With a 16 valve 2.0 liter I4 standard engine, 2008 Mazda MX-5 MIATA runs with a power of 158 hp at the rate of 6700 rpm giving mpg of 20 within the city and 27 on the highway. Having a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission combined with overdrive, the new Mazda also has a shifter located on the floor. Again for this sleek ride, there is a shock-tower bar supporting the front suspension, which is double wishbone type against the multi-link type at the back.

Exterior & Lighting features

This 2-door convertible sure can turn heads of any individual across the globe. It looks really gorgeous with the metallic finish on the outside and has a wind deflector too. Apart from the tinted glass of green shade at the front, there are defrosters on the rear window. The tires coupled with alloy wheels guarantee high performance.

Everyone sought a car having a proper lighting system. Complementing the halogen headlights at the front, there are halogen fog-lights in 2008 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. The interior is decorated with trunk lights as well as courtesy lights.

The feature of illuminated entry is also enabled in this car.

Comfort features

To make the ride memorable, the comfort within the car is essential. It has all-leathered seats. 2008 Mazda MX-5 MIATA has bucket seats. Storage space for a convertible like itself is sufficient and can easily accommodate sufficient carriage.

Braking & Instrumentation features

2008 Mazda MX-5 MIATA falls amongst those cars, which have amongst the better braking and traction system. The disc brakes at the front are ventilated, whereas the one at the back are solid. Again, each of the tires is equipped with anti-lock brakes to compound with brake-force distribution, which is electronically controlled.

Instrumentation remains almost standard including controls mounted on the steering wheel to control the audio as well as cruise control, digital clock, tachometer, tire-pressure monitor and audible warnings which are enabled when the seatbelts are unfastened. 

Safety & Security features

With advanced technologies prevailing in the modern world, it is expected that the safety of the car and its passengers would be well taken care of in any car. Without disappointing eager customers, 2008 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is fitted with the LATCH function along with auto-locking retractors. The sliver safety roll-bar has a fixed hoop as the anti-trap device. Supporting these features are the airbags for both passengers as well as the driver.

With its exquisite carpeting covering, 2008 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is surely a must-have car that would be enjoyable to drive.

Tech Specs

Body: 2 door convertible

Engine: 2.0 liter I4 166 hp

Transmission: 6-speed manual and automatic (You can choose either one)

Torque: 140 units

Power: 166 hp

Tires: SBRP205/45R17

Verdict:

For: Great finishing with excellent mileage.

Against: Interior seating is tanned and gets soiled easily.

The Japanese car-maker Mazda has always been famous for its unique designs and the exciting sports models that may not be the best, but are ideal for routine commuting and some fun alongside, at affordable rates. The cars have gained popularity across the United States, with several customers voting for the speed, performance and compact designs that rivals do not often match up to.
Though not a high-end sophisticated luxury vehicle, this sports utility vehicle is friendly enough for regular driving and some excitement in-between. The car has nothing so fancy to talk about, yet you will find yourself very comfortable driving the car. It is easy to use and feels comfortable when you are seated within. The car delivers what it promises, nothing more and nothing less. But it does its job well. It is adorable among other vehicles in this class because it does not compromise on driving satisfaction while achieving the eco-friendly tag with ease. The car offers a fuel economy of 34/30 mpg for city/highway. The Tribute hybrid comes in 3 basic colors. You might observe some features of the Ford Escape Hybrid model here and there in the Tribute Hybrid, but that is obvious because Ford has its share here.

The instrument panel is good and the interiors have the feel-good factor when you slip into the seats. The car can easily seat 4 adults. It has a spacious cabin. The 4 cylinder engine performs reasonably well and the transmission is also acceptable. The safety and stability features are standard. In all, the car gets at least 8 on 10 for an all-round performance, but it could do with better dynamics next time round.

