The new Mazda 3 - Seconds out for the next round

The eternal class struggle continues: the compact class as the bread-and-butter format of the mainstream automotive manufacturers is probably the toughest arena of all.

Joining top dog Golf and main challenger Renault Megane in the ring is a revamped Mazda 3. Essentially, however, Mazda are aiming to take on the Megane. In other words, they are wooing that section of the market that doesn't see itself as inextricably wed to the VW badge. So the competition for the Mazda 3 is rather to be found in France, Italy and, of course, in Mazda's own backyard.