In-depth reviews

Mazda3 owner reviews

"The Mazda3 is good to drive, with a stylish, premium cabin. But it’s not the most practical"

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.8 out of 5

Advertisement

Reviews

Owner Reviews

  • 5 out of 5
  • 4 out of 5
  • 3 out of 5
  • 2 out of 5
  • 1 out of 5
thumbs up100%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

  • Electrics (1 case)

Review 1 of 4

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.2 d AT6 Sport

Year

2017

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
The car for it's value was the best I could get when I bought it (It was a courtesy car). So I got the top trim but without the interior leather, lane keep assist, radar cruise control and rear traffic collision (as far I remember). The car is reliable. It's not as good when overtaking, compared to my previous BMW 320d E91 (2009), but is not far behind. There are few downsides - I had to change twice the side mirror motors (under warranty). Also the steering is a bit too light, so you need to keep both hands on when taking hard corners. I have a heavy foot , but the fuel consumption (combined 30%city) is about 7.0 - 7.5 l/100 km. I was expecting @6.0, but I heard that automatic transmission is a little bit thirsty for fuel than in the manual. Other than that, there is a lot to like about this car. It could be more powerful than the 110kW with that 2.2 l engine. With a remapping, the power can be increased. The engine can easily handle 130kW. Be aware that the top trim has 18" wheels, so it's not very comfortable with 215/45 R18. I am planning to increase the size of the tyre to 225/45 R18 and fill them with foam for less noise from our rough British roads.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

sport nav 165 ps

Year

2017

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
Superb family car - excellently well -equipped with safety and driver assistance kit - superb acceleration, with plenty of torque in 3/4 gears - white leather seats with heated seats, heated steering wheel and head up display on the windscreen make it a pleasure to drive.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

3 SPORT LUX MHEV

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

46
Tell us what you think about your car?
Nothing's perfect, but this car is the closest to it that I've ever found with a car, and I've had lots. It was the vehicle reviews in publications like this one that prompted me to have a look in the first place. I was smitten after I drove one (my previous car was an MX-5). I have to agree with everything that has been said about them. There are a few minor compromises (which aren't a problem for me), but who cares when the vehicle looks this good! For the size and power of the engine it is both economical (42mpg lowest, 55mpg highest, averages around 46mpg) and its emissions are pretty good too: it favourably compares with if not betters those with much lesser powered engines. After 20 months of ownership and 7,000 fault-free miles I have no complaints, just a smile from driving it.
What's the one thing you like most about your car?
The looks
If you could improve one thing, what would it be?
Still looking for something
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

3 SPORT LUX MHEV

Year

2021

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

47
Tell us what you think about your car?
It's a joy to drive. It's refined, comfortable, the gear shift is superb, the driving position for me is brilliant, the ride quality is well judged, the steering is weighted just right. Interior quality is beautiful as are the ergonomics and it has physical heater control knobs! The looks: wow. Its the only car I've ever owed where people in the street have come up to me and commented on how good it looks! The engine, while not turbocharged, is more than ample for the job; it just requires a slightly different driving technique which makes it part of the enjoyment. It is one of two cars (a Mazda MX-5 being the other one) I have owned that I can honestly say I really look forward to driving.
What's the one thing you like most about your car?
Driving position
If you could improve one thing, what would it be?
Minor gripe, changing the two electronic hand brake /hold controls to one operation as in a VW Golf.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Recommended

New Audi A3 plug-in hybrid gets massive 88-mile electric range for under £40k
Audi A3 PHEV front quarter
News
15 Oct 2024

New Audi A3 plug-in hybrid gets massive 88-mile electric range for under £40k

Volkswagen Golf GTI review – the quintessential hot hatch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
15 Oct 2024

Volkswagen Golf GTI review – the quintessential hot hatch

Citroen C4 and C4 X get a striking redesign for 2025
Citroen C4 front quarter
News
14 Oct 2024

Citroen C4 and C4 X get a striking redesign for 2025

Peugeot 308 review – premium family hatchback
Peugeot 308 front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
2 Oct 2024

Peugeot 308 review – premium family hatchback

Most Popular

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k
Best cheap fun cars
Best cars
25 Oct 2024

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
25 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024