As an owner of a Mazda3 (although the previous version - not too many differences in the mechanical bits though), you may want to consider (as with the Fabia) choosing a 1.6 petrol (or equivalent 100-110bhp from the VAG range), given you'll only be doing 40-50 miles per day, as the diesel is approx. £2k more expensive, costs more to service and insure and (older diesels in the Mazda3 renage at least) are susceptable to the same problems as many others, given that its a PSA/Ford-sourced unit. The Mazda3 is generally very reliable and good handling (better on the newer one with improved sound insulation).

The petrol unit (mine is a 1.6) is fine, though the newer models from 2006 are slower (0-60mph in 12-12.5s instead of 11.5s for mine) to get in lower VED CO2 groups. The saloon has a larger boot (approx. 400 ltr as opposed to 340 ltr) than the hatch, but has a relatively small boot opening and you may find it difficult to load large "cube-shaped" boxes (suitcases are fine).

The Fabia probably won't have the issues over load space (I think its bigger than both at 480 ltr), which is in its favour, but isn't as good looking.

Have a look through HJ's car-by-car breakdown reviews and the "real-world" mpg data on the website for both. Best of luck.

I think an unthrottled year is a bit longer than for the rest of us throttled mortals: unless you're doing this journey at weekends as well and having no holiday, your annual mileage is going to be more like 15,000, which is just on the borderline of whether diesel is worth it.

I'm not sure what your budget is - new or used - but if a diesel isn't much more expensive, think about a Fabia 1.9 TD or perhaps a Focus diesel. If you want the Mazda, definitely go for the petrol.

Edited by Avant on 18/08/2012 at 12:34

Not to worry. I did the calc back in the day (2005/6) when cars were cheap and fuel not too bad! Glad I picked the petrol Mazda3, as there's been quite a few problems with the diesel.