Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mazda3 hatchback review

"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

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Good to drive
  • Low running costs

Cons

  • Cramped rear seats
  • Rear visibility
  • Rivals have bigger boots

Verdict - Is the Mazda3 a good car?

The Mazda3 isn’t a car you’re likely to see at the top of the UK’s best-sellers list, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Great looking, engaging to drive and with a surprisingly posh interior, the Mazda3 straddles the middle ground between mainstream rivals like the Ford Focus and premium models like the BMW 1 Series, but arguably feels closer to the latter. Its main negatives are mediocre practicality and poor rear visibility.

Mazda3 models, specs and alternatives

The Mazda3 is a family hatchback car that’s been on sale for a long time in the UK, but has previously been overshadowed by big names such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra. The current Mazda3 is perhaps also overlooked in favour of premium hatchbacks like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class but it really doesn’t deserve to be, as it’s easily a match for those in terms of quality and premium feel.

BMW 118 M SportTop 10 best luxury small cars

It’s not just about the cabin materials, but everything else that makes a car feel premium – including the way it looks, the engineering, technology and build quality. The Mazda excels in all of these areas and it’s definitely worthy of consideration alongside the traditional German upmarket choices.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mazda3 is one of the sharpest-looking models of its type, but its dramatic shape does bring a few drawbacks – most notably a lack of space in the back and a slightly compromised boot. Despite this, the Mazda is still one of the best hatchbacks around for keen drivers, plus it has a superb interior and lots of kit. It should be relatively affordable to run, too.

The engine range is quite unusual. The most notable model is the 183bhp e-SkyActiv X version, which has a clever combustion system that helps it to run like a diesel engine at low revs to save fuel, but with the smoothness of a petrol when you accelerate hard. This model returns up to 54.3mpg with the excellent six-speed manual gearbox, thanks also in part to a mild-hybrid system that has a tiny electric motor to boost efficiency.

There’s also a mild hybrid setup on the other engine, which is called the e-SkyActiv G. Both engines are 2.0-litre petrols but the G model is a much more traditional engine. It has just 120bhp and no turbocharger, so it’s less punchy than many rivals. There’s no longer a diesel version of the Mazda3, but you can have automatic versions of both petrol engines.

Both engines and gearbox options are available across the range, which now kicks off with the Prime-Line model. This features plenty of luxuries including rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 16-inch alloy wheels, auto high-beam assistance, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reverse parking camera.

The entry-level model has plenty of equipment to satisfy many buyers, then, while upgrading to Centre-Line adds keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning and wireless smartphone charging – it doesn’t cost much more than Prime-Line, and would be the one we’d go for. Above that, Homura provides a sportier look with 18-inch alloys, heated power-folding door mirrors, classy piano black window surrounds and privacy glass. Exclusive-Line adds adaptive LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a Bose sound system. Top-of-the-line Takumi is very well equipped, adding leather seats, a wing-mirror tilt-down function when parking, front wiper de-icer and 360-degree camera.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The top 10 best family cars 2024
Best family cars
Best cars
1 Nov 2024

The top 10 best family cars 2024

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

Most Popular

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

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

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!

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners
Carbuyer best used cars 2025
Best cars
30 Oct 2024

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners

The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks
Coolest family cars
Best cars
23 Aug 2024

The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks

Transporting your family needn’t be boring – these are our picks of the coolest family cars on sale
Mazda3 gets a big petrol engine for better ‘real-world performance’
Mazda3 updates
News
1 Aug 2024

Mazda3 gets a big petrol engine for better ‘real-world performance’

Mazda has ditched its 2.0-litre petrol engine in favour of a bigger one, and upgraded the Mazda3’s tech
The best-looking cars on sale 2024
Best looking cars
Best cars
24 Jul 2024

The best-looking cars on sale 2024

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this is our pick of the best-looking cars on sale
Hot car deal: sporty Mazda3 hatchback for £238 a month
Mazda3 hatchback
Deals
1 Feb 2024

