Mazda3 to offer fleet appeal with a range of new models

• Class-leading combination of performance and economy
• Outstanding CO2 emissions from 104g/km on the all-new Mazda3 deliver tax savings
• SKYACTIV technology gives Mazda three-model fleet appeal

The all-new Mazda3 is expected to transform the lower medium company car sector led by a class-leading combination of performance, excellent fuel economy and low emissions with the latter delivering tax savings to drivers and businesses.

The model, which will be available in hatchback and fastback (saloon) body styles, will be the third car in the Mazda range, following the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6, to feature the manufacturer’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technology.

A choice of three highly efficient SKYACTIV-G petrol engines and one SKYACTIV-D diesel engine available with outstanding CO2 emissions from 104g/km will be twinned with crisp, smooth six-speed automatic or manual transmissions offering fleet operators and company car drivers a wide model choice across SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim levels.

Arrival of the 36-strong model range heralds the debut of two new SKYACTIV engines - the SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre 100ps delivering up to 55.4mpg on the combined cycle and emissions from 119gkm and the 2.0-litre 120ps also offering up to 55.4mpg and emissions from 119g/km. The range also sees the introduction of powerplants already established in the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6 in the form of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre 165ps with MPG up to 48.7mpg and emissions of 135g/km and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 150ps, which meets Euro 6 emission standards and returns up to 72.4mpg with emissions from 104g/km.

On the road (OTR) prices start at £16,695 for the all-new Mazda3 hatchback 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G 100ps SE hatchback and extend to £23,345 for the all-new Mazda3 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 150ps Sport Nav auto hatchback. The range goes on sale in January 2014.

Meanwhile, OTR prices for the all-new Mazda3 fastback featuring the emission-busting 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 150ps (104g/km) engine start at £19,245 for the SE derivative and extend to £22,145 for the Sport Nav variant. It means that company car driver benefit-in-kind tax bills for the car start at just £48 a month in 2014 for a basic rate taxpayer (£96 a month at the higher rate).

Mazda is gunning for the traditional C segment with the all-new model, but due to a combination of its dimensions - it is larger than the outgoing Mazda3 - coupled with styling, price and performance that deliver up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the manufacturer believes it will secure a significant foothold in the premium C/D segment.

The all-new Mazda3 2.2-litre SKYACTIV diesel 150ps model, which is anticipated to be the best-seller in the corporate market, offers for example, significant CO2 and MPG advantages over rivals, while also delivering major benefit-in-kind tax savings to drivers and corporate tax and National Insurance savings to employers.

Mazda Head of Fleet Steve Tomlinson said: “A class-leading combination of performance, CO2 emissions and fuel economy, means that the all-new Mazda3 gives fleet managers and company car drivers a real alternative to the traditional in both the C and C/D segments.

“The introduction of SKYACTIV technology in both the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6 within the past 12 months has helped to increase Mazda’s penetration in the fleet sector and the arrival of the all-new Mazda3 with similar benefits will further enhance our fleet proposition.”

The £28,410 (OTR) BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics 4dr with CO2 emissions of 109g/km and fuel economy of 68.9mpg is generally regarded as setting the emissions and fuel economy benchmarks in the C/D sector.

Tomlinson continued: “The all-new Mazda3 fastback with CO2 emissions of 104g/km, fuel economy of 72.4mpg and priced from £19,245 establishes a new performance threshold. Additionally, with a benefit-in-kind tax rate of just 15 percent in 2014, the significantly lower list price means major savings for both businesses and company car drivers.”

Specification on the all-new Mazda3 will offer a remarkable combination of advanced information, entertainment and connectivity, with safety and convenience as the top priorities. Additionally, spaciousness over the outgoing model includes class-leading rear legroom combined with a larger boot - 364-litres with rear seats up (including under floor storage) – more than the current hatchback. Boot space in the fastback is 419-litres.

Tomlinson concluded: “The all-new SKYACTIV Mazda3 alongside the new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5, both of which already benefit from SKYACTIV technology, gives Mazda a significant three-model presence in the fleet sector.

“Both new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 are delivering new corporate sales opportunities for Mazda as businesses look to reduce operating costs and tax bills. Additionally, the sporty design, quality interior and performance coupled with benefit-in-kind tax bill savings versus the opposition appeal strongly to company car drivers.