Engine: 3 out of 5….. 4 cylinder engine is good enough for daily driving

Transmission: 3 out of 5…. Fair enough

Handling: 3 out of 5… could improve, though quite satisfactory

Safety: 4 out of 5 … standard safety features befitting a family SUV

Value 4 out of 5.. a friendly and roomy car, yours at about $29,000

Tech Specs

Body: 4 door car, and a 5 passenger seating sports utility car

Engine: 2.3 liter 4 cylinder

Transmission: variable-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive)

Power: up to 133 hp

Torque:  124 at 4250 (ft-lbs)

Tires: 16 inch radial tires

Verdict: worth your money. Friendly and a good performing vehicle

For: the interiors and exteriors have been improvised to a great extent, and you are certainly impressed with the developments.

Against: the car could do with better dynamism, because it lacks slightly in this area, compared to what you see with the other cars of this segment on the road these days.

Let us look at some important features and innovations in this 2008 New Mazda Tribute model. Small to be a truck, yet powerful enough to pass for one, this car is one you would want to own. The car has a sturdy exterior, well-styled and elegant. The interiors are quite roomy: you could call the cabin spacious. The instrument panel is tidy, and the seats are actually very comfortable. About 5 adults can be comfortably seated in this vehicle, which makes for great commuting, in city and in the wild. The interiors are refined and impressive. This car makes for fun on the roads anytime, anywhere.

Coming to performance, the v6 engine is one of the best in this particular car segment, with hardly any rivals matching up to the standards set by the New Mazda Tribute. The handling is sporty and you feel that the car is quite responsive. Brakes are excellent, as is the steering and stability (Dynamic stability control) on tough roads. The traction is also good. Safety features are very many, with front and side airbags, child-safety features, panic button and wheel locks. 4 speed transmission is standard. The i Grand Touring trim offers a fuel economy of about 20/26 mpg (city/highway).
Available in 12 amazing trims ranging from the 4 cylinder i Sport FWD to the 6 cylinder s Grand Touring 4-Wheel Driven, the car is also very affordable in its basic form, with a market price estimated to be around $27,000. Usual options for the entertainment system include a Sirius Satellite radio. On the whole, the car is close to perfection in all aspects, certainly a delight.

Engine: 4 out of 5….. powerful v6 engine that delivers, and how!

Transmission: 4 out of 5…. Good enough automatic transmission.

Handling: 4 out of 5… excellent handling and stability control.

Safety: 4 out of 5 … standard and well designed safety features.

Value 4.5 out of 5… Great car. You would want to drive it just for the sake of driving.

Tech Specs

Body: 4 door and 5 passenger sports utility vehicle

Engine: up to 3.0 liter v6 powerful engine, great for any road.

Transmission: standard 4 speed automatic transmission

Power: delivers from 153 hp to 200 hp

Torque: 193 at 4850 (ft-lbs)

Tires: 16 inch radial passenger tires, with rack and pinion steering, independent suspension.

Verdict: terrific car, a relief after many ordinary models. This car is great on performance, handling, interiors, exteriors, safety and reliability.

For: the car scores at least 9 on 10 in most aspects.

Against: hardly any minus points for this beauty.

The rotary engine is the highlight of this sports coupe and the naming itself is representative:  renesis. ‘R’ & ‘e’ represent rotary engine of course, while the word itself is derived from ‘genesis’. The engine certainly has an unusual but Cool name, and with some really good revving, the 1.3 liter engine gets ready for a great performance. The engine design provides for better fuel economy than its predecessors, with less emission and greater power being the other plus points. The front and rear distribution of weight is an enviable 50-50, mainly due to the small engine. Suspension is better in this car compared to some predecessors. The car offers a fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

The short shifts really get you connected with the car, with its 6 speed manual transmission. Best experienced on curving roads, the coupe is reasonably good but not the speed demon you might expect. As far as styling is concerned, the exterior is a sleek, standard-looking style, but the four-door design is a new feature. Interiors in this car are okay, though nothing very cozy. There is rear space for adults, but just enough for a comfortable short drive. Of course, slightly big child seats can be accommodated. There are options for luxury packages like leather upholstery. The special edition Shinka package is another one you could try. Overall, a reasonably good car.

