New (2014) Mazda 3 revealed – no prices yet

The new Mazda3 (pictured) arrives – and it looks good.

The Mazda3 is already a better car than its sales would suggest, and the all new Mazda3 looks to be even more competition for the Ford Focus and VW Golf than ever before.

Perhaps the only complaint about the Mazda3′s design is that it looks a bit too much like a shrunken Mazda6, but that’s a bit like moaning the DB9 looks like the Vanquish (well, the Mazda3′s not that good looking, but it makes the point). Styling apart – and the whole swooping headlights, big grill and good looking back end do look appealing – the Mazda3 also gets more room inside thanks to an extra 60mm in the wheelbase, despite which the length grows by just 5mm, although the new is 40mm wider and 20mm taller, and even boot space grows, if only by 10 litres.

That more commodious interior also benefits from improved quality and features new technology like a heads-up display and the option of an Infotainment system offering Internet connectivity and a 7″ touchscreen all controlled by a redesigned knob on the centre console.

But it’s under the bonnet the real advantage of the Mazda3 lies, with a brand new 1.5 litre Skyactiv petrol engine offering 99bhp and 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds, a 2.0 litre petrol with 118bhp and o-62mph in 8.9 seconds or 8.2 seconds if you choose the 162bhp version, and a 2.2 litre diesel with 148bhp and 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds.

Mazda has chosen not to reveal economy figures yet, but these new engines are trumpeted as some of the most efficient and frugal in production, so it seems certain they will be at least class average and probably a great deal better.

The good news seems to continue with the suspension, with Mazda proclaiming they’ve worked hard to make sure the Mazda3 offers more comfort and more agility, with inputs from brakes and steering optimised for real feel too, and proper grown-up multi-link suspension right across the range.

It’s a very promising offering from Mazda, and although we’ve got no prices yet we’re sure the new Mazda3 will offer a great deal for those willing to look beyond the default choices in this sector.

The new Mazda3 goes on sale in the autumn.

By Cars UK