• Advanced Skyactiv-X petrol engine
• Takes some getting used to
• Not as punchy as rival turbo motors

Petrol engine

The Mazda 3 hatchback is available with a single SkyActiv X 2.0-litre petrol engine. The latest version of this produces 186hp and 240Nm of torque (pulling power), but doesn’t have a turbocharger – which means compared to most other modern cars it’s lacking in instant low-down punch.

Instead you have to use the revs to make rapid progress. Driven hard enough it will do 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 134mph.

Fortunately, refinement is generally very good and a slick gearshift mechanism means it’s not too much of a chore to keep the Mazda on the boil. You might even come to enjoy it. But there’s no denying that it’s not quite as effortless in its progress as cars from other brands targeting similar buyers.

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The SkyActiv X engine uses a combination of compression ignition (normal for a diesel), and spark ignition (normal for a petrol). The fuel and air mixture is compressed (like a diesel), but a spark is used at a very specific time for a leaner burn, making it more efficient (fewer NOx emissions).

What’s it like to drive?

• Fine handling for a sensible family car
• Excellent blend of comfort and control
• You can have a lot of fun if you like

The Mazda 3 hatch is one of the go-to choices in it class if you enjoy driving. Thankfully, the 3 Saloon has inherited this trait, but it remains a grown-up family car that’s refined enough for long journeys at the same time.

The steering is well weighted and pleasingly accurate, meaning you just go where you choose to. There’s no vagueness or overly-light feeling. It’s thoroughly enjoyable on a country road, where the suspension copes very well with quick changes in direction, as does the body. Roll is limited so you don’t feel like the car’s becoming overwhelmed by everything.

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In order to achieve this, the suspension is on the firmer side. This helps to make the 3 Saloon feel agile and controlled, especially in combination with Mazda’s G-Vectoring control that brakes individuals wheels automatically to help the car track round corners as intended. And although sometimes irritating, the ride is rarely actually uncomfortable.