguably the best value in the class, then it’s hard to ignore Mazda’s CX-5.

You’ll have a tough time finding any other compact 4x4 or Crossover model that covers ground quite so effortlessly. The 150PS 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D engine isn’t short of pulling power and with 0-62mph taking just 9.2s, it’s 25% quicker than a comparable Freelander.

As with many Mazdas, its modesty hides a product packed with innovation. The result is excellent packaging, class-leading economy and emissions and driving dynamics that set a new benchmark in this sector.

The CX-5 may very well be the best car of this kind you can buy.