• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I like Japonese cars, even though this one is half Japonese and half Ford!

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    So far, they seem to like it.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    If our particular needs were the same, probably yes.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    A Golf GTI petrol, when I win the lottery!

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £6,500

    When did you buy the car?

    May 2010

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I did get a good deal, I think, although the dealer did not check the vehicle thoroughly enough, as it was delivered with a couple of faults which they then had to rectify.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Low mileage, boot space, split fold rear seat, semi-auto transmission so wife can also drive it, lots of space and equipment and Mazda reputation. Bought to replace old, unreliable car.

    What was the dealer like?

    A jolly sort but he did keep trying to get me to test drive cars he obviously wanted to shift, even after I had clearly told him which car I was interested in.

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Pleasant to drive although not incredibly inspiring. Steering OK but not quite up there with the best, ride comfortable, handling perfectly good if not exceptionally exciting, engine very quiet and smooth, even under hard acceleration. You need to work the engine hard to get brisk acceleration but it is willing and, as previously mentioned not obtrusive. Overall inoffensive to drive but not for hot-hatch lovers.

    What's it like to park?

    Good, although rear window visibility could be better, and needs to be controlled with firm use of break pedal as it tends to run away a bit fast, light steering and nice big door mirrors.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    The air-conditioning needed to be re-gassed but now works beautifully. Part of the plastic around the steering column appears to be working loose.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Split-fold rear seats that go fully flat, unobstructed loading into the well designed boot, much more cabin and boot space than you would expect from this size of car, and plenty of storage cubbies.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The air conditioning is really nice.