Engine: 4 out of 5….. rotary engine is quite powerful, though compact. Smooth drive.

Transmission: 4 out of 5…. Lovely 6 speed manual that connects you to the car. Great experience.

Handling: 4 out of 5… smooth rev and good steering. Great on curvy roads.

Safety: 3 out of 5 … standard anti-theft system and airbags.

Value 3 out of 5.. a good sports car for about $31,000. this car definitely has a good resale value in the general auto market.

Tech Specs

Body: 4 door and 4 passenger sports vehicle

Engine: standard 1.3 liter rotary engine (R2)

Transmission: the standard transmission is a 6 speed manual transmission with overdrive.

Power: 232 hp at 8500 rpm

Torque:  159 at 5500 (ft-lbs)

Tires: 18 inch radial passenger tires, with rack and pinion steering.

Verdict: good car for the average routine travel and some fun here and there. Economical and reliable.

For: the smooth engine, good transmission and good fuel economy.

Against: performance could have been better, though we aren’t saying it is not good enough.

2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 has an excellent looking exterior with similar body-colored rear spoiler and bumpers in front and rear end of the car. Body colored side moldings make the car look better and larger. Wheels are of alloy and are covered by tires that can survive all seasons. The windows have tinted glass. The exterior lights are automatic in nature and can be leveled according to requirement.

Storage options are of plenty in 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 (2008.5) Grand Touring 5-Door. It has been provided with an option of storage in glove box. Smaller things can be stored in mounted storages in front door and seatback pockets. The floor space of the car has also been very well used by making a covered storage area.

On entering the door of 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 (2008.5) Grand Touring 5-Door, you will be welcomed by automatic and attractive lights. The floor of the car is completely carpet covered and extra mats are provided in the front and rear. Interior of the car is well lit with bright lights and courtesy lights. It has automatic climate control system with special heating ducts and air filter that gives warm and purified environment. Rear seats are of bench type and are very comfortable with adjustable headrests. The front seat is of bucket type and provided with adjustable headrests. All seats are leather covered, which gives the interior of the car an expensive look.

2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 (2008.5) Grand Touring 5-Door is a powerful car with a 6-speed manual transmission The steering of this wonderful looking car tilt and telescopic column supported and is assisted by pinion variable and power rack.

2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 (2008.5) Grand Touring 5-Door has a good braking and suspension system. The car has a separate suspension system for front and rear part, which is assisted by coil springs and shock absorbers. With disc brakes of ventilated nature in front and disc brakes of solid nature in rear end, this car provides accurate and smooth braking.

Passenger safety has always been the prime concern for Mazda. 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 (2008.5) Grand Touring 5-Door has numerous safety features. Seatbelts are provided in this car with height adjusters. Airbags are also provided for everyone that gets activated by sensors and open up in two stages to offer higher safety for its passengers. Head airbags are also provided to further enhance safety of its passengers during mishaps. Special set of locks are provided in the rear door for safety of children.

2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 (2008.5) Grand Touring 5-Door has great features with wonderful looks and high performance. You will love to have a drive on this car on all roads.

Tech Specs

Body: 5-door sedan

Engine: 2.3 liter I4 263 hp

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Torque: 280 units

Power: 263 hp

Tires: SBRP215/45YR18

Verdict:

For: Gives fast acceleration and good mileage

Against: The interior seating of the car is not as comfortable as other Mazda cars

Finishing of 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 s 5-Door Grand Touring on the outside is admirable as it consists of a spoiler at the back and impact absorbing bumpers at both ends. The moldings on the body-side and sill extensions at the side are body colored. Its all season tires are fitted with alloy wheels. They come along with defroster for the rear window and cloth sun-visors at the front.

Lighting, be it interior or exterior, has been well taken care of in this car. There are automatic headlights having high intensity Xenon discharge and are supported by the halogen fog-lights in front and sport tail-lights at the back. The interior also by no means is lagging behind in the lighting arena, with its map-lights at both ends and lighting on entry.

