The advertising gurus at Volkswagen certainly know a thing or two about marketing. I mean, who hasn't seen their 'looks like a Golf, sounds like a Golf, but isn't a Golf' TV advert?
If all new hatchbacks weren't already compared to that of the German's, they certainly are now.
But despite the Volkswagen Golf still the undoubted king of its class, they are being kept on their toes by the arrival of a new wave of high quality Eastern Promise hatchbacks.
If all new hatchbacks weren't already compared to that of the German's, they certainly are now.
But despite the Volkswagen Golf still the undoubted king of its class, they are being kept on their toes by the arrival of a new wave of high quality Eastern Promise hatchbacks.
Whether it be the Toyota Auris, the Honda Civic or the Nissan Note, Japanese cars continue to get better.
The Mazda 3 is no exception to the rule.
Mazda is going from strength-to-strength at the moment and has overtaken Nissan to become the third best-selling Japanese brand in the UK.
Its cars are sporty and well built. They have a unique style and this latest 3 follows the family trait for bold, athletic and well proportioned design.
The 2.2D Sport Mazda 3 comes complete with heated seats, auto climate control, power folding mirrors and parking sensors - all of which are optional on the VW.
Another highlight is the 2.2-litre diesel engine. It is cleaner than Mazda's previous 2.0-litre diesel and returns more than 50mpg while boasting strong acceleration.
The 3's low-speed ride is firmer than the Golf's, but not uncomfortable, and as speed increases things begin to smooth out and there is excellent body control, as well as bags of grip.
The interior may not ooze the same build quality and attention to detail the Golf does but the plastics are now a lot better than they used to be.
The upshot is, if you believe everything you see on the television then you may be fooled into thinking the Golf is the only hatchback on the market worth buying, but, while not denying the Golf is a very, very good car, there are a number of other candidates to take a look around before parting with your hard earned cash... and the Mazda 3 is one of them.
If you are still struggling to sign on the dotted line then why not take a look at the 1.6-litre engine? For less than £15,000 you get a car than can do 63mpg, opposed to the 2.2D Sport which costs slightly more than £18,000 and returns 52.3mpg. The equivalent Golfs cost even more!
By Richard Jones
The Mazda 3 is no exception to the rule.
Mazda is going from strength-to-strength at the moment and has overtaken Nissan to become the third best-selling Japanese brand in the UK.
Its cars are sporty and well built. They have a unique style and this latest 3 follows the family trait for bold, athletic and well proportioned design.
The 2.2D Sport Mazda 3 comes complete with heated seats, auto climate control, power folding mirrors and parking sensors - all of which are optional on the VW.
Another highlight is the 2.2-litre diesel engine. It is cleaner than Mazda's previous 2.0-litre diesel and returns more than 50mpg while boasting strong acceleration.
The 3's low-speed ride is firmer than the Golf's, but not uncomfortable, and as speed increases things begin to smooth out and there is excellent body control, as well as bags of grip.
The interior may not ooze the same build quality and attention to detail the Golf does but the plastics are now a lot better than they used to be.
The upshot is, if you believe everything you see on the television then you may be fooled into thinking the Golf is the only hatchback on the market worth buying, but, while not denying the Golf is a very, very good car, there are a number of other candidates to take a look around before parting with your hard earned cash... and the Mazda 3 is one of them.
If you are still struggling to sign on the dotted line then why not take a look at the 1.6-litre engine? For less than £15,000 you get a car than can do 63mpg, opposed to the 2.2D Sport which costs slightly more than £18,000 and returns 52.3mpg. The equivalent Golfs cost even more!
By Richard Jones
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