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The Road Ahead : October 2009
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mazda3, 2.0 litre, 2004-2009 REVIEW JOHN EWING At the start of 2004, the all-new and stylish Mazda3 replaced the popular but ageing 323. THE MAZDA3 RAISED the bar for what a small car could offer a market whose ardour for large cars was cooling, and it’s gone on to be a great sales success. The five-door hatch and four-door sedan model specifications comprise the entry level Neo, the mid-field Maxx and the superior Maxx Sport. Neo standard offerings include airconditioning, dual airbags and CD. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and power windows and mirrors were Neo options, but included as standard on better specified versions. An upgrade in July 2006 brought small engine output and fuel economy gains, and other worthwhile improvements across the range, plus standard ABS for Neo. Cruise control was a dealer ‘add-on’ prior to that and can be troublesome, so check operation carefully. Dynamic stability control also became an option for 2.0 -litre models. There was a make-over in April 2008 and a new model this year. Look for the latest series car that your budget will cope with. The range includes a sportier 2.3-litre model, the SP23, and the scorching 3 MPS turbo hatch. Mated to a five-speed manual or four- speed auto, the 2.0 -litre petrol is one of the class’s more spritely performers, though its best work comes with higher revs. The six-speed, manual-only, 2 .0-litre turbo-diesel, released in 2007, impresses for its beefy torque, driveability and fuel economy. On the road, the 3 is a class act offering driver enjoyment with good ride and top- shelf handling and steering. Tyre and road noise levels aren’t as classy though. Inside there’s plenty to like, including decent front seats, plus style and functionality. A space-saver spare disappoints. Running costs are higher than some competitors, but it’s a well-built car with sound reliability credentials. Check for coolant leaks at the water pump and, on series one cars, cracking of the dash pad cover that can be expensive to fix. Diesels had a recall for a loose engine mount bolt. UNDER THE PUMP Mazda 3 will use between 7.2 and 10.5 litres of unleaded or between 6.0 and 8.0 litres of diesel every 100 km, depending on model and driving conditions. WHAT WILL IT COST? From $13,500 to $27,100 , depending on year and model. MOTORING USED CAR REVIEW visit www.roadahead.com.au/motoring MORE INFO NEED HELP? RACQ CAN HELP WITH CAR FINANCE (CALL 1300 361 316), VEHICLE INSPECTIONS (CALL 13 1905) AND INSURANCE (CALL 13 1905). WWW.ROADAHEAD.COM .AU 58 THE ROAD AHEAD OCT/NOV 2009 12784 Oct_Nov 09 Pg25-58.indd 58 12784 Oct_Nov 09 Pg25-58.indd 58 11/09/09 11:20 AM 11/09/09 11:20 AM
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