Mazda 3

The Mazda3 is a practical hatch that never really manages to inspire, despite being fairly well-equipped and reasonably cheap. Transport rather than excitement.

• Comfort

  Average-to-good comfort levels and there's plenty of space for four.

  

• Performance

  The 2.0-litre hits 100km/h in 9.5 seconds and 202km/h, with its 108kW of power.

  

• Cool

  Plastic shopping bags are not cool. Useful in their own way, but not cool. The Mazda3 is the car equivalent of a plastic shopping bag.

  

• Quality

  Mazda has a decent reputation for sturdy build quality (just look at the newest 6) and the 3 is no different. Proper quality plastics on the inside, millimetric panel gaps, a solid all-round feeling. Engines and transmissions are generally reliable and strong. No worries here.

  

• Handling

  Nicely damped for a comfortable ride, but the trade-off is that the 3 isn't the last word in corner-carving. Probably more than enough for the people destined to buy it though.

  

• Practicality

  As practical as any mid-size five-door hatch in the Ford Focus vein. The boot is OK at 300 litres, but not huge, but if you utilise the 60/40 split rear seats you can create a flat floor and double the carrying volume. Access is good all round and if you can't park a hatchback, you should move somewhere with better public transport. Like Holland.

  

• Running costs

  Low insurance and 8.2L/100km. Low C02 as well, wow, it's the deal of the century.