The Mazda’s 182bhp engine is almost overkill in a small hatchback. It means the 3 takes towing in its stride. If anything, it felt quicker than the 30-60mph time of 16.4 seconds suggests.
The firm suspension is unforgiving when the car is driven solo, but when towing it delivers impressive stability all the way to 70mph. The 3 nailed the lane-change test: on the fastest run, the caravan flailed about, but the Mazda dragged it straight again.
Light, front-wheel-drive cars sometimes struggle with the hill start, but the Mazda pulled up the slope confidently, even in wet conditions.
The practicality team wasn’t as impressed as the drivers, because the 3 didn’t have space for all our luggage. Mazda told us that owners shouldn’t use the space-saver spare wheel while towing, although there was no warning of this in the handbook.
Standard equipment is generous, and the 3 has a good reputation for reliability.