Halfway through the 90's, Mazda's were very popular in the Netherlands.
But during the first decade of this century, the models weren't all that spectacular.
Since the Skyactiv-revolution however, things are looking up again.
The Mazda 6 is a good car, but this Mazda 3 is even more important for the number of sales.
Peugeot did very well with the 307, it was the best selling car of the Netherlands from 2003-2005.
They would like this new 308 to be just as successful.
The magic word for Mazda is Skyactiv, suspension, gearbox and engine all feature this technology.
Mazda doesn't join the turbo-craze but instead uses a highly efficient atmospheric engine.
It's a 2-litre straight-4 with 120 hp, but more important is its efficiency.
In fact it's frugal enough to gain tax benefits and the 120 hp and 200 Nm torque are more than enough.
A bit more punch in the lower revs would've been nice, but overall it is a capable, refined unit.
In good Mazda-tradition the suspension is on the sporty side.
Firm, but nowhere near as harsh as the Mazda 2 while still being enjoyable.
It turns in eagerly and grips nicely, but is comfortable enough as a daily driver.
Those looking for driving pleasure will appreciate the 3.
Good to drive, but how practical is it?
It can match the Peugeot for space in the rear and up front it shapes up nicely too.
We're driving a fully specced GT-M which features everything from leather upholstery to heated seats.
It also looks good and straightforward because of this i-Drive-like controller.
For a car in this segment, it scores decently.
Decently, but that goes for this Peugeot as well.
This 308 is even more minimalistic from the inside.
In fact, a bit too much so because even airconditioning is operated from an unwieldy touch screen.
At launch there is a 308 Première with quite a lot of goodies.
Still, it's not as well-equipped as the 3 in GT-M trim.
We drive the 1.6 THP which is now available with 125 hp as well as 156 hp.
The gear ratios are very long so on motorway speeds it lacks some punch.
In fact, this turbo feels no more potent than Mazda's atmospheric.
Although rear leg room is equivalent, the Peugeot features a bigger boot than the 3, though not as big as a Civic.
Then it's driving credentials
The tiny steering wheel takes some getting used to and offers less feedback than de Mazda.
As a driver's car, the Mazda simply is the better choice.
So it is less sporty, but the Peugeot is more comfortable.
Bumps are dealt with quiter and more subtle so it is more relaxing.
So the Peugeot is more comfortable, the Mazda better to drive.
And this Mazda is frugal enough for tax benefits, so what about the 308?
Not this THP, only the dar less powerful three-cylinder is frugal enough for that.
So, something to be said for both these cars even when they are so different.
Moreover, there are so many new cars in this segment that we need to take into account
Which we've done for AutoWeek-Magazine this week.