Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla?

Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla?

Hi, I am thinking of trading in my 2008 Octavia. Looking at new Mazda3 diesel and Corolla diesel, but don't know which to go for? Mazda is pricier with a bigger engine/performance whereas Corolla is more boring but better price/mpg?

Our answer:

Hi Rob,

You got it right first time – the Mazda is better looking and better to drive, but the Corolla will be significantly more economical. The best we’ve ever been able to squeeze out of that Mazda3 2.2 diesel is around 45mpg, whereas the Corolla will easily get better than 55mpg. Perhaps that’s a reflection of how enthusiastically we tend to drive them…

That said, Mazda is about to put its new 1.5-litre diesel into the 3, so it could be worth hanging on until we can give that a try-out and see if it sorts our concerns over the 3’s economy.
Shane O'Donoghue

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