Mazda 3

The Mazda-3 is a smart looking car, although slightly lacking in power from its 2.0 litre engine. It gives a relatively smooth ride and the diesel engine is more effective than the petrol version. The car handles very well and has a positive feel to the steering, although it can be somewhat light at high speeds. Cornering is easy but the ride can be a little bumpy as the 16s alloy wheels are not really great for the job. It is possible to upgrade to 18-inch and it is well worth spending the extra, as it makes a big difference in the ride.

There are 13 different models available and the Mazda-3 prices range from £16,695 to £22,145. With fuel costs averaging out at around £9 to £11 per 100 miles, it is a very affordable car that is relatively cheap to run. Both the diesel and petrol engine models are smooth although noisy at high revs, which put together with road noise at speed, can be a slight inconvenience.

The interior space is excellent and the dashboard is easy to read and functional; with the infotainment operations accessible from a 7-inch touchscreen. The basic models come with steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, Bluetooth and air-conditioning and the upgrade to the SE-L model will include many extras such as dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic xenon headlights and rear parking sensors. The top-of-the-range Sport Nav adds a sat-nav, keyless entry and front parking sensors.

A nice car for the money.