Braking features

2008 Mazda MAZDA6 s 5-Door Grand Touring has an excellent system for braking and traction. Each of its four wheels has anti-lock brakes that allow the car to be handled properly in slippery condition. Its front portion is powered by ventilated disc, whereas the rear portion is brakes of solid disc type. The distribution of brake force for the car is electronically controlled.

Safety & Security features

With 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 s 5-Door Grand Touring, the owner will be getting a car packed with several safety features. Airbags have been provided for both the passengers and the drivers, which are deployed on a dual stage basis. It also has front and side airbags for further safety. All the airbags are deployed through crash sensors. With 3-point seatbelts in the front and rear portion, the car is fully prepared for any unforeseen event.

2008 Mazda MAZDA6 s 5-Door Grand Touring is a car that is packed with impressive options in all segments of a car. With such low pricing, you are bound to get attracted towards this car.

Tech Specs

Body: 5door sedan

Engine: 3.0 liter V6 212 hp

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Torque: 197 units

Power: 212 hp

Tires: SBRP215/45WR18

Verdict:

For: Excellent mileage in highways is an excellent supplement to its beautiful exterior

Against: Turning circle is a bit wide

The 16 valve 2.3 liter I4 standard engine boosts with a power of 153 hp. This enables it to carry out at 22 mpg within the city limits and 28 mpg on the highway. The 5-speed transmission could be either manual or automatic with the former being standard and is supplemented with overdrive.

The steering column of 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport is tilt and is telescopic as well. It assures great suspension and electric features including power outlets at both ends along with an alternator and pre-wiring for audio.

Exterior & Lighting features

The attractiveness of outer look is always precious for any buyer and thus it is essential that the car must have an eye-catching ability. The fashionable finishing of 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport includes the moldings on the side, which are of the similar color to the body. The tires fitted with alloy wheels are for all seasons and the compact spare-tire can be placed beneath the cargo floor. Again, there are dual doors that can be slid manually.

Lighting for a car of its stature always comes into consideration. Keeping this in mind, 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport is fitted with halogen headlights. The interior is well lit considering the map lights in the front, courtesy lights that are delayed and of course the lighting in the load area. It surely does not end here, as the instrumentation inside is also electroluminescent.

Seating features

The seats of 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport are clothed and arranged in the theatrical style at the back. All except the ones in the third row are bucket seats. These can be reclined as well as folded along with the armrests and headrests which can be adjusted. The storage capacity is also praiseworthy and accommodates sufficient carriage.

Braking & Instrumentation features

2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport is provided with electronically controlled brake assistance coupled by powered disc brakes, which are ventilated at the front and solid at the back. Each of its wheels has anti-lock brakes suiting the brake-force distribution, which is also electronically controlled. The instrumentation in the car are the normal standard ones with the exception of warning lights when the doors are kept ajar or there fuel content is low.

Safety features

Each of the seats in 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport, be it driver or passenger, has airbag protection which are activated through a dual stage mechanism. There are also crumple zones both at the front as well as the back and 3-point seatbelts on every row of the outboard. To add on at the sides, there are guard door-beams too. Safety seems to be complete when we come to look at the auto-locking retractors and the height adjusters for the front seatbelts. Supporting them are various anti-theft protection and remote controlled gadgetry.

2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport can liven up the environment and provide a journey to you that will seem to be worth the effort in procuring the vehicle.

Tech Specs

Body: 4-door wagon

Engine: 2.3 liter I4 153 hp

Transmission: 5-speed manual (conventional) and automatic (optional)

Torque: 148 units

Power: 153 hp

Tires: SBRP205/50VR17

Verdict:

For: Flexible seating and excellent fuel economy

Against: Legroom for front seat is not adequate

Though not the ultimate small car, this car does perform well. The ride is smooth and energetic. The engine is not the best but the car is certainly a performer on most roads. The exterior is very sleek and stylish and one is impressed with the car from outside. Within, the car feels okay but taller people might be inconvenienced. The car dynamics are good, the interiors are well-designed though not too spacious. The practical car also scores on fuel economy. Overall, at least an 8 on 10 for the prim and proper aura the car radiates.

