Reviews

Q2
Audi
The Audi Q2 is a desirable and fine-driving small SUV with a stunning interior. Most similarly sized rivals are cheaper, though …
Want a new family hatch but bored with the usual suspects? Well, the Mazda 3 could well take your fancy; its aggressive βKodoβ styling certainly helps it stand out from big-selling rivals, including the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.
Design isnβt the only thing Mazda has taken a different tack on, either. Rather than following the trend for fitting small turbocharged petrol engines, the Japanese brand has stuck with relatively large 2.0-litre non-turbocharged units which, it claims, return better fuel economy in real-world driving.
The diesel models (which are turbocharged) arenβt quite as frugal as some rivals on paper. Again, though, Mazda reckons the flipside is better economy in the real world along with stronger, more flexible performance.
For the Mazda 3 to succeed in this hotly contested class, though, it needs to be a seriously accomplished all-rounder. Read on over the next few pages for our in depth impressions, find out how it compares with rivals and we'll also tell you which engines and trims make the most sense.
Β£18,200-Β£25,795
Β£17,031-Β£24,135
If youβre a private buyer, this Mazda 3 2.0 120 SE-L has the engine to go for. Stick with cheaper SE trim, though.
Β£207.49-Β£317.4/month
Official fuel economy figure
48.7-74.3 mpg
Official emissions rating
107-99 g/km
How much will it cost you?
F-F
How much space is there?
1263 litres
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Name | Starting from | Target price | What Car? rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Peugeot 308 |
Β£18,670 |
Β£16,673 ![]() |
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|
Volkswagen Golf |
Β£18,180 |
Β£16,579 ![]() |
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|
Vauxhall Astra |
Β£17,065 |
Β£15,703 ![]() |
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|
Nissan Pulsar |
Β£16,225 |
Β£15,129 ![]() |
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|
Seat Leon |
Β£17,920 |
Β£14,892 ![]() |
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|
Mercedes-Benz A Class |
Β£25,745 |
Β£25,800 ![]() |
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|
Kia Ceed |
Β£15,315 |
Β£13,299 ![]() |
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|
Honda Civic |
Β£18,740 |
Β£17,148 ![]() |
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|
Audi A3 |
Β£21,755 |
Β£20,132 ![]() |
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|
Skoda Octavia |
Β£17,645 |
Β£16,136 ![]() |
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|
Ford Focus |
Β£tbc |
Β£16,396 ![]() |
![]() |
|
Hyundai i30 |
Β£16,945 |
Β£15,826 ![]() |
![]() |
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