I think I'd go for the Jazz on balance, although all 3 promise to be reliable provided you avoid a Mazda diesel.

The Jazz is quite lively though I wouldn't call it sporty: the liveliness (of the 1.4) comes from low gearing - at least on the pre-facelift one - which is less good news on motorways, when it can be buzzy. If you can afford a post-facelift model, and don't mind the 'uncool' image it has among young people, you could do very well.

Best to try an Auris 1.4 and see if it has enough performance for you: a 1.6 might be better and not much less economical. My elder daughter is on her fourth 1.3 Yaris - all have been excellent over high annual mileages, and the latest 1.33 has 6 gears and only £35 VED. If you don't need the extra room and can afford the new model it could be a good bet.

Mazda 3 - my only experience of this was as a hire car in South Africa: we were told it was a 1.6 but it was gutless and boring to drive. Maybe it wasn't a 1.6 but no doubt you'll try one and see for yourself.

Edited by Avant on 18/09/2010 at 22:07

In 2007 whilst looking for a new car for my wife, we test drove a number of cars including the Mazda 3 and the Jazz. She liked the handling of both although the Mazda had a much better ride/ handling balance than the jazz and a bigger boot for the pram, buggy etc.We found the 195/65 tyre profile on the TS gave a more comfortable ride than the 205/55's on the TS2 spec. SWMBO also didn't like the "old granny" image of the jazz, as around our area they are certainly popular with pensioners.The 1.6 TS Mazda 3 my wife purchased in April 07 has been totally reliable(not even a bulb changed), has covered 31,000 miles so far.Is still on its original Yokohama tyres. rides well and is plenty quick enough. I would certainly reccommend one, get a face lifted one (post 2006). You should be able to get a 57 reg 1.6 TS for around 6K