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mazda 3 Road Test Reports and Car Reviews

mazda 3

With vast success in a host of markets, the Mazda3, known in Japan as the Mazda Axela, was originally introduced at the end of 2003 as a replacement for the Mazda 323 (also known as the Mazda Protégé and the Mazda Familia). The original Mazda3 design was based on the Ford C1 platform, also common in cars such as the Ford Focus and the Volvo S40. It was originally available as a four-door saloon or a five-door hatchback. In 2006, the Mazda3 MPS was introduced designed to compete in the sports car sector. Indeed the Mazda3 itself underwent a facelift in 2007 with several new exterior colours made available.

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mazda 3 car video reviews, adverts and promotional videos. These car vidoes will allow you to see the mazda 3 in action and let you hear the opinions of all the top road test experts. Featuring car videos from MSN cars, Top Gear and other top sites.

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What Do You Say...?

mazda 3 Car Reviews

Steven Beardmore, Staffordshire

Mazda 3 2.0 Sport 2004

4 star review

Being the very first person to buy one brand new in Wolverhampton in March 04, was excited and proud for that fact alone although it took but just a few miles of driving for my enthusiasm and pride to include the actual car itself After some 20 odd years of driving/owning second hand cars, wanted to take my time and care over choosing my first new motor, so spent a number of weeks test driving pretty much every available car in this class (small family hatch) and after 4 1/2 years have never once regretted my decision. Its got presence, power, poise, and pose, and I still glance at the shop windows reflection with pride.

Submitted: 29/08/2008 09:08:37

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Graham Giles, Essex

Mazda 3 .6 TS 5speed hatch 2008

4 star review

My judgement here has been based on the experiences gained after 43 years of driving everything from a Reliant Robin to a Rolls Royce (Fortunately, I didn’t own either of these!) My 23 years in the retail motor trade with main dealers gave me the ideal perspective to know a good car when I drove one. Now that I am out of the ’trade’ I buy my own cars and have to say that my 08 Mazda3 has only given of its best after 9000+ miles in the seven months since choosing it over another Peugeot that it replaced. To sum up - it’s flexible, entertaining, capacious and totally reliable. At £12930.00 I am well satisfied! (4 Stars, because nothing is perfect.)

Submitted: 26/08/2008 10:10:00

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Michelle Park, Leicestershire

Mazda 3 1.6 TS 2006

5 star review

I find driving my Mazda3 a thrilling experience. It was the good looks that first attracted me to it and I was pleased to find the interior spacious, of high quality and comfortable. My last car was a Renault and had severe reliability issues so this time I wanted the opposite and was advised that this is what the Japanese car manufacturers are known for. The ride and handling are outstanding. The fuel economy at the moment is not as good as I would have hoped (approximately 40 miles to the gallon) but I am reliably informed that this will improve with time.

Submitted: 07/08/2008 14:05:17

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John Gilmour, West Lothian (Linlithgowshire)

Mazda 3 2008

4 star review

Previously owning Volkswagen Golf’s, the change to Mazda 3 has proved satisfactory in that for around the same buying price the Mazda 3 has more to offer in alloys, climate control and alarm which my 2006 Golf did not have. Good to drive with plenty room and comfort.

Submitted: 17/06/2008 10:19:17

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Stuart Christie, Surrey

Mazda 3 MPS 2007

4 star review

Stunning car to drive. Very fast and great engine flexibility across the rev range. Feels well put together. The only downside is the restrictive gear change. Other than that a great car to own. Oh....apart from the £400 a year road fund license!

Submitted: 25/04/2008 13:51:46

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Simon Rassmun, London

Mazda 3 2.3 MPS 2006

5 star review

Extremely responsive and gives plenty of punch. Exciting to drive and never boring. Great little hot hatch!

Submitted: 16/03/2008 13:53:37

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Kal Amin, Lanarkshire

Mazda 3 2006

1 star review

No review submitted.

Submitted: 23/11/2007 09:04:27

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Jacques Delor, Worcestershire

Mazda 3 1.6 D 2007

5 star review

I have a small family and was, kind of obviously, looking for a really good small family car. After doing some research it came down to either a Mazda 3 or a Ford Focus. The reason I chose the Mazda 3 was because it was the more reliable of the two and the 1.6 D offered better fuel economy. I liked the look of the car and after a test drive I was impressed with the performance and handling. I test drove the 1.6 D, the model that I ended up buying. A quality small family car, reliable and available at a very competitive price.

Submitted: 02/11/2007 14:48:31

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Donna Letts, Gloucestershire

Mazda 3 2.0 Sport 4dr

5 star review

Excellent family car. Economical, spacious and practical, like the sat nav too. Feels solid and is a very easy drive. Excellent value for money, I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

Submitted: 17/10/2007 11:24:54

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