Mazda 3 Venture or Focus Zetec S?

[CalNaughtonJnr]

Budget of around £7k for a 5 door hatch - any pros and cons on the above? I understand the 1.6 ecoboost can be problematic?

I prefer the looks of the Focus but the Mazda seems better specced for the money

[Red 4]

Focus will be the better drive - same chassis, more power.

Mazda will be better built.

Focus has been subject to overheating problems and recalls.

Having owned a Focus ST 225 and Mazda 3 Sport Nav ( same as the Venture) the difference in build quality was evident.

The Focus rattled, squeaked and groaned. The Mazda didn't.

[VR99]

I have a MK1 Focus and while I enjoy the drive there are definitely plenty squeaks and rattles though no issues as yet with anything breaking..they just don't 'feel' solid.
Can't speak for the Mk2 but the Mk3 focus looks much more solid and I've heard the ride and interior a much nicer place to be? Curious as I'm also looking for a 5 door hatch.

[ZX10R NIN]

The MK3 & Mazda3 are as well built as each other the 1.6T is actually proving to be very robust a small number have been affected by the hose issue that affected a lot of 1.0T Ecoboosts.

Given the choice I'd take the 1.6T Focus 180 each & every time, also remember the Mazda3 is based on the Focus but is not as good a steer.