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Hi, Am looking at purchasing a near new (2009 or younger) automatic 5dr hatchback and have narrowed it down to Mazda 3, suzuki SX4 ( both 2.0l) and Toyota corolla (1.8l). Would appreciate your comments on these 3 models.
Thanks Kris

These three models all enjoy a good reputation for reliability, so you can't really go wrong with any of them. Of course, they each have their own individual strengths and slightly different appeals.
The Mazda3 would be the most involving driver's car, has great road handling, good steering feedback and is perhaps the most enjoyable car of the three to drive. It may use marginally more fuel than the others, although not by a huge margin.
The Suzuki SX4 sits a little higher than the others, so is easy to get in and out of and a pleasant car to live with. Later models have a CVT transmission which (driven carefully) may offer good fuel economy.
The Toyota Corolla is a hugely popular model which has a great reputation for reliability, but also seems to command a price premium on the used car market due to its popularity. It is a really good "middle of the road" car which should be good and reliable and hold its value well. It's nothing startling in terms of driving dynamics, and has relatively plain styling (although this comes down to personal preference).
So, in summary, it really depends on which you prefer. We'd have no hesitation in recommending any of these cars.