Does my Mazda 3TS have a Ford engine?

My Mazda 3TS is just three years old. I would be interested to know the origin of its engine, which I believe has chain-driven camshafts. As Mazda is part owned by Ford, is this a Ford engine? The engine is very smooth and free revving, but not particularly powerful by comparison with some other makes. It has only done 18,000 miles and I expect to keep it for at least two years - would you advise taking further warranty cover?

Asked on 20 April 2013 by CS, Cowbridge. Vale of Glamorgan

Answered by Honest John

No. It's a Mazda engine. Ford sold its shareholding in Mazda some years ago. But Ford did use some Mazda engines in its cars, notably the 1.8-litre chain cam petrol engine fitted to Focus, C-Max and Volvo S40s/V40s. Mazda 3s regularly do well in German reliability surveys. I don't think you'll need extra warranty cover, but if you're nervous then get it for peace of mind.

Tags: warranties camshafts reliability

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