Engine: 3 out of 5….. the engine is quite powerful for a small car of this type, and rides are fun though not totally adventurous.

Transmission: 3 out of 5…. The car has both manual and an automatic (optional) and both are good.

Handling: 4 out of 5… the car is very easy to handle on most roads, the steering and traction are very good and the car is responsive to the smallest maneuver.

Safety: 3 out of 5 … the side impact score is not as good as the crash test score. The car is okay but not your safest vehicle.

Value 3 out of 5.. with the rate going up to $20,000, the car is certainly not expensive. The car is worth if you see the style and the pretty decent performance it offers.

Tech Specs

Body: available in 8 trims, the Mazda3 is a 4-door and 5 passenger family sedan. The trims range from the I Sport 4-Door car to the Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5 Door car.

Engine: i Sport 4-Door now comes with a standard 2.0 liter I4, 148 hp engine while the 2008 Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-Door comes with a standard 2.3 liter, I4, 156 Hp engine

Transmission: the standard transmission is a 5 speed manual transmission with overdrive, while a 5 speed automatic transmission with overdrive is an option

Power: the I sport 4 door car performs at 148 hp at 6500 rpm while the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 4 Door carprovides a performance of 156 hp at 6500 rpm.

Torque: the I sport 4 door car operates at 135 at 4500 (ft-lbs) while the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 4 Door car operates at 150 at 4500 (ft-lbs)

Tires: 15-17 inch radial passenger tires, independent suspension, front and rear disc brakes, rack and pinion steering. Front wheel driven trims

Verdict: The car is very good in most aspects, while it could improve on safety and interiors. In all, a stylish and affordable compact car.

For: the handling is terrific and the acceleration very quick, while the exteriors look simply lovely.

Against: the 2008 Mazda3 is a compact car, so the rear seat passengers might find not enough leg space.

The all wheel driven trim is cool if you are driving on slippery roads. The car comes with the option of having a tow package for towing up to 2000 pounds. This apart, the roomy Mazda SUV can easily seat 7 adults and the car is really spacious, though the cargo could do with some room. The 3 rows provide ample seating for a family outing. As for the performance, the car is really responsive and the engine delivers, though not quite. The drive can be smooth in most conditions and the fuel economy also pretty okay.

The crossover car looks great undoubtedly, and can make a great alternative to a minivan. Although the pricing is slightly high, the car is good in most areas especially safety-wise. Get the car if you want bulk and style!

Engine: 3 out of 5….. the v6 engine leaves much to be desired from the car, but the car works well for everyday travel.

Transmission: 3 out of 5…. The car can get stiff at times but in all, the smooth transmission has a good sport-shift and scores well.

Handling: 4 out of 5… the car is good for handling, with smooth steering and good brakes. Traction is good.

Safety: 4.5 out of 5 … the car has all standard safety features and then some. Great for a 7 passenger large SUV

Value 3 out of 5.. at about $34,000, the car is quite affordable compared to other cars of such design and size.

Tech Specs

Body: available in total 6 trims, the car is a 4-door 7 passenger sports utility vehicle

Engine: the Sport FWD model comes with a 3.7 liter V6, 270 hp engine while the Grand Touring AWD comes with a standard 3.7 liter V6, 270 hp engine

Transmission: standard transmission is the 6 speed automatic transmission with overdrive

Power: the Sport FWD provides 270 hp at 6250 rpm while the Grand touring AWD provides 270 hp at 6250 rpm

Torque: the sports FWD operates at 273 at 4500 (ft-lbs) while the Grand touring AWD operates at 273 at 4500 (ft-lbs)

Tires: 18-20 inch radial tires, independent suspension. Rack and pinion steering, front and rear disc brakes. FWD/AWD trims

Verdict: well-styled, safe, roomy and classy car that’s quite a good buy according to most reviewers.

