2.0 Skyactiv-X 180 GT Sport Tech 5dr

Great all rounder

I bought this to use for business and social use. I get a car allowance from work and cover around 20k miles a year.
The Mazda3 is the perfect size for me, most of the time it’s just me but I occasionally have to transport 3 teenage kids and I like the versatility of a hatch so I can fold the seats to put my bike in the back.
I do a mix of urban and motorway miles and I find this size of car is OK to fit into urban parking spaces but is refined and cruises well on the motorway.
For the last few years I’ve had predominantly diesel cars but with the changing legislation and demise of the diesel but having car usage and no charging at home I’m not ready for electric.
I was intrigued by the engine tech and economy claims of the Skyactiv X engine. It took a while to gel with this engine. My last car was a Mini Clubman Cooper SD which had about a third more torque so I had to adapt to using the revs and gears again.
It never feels exactly quick , but is quite refined .
I use an app to monitor fuel economy and over 20k miles I’m averaging 41.3 mpg. (Best of 51 and worst 36.)
By comparison the car is showing a long term average of 43.6 mpg on the OBD.
This doesn’t seem too bad by 2.0 petrol standards, not as good as my previous diesels but not far off and slightly set off by cheaper petrol prices.
Comfort is pretty good, I find it rides pretty well even on 18” wheels. Certainly much better than my Mini Clubman is same size wheel.
Equipment levels are high , I couldn’t find anything at a similar price which had the same sort of spec.
The car handles well, though I do sometimes detect a bit of under steer. I think the car is slightly held back by the choice of tyres, as they don’t always inspire confidence. When the original Toyos expire I will try Michelin PS 4 which I have found to be superb on previous cars.
There are several high points to this car , the styling which I think still looks fresh and the gearshift which is the nicest on any car I’ve owned.
Whilst Mazda made a big thing about keeping a rotary controlller for the data nav it does make it long winded to enter an address. I often use Carplay instead for sat nav .
Biggest drawback for me is the rear visibility in particular rear 3/4 visibility. I’m glad I have the reversing camer and blind spot alert system as without , this would be an even bigger issue.
I’m now 1 year into ownership having bought my car as an 18 month old ex demo .
I did have an issue with the doors sticking when opening but this was fixed under warranty with a revised door seal.
I have tried 2 Mazda dealers and they have offered good service and costs seem reasonable, particularly after having experienced high service costs of BMW/Mini.
Overall I do like this car and would have no hesitation recommending it.

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