Upgraded Mazda3 2.2D High Power SportNav 5dr

What is it?

TOP-OF-THE-RANGE diesel within the fifth and final generation of Mazda’s C segment, Ford Focus-rivalling hatchback. In the (still some way off) future lies an all-new successor to the Mazda3, featuring Mazda’s incoming generic SKYACTIV technology, which is being applied across an entire range of all-new model, starting with the CX-5 compact SUV next year.

SKYACTIV-which concentrates on refining current core engine and transmission technology rather than innovations like hybrids and electric vehicles – promises greatly increased fuel economy, VED and company car tax BIK benefits for business users.

In the meantime the latest Mazda3 facelift has resulted in further improved, more aggressive looks and marginally slicker aerodynamics which have dropped six of the eight diesel models into the 115g/km CO2 bracket and nudged fuel economy downwards. Minor cosmetic changes also bring a smarter interior for all 10 petrol and eight diesel models and there is improved handling at the cost of a slightly jolting ride over broken B-road surfaces.

What’s hot?

• Good looks. The Mazda3 has always scored high; now top of class
• High power 2.2 diesel at 185ps, with 0-62mph in 8.2 secs and 132mph
• But tweaks bring lower BIK bracket and 52.3mpg, although 144g/km CO2 unspectacular
• New 1.6 Diesel Sport ‘fleet special’: 115g/km CO2, 13% BIK, band C VED
• Plus 65.7mpg, 10-speaker Bose audio, heated sports seats…
• …plus high-spec alloys, aero kit for £19,095, strong residuals
• Startling new ‘Autumn Bronze’ paint should be renamed ‘Marmite’…
• …will inspire love or hate
• Cheap (£15,995 petrol, £17,395 diesel) but well-specified Tamura limited-run launch models

What’s not?

• Ride not the best over poor and broken surfaces
• Satnav standard on only upper-range Nav and Nav Sport models
• No automatic transmission option on diesel

What you need to Know?

P11D Value:	21,195
Monthly Rental*:	n/a
Tax Band when posted:	n/a
Monthly BiK:	n/a
Engine:	2.2litre turbodiesel
CO2 Emissions:	144 g/km
Power/torque:	185ps/400Nm
Economy:	52.3mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Fleet and remarketing director Steve Jellis claims the 3, Mazda’s second-best selling car in Britain after its supermini stablemate, the Mazda2, has already been gaining “significant traction” in the UK business and fleet market. The new versions, he predicts, are destined to increase further the roughly 30% share of Mazda3 sales currently accounted for by business users in a UK market where retail sales remain stubbornly flat. He is likely to be proved right, albeit in unspectacular fashion.

With the partial exception of the immediately apparent styling improvements, the Mazda3’s gains are mostly small and subtle. But there are enough of them to add up to a package possessing considerably increased driver appeal, not least to business users with a hankering to drive something ‘different’ and undoubtedly fun, yet without significant penalties on BIK company car tax and VED fronts.

‘Sensible’ choices are the 115g/km 1.6 diesel versions. But for those prepared to shoulder the extra BIK, VED burdens, the High Power 2.2D Sport Nav is on a higher plane altogether. It is fast. With 400Nm, it has more than double the torque of the 2.0-litre petrol Sport Nav. And it is smooth and refined to boot. It yields only to its manic, 260 horsepower hot hatch stablemate, the 155mph (limited) 3MPS. But at 224g/km CO2 and a P11D of £23,395, dedicated petrolheads only need apply.