There are not many medium-sized family cars that you could compare with the superb ride and handling of the Ford Focus.
Not many, but certainly one. The mid-sized Mazda3 is as engaging and lively a drive you will get in that sector and it adds an awful lot more as well.
The 3 is probably better looking than the Focus as well. Mazda has always had practicality and reliability, but also has a certain wow factor.
The distinctive shark nose and Mazda grille give it a sporty presence, as do the 17inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres.
The two-litre, 150PS model proved a lively customer, with rapid, if not blistering acceleration and fantastic handling. It also offered comfortable black leather sports interior and a host of standard goodies that make it excellent value for money.
As with all Mazdas it is solidly rather than luxuriously built and has a reliability record second to none.
The interior is also fairly roomy with five adults reasonably accommodated and good boot space.
Headroom and legroom is good and the 60/40 split rear seats give plenty of versatility to the already roomy boot which offers 413 litres. Access is also good for anyone struggling with bags or pushchairs.
The well-laid out and solidly built switchgear is all handily placed and the dash and instrument binnacle is reasonably clear and concise.
The steering wheel is a nice size and is reach and rake adjustable for optimum driving position while the seats are firm and comfortable.
The car performs admirably on the road. The 0-60mph sprint takes just nine seconds, not the quickest two-litre around, but it is a smooth and sweet sounding unit.
The unfussy six-speed gearbox makes the driving a treat with slick and precise shifts, but it is the handling the brings the car into its own.
A series of twisting narrow lanes were dismissed with contempt as the Mazda clung limpet-like to the road.
Suspension is firmish at low speeds, but on the motorway it is a smooth cruiser.
Fuel economy is not brilliant and the claimed 35.8mpg seemed a shade optimistic on the two-litre test model, but CO2 emissions of 189g/km are pretty respectable.
Safety features are comprehensive with anti-lock, assisted brakes, twin front and curtain airbags and traction control.
Even the S trim offers bags of toys including electric windows and heated door mirrors, air conditioning and a quality sound system, with the Sport adding goodies like leather upholstery and cruise control as an upgrade.
The Mazda3 has a choice of five engines, three petrol 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litres and a 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel and comes in three trim levels - S, Takara and Sport.
FAST FACTS
Mazda3 2.0 Sport 5dr
Price: £16,257
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 35.8
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 189g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles