Mazda3 GT Sport family hatchback review – 3 is Mazda's magic number

dailyrecord.co.uk:

FAMILY motorists seeking a more upmarket drive or retired executives looking to downsize but retain luxuries as they cart the grandkids around should check out the Mazda3.

That’s because the classy Japanese marque’s compact hatchback and saloon is sophisticated in every way – be it exterior design, cabin quality, equipment offered or engineering and driving dynamics.

However, best of all, while it arguably betters so-called premium sector offerings, it is competitively priced to match more mainstream but less-appealing alternatives.I’ve recently tested the hatchback in high-end GT Sport spec with the 2.0-litre e-Skyactive X petrol engine under the bonnet and was amazed to find it was priced from just £28,655 on the road.My wife and I took the car from our home south of Glasgow for a long weekend away in the St Andrews area of Fife to visit our daughter.

As we explored the countryside, we found ourselves repeatedly remarking about the smooth ride and cabin refinements.And this Mazda3 faced some pretty bumpy and twisting country roads as well as some steep, narrow streets with tight turns in coastal villages.But nothing fazed this car, thanks to its really responsive steering, acceleration and braking, as well as a suspension and chassis set-up that soaked up pretty much everything thrown at it.All that clever engineering was further enhanced by the slick six-speed manual gearbox and tech features such as an auto hold function and numerous safety systems.With 186PS of power on tap, a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 134mph, motorway cruising and overtaking was also managed without drama.The powerplant, driving the front wheels, features some groundbreaking petrol-engine technology as well as a clever 24V