For: exterior is great, while the interior is very roomy. The sport shift transmission is good and the car is very safe.

Against: The v6 engine is not quite up to par. The car can get noisy at times.

This midsize SUV has already raced to the top slot in the range of affordable and medium size family vehicles. With its terrific safety features, even a wild ride would be a pleasure. As for the appearance, the car has a very unique design with a sturdy outlook. The unconventional looks win you over at first sight. The sleek design is stunning. The car matches up to the expected functionality for any SUV. Along with this, the car offers a sporty feel that thrills you on highways. One inspection and you notice that the car seems to have borrowed the best features from all cars. The sum of different top-class parts makes for an excellent midsize SUV.

The 2008 model does not make any major changes. The 4 cylinder turbocharged engine makes all the trims (Sport, Touring and Grand Touring) fun to drive. The transmission is good, though you wish there was a manual transmission too. The interiors could be more spacious. Right from the electronic stability controlling mechanism to the airbags, the car has everything to make it reliable and very safe. It rates much better than its rivals in most aspects, but the minus points are for the interiors, which could have matched up to the rest of the features. In all, the car scores at least an 8 on 10.

Engine: 4 out of 5….. 4 cylinder turbo charged engine is very exciting and performs well, perfect for a sporty feel

Transmission: 3 out of 5…. Easy automatic transmission with convenient shift

Handling: 4 out of 5… convenient handling. The steering and brakes are very good, as expected in any good sporty car

Safety: 4 out of 5 … unbeatable, top-class safety features that surpass excellence in crash tests

Value 4.5 out of 5.. at an MSRP ranging between $24,000 and $28,000, this excellent sports car is definitely worth the investment

Tech Specs

Body: 6 trims in the 4 door and 5 passenger sports utility 2008 model.

Engine: Sport FWD comes with a 2.3 liter, I4, 244 hp, turbo engine while the Grand Touring AWD comes with a 2.3 liter, I4, 244 hp turbo engine

Transmission: trims have up to 6 speed automatic transmission with overdrive

Power: 244 at 5000 rpm for the Sports FWD, while the Grand Touring AWD provides 244 at 5000 rpm

Torque:  258 at 2500 (ft-lbs) for the Sports FWD, while the Grand Touring AWD operates at 258 at 2500 (ft-lbs)

Tires: 18 to inch radial tires. Rack and pinion steering. Front and rear disc brakes. Independent suspension. AWD/FWD.

Verdict: SUV type sporty feeling car, good on performance and affordability.

For: powerful engine, scores amazingly well in crash test, very well styled sporty car

Against: less interior and cargo room, rear seats are cramped

The Mazda design has already been used on Ford cars in the 70’s. The two giants then came together in the nineties to come up with a powerful yet compact truck that provided good pickup and easy driving. This new launch sees all the trims with quite unique styles, unlike earlier. Fuel mileage is a plus point for this truck that can be easily maneuvered and is a blessing at cramped parking lots where other trucks cannot fit. This hugely popular B series truck is still quite a good competitor in the truck segment, but is slightly outdated in interiors and navigation system and a few other aspects. If you are looking to buy a truck, then get this compact B series truck simply for its fuel economy, easy handling and reasonably good performance.

The trucks are all quite powerful with good braking, even though they are simply short of several other features found commonly among all rival models. Get the B4000 if you want good towing capacity. else go for the B2300 for excellent fuel economy. The trims give up to 21-miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on highways. Safety, transmission, interiors and styling have improved this time round.

Engine: 3 out of 5….. v6 engine is quite good.

Transmission: 3 out of 5…. Transmission is satisfactory

Handling: 4 out of 5… great handling for a truck

Safety: 3 out of 5 … more safety features could have been implemented

Value 3 out of 5.. price goes up to $27,000. reasonably good series

Tech Specs

Body: up to 5 passenger seating, 2 or 4 door vehicle.

