When Mazda worked out their new generation 3 they decided not to wait for the platform which will underpin the next Ford Focus. Maybe there was a design and production window that didn't work out. Or maybe they still had a few ideas for the underpinnings.
So they fettled the existing C1 platform, which they had developed anyhow for the current Mazda, Ford and Volvo partnership. And which is still the real benchmarker in the compact family car business.
We'll come back to that. The new Mazda3, just launched in Ireland, fills out the most important models in the company's range here, providing a now truly fresh offering right across the key segments in the Irish market.
It comes with a style that was inaugurated by the current Mazda6, adding character and presence to rather less dynamic designs which were nevertheless distinctive in the showrooms. And which actually had brought Mazda back to a position of styling flair which it hadn't had since the early 1990s.
The new car has a strong look, especially from the front. It reflects that in the interior style which, though, makes a point of being free from clutter. Main instruments fit well and follow the same ethos. The seats offer much more than my lanky figure requires. Without stinting on rear seat accomodation, although in the saloon my remaining hair does brush the headlining there.
In short experience, the new 3 is well worth its arrival. The 1.6 diesel which I have driven at this time of writing is familiar, favoured as the best in class, and is a smart performer in this latest application. That they only charge €500 more against the entry 1.6 petrol means that the latter powerplant will hardly figure in the Irish sales.
It drives great. The fiddles they did to the suspension might even outperform the current benchmarker Focus. The pulling power punch of the smaller of the two diesels on option is a fun factor. Build quality is a given good, because the car is manufactured in Japan. Something which actually still resonates amongst Irish buyers of Japanese-marque cars.
Prices start at €21,155. Add the €500 for the diesel, whichever of the spec levels you favour. It's a sweet deal.
Brian Byrne.
(Watch for the full review in the next Car+Travel magazine.)
So they fettled the existing C1 platform, which they had developed anyhow for the current Mazda, Ford and Volvo partnership. And which is still the real benchmarker in the compact family car business.
We'll come back to that. The new Mazda3, just launched in Ireland, fills out the most important models in the company's range here, providing a now truly fresh offering right across the key segments in the Irish market.
It comes with a style that was inaugurated by the current Mazda6, adding character and presence to rather less dynamic designs which were nevertheless distinctive in the showrooms. And which actually had brought Mazda back to a position of styling flair which it hadn't had since the early 1990s.
The new car has a strong look, especially from the front. It reflects that in the interior style which, though, makes a point of being free from clutter. Main instruments fit well and follow the same ethos. The seats offer much more than my lanky figure requires. Without stinting on rear seat accomodation, although in the saloon my remaining hair does brush the headlining there.
In short experience, the new 3 is well worth its arrival. The 1.6 diesel which I have driven at this time of writing is familiar, favoured as the best in class, and is a smart performer in this latest application. That they only charge €500 more against the entry 1.6 petrol means that the latter powerplant will hardly figure in the Irish sales.
It drives great. The fiddles they did to the suspension might even outperform the current benchmarker Focus. The pulling power punch of the smaller of the two diesels on option is a fun factor. Build quality is a given good, because the car is manufactured in Japan. Something which actually still resonates amongst Irish buyers of Japanese-marque cars.
Prices start at €21,155. Add the €500 for the diesel, whichever of the spec levels you favour. It's a sweet deal.
Brian Byrne.
(Watch for the full review in the next Car+Travel magazine.)
