ZOOM zoom proclaims Mazda's slogan.

Fitting for the MX-5, the RX-8 and the 150mph 6 MPS.

Fitting for a diesel? Until recently, definitely not.

That has now changed with the introduction of the company's variant of the Mazda 3.

To back up the badge, the Japanese marque has stuck in a 141bhp power plant, found in some of its larger models. It goes, and then some.

However, dont expect to leave others in your wake at the lights, not immediately anyway.

Real propulsion only kicks in when the rev band reaches the 2,000 mark.

It was something I wasn't quite prepared for when I first took possession of the car.

Foot down, nothing, then - ping! OK, it doesn't get as far as exhilarating, but it is fast - 0-60mph in a shade under ten seconds, not bad for a smoky old diesel.

The 3 tops out at 126mph, according to Mazda, and I had no reason to doubt their statistics.

It's great on the open road, once in its key range. Overtaking is no problem whatsoever, but it is also great for just pootling around town.

The gearing of the sixspeed unit is notchy, as others have found, but it wasn't unbearable and you really don't need to change up and down too often as it feels comfortable in most settings.

Handling is keen and there is also plenty of grip when the car is thrown into a corner.

In the week I had it, the 3 never came close to needing the gas station, easily returning the 47.1mpg that is claimed.

While wind noise is minimal, the same cannot be said for road intrusion. However, a simple twist of the stereo volume soon sorted that little bugbear.

Alloys and sideskirts, allied to the Xenon headlamps, give it a hint of sportiness, but the styling of the 3 is never going to set the pulse racing. However, I don't think that was ever the intention.

It's not aimed at boy racers, more the middle-of-the-road person, such as me. Someone who wants to get from A-B in comfort, with a degree of style and with plenty of room for the other half and the rug rats.

The leather seats were extremely comfortable and fitting child seats was a breeze.

It certainly doesn't have the biggest cargo bay around, but it easily hauled the shopping and the obligatory pushchair without a problem.

The car feels well built, with sturdy controls and doors that close with a satisfying clunk.

All right, Mazda aren't going to convince everyone that this car can be all things to all people - sporty, frugal, stylish, comfortable, affordable and roomy.

But aspects of it will appeal to all people and that is why I believe the combination of diesel and sport will prove a successful marriage.

SPECIFICATION

Price: 17,930 (Test car 18,930)
Engine: 2.0 16v
Max power: 143ps at 3,500rpm
Max torque: 360Nm at 2,000rpm
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.9 sec
Average fuel consumption: Combined 47.mpg
Equipment: Electric windows, six-speed gearbox, leather seats, BOSE premium 6-CD autochanger with seven speakers; 17in alloys, Xenon headlamps, rain sensor wipers and auto lights on, metallic paint