Hot car deal: sporty Mazda3 hatchback for £238 a month

A family car that’s fun to drive? Our hot car deal for February 1st is the stylish Mazda3 for just £238 a month
Top 10 best luxury small cars
BMW 118 M Sport
Best cars
8 Nov 2022

Top 10 best luxury small cars

The best luxury small cars are affordable and yet offer the kind of quality, comfort and equipment that used to only be found on large executive cars
Mazda3 Saloon review
Mazda3 Saloon
In-depth reviews
18 May 2022

Mazda3 Saloon review

"The Mazda3 Fastback offers more space than the hatchback, but the same equipment and stylish looks"
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

You don't have to buy a luxury car to enjoy a great interior. We've listed our top cars to spend time in, regardless of budget
Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest
News
15 Dec 2020

Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest

Take a look at the best and most memorable special edition cars
Skip advert
Advertisement
Best cars for winter
Best cars
3 Jan 2020

Best cars for winter

We select a great group of 4x4 cars to help keep you on the road and moving this winter.
Mazda3 Skyactiv-X petrol engine price and specs revealed
Mazda3 front action
News
18 Jul 2019

Mazda3 Skyactiv-X petrol engine price and specs revealed

Mazda’s revolutionary petrol engine promises diesel-like fuel efficiency
Mazda3 hatchback (2014-2018)
In-depth reviews
15 Jan 2019

Mazda3 hatchback (2014-2018)

"The Mazda3 is a stylish family hatchback that's rewarding to drive and well equipped, with a reassuring reliability and safety record"
2019 Mazda3: price, specs and release date
2019 Mazda3 hatchback front
News
29 Nov 2018

2019 Mazda3: price, specs and release date

The new Mazda3 hatchback and Fastback will be unveiled at the LA Motor Show before set to arriving in 2019
Mazda3 Sport review
Road tests
5 Oct 2018

Mazda3 Sport review

It's a relatively rare sight, but that doesn't stop the Mazda3 being a desirable hatchback
Used Hyundai i30 buying guide: 2012-2017 (Mk2)
Used car reviews
30 Apr 2018

Used Hyundai i30 buying guide: 2012-2017 (Mk2)

With a long warranty, plenty of equipment and impressive reliability, the Hyundai i30 is a savvy used buy
How to choose the perfect family car (sponsored)
News
26 Mar 2015

How to choose the perfect family car (sponsored)

Families rarely travel light and the practical design of the Mazda3 means yours won’t have to. Watch our video and see.
Mazda2 2014 release date, price & specs
News
10 Oct 2014

Mazda2 2014 release date, price & specs

Mazda2 on sale early next year with highly efficient SKYACTIV engine range
Mazda3 now available with zero deposit
News
1 Oct 2014

Mazda3 now available with zero deposit

Mazda has revealed a range of offers across its line-up, including zero per cent finance and big deposit contributions
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Mazda2 first official pictures
News
17 Jul 2014

New Mazda2 first official pictures

The new Mazda2 has been unveiled following a striking concept car earlier this year
Mazda3 Sport Nav
Car trim reviews
28 Apr 2014

Mazda3 Sport Nav

Chicago Motor Show 2014: Highlights
News
7 Feb 2014

Chicago Motor Show 2014: Highlights

We take a look at the important cars on display at the Chicago Motor Show
Mazda gets class-leading residual values
News
30 Jan 2014

Mazda gets class-leading residual values

CAP Automotive says Mazdas hold their value better than key rivals
Mazda3 MPS hatchback (2009-2013)
In-depth reviews
30 Nov 2013

Mazda3 MPS hatchback (2009-2013)

“The Mazda3 MPS is fast and great value for money, but it’s not as fun as a Ford Focus ST and costs a lot to run.”  
Mazda3 hatchback (2009-2013)
In-depth reviews
27 Nov 2013

Mazda3 hatchback (2009-2013)

"The Mazda3 has excellent build quality and lots of equipment, and is to fun to drive."

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