The majority of the engines are reasonably economical, insurance is cheap for the class and servicing at Mazda dealers is usually reasonable. Improvements made mid-2006 see slight benefits in fuel economy, enough for 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol versions to be placed in a lower road tax bracket than before.

The 3 performs well on the eco front and with an average of 159g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are relatively low for a small family hatchback. The greenest model in the line-up is the 1.6-litre diesel which emits 128g/km of CO2 (in both 90bhp and 109bhp guise) and averages 60mpg.

The Mazda has proven good so far and the firm has a strong reputation for well built and reliable cars. Its predecessor, the 323, was supremely reliable.