What's the news?
Mazda has added the excellent 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D turbodiesel engine to its 3 line-up. This engine has already seen service in the Mazda2 and CX-3 models, so it's good to see it making its way into the company's superb C-segment machine.
Delivering 105hp at 4,000rpm and 270Nm from 1,600- to 2,500rpm, the 1.5d can do 0-100km/h in 11.0 seconds - but perhaps more importantly, it emits just 99g/km CO2 and can achieve 74.3mpg (3.8 litres/100km) on the combined cycle. That means road tax in Band A2, or €180 per annum.
There's also the option of a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic gearbox for an extra €1,750, although this does increase CO2 emissions to 114g/km, leading to €200 per annum in Band A4.
Anything else?
The Mazda3 1.5d is available in Executive and GT trims, starting from €24,695.