Auto-biographies Mazda 3 Fastback
by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at
www.carwriteups.co.uk
If you’re a company car driver, the chances are you’re looking to shrink your tax bill and free up cash to meet other outgoings. If this is the case, fret not, because the new Mazda3 has arrived.
You see, 2014/15 company car benefi t-in- kind tax bills, lower than a host of rivals, are set to make the Mazda3 the sensible fi nancial choice for fl eet managers and drivers alike.
Word must be getting around because Mazda posted sales of 8,576 cars in March. That’s a surge of 40 per cent over the same month last year, well ahead of the industry rise of 18 per cent. Much of that is down to the Mazda3, which was launched at the beginning of the year. Total sales of the motor in the fi rst quarter of 2014 are now approaching 3,000.
What’s more, data from vehicle valuation experts CAP Automotive, reveals that the Mazda3 beats numerous similar sized rivals in terms of average forecasted pound note depreciation. Trounced competition includes the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Toyota Auris, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.
So let’s hold a magnifying glass over the spanking new model to see why it’s so popular.
Due to its low-slung stance, the Mazda3 is curvaceously distinctive and creates a powerful visual link with its fresh Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 siblings.
With kerb weights starting at 1,347kg - that’s for the petrol-powered 2.0-litre 120 SKYACTIV-G Fastback that I drove – it’s one of the lightest members of its class. Much of this weight-saving is attributable to the increase
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in the proportion of high-tensile and ultra- high tensile steels in the Mazda3’s bodyshell. It’s been boosted from 50 to 60 per cent to create a strong and impact resistant structure.
Behind the wheel, the Fastback petrol powered version off ers precision handling, with 0-62mph arriving in 8.8 seconds. Disappointingly, it doesn’t feel as rapid as that - and top speed is a measly 123mph.
Of course, when you’re on the road, gobbling up thousands of miles a year, your own wellbeing
is never far from your mind.
Therefore, it’s reassuring to know the up- to-the-minute Mazda3 is offi cially one of the safest cars on the road in the UK after receiving a top fi ve star safety rating in the Euro NCAP tests.
The Mazda comes with many airbags as well as gadgetry known as Smart City Brake Support, which helps to reduce or prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes if you fail to act. The motor also has Hill Hold Assist fi tted to prevent roll back on inclines.
Further standard equipment includes alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power-folding heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, trip computer, radio/CD with six speaker audio system, seven-inch colour touch screen, USB/ iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
All in all, the four-door, front wheel-drive saloon has exceptionally generous interior cabin space, and a sporty design to give standout appeal both on the road and in the company car park.
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
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