“The all-new Mazda3 has similar attributes and offers identical cash saving advantages, while also being a major step-forward for Mazda in terms of delivering opportunities in the most competitive sectors of the company car market.”

TMW - The new MG3, the car that has to succeed

MG 3FORM Sport

The new MG3 is a car in its own class, it is far better than a Dacia Sandero, but not quite the level of a mid to top range Fiesta, the MG3 is a very likable small car and one that those that owned the ZR before will like, the engine is revvy and the gear change quick and short, as well as being quite smooth, I previously stated I was not a fan of the silver sheen seats, so the £400 option for a leather upgrade would be my only option to have.

MG are relying on the younger market with this car and therefore there are a large number of colour schemes, wheel choices and graphic packs, personally I and not a great fan of these graphics but if they bring in much needed cash then so be it.

What is it

Well, this new car from MG is, I suppose a replacement for the very likable and popular MG ZR, which was a rebadge Rover 25, nee Rover 200, The MG3 will have a lot of work to do to be able to say it is as good as the ZR before it, and it has got off to a good start, the "3" is a good looking car, the hockey stick look DRL's at the front really make the car stand out, I even got a few looks when i was out on the road, so, in the looks dept, it is a winner, I know that a lot have spoken about the rear end being ungainly, but as far as I am concerned it is far better than a lot of cars out there.

What's it like inside

Someone has taken a lot of time with the interior, as so much of it gels with each part, similar shaped instrument pods, the shape of the radio, rear view mirror and so on are similar in shape, and this gives the interior a coherent look that will satisfy anyone that chooses to buy this car, even the key fob is like a USB stick, again to give you the emphasis of a young persons car.

The seats in this little car are extremely shiny, but once you sit down and don't have to look at them, you are comfortable if not as supported as other cars, but this car has a charm of its own, it does not want to be a Fiesta, or a Sandero, it is an MG and that's what makes this car stand out, that badge if it were another badge from china then I probably would not have bothered, but MG means a lot in the UK, and that's why they have to get it right first time and not balls it up.

Engine and Gearbox

Like its bigger brother the MG6, the "3" comes only with one petrol engine and one state of tune, neither inspiring, which is such a shame, this car should have a range of engines, from 1 litre 3 pots to a turbo 1.5, which may be coming to the UK sometime in the future, maybe, possibly, but for now we have this engine, it is a new block which begs the question, what went wrong, for general around town driving, this car is ideal, it will handle all you can throw at it.

On the main roads things start to become a little difficult for the car, you do have to use the gears a lot more than in other similarly powered/geared cars and the lack of sixth gear is shameful these days, if the car had that sixth gear it would make motorway cruising slightly better, and getting there easier. I am not saying it is dreadful, quite the opposite, this little 1.5 MG3 cruised nicely at motorway speeds, with quite a bit of wind noise for the over sized mirrors which started to become intrusive at about 48 mph.

With MG co-developing engines with GM there should be a nice new range of modern engines coming on stream but when that will be I cant say, but it wont be too soon, also the five speed box is another negative point, for a new car six gears should be the norm these days, if not more, and the total lack of an auto in any of the UK MG's is also a negative point, by not having the choice of engines and gearboxes, it is sorely limiting the car to those that either don't care, or relish the thought of aching shoulders due to constant gear changing, me, i got the aching shoulders.

Space and Storage

There are a few storage and cubbies in the "3", and the sliding cubby in the top of the dashboard hides a rubber mat with the MG logo embossed, owners of older Rover models will be familiar with this as a number of 200, 400, 600 and 800 models also had rubber mats on the dashboard, also within this cubby is the aux connection for those that want to use iPods, iPhones and the like, the door pockets are not overly large, but big enough to hold a few bits and pieces.

The glove box is also on the smallish size, especially when you take into account that the MG literature pack takes a chunk of the space, but like the "6", there is enough room for some chocolate, sweets and more chocolate, which after all is what most people keep in the glove box, don't they ? or is just me ! Now we come to the boot, this is where the "3" is compromised further, the extremely high lip to the boot makes it very difficult for the less mobile, or elderly to get anything in, but as this car is being aimed at the young, who will no doubt change the boot into a undersized nightclub, with various woofers and tweeters (is that right), so the higher lip will no doubt help rather than hinder them.

