Mazda 3 review
By Motor Match • 28/06/2023
The hatchback segment is a hotly-contested one, so the Mazda 3 really needs to deliver in all areas to succeed. We’ve been behind the wheel to see what it’s got to offer.
What is it?
Mazda has been creating some really hard-hitting models recently. It’s a company which has now produced a range of good-looking and good-to-drive cars that feel premium inside but aren’t accompanied by an overly-premium price tag. The 3 is its core hatchback, going up against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
But in those rivals, it has a real challenge. The hatchback segment is a hotly-contested one, so the 3 really needs to deliver in all areas to succeed. We’ve been behind the wheel to see what it’s got to offer.
What’s new?
The 3 was one of the first Mazda models to use a brand-new architecture, while its range of engines has been designed to offer performance and efficiency in a very pleasant blend. There’s no electric version of the 3, either - you’ll need to opt for the compact MX-30 if you want a battery-powered Mazda model.
But the exterior - as it is with so many Mazda cars - is a really strong point, combining some sports car-esque design touches with relatively compact proportions. Against the others in the segment, the 3 still looks fresh today despite having been on sale for a little while.
What’s under the bonnet?
You’ve not got too many engine options with the 3 - they’re all centred around the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit. However, the two units are differentiated by their use of either Skyactiv G or Skyactiv X technology, with the latter being the most fuel-efficient option thanks to some clever re-engineering of the way the engine ‘sparks’.
They’re all rear-wheel-drive, too, in quite a sporty change to the normal front-wheel-drive layout that you’ll find across much of the segment. You’ve also got the choice between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox, too.
What’s it like to drive?
The Mazda 3 has a much sportier driving style than you might expect. It stays nice and flat through the corners, while the steering weight is one of the stars of the show - it’s really confidence inspiring and gives you a good idea of what the front wheels are doing. As we’ve come to expect from Mazda, the action of the six-speed manual is great, too, and seems almost directly lifted from the MX-5 sports car.
Visibility is a little bit tight rearwards, mind you, as a result of the sloping roof and compact rear screen. But the Skyactiv-X engine in our test car is super strong and provides more than enough performance for most occasions
How does it look?
Mazda’s cars have a really cool aesthetic to them and the 3 is a great example of this. It’s by far one of the best-looking cars in the segment, thanks to its dynamic-looking curves and sharp headlights. Remember, too, that you can get the 3 as a slightly quirky saloon, too, so there’s an option if you’d rather something different to the conventional hatch.
You’ve got a good number of colours to choose from as well, but dark shades do tend to suit the 3 quite well. That said, we’re always a big fan of Mazda’s ‘Soul Red’ which looks great on any car it’s applied to.
What’s it like inside?
You’ve got a great blend of high-end materials and good functionality inside the cabin of the Mazda 3. It’s not an area that is dominated by huge screens, either, but that’s quite pleasant because it’s less distracting than many rivals. We really like the front seats, too, as they’re supportive without being overly firm.
In the back, that tapered roofline does mean that headroom might be a bit tight for taller passengers, but a 351-litre boot means there’s plenty of space for everyone’s luggage.
What’s the spec like?
You’ve got four distinct specifications available with the 3 - Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura and Executive-Line. In truth, the entry-level grade offers more than enough equipment, with highlights including a full 10.25-inch infotainment system, reversing camera and parking sensors and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
At the other end of the scale, Executive-Line adds luxuries such as wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone air conditioning (over the regular air conditioning in Prime-Line cars) and 18-inch alloy wheels. But if you want to keep costs low, the standard trim offers more than enough equipment to begin with.
Verdict
The Mazda 3 is an alternative to the norm which is well worth checking out. It’s great to drive, efficient and good-looking, too, while it’s also nicely made inside with plenty of standard equipment that’ll make it an attractive proposition to those who want to get value for money.
It would be nice if there was a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid version, but as it stands, the Mazda 3 is a very credible option.
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