Engine: 1) 2.3 Liter I4, 16 valve engine (Mazda B-Series B2300 Regular Cab 4X2)

             2) 4.0 liter V6, 12 valve engine (Mazda B-Series B4000 Cab Plus 4 4X4)

             3) 4.0 liter V6, 12 valve engine (Mazda B-Series B4000 Cab Plus 4 SE 4X4)

Transmission: the standard transmission is 5 speed manual, with overdrive and an optional is the 5 speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Power & Torque: 1) 143 hp at 5250 rpm & 154 at 3750 (ft-lbs) (Mazda B-Series B2300 Regular Cab 4X2)

             2) 207 hp at 5250 rpm & 238 at 3000 (ft-lbs) (Mazda B-Series B4000 Cab Plus 4 4X4)

             3) 207 hp at 5250 rpm & 238 at 3000 (ft-lbs) (Mazda B-Series B4000 Cab Plus 4 SE 4X4)

Tires: radial passenger tires

Verdict: good truck, compact and free of frills, but could have done much better

 For: compact size, easy handling and fuel economy.

Against: not many features

The Mazda 3 has become one of the sucess stories of small passengr cars world over the past few years.

Now in its second generation, sales of the Mazda 3 continue to bubble along quite nicely. And there is a good reason. It is practical, comfortable, offers solid performance and economy and there are design cues to tickle everyone’s fancy in both the hatch and the Sedan Variants.

Moreover the upgraded 3 picks up on one of the biggest faults of the first generation by taming a lot of road noise and making the cabin that bit quiter. And now Mazda has given the 3 a diesel engine in its pursuit to cash in on the small car market for oil burning engines.

To look at , there is small difference between the petrol and diesel variants save for the engine code MZR-CD – plastered on the sides. Inside the cabin is no different to the petrol, with the same stylish and ergonomic cabin layout.

By our reckoning, the diesel version is good for anywhere between 900 km and 1000km from a tankful depending on driving conditions, whereas as tankful from the petrol engine in nomal weekday use lasts for about 600 kms.

The Mazda3 diesel, like the Astra oilburner, lets you know what it is, clattering away at idle and sounding more like a working truck than an in-vougue passenger car.

The 2-litre diesel it shares with the bigger Mazda 6 alternative is heavier than the petrol version by a whopping 145 kg. Performance is blunted to some degree as it is not nearly as nimble to top corners, but then again how many people are going to be driving like a tarmac rally car?

There is not a lot of oomph down from this 105kw and 360MN motor.

While the torque spread is reasonably broad, the diesel starts to cook along from about 2500rpm when it really hits a sweet spot. The big differencein drivability compared with the petrol is the effortless way it pulls and pulls at highway speeds. You don’t need to change any gears as much and everything feels just that much more robust.

The level of twist is almost on par with with the superquick Mazda turbo MPS petrol hatch. The other point of difference is that the diesel gets a six-speed manual transmission compared with a five speed in the petrol. Bad news for some: there is no auto.

Mazda 3 diesel

Engine: 3 out of 5….. There is no-one home down low but the party starts happening big time from about 2,500 rpm.

Transmission: 3 out of 5…. The Six Speed manual offers sweet shifts and a delightfully flexible third gear.

Handling: 3 out of 5… There is more weight in the nose so it is not as sharp as the petrol however there are no obvious disadvantages.

Safety: 3 out of 5 … Dynamic stability Control ccomes as standard.

Value 3 out of 5.. Diesels are more expensive than petrol maybe too much more for the smaller car segment

Tech Specs

Body: Four door sedan

Engine: 1998cc, four cylinder, DOCH turbo diesel

Transmission: 6 – speed manual

Torque: 360Mn at 2,000 rpm

Power: 105 kW at 3,500 rpm

Tyres: 205/55/16

Verdict:

 For: Long Haul between fills

Against: Noisy at idle and the sticker price premium over petrol.

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