Mazda 3 Hatchback (2009 - 2013) 2.2d Sport (185bhp) 5d (2010/60) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I shouldn't have been so free and easy about laying down a deposit. I would not normally have chosen this car, I like an elegant body and lots of practicality-should have stuck with the Mazda 6!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My neighbour really likes it but he's a bit of a racer.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. It has loads of gadgets, and I prefer simplicity. The interior trim is really naff. The dash reads Zoom-Zoom as you get in and Goodbye as you leave, like it's a childs toy.

What are you likely to buy next?

An elegant but refined petrol-driven supermini that has lowish depreciation if I can find one. My journeys tend to be short anyway.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

February 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Didn't get a good deal because I initially went for a Mazda 6 and placed a deposit. Overnight I decided the 6 was too big. Next day the dealer said I would not only lose my deposit but also have to pay 10% of the invoice value of the car if I didn't go through with the purchase. In the meantime I had decided on a Mazda 3 to save my deposit.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted something enjoyable to drive with a hatch.

What was the dealer like?

Like all dealers. Smiled pleasantly while he tried to sell me overpriced GAP insurance. The guy that joined me for the test drive just kept droning on and on about the car's merits-irritating.

What's it like to drive?

Not as enjoyable as I'd hoped. A little lifeless. Being a Sport the ride is too jittery. There is some road noise but the engine is quiet. The relatively poor fuel consumption as displayed by the consumption meter is irksome.

What's it like to park?

Being used to a smaller car, reverse parking is more difficult than before but the parking sensors help.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing gone wrong but only had it a short while.

What's most practical about your car?

Unlike many medium hatchbacks these days, it has provision for the attachment of roof bars.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The fuel consumption meter. Not that it is as economical as it's supposed to be but I like driving to maximise the readout.