Mazda 3 vs Ford Focus 2006

Mazda is owned by Ford. To save cash, the two companies, along with siblings Volvo and Land Rover, share a small-car base and this is the base the Mazda3 and Ford Focus are both built off.

UNDER THE BONNET

When it came to building hot versions of their small hatches, Ford and Mazda had very different ideas. Mazda decided to slot in a turbocharged four-cylinder engine it developed for its all-wheel-drive Mazda6 MPS. Ford pinched an in-line five-cylinder turbo engine from Volvo, which uses the boosted blaster in its S40 T5 sedan.

The Mazda unit uses direct fuel injection and pumps out 190kW at 5500 revs and 380Nm at 3000 revs. It has a top-mounted intercooler, usually fed with air through a bonnet-mounted scoop as seen on a Subaru WRX.

Mazda decided against a bonnet scoop because it didn't want the car to look like a "boy racer", so it came up with a double-skinned bonnet that carries air from a front grille intake up to the top of the engine.

The Swedish engine in the Focus is fitted with a front-mounted intercooler. It's not as potent as the Mazda3, but still has a healthy 166kW when the tacho hits 6000 revs. The torque figure is lower than that of its rival ... but the Ford's 320Nm of maximum torque is available from as low as 1600 revs - all the way through to 4000 revs.

Both cars are front-wheel-drive and run six-speed manual gearboxes; neither are available as automatics. The MPS is fitted with a limited-slip differential, which prevents one of the drive wheels spinning faster than the other by temporarily locking the differential. The trick diff is not available for the Focus XR5. Both cars come standard with electronic stability control and traction control, which can be switched off when you are in the mood for fun.

APPEARANCE

The Focus looks plain angry, while the MPS is just plain. Indeed, the MPS doesn't look much more special than regular Mazda3.

It sits on 18-inch alloy wheels and has a body kit, but both are fairly mild. The Focus stands out instantly with a more aggressive body kit, including a meatier front grille, side skirts and rear bumper. It also runs 18-inch alloys, and has sport, five-spoke wheels.

WHAT YOU GET

The Focus XR5 is $35,990, while the Mazda3 MPS costs $39,990. The specification levels are similar, both cars coming standard with 18-inch alloys, sports seats, airconditioning, six airbags and stability control. Cruise control is not available on the Focus XR5 - not even as an option - but it is standard on the Mazda3 MPS.

ON THE ROAD

The Mazda3 MPS and Focus XR5 are like pizzas. They might share the same base, but they taste very different. The Mazda3 MPS is like a Mexican pizza with extra chilli, and has a real kick. It might be too spicy for a lot of people. The Focus XR5 is more of an Americana. It has plenty of spice, but is just not quite as hot as the Mexican. It's more mild-mannered and easier on the taste buds. The Focus wins on looks but when it comes to driving experience, it is the Mazda that gives you the biggest kick in the pants.

You might have already guessed from the power and torque figures, but the MPS is even harder-edged than the numbers suggest. The four-pot screamer in the mild-looking Mazda has enough low-end torque, but goes bananas from about 4000 revs.

Matching the slingshot acceleration is a level of induction roar that is truly unique.

From outside the car, the MPS sounds like a big jet aircraft roaring past, without the high-pitched whine. The Focus also has an awesome note, but it is completely different. It has a lovely lumpy sound all the way through the rev range. Around town at lower revs, the Focus sounds much meaner than the MPS. The power delivery of the Focus is also smoother. It is meaty all the way through the rev-range and there is no particular point that it kicks harder. The ride is more comfortable in the Focus and feels a touch softer than the Mazda.

VERDICT

You have to ask yourself a question before choosing between these two cars. Do you want a fairly sporty car that's easy to live with or a red-hot blaster with a hard edge and very firm ride? When it comes to pure driving thrills, the Mazda is a clear winner. The rush it delivers when the engine goes into hyper-drive above 4000 revs is just stunning.

That's enough to ensure it wins this comparison. Its interior also feels better than the Focus. But the Ford is certainly no slouch. It is a great package and is easier to live with. It sounds better, looks better, rides better and - apart from the fact it doesn't have cruise control - is the more sensible option.