Mazda 3 1.5 SKYACTIV diesel 2016 review - pictures

The Mazda 3's 1.5-litre diesel is the same engine that was introduced in the Mazda 2.

The 1.5-litre diesel in the Mazda 3&nbsp;<span>has a familiar diesel rattle, but it’s well isolated from the cabin.</span>

<span>The 1.5-litre diesel in the Mazda 3 has 104bhp, but it's down on power when compared with the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi and the VW Golf 1.6 TDI.</span>

<span>The 1.5-litre diesel in the Mazda 3 lacks the sort of in-gear punch you get from the larger 2.2-litre unit.</span>

<span>Influenced by the sleek Mazda 6 saloon, the Mazda 3 has the much more understated Volkswagen Golf beaten in the styling department.&nbsp;</span>

<span>The Mazda 3 looks great, has a classy cabin and it’s well kitted out.</span>

<span>The Mazda 3 has a decent standard kit list, including Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs and a seven-inch colour touch screen display.&nbsp;</span>

<span>The classy interior and sharp handling of the Mazda 3 mean it may steal a few buyers from more upmarket hatchbacks.</span>

<span>The seven-inch colour display on the top of the dashboard of the Mazda 3 lets you to sync up to internet radio and social media accounts through a smartphone.</span>

<span>While the Mazda 3 can't quite match Volkswagen, BMW or Audi for upmarket appeal inside, the cabin still features plenty of soft-touch materials and it feels robust.</span>