Running costs

ONE of the few black marks against the Mazda’s running costs comes if you ’ re a private cash buyer Over three years or 36,000 miles of ownership, the 3 is expected to hold on to only 47 9 per cent of its original value, translating into depreciation of £16,206

The Leon is expected to maintain 54 2 per cent, which means a smaller £15,114 loss, despite the fact that it’s more expensive to buy in the first place The BMW has the strongest residuals though; it will be worth 57 6 per cent of its £32,015 retail price, which means buyers would only lose £13,590 over the same period

Testers’ notes

“The 3’s curved window lines look sporty from the outside, but they mean you get quite big over-the-shoulder blind spots ”

Alex Ingram Chief reviewer

Boot space

A high load lip makes it harder to load heavy items, and the cargo volume is behind its rivals

Interior

Build quality inside is a match for the BMW’s, while top-spec model features plenty of luxuries