• Limited engine range
• Two 2.0-litre petrols with different power outputs
• e-Skyactiv X engine offers diesel levels of MPG

Petrol engines

The Mazda 3 hatchback is only available with a pair of mild hybrid, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engines, called e-Skyactiv G and e-Skyactiv X. The former produces 122hp and 213Nm of torque which feels rather lacklustre compared to the turbocharged engines fitted to the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. It means you spend a lot of time changing gear but, considering how satisfyingly notchy Mazda’s six-speed manual gearbox is, this is hardly a chore.

However, on motorways the e-Skyactiv G’s lack of grunt becomes more frustrating. Overtake a truck travelling at 56mph requires you to drop from sixth gear to fourth to get past in a timely fashion. Thankfully, the engine is at its best in the upper half of the rev counter. Peak torque arrives at 4,000rpm and the engine will happily scream up to 7,000rpm.

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The e-Skyactiv X has more punch, which makes it the better option for those who rack up motorway miles. It produces 186hp and 240Nm of torque and, like the cheaper engine, it’s more than happy to let you chase the redline. It’s also quite smooth and balanced, although it’s more vocal than the 1.5-litre unit fitted to the likes of the Golf and Skoda Octavia. Still, it’s definitely the engine to go for.

Handling

• Excellent manual gearbox and pedals
• Precise, well-judged steering
• Ride is well-damped but a little lumpy

If you’re a keen driver, you’ll like the Mazda 3. The steering is well weighted and accurate, as is the snappy six-speed manual gearbox. In fact, the gearbox feels remarkably similar to the transmission in the excellent Mazda MX-5 roadster. What the 3’s really crying out for is a significant increase in power, but Mazda has abandoned the hot hatch market. That’s a real pity given the strengths of the 3’s fundamental ingredients.

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The suspension delivers excellent poise and control, despite having a slightly less sophisticated setup than its predecessor. It also has Mazda’s G-Vectoring technology that helps to keep the car stable around sharp, fast corners. The tech works well, making the 3 feel like it pivots around a central point and allows for a bit of extra fun when the mood takes you.

When the road surface becomes bumpy, versions of the 3 fitted with the larger 18-inch alloy wheels communicate many of the imperfections to the car’s occupants. It’s rarely uncomfortable, but it isn’t as serene as something like the Citroen C4 is over similar stretches of asphalt.

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However, by choosing the Mazda, you’re making a clear choice – it’s designed to feel sportier, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s firmer than many of its rivals. It’s agile and fun, offering a far more focused experience than key rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf or even the Ford Focus.