Was a toss up between this and a Golf.I read Mazda's were more reliable and that's very important to me.It also offered more kit for less cash.

LIKES. £30 a year road tax and IG 5(under the old system).
62 mpg quoted.But i've been getting around 55 mpg.Still good.
Quick and torquey engine.I don't know of any other motor so fast for £30 road tax.
Handles beautifully,almost like a GTI.
Dashboard at night is very nice.Love the flashing 'disco lights' when you adjust the
stereo or heating controls!.
Loads of kit for the money,even in humble TS spec.
5* NCAP crash rating,even has anti whiplash headrests.
100% reliability so far.no issues to speak of.

DISLIKES.1) Although it handles like a dream.The steering is way too light if you're going for a
blast on a winding country road.It feels nervous and twitchy.Doesn't inspire
confidence.It lets the chassis and engine down badly i'm afraid.
2) The gear change can be a bit notchy when cold.
3) Drivers and o/s/r passengers windows mist up very easily in cold/wet weather.Auto
climate control doesn't seem to be able to keep them clear.Demister has to be
switched on regularly during journey.
4) The storage compartment beside the handbrake is way too big.Makes putting on
your seatbelt that bit more difficult.Hardly any gap between them.

5) Front and rear visiblity is poor.Get one with parking sensors.You'll need them.
6)Terrible lack of very low rev punch .Say for example you're trying to pull out at a
junction.You accelerate and nothing happens.Yes,it's that bad.I've been caught out on
numerous occasions.It's also bad at roundabouts and generally anything that involves
moving off when you've been stationary.You can even whack you're foot to the floor
and it does nothing for a moment before it decides to move.It's quite dangerous
actually and the only real gripe i've got with this car.

Would i buy another?.Yes.But it'd be the TS2 with the heated front screen,bigger alloys(the 15" ones look a bit sad) on a car this size.

Update.3 June 2011.
Just found corrosion starting around(one of two) drain holes on inner tailgate(bubbling).Quite shocking really on a 20 month old car.Bolts on inner door hinges also starting to rust.