Mazda3 review – an economical and classy family hatchback

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.

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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.

Since its launch, the Mazda3 has undergone a few updates. Most recently for 2024, bucking the trend of downsizing engines, the Mazda3 got the option of a larger 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol engine, replacing the older 2.0-litre engines. Despite being larger, the brand says it’s still very efficient, and offers up better ‘real-world performance’, thanks to mild-hybrid technology and other fuel-saving features such as the ability to shut down some of its cylinders.

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As before, a more powerful 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv X engine is still available higher up in the range with 183bhp. Confusingly, this engine offers both more power and better on-paper fuel economy – normally you get one or the other. All engines can be had with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

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.

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.