Mazda 3 MPS (2007 - 2008) 2.3T 5d (2007/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

The car is so anonymous and inoffensive to the general public, hopefully nothing. I think people in the know admire it, as I have admired it in the past. It is the antithesis of flashiness.

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

They know about the performance and are all utterly amazed that it comes in such an attractive, un-flashy and practical package.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Early days and it's been great so far, but I do like a change every so often. I find owning Mazdas a rewarding and stress-free experience generally.

What are you likely to buy next?

With petrol prices increasing, after this performance swansong I might bite the bullet and go electric in the next 5 years of so.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think it was a good deal. The traders are used to dealing with much more exclusive cars and therefore I don't think were considering their profit margin on this.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted an understated and practical performance car. The MPS ticks all of those boxes.

What was the dealer like?

Relaxed and not pushy. Not very knowledgeable about the car and many mistakes in the description - I knew more about the model than they did.

What's it like to drive?

It is a very good drive indeed. More supple than firm, a nice feel to the steering. There is torque steer, but unless you are flooring the gas when at a tight angle, it is easily expected and accepted. Comfortable and smooth on the motorway and much more economical than I had imagined (37.8mpg on the commute).

What's it like to park?

Fine. There is quite a bit of overhang at the front, so reverse parking is advisable, but it has good manouvrability and has very good low-speed manners.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Apart from a light rattle which I quickly located to a slightly loose piece of trim below the rear-view mirror, nothing. The car feels solid, high quality and well put-together.

What's most practical about your car?

Five doors, low load space and bags of room are not what people expect in a car with this performance.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The stereo really is of excellent quality.