MAZDA is making its marque felt in Britain. The runaway success of the 6-series looks like it will be repeated with the smaller 3-series.
The old Mazda 323 never did make the grade, but now there is a very modern challenger to the Focus, Astra and Golf. I have been testing the Mazda3 1.6 TS2 and was hugely impressed.
Introduced in January, first as a hatchback with saloon and diesel versions to follow in the summer, the new five-door sweeps in with an impressive list of standard features and delivers them at a very attractive price compared to rivals.
For the driver who has to pay company car tax and gets a choice of vehicle, the Mazda3 also handsomely undercuts competitors, so you gain now and in the future. Two for one, could hardly be better. Or could it?
When I first drove the model at a European launch late last year I admit to being slightly underwhelmed by the experience. It was OK, but nothing really special.
But a few months on and with the proper production models rolling out I became more impressed with each passing mile in the test car.
Mazda predicts selling about 8,000 examples of the 3 range this year, rising 50 per cent in 2005, with the hatchback taking over three-quarters of sales and the 1.6TS the most popular.
It has a very refined engine, although it's not as powerful as some in this sector, but the eager and silky way it delivers the power is attractive.
There is a standard five-speed manual gearbox with a very positive feel and good ratios biased towards economy rather than performance.
I like the feel and power to the brakes and the very well balanced steering with its welcome assistance and precision at higher speed.
Secondary controls come to hand very easily and the simple instruments are clear, backed up by a few warning lights. Heating and ventilation includes automatic air conditioning on the TS2 and powered windows and it all works very well, keeping the interior fresh and warm.
Visibility is very good in the Mazda3 and it would be a good car for shorter drivers or those who regularly have to find small parking spaces.
The oddments room is good, the boot taking in excess of 600 litres at most, and it is easy to access the cabin or use the luggage space.
The seats are on the thin side and may lack support for taller users, but head and shoulder room is good and the Mazda3 provides surprisingly good comfort with its absorbing suspension and well chosen dampers.
In fact, the handling is very good, safe and sure-footed and it has no real vices. Push on and it gently runs wide on a tight turn, so if you lift off it eases back onto line.
You may find that fully loaded the power underfoot does not give so willing performance and the economy also suffers from having to make more frequent gearchanges.
Even lightly loaded the engine is not particularly flexible and it's really at its best with just the driver aboard and covering motorway miles. The ideal scenario for a company car.
What will please fleet operators and those buying with their own money is the anticipated strong residual value of the Mazda3.
It is undoubtedly going to make a big impression on the market this year and next and it's a worthy rival to the new Golf, Astra, and will be a measure against the next Focus, to which it is closely related.
But I think the Mazda3 can go further than its obvious rivals. Its all round competence, driving dynamics and refinement put it level with the BMW 3-Series.
Only it terms of acceleration and speed is the Mazda left behind by the Beemer, but then you pay an awful lot more for the privilege of buying the German car.
FAST FACTS
Mazda 3 1.6 TS2
Price: £13,600
Mechanical: 103bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 12.4 secs
Combined mpg: 39.2
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 172g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust