What’s it like?
The Mazda3 has made a habit of flying under the radar over the years, with its understated design and refusal to shout about itself too much. Yet it has still been one of the best family hatchbacks on the market, with less popularity than the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, but a classier style and just as much competence. It has always been a great car to drive, and though the engine range has often been unremarkable, the combination of a well-made cabin and solid reliability has made it a compelling choice in a competitive market.
And the fourth-generation model – launched in 2019 – is arguably the most compelling of the lot. Styled with an eye on aerodynamics and modern design, the Mazda3 was once again offered in hatchback and saloon forms, both of which offered style, quality and driver engagement by the bucketload. It remains one of the very best in the business.
Which model to go for?
The Mazda3 range can be quite confusing, and not only because there’s a choice of hatchback and saloon body shapes. There’s a pretty wide selection of trim levels, too, with numerous options for cars of all ages. Earlier cars have a very different range to the later models, but all get plenty of standard equipment.
The range also includes a plethora of engines, although as is the Mazda way, the range is a little different from other brands’ more conventional approaches. Mazda initially offered a 1.8-litre diesel engine, but it didn’t sell that well, and the 2.0-litre petrol engines are more common and arguably more appealing.
However, those 2.0-litre petrol engines are by no means identical. The Skyactiv-G versions are non-turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines and, with the 121hp offered by the original engines, they lack power relative to other similarly sized rivals’ engines. However, they get very close to their official economy figures, and they’re quite eager to be pushed. Later, the Skyactiv-G cars were offered with mild-hybrid technology, helping to reduce fuel consumption further, while an automatic gearbox was also available alongside the standard six-speed manual.
The Skyactiv-X models, on the other hand, are a little more complex. They use a combination of conventional petrol engine technology with diesel-style compression combustion techniques, in the pursuit of greater fuel economy. They don’t feel as eager as the Skyactiv-G versions, though, and they are a bit more complicated, which might put some buyers off. However, the Skyactiv-X engines were more powerful, and they were offered with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, as well as the option of all-wheel drive.
Does anything go wrong?
Although Mazda’s reputation for reliability is pretty good, the Mazda3 has had a few teething problems. The diesel options have had a few issues regarding the particulate filter and the emissions system, while petrol versions have had the odd electrical gremlin, including sensor faults and issues with the infotainment system. Perhaps more worryingly, there have been issues with the software on certain petrol-powered models, causing some cars built in 2019 to run rough. Fortunately, the software is easily fixed with a visit to the dealership, so if necessary, check that work has been done.
Cars of this size can be used for all sorts of things, and some will have led harder lives than others. Mileage isn’t necessarily a good indicator of how well a car has been kept, as motorway miles tend to be easier on vehicles than urban miles. Check any prospective purchase for all the usual things, including scraped wheels, scratched bodywork and other signs of use around town, as well as general condition. As Mazda3s are fairly plentiful, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a well-cared-for example.