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Better late than never

After launching the most powerful hot hatch on the market in the butch shape of the Mazda3 MPS, Mazda added some much needed muscle to the diesel 3.

Whether it’s meeting friends or meeting deadlines, I’ve always had a problem with timekeeping. It’s never my fault you understand, it’s the fault of the traffic/computer/old man walking down the stairs/ bad weather. However, the one time you are allowed to turn up late is for parties. Indeed, then you can even claim to be fashionable, although on the many occasions when it’s happened to me, I’ve more often than not been met with cold stares than warm embraces.

Mazda will no doubt be hoping for a more welcoming reception for its new Mazda3 2.0D. While it’s undoubtedly very tardy turning up to the sporting diesel party, it might just have enough power and refinement to make for a suitably grand entrance. It certainly needs to as diesel sales continue to grow and both company and private car buyers take increasing interest in their CO2 figures.

Until now, Mazda has had to make do with a 1.6 diesel offering either 90bhp or 109bhp. Those figures look anaemic when compared to the more powerful and sophisticated diesels offered by rivals like the VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus or Toyota’s new 180bhp, 130mph Auris.

Mazda’s response is to fit the 3 with the 2.0 litre, 141bhp engine from the larger 6. It’s still some way down on power against its most powerful rivals and can’t quite match those with similar outputs for pace. It dispatches the 0-60mph sprint in a smidgen under 10 seconds and tops out at 126mph. That’s half a second down on both the equivalent Golf and Focus.
More impressive is the muscular 266lb ft of torque available from just 2000rpm. That’s not far shy of the figure churned out by the storming MPS, with which the diesel 3 shares it sweet shifting 6-speed gearbox. And the similarities don’t end there; the hydraulic power assisted steering and chassis upgrades are also shared with its more illustrious big brother and coupled with larger brakes further underline the car’s sporty aspirations.

However, don’t run away with the idea that this is an MPS in all but name. Rather, it’s a relaxing, refined and enjoyable tourer. It can certainly do handling; the steering is reasonably precise, it grips well and, impressively for a car full of weighty diesel engine, it doesn’t feel like there’s a baby elephant slung under the bonnet the moment you turn into a corner.

It’s not quite as adept a handler as the dynamic dynamo that is the Focus, but the 3 does significantly compensate in other areas. The engine is superbly refined; it’s smooth, quiet and never loses its decorum. Despite an on-paper performance deficit, it manages to feel brisk and effortless, pulling strongly through the gears, although as with most diesels there’s little point venturing beyond 4000rpm. Better to knock back the revs, sit back and enjoy the torque.

And indeed, the excellent ride. It’s smooth, comfortable and controlled and suits the effortless gait of the engine. Driven in this way, and with judicious use of the tall 6th gear, you might even be able to better the average of 47.1mpg. After all, this is the reason most buyers will plump for the derv option.
There are two trim levels offered with this engine: the TS2 (£16,735) or the range-topping Sport (£17,915). Opt for the former and you get a decent roster of kit including climate control, 16” alloys and a six-disc autochanger. Go for the Sport and you’re also treated to an attractive sports styling kit with 17”alloys, Xenon headlights, a bombastic Bose premium sound system, rain sensing wipers and cruise control.

The rest of the package is pretty much the same as the revised 3 that was introduced last year. That means a smart, solid and distinctive exterior, especially when adorned with the goodies that come with the Sport trim level. The interior too remains an appealing place to spend time with a logical layout, decent build and some cute design touches. Of particular note are the deeply recessed and heavily cowled instruments that owe more than a little to the RX-8.

Mazda may have been slow getting a high-powered diesel 3 onto the market, but it’s been worth the wait. It’s a well-rounded and competent package and arguably the pick of the Mazda3 range. It’s better value than the equivalent Golf and more interesting to behold than the ubiquitous Focus. It also betters both for refinement with that smooth and refined engine. For Mazda, it looks like the party has just begun.

Verdict

FOR: Syrupy smooth diesel engine, plenty of kit, relaxing drive, quite the looker in Sport guise.
AGAINST: Still not the quickest or most agile diesel hatch you can buy.
CONCLUSION: A well-judged blend of performance, refinement, comfort and value that deserves serious consideration.

Spec

ENGINE: 1998cc, Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC turbo diesel with DPF
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 162
POWER: 143ps at 3500 rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 360 at 2000 rpm
0-62mph (sec): 9.9
TOP SPEED: 126
MPG: 39.8/52.3/47.1 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: 5 Speed
PRICE: From £16,735
RIVALS: Toyota Auris, Kia cee`d, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Renault Megane.