Gizmo's and gadgets

• 16" Alloys
• Electric windows
• Hill Hold Control
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Remote central locking
• Steering wheel controls
• Air Con
• Side sills with black inserts

Options

MG seems to have learned from teh shambles of the MG6, and have at least given this car a serious number of options, allegedly over 8000 different versions can be specified, we will never know, as they wont be selling that many cars in the UK, for a while, but as with a lot of brands, the idea of customisation is the name of the game with the MG3,

• Seven wheel choices
• Three wing mirror choices
• Ten Graphics packs
• Ten colour choices
• Leather Upholstery

MG are definitely on the button with this car, and it deserves to do well, I just can't see many young people buying it,  after all, they love the aftermarket add ons, lights, exhaust, wheels, lower suspension and so on, but they should at least consider it, but they have played a blinder with a ridiculously low 4E insurance rating, no other competitor comes close, for the package given, so maybe it will do well, but only if the advertising and online media is up to par, and not just the usual facebook posts, as they are becoming a joke amongst many, for trying far too hard with too little.

Overall

Have they got it right, well, partly, one model one engine Again, is not they way to go, where are the diesels, the autos the ultra fuel efficient engines, or the sporty top of the range car, like the MG6 before it, it struggled on with one engine until the diesel came out, and that's it nothing else, where are the autos in that, nowhere, but I digress, the MG3 is a very punchy car, it likes to be driven it grips extremely well around the corners and roundabouts has some intrusive road noise, but not as much as some cars I have driven, but it struggles badly on the motorway,to clarify, I was on the slip road which joins the A-road, which in its self was not too long, at 40mph I joined the A-road,  I had my foot planted and it huffed and puffed, but once in top gear it eventually got to about 60, it was fine and the increase to 80, oops, i mean 70 was not too bad, however, an overtaking maneuver is definitely something that will need to planned, once at 70 it cruised ok at that speed with lots of wind noise and engine noise intrusion, this is to be expected, after all it is a small hatchback, built to a price, so something had to be left aside, and that was sufficient noise insulation, but, if you want near silent riding, you go buy a Rolls Royce.

Would I own this car myself, ultimately no, it is just a little too harsh for me, I prefer a little more comfort, but that's more to do with age and a worn out body than anything else, if I were younger with no commitments then yes, most definitely, I would have one, and at the prices they are you really would be silly not to consider it, this MG3 at less that £10k for the top of the range, must do well for MG, it can not carry on selling 18 cars a month, the bean counters in China will be calling and wanting things to change, maybe however, they should be told that to sell a car, people have to know about it, and that means advertising, after all not everyone reads auto magazines.

My thanks goes to James at MG Cambridge, whose team treated me with respect and courtesy at all times, and never not once commented in the negative about the brand, their enthusiasm and foresight was a breath of fresh air, this is how all dealerships should be, even my suggestive questions never resulted in anything against MG, this was a great dealership, thank you.

Jon Mower

TMW - The MG6, a car that deserves so much more.

MG 6 GT TSE

I'll admit straight off for a liking of the 6, I think it looks good, and has plenty of kit in the car to keep even the most fidgety nosey people happy, but can MG give us a car that can get it back on the road to the glory days when MG was revered the whole world over and can the MG6 be that car.

What is it

Well this is the MG6 GT TSE hatchback, the top of the range car with all the bells and whistles from sat nav, electric and heated seats, rear camera, front and rear sensors and too many other toys to mention, it is a car situated above the Ford Focus and below the Mondeo, but aimed squarely at the retail customer rather than the corporate sale, but they won't say no to any sales at the moment.

What's it like inside.

MG have given the interior of the six a faux luxury air and it works in this car, yes there are some scratchy plastics, the fake carbon fibre esque look around the hand brake area , which is nasty, does not do the car any favours, it looks tacky, yet once you open the cubby hole they have a feel more in tune with a far superior car, solid and well put together, the steering wheel is well weighted and has a fine grip, yet the seating position is slightly off centre which means you look directly at the rev counter and not the centre info section.

