Mazda

There's a lot more to Mazda than lightbulbs. They've come charging at the market from several different directions - city cars, sports cars, family cars - and ended up in a big, friendly, decent-value heap in the middle of the market. Slightly left-field but sensible, slightly naff yet strangely ever so slightly clever, too. A nice puzzle.

  • Mazda2

    2

    £7,824 - £11,634

    Rational and stylish Fiesta cousin, with a likeable yet unpretentious character all of its own. A bit of an acquired taste, but will outlast a few overdone mock-retro rivals.

  • Mazda3

    3

    £11,240 - £19,040

    Like the shy kid at school, it’s time for the Mazda3 to grow up, throw its shoulders back and become a, er, man. This new model does just that. Its parents must be very proud.

  • Mazda3 MPS

    3 MPS

    Now someone's given the dull little chap who sits at the back of the class a large handgun and a reputation for sexual prowess.

  • Mazda5

    5

    £14,545 - £20,355

    Quite promising MPV with sliding doors and some clever touches, fatally hampered by possessing a less sparkly personality than John Major's goldfish. Grey.

  • Mazda6

    6

    £14,910 - £21,855

    Here's where thinking Mazda may mark you out as shrewd in a pack of predictables. So, you bought a Mazda6 instead of a Passat? Interesting. And it's good, you say?

  • Mazda CX-7

    CX-7

    £27,080

    What a laugh! A sporty SUV crossover that comes only with a 256bhp 2.3-litre turbo engine. Farmers can rest easy though - it wouldn't last five minutes in a field.

  • Mazda MX-5

    MX-5

    £17,075 - £22,725

    Original roadster premised on the old MGB adage of high-fun at relatively low speed. Chassis is more flickable than a Subbuteo player. A total and utter hoot.

  • Mazda RX-8

    RX-8

    £25,060

    You want quirks, you got 'em. Suicide doors? Rotary engine? Compact coupe looks with room for four? A bugger for those who claim cars are so predictable these days.