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Weekend roadtest: Mazda3 1.6TS2 Diesel
publication date: Sep 3, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
It
is easy to follow the herd but the Mazda3 1.6TS2 Diesel proves the grass is
often greener on the other side of the hill.
And
it is very green in the case of this five-door family car costing just over
£18,000.
Not
only is it keenly prices and cheap to insure but its highly refined diesel
engine is extremely economical. |  | Furthermore
for the economy you extract without any real effort by the driver, the
performance ain't half good too.
There
are eleven models in the Mazd3 range from just under £14,800 to almost £21,000,
with a choice of four trim levels and depending on chosen engine it comes with
six speed manual or automatic transmission. Petrol lovers can select either
105ps 1.6 or 151ps 2.0 engines or there are 115ps 1.6 with 150 and 185ps 2.2
diesels as well. My test car was the smaller diesel with the mid to high range
TS2 trim, the most popular in the Mazda3 series.
The
well developed, smooth, refined and surprisingly quiet 1.6 diesel (below) packs a punch
from low revs., and keeps on pushing out the power for fearless overtaking and
utterly composed motorway cruising. It really loves to be revved and has a
distinctly sporty and un-diesel like engine note under acceleration, but easing
off does remind you of its heart beat.
A
light, short travel clutch and similarly precise and easy changing six-speed
gearbox underline the powertrain's sophistication and you are never left
looking for a suitable gear or wishing you had more in hand.
Steering
is also very communicative, well balanced between assistance and effort and it
has a good turning circle for urban use without being too twitchy at speed on
more flowing roads and the easy yet effective brakes always slow it quickly and
without drama.
|  | Secondary
controls are generally well laid out but I could take issue with their marking
and some switches are not in direct line of site, unlike the large, clear and
well marked instruments infront of the driver.Heating
and ventilation system of the climate control is straightforward and works
well, backed up by powered windows all round but there is no sunroof option.
Standard
equipment on the TS2 includes alloys, cruise control, MP3 connectivity with
Bluetooth and there is a CD player, so most will find their choice and source
of music is well provided for in the Mazda3 TS2.
Oddments
room is not so generous with a multitude of small compartments but few to take
larger items, but the bootspace can be gradually expanded from 340 to 1360
litres behind a high rear panel. | Inside
the cabin, access is easy and the room is very good infront and reasonable
behind with cloth covered seats providing good location and support. The
adjustment range on the front pair is also adequate for all but the very
tallest users.
Ride
comfort is surprisingly good for a small to medium sized car and it soaks up
the bumps with ease even if a little noisily.
Roadholding
is good and the handling is confidence building irrespective of it being dry or
wet. Everything is well indicated and there are no vices in its nature.
Visibility is good and lights bright.
It
may not be the quickest car from the lights but given the choice of this or
some others over a long journey and varied roads I would find it particularly
relaxing to drive.
I
would also be delighted by the fuel economy. Mazda has really refined the
diesel and while its stated official combined figure is in excess of 64mpg I
found it returned the high 50s without any problem at all and without me having
to resort to any trickery to take it further than just driving it as normal. On
long journeys the cruise control is a real asset to extend the economy. |  | Mazda3
1.6TS2 is a capable and delightful family car with a modest market appeal which
does not do it justice for its abilities under the skin.
©Robin Roberts
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| | | | Fact file | Mazda3
1.6 TS2 Diesel 5dr £18,225 | | Insurance
group: 5/ 16 | | Fuel
consumption: 58mpg | | Mechanical: 115ps
4cyl 1560cc, 6sp | | Emissions: 117gkm | | Performance:0-62mph
11sec and 116mph maximum | | Warranty: 3yrs/
60K |
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