Mazda 3 Hatchback (2009 - 2013) 2.2d Sport (185bhp) 5d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Its stylish and different. Very nice looking car, sporty but not brash.

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

Everyone comments on how good it looks and how nice it is to be a passenger in it. I struggle to take the key away from my Mrs!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, although I'd run a petrol if I wasn't doing so many miles.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something petrol and rear wheel drive.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£19,980

When did you buy the car?

October 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Mine was one of the first registered so dealer wouldn't budge on price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Fancied something different to a diesel Golf or Focus, and the Mazda was new out, and has the most powerful diesel engine in the segment.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly and professional.

What's it like to drive?

Effortless performance - its very quick this car, although it doesn't feel that sporty as its so smooth and quiet, and doesn't like to be revved over 4000rpm. Too easy to speed on the motorway, will cruise at 130mph on the autobahn whilst returning 35mpg! Road holding and handling is superb. Only the driving position lets it down, the seat is too high for my liking, and the squab too short for thigh support.

What's it like to park?

Rear visibility isn't the best, and the car isn't as small on the outside as you'd think. Parking made easy with excellent parking sensors, although annoyingly the radio volume doesn't decrease automatically meaning you have to turn it down manually.

Have you had any problems with the car?

In 18,000 miles over 9 months, I've had a squeaky seat (dealer as yet unable to fix after 2 attempts), and the brakes fade too easily after hard driving. No complaints really considering I'm 20st and its driven quite hard.

What's most practical about your car?

The back seats aren't particularly roomy, and the driver seat is a bit high for my linking. The boot is small really, as the floor is high to accommodate the BOSE subwoofer. Electric folding mirrors are useful, as is the keyless entry.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Very nicely specced model. Heated seats and windscreen are great, Satnav a bit clunky but it always gets you there. Lots of nice touches like the footwell illumination, blue hue over the console at night, the pulsing of the heater controls when used etc.