Mazda 3 review: ‘Like a basking shark – impressive but harmless’ | Martin Love

The new 3 from Mazda is one of the sweetest drives on the road, thanks to the union of human and hatchback

Price: 17,780
Top speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
MPG: 74.3
CO2: 99g/km

What can the teachings of the Japanese elders show us about the mythical union between driver and car? Quite a lot, actually, if you believe what Mazda has to say. It calls the force underpinning the design of each model: "Kodo, Soul of Motion". It's about creating an emotional bond between you and your vehicle - a spirit of togetherness. For advanced students of the lessons of Mazda, this union is a reflection of "Jinba Ittai" - the bond that grows between horse and rider. The great thing is that to achieve this "oneness" between human and hatchback you don't have to shiver on a mist-wrapped mountain or become a top level show jumper, you just have to pitch up at your local dealer and ask to test drive the new Mazda 3.