Mazda has been doing quite well in these difficult times. One had big plans. The Mazda 3 as a successor of the 323 comes exactly between the new Golf and Astra models. The highly successful Mazda 6 appeared barely a year earlier and at the end of the year was still space for the highly coveted RX 8.

Given the details, however, raised the question what is still by Mazda itself. Given that the brand belonged to the Ford group the 3 Series was on the body platform of the Focus, which had to not necessarily a disadvantage, however, with respect to the space provided in the vehicle and the underbody. This was also true for diesel engines which came from Peugeot and the likes.

The Mazda 3, which was called in USA Axela, was available as hatchback and as a notchback like his predecessor. Therefore, the dimensions for the length differed a little. Additionally, a fairly voluminous rear bumper provided for increase. Nevertheless, the Mazda 3 could be classified as relatively low weight for its size.

Well mainly the 3 serie should be sold with the Mazda's own petrol engines. Because of the relatively high surcharge for the 2 litres version more than two-thirds of the German buyers has choosen the 1.6 litres. Not a bad choice, because it already had an aluminum block, adjustable camshaft for the intake side and special control dampers for the suction system.

We dedicate ourselves to the rather sophisticated dashboard. For this purpose there was a navigation system with extendible display and map of Europe. The other operation is flawless. The steering wheel could be moved in both directions. It was provided in superior versions with keypad. Here there was the air conditioning as standard, as well as automatic climate control.

Tester certified quite long-distance qualities the Mazda 3. This was not so much the not too comfortable suspension than rather the seats. One could not accuse the manufacturer to have economized at the security. The passive safety left nothing to be desired, though was standard at the low cost versions the Brake Assist , but not the ESP. Xenon light was not even available at extra cost beyond the top version. 08/14