Big on safety, low on running costs. The base-model Mazda3 is a winner. NEIL DOWLING REPORTS

DO you buy a second hand Commodore for $25,000 or a new Mazda3 Neo automatic for $22,330 plus on-road costs? Stack up the pros and cons: The Commodore is a big car that is easy to fix, is safe, has a bit of guts and can tow a caravan. Carsguide website shows a few available with 45,000km and some dealers add a three-year warranty. But the V6 engine and automatic transmission create a thirsty mix at 9.5 L/100km and, perhaps, the Commodore is too big for city life. The Mazda3 Neo wins for practical size, easy to drive manners, safety and fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100km. But it may be too small for a family and the bling factor is tempered by being a base model and the fact there’s a brazillion of Mazda3s on the road. But the market wins. In the seven months of 2012, the Mazda3 has outsold all Commodore models by a factor of 10 to seven. It’s a solid, safe, stylish and well-equipped replacement to the historic Aussie six – even in its base model.

VALUE: The $22,330 Neo has a five-speed auto (the manual is $20,330) and lots of features to keep the family happy. This isn’t the fuel-sipping SP20 Skyactiv version – which costs $27,990 and I can’t see lots of value here – but the perky entry-level model. You doesn’t get the sat-nav of other models. On paper, the sat-nav is a nice touch. In reality, the screen is too small to be practical. Tip: Skip the sat-nav and spend $250 and get a decent plug-in Navman or Tom-Tom unit that has a bigger screen and is transferable. Features include alloy wheels, six-speaker CD/iPod audio (but no USB or Bluetooth), cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, airconditioning and a trip computer. Do you need much more?

DESIGN: It’s only when you drive one that you realise these things breed like rabbits. I was in a fast-food drive-through queue the other day – I was lost, honestly – and of the five cars, three were Mazda3s. Which shows either the popularity of the car or that owners are unable to cook for themselves. The Mazda3 sedan tested here is compact, neat, practical but subjectively, not especially pretty. The nose is too long and the grin too smarmy, for example. The cabin is way too black. The Neo’s cabin is so sombre you’d sink to the depths of considering playing Nickelback on the six-speaker audio.

TECHNOLOGY: It’s simple stuff and, for buyers who aren’t engine savvy or don’t care too much for technical driving skills, this is exactly how it should be. The 2-litre engine pumps an acceptable 108kW/182Nm but don’t jump on the couch about the power output because it arrives at an ear-piercing 6500rpm. The saviour is the five-speed auto – which has a manual mode – which is smooth and perfectly matches the engine. Four-wheel disc brakes, independent suspension and electric-assist steering are standard fare in this market.

SAFETY: This is one of the main reasons you buy this car. The five-star crash rating, six airbags and full suite of electronic aids is your insurance that does its utmost to protect your family. The spare is a space-saver though Mazda will sell you a real wheel.

DRIVING: For a bog-standard model, the Neo is quiet, smooth and comfortable. The audio doesn’t sound like music being played down a funnel – a bonus – and the view from the driver’s seat is clear, simple and, yes, sombre. The logical placement of switches and gauges endears the car quickly to drivers while the height-adjustable seat and tilt-telescopic steering wheel suits all sizes. The engine is quiet and, in comparison to the Skyactiv, punchy. It’ll get smartly away from the traffic lights and slip up quickly through the five gears. Though the steering is electric assist, it is one of the better ones around in terms of road feel. The seats are generally comfortable – perhaps a bit soft – and road noise is subdued in the front but a little bit more noticeable in the rear. The Neo benefits from higher-profile 195/65R15 tyres which have more rubber – compared with the low-profile tyres on higher-spec Mazda3 models – to soften road noise.

VERDICT: Surprisingly good model that skips the extras and presents as an honest, affordable and safe family transport.

MAZDA3 NEO

STARS 3.5

Price: $22,330 Warranty: 3 years/100,000km Resale: 56% Service interval: 10,000km, 6 months Safety rating: 5-star Spare: Space-saver Engine: 2-litre 4-cyl petrol; 108kW/182Nm Transmission: 5-spd auto, front drive Body: 4.5m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.5m (h) Weight: 1304kg Thirst: 8.2 1/100km; 91RON; 193g/km Co2

Three Others to consider.

FORD FOCUS 1.6 AMBIENTE Star: 3.5 PRICE: $24,290 ENGINE: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl petrol; 92kW/159Nm TRANS: 6-spd dual-clutch auto, front drive BODY: 4-door sedan THIRST: 6.5L/100km; 91RON; CO2 153g/km “Thai-build Focus is an enjoyable drive but weakens with load. Fuel economy and spacious interior is best here”

 HOLDEN CRUZE 1.8CD Star: 3 PRICE: $23,790 ENGINE: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl petrol; 104kW/176Nm TRANS: 6-spd auto, front drive BODY: 4-door sedan THIRST: 7.4L/100km; 91RON; CO2 175g/km “Nice sedan with responsive handling. Roomy and comfortable but 1.8 isn’t the best Cruze engine. Get the 1.4”

 HONDA CIVIC VTi-L Star: 3.5 PRICE: $23,990 ENGINE: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl petrol; 104kW/174Nm TRANS: 5-spd auto, front drive BODY: 4-door sedan THIRST: 6.7L/100km; 91RON; CO2 158g/km “Pretty 2012 car is better built and rides better than its predecessor. It has the best cabin here. Performance is average but makes up for it with good economy”