New Mazda3 a real dream

Dec 15 2008 Bill Caven

IT WAS seriously getting to the stage where the services of Miss Marple were about to be deployed to solve the mystery.

Desperate? Well,that's certainly one way of putting it.

It was almost getting to the point where I was beginning to doubt my own sanity. I was convinced beyond doubt that I had driven a brand new Mazda car without actually seeing it in the metal.

Now, for starters, I knew it wasn't a real dream. All became crystal clear when the Zoom-Zoom brigade unveiled the next generation Mazda3.

The all-new five door hatchback made its long-awaited debut at the Bologna International Motor Show.

In many respects it was a rather appropriate setting because when it comes to fashion and style then there are undoubtedly few that can ever match the Italians.

Especially when it comes to something as beautiful, graceful and stunning as this latest Mazda offering.

The importance of this reveal also cannot be lost as the Mazda3 range has previously accounted for more than two million sales worldwide.

Whether in hatch or saloon guise this family favourite remains one of the brand's biggest sellers both here in the UK and the United States.

However the fact that competition in this particular sector has intensified of late cannot be ignored lightly.

The forthcoming arrival of the new Volkswagen Golf and Renault Megane plus recent improvements to old favourites such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra have also seriously heightened things.

All of which heaped further pressure on the Mazda army of designers and engineers to hit the jackpot at the first time of asking.

Mistakes can be a costly business these days especially within the hard-pressed and ultra competitive automotive industry.

Add to the equation that the motor manufacturer also wants to raise its profile and standards to a higher level doesn't really bear thinking about.

But the Japanese car-maker now has serious ambitions to move up the league ladder and join the big boys at Audi, Lexus and Mercedes.

Certainly these lofty thoughts are borne out in the creation of this new Mazda3 which far out-strips previous models.

For starters, there is a real premium feel about the car both inside and out.

The new trims and fabrics fall into the luxurious category while the fine attention to detail surrounding the dashboard design is both excellent and clever.

The low slung front end is dominated by a powerful spoiler that almost scrapes along the ground.

Some of the new design lines are reminiscent of the BMW 1-Series although previous Mazda influences remain obvious.

In terms of looks, the newcomer is much more dynamic and distinctive without going overboard.

But the most noticeable changes become apparent when you get behind the wheel.

The sharper, more precision-like steering is far more rewarding than anything before largely thanks to the new electro-hydraulic system.

There is also a real feeling of rigidity throughout which is reflected in a more accomplished and satisfying ride.

Even when you get a little carried away while tackling a series of hairpin bends there is little or no evidence of body roll.

There is also an eerie calmness about the hatch with road noise kept to the very minimum.

The car will be offered with a choice of four powertrains all tailored for the European market.

There are two petrol options starting with the 1.6-litre developing 105PS and a 2.0-litre offering 150PS.

The stars are the two newly-developed 2.2-litre turbo diesels delivering 185PS and 150PS outputs.

And for those wishing lower CO2 emissions then the 1.6-litre turbo diesel more than meets the bill with a figure of just 119g/km.

Prices will be confirmed nearer next year's launch date.