Mazda Motor Ireland Managing Director, David McGonigle described the all new Mazda3 as the perfect Japanese choice for customers who dare to avoid the mainstream alternatives. That is the guideline by which this car should be measured and against that yardstick Mazda have got most things right.
 

We do like our Japanese cars in this country and after a week in the Mazda3 I believe that this car is right up there with the best from that country and also with many of the popular small family cars on the market today.
 

There is a selection of models like the VW Golf, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Opel Astra that are staples with Irish customers and that is the company that the Mazda3 must match to be taken seriously and this latest model is now right up there in the top tier of the segment.
 

Mazda chiefs are unapologetic about the origin of the latest version. It was born and raised in Japan. However, that doesn’t mean that it is not suited to European conditions. On the contrary, this car does work on Irish roads. The handling is sharp and exceptionally stable over most road surfaces.
 

It is bigger, more spacious and lighter than the previous model. That makes it feel quite nippy and more responsive. However it falls down somewhat on internal sound proofing. It is the one criticism I have with this car. That said, I do like the driving dynamics of the new Mazda3 and once you get into a rhythm on a good driving road you do forget all about the din and soak up the delights of this engaging car.
 

Another great Mazda trait is reliability. You can expect the same quality from the Mazda3. As far as build quality is concerned this car is well bolted together equal to the best German models. Interior materials are of sufficient quality to make the cabin a pleasant enough place to be. You get good solid seats with sufficient adjustment to allow you to find a comfortable driving position as well as ensuring that even the longest journeys can be taken in comfort. The layout is also sensible and well planned. 

My test model was the 1.6-litre diesel 4-door Executive. At €22,025 and taking the extensive specification into account this is a good option. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 4.5 l/100km with C02 emissions of just 119g/km. I managed to get 6.0l/100km. That took in a lot of short journeys and some motorway driving. Under the circumstance it is not bad and under the current taxation band it is categorised as Band A, meaning an annual road tax of €104.

All Mazda3 models have ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA), Dynamic Stability control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) and Bi-xenon headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System available on Z-Sport models.

When you stack the Mazda3 up against the leaders and take everything into account, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be a firm favourite here in Ireland. It looks classy and is not far off the driving dynamics of the Golf and the Focus. It might not be quite as refined inside as the Astra but it does give the Corolla a good run for it and right now it is probably the best Japanese car in this sector.