The seats are very supportive and hold you well when cornering a little bit too hard, getting in and out is easy without banging your legs on the steering wheel, unlike a lot of cars around today, the rear seats are equally as comfortable, if not as supportive as the fronts, and entry exit is slightly more difficult due to the big intrusion of the rear wheel, again like many other cars, head room is compromised slightly by the sloping roof line on the GT, but not as bad on the saloon version known as the Magnette.

Engine and gearbox.

MG have decide that you get one petrol and one diesel and that's that, whereas with all other manufacturers you get a range of petrol, diesel and more commonly hybrids, the 1.8 petrol which I drove today was the first engine followed later by the 1.9 diesel, it is far from the most refined engine in the world, quite harsh once you push the car, and you don't need to push it that hard either, the fuel consumption, as indicated by MG is the nearest to real world driving as you will find anywhere, as most of the car makers massage the figures, which is really dishonest,

The gearbox is by far the biggest let down in a quite good power-train package, with only five  yes five forward gears, in an era when seven, eight and even nine forward gears is becoming normal, having just five is down right Jurassic,  however, it pulls well and even in fourth gear you can attempt a pull away, with a slipping clutch and slight decline, the gear change in this car was a bit graunchy, and not like I remember from testing the MG6 at a launch event some while ago, 

Space and storage.

The boot space in the MG is not the best in class but is more than adequate, hindered by a rather high lip so getting your heavy shopping or luggage in becomes slightly more difficult, and for those of limited mobility or elderly it could be the deal breaker, the door pockets are not over sized like some cars which now provide space for a huge bottle of coke or water, the other cubbies at the front are limited to the ash tray (do cars really have them these days) and one, set in the arm rest which can be difficult to get into as it is set slightly too far back.

The glove box is a reasonable size, enough to hold the books and a few necessities, like cadburys, Polo's, mars and so on, you know, the really important things in life, there are also map pockets in the rear seats, so enough storage throughout the car.

Gizmo's and gadgets

The car comes well equipped with 

• sat nav including European mapping, 
• cruise control, 
• Electric windows all round,
• Multi function trip computer,
• Bluetooth,
• Dual zone air con, 
• Rear view camera,
• Front and rear sensors,
• Electrically heated and moving seats,
• Leather upholstery,
• 18" alloys,

So, it comes wonderfully equipped for the £19,400 price tag, for this top of the range TSE, but is it worth the near £20k price tag, and unfortunately i have to say on this occasion no, the prices for these cars should have been far lower, something which they have addressed in the MG3, which is a separate report, the lack of a decent dealership coverage does not help, and no advertising is crippling the brand, that and the fact that MG seems to like to register a number of cars from Longbridge and sell them onto independent franchises at drastically discounted prices, this hinders the decent friendly dealerships that want to sell cars, but cant.

The MG6 is a good car, priced wrong, with little coverage, even though they are doing great things with the BTCC, Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff, lots of race wins, and challenges for the title, but nothing from MG to show that they are achieving great things, yes they introduced a BTCC special edition, but it was just a basic "6" with stickers, and that's it, nothing more, no engine upgrades, not interior differences, nothing to set it apart from the rest of the range.

The dealerships around the country are crying out for sales, after all they need to pay people who work there, the lack of coverage, the lack of choice, the reliability issues, silly niggles that don't effect other brands, these need to be ironed out and then push the car, push the brand.

 MG deserves far better than it is getting, the dealerships deserve far better treatment from the parent company, not shaft them with selling 50 Magnettes to Motorpoint and sell them at £11,000, for a TSE, that's about half price, the dealers can not compete with that, if these cars can be sold for this price why is MG asking over £20k for a Magnette, surely a reasonable price of £15k for the top of the range car, remove a couple of the standard items and offer them as reasonable priced options, after all every manufacture relies on the options list to boost income, why not MG.

My thanks goes to James at MG Cambridge, whose team treated me with respect and courtesy at all times, and never not once commented in the negative about the brand, their enthusiasm and foresight was a breath of fresh air, this is how all dealerships should be, even my suggestive questions never resulted in anything against MG, this was a great dealership, thank you.

Jon Mower