Pros
- Very attractive Kodo-inspired design
- Excellent interior quality, look and feel
- Very practical
- Good reputation for reliability
Cons
- Infotainment system showing its age
- Unreliable GPS
- Excessive road and tyre noise
- Ride quality can be too firm for some
Verdict
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
Yes.
This generation of Mazda 3 mixes reliability, practicality, safety and excellent driving dynamics. It then wraps those attributes in a gorgeous body shell and fills it with an interior that is not only comfortable but feels far more expensive than it is. We highly recommend the Mazda 3, find...
Publish: February 11, 2021
The Mazda 3 may just be the perfect blend of style with substance.
Available in two body styles across six main variants with either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel was available for a short period of time) with either a manual or automatic transmission, the 3 range is certainly not short of options.
But, with the Mazda 3 being consistently a high seller, a good range of variants and a mid-life update to consider, should you buy one and if so, which one should you buy?
The Mazda 3 may just be the perfect blend of style with substance.
Available in two body styles across six main variants with either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel was available for a short period of time) with either a manual or automatic transmission, the 3 range is certainly not short of options.
But, with the Mazda 3 being consistently a high seller, a good range of variants and a mid-life update to consider, should you buy one and if so, which one should you buy?
The Mazda 3 may just be the perfect blend of style with substance.
Available in two body styles across six main variants with either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel was available for a short period of time) with either a manual or automatic transmission, the 3 range is certainly not short of options.
But, with the Mazda 3 being consistently a high seller, a good range of variants and a mid-life update to consider, should you buy one and if so, which one should you buy?
- Engine mounts can wear resulting in excessive noise and vibrations
- Rear brake calipers can have issues and may require adjustment
- Engine mounts can wear resulting in excessive noise and vibrations
- Rear brake calipers can have issues and may require adjustment
- Engine mounts can wear resulting in excessive noise and vibrations
- Rear brake calipers can have issues and may require adjustment
Body style:
- 5-door hatch or 4-door sedan
Engine & outputs:
- 2.0-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 114kW / 200Nm (Neo, Neo Sport, Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring)
- 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 138kW / 250Nm (SP25, SP25GT, SP25 Astina)
- 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 129kW/420Nm (XD Astina)
Transmissions:
- 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Fuel use (combined):
- 5.8L/100km (2.0-litre petrol)
- 6.5L/100km (2.5-litre petrol)
- 5.2L/100km (1.6-litre diesel)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1470mm (hatch), 1450mm (sedan)
- Length: 4460mm (hatch), 4580mm (sedan)
- Width: 1795mm
Body style:
- 5-door hatch or 4-door sedan
Engine & outputs:
- 2.0-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 114kW / 200Nm (Neo, Neo Sport, Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring)
- 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 138kW / 250Nm (SP25, SP25GT, SP25 Astina)
- 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 129kW/420Nm (XD Astina)
Transmissions:
- 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Fuel use (combined):
- 5.8L/100km (2.0-litre petrol)
- 6.5L/100km (2.5-litre petrol)
- 5.2L/100km (1.6-litre diesel)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1470mm (hatch), 1450mm (sedan)
- Length: 4460mm (hatch), 4580mm (sedan)
- Width: 1795mm
Body style:
- 5-door hatch or 4-door sedan
Engine & outputs:
- 2.0-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 114kW / 200Nm (Neo, Neo Sport, Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring)
- 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 138kW / 250Nm (SP25, SP25GT, SP25 Astina)
- 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 129kW/420Nm (XD Astina)
Transmissions:
- 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Fuel use (combined):
- 5.8L/100km (2.0-litre petrol)
- 6.5L/100km (2.5-litre petrol)
- 5.2L/100km (1.6-litre diesel)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1470mm (hatch), 1450mm (sedan)
- Length: 4460mm (hatch), 4580mm (sedan)
- Width: 1795mm
Warranty:
5-years/unlimited kms
Servicing:
15,000kms or every 12 months with capped-price servicing for the first 3 years
Model range, pricing and features
Yes.
This generation of Mazda 3 mixes reliability, practicality, safety and excellent driving dynamics. It then wraps those attributes in a gorgeous body shell and fills it with an interior that is not only comfortable but feels far more expensive than it is. We highly recommend the Mazda 3, find any cared-for 3 with a solid service history and you’ll have yourself an excellent car.
Yes.
This generation of Mazda 3 mixes reliability, practicality, safety and excellent driving dynamics. It then wraps those attributes in a gorgeous body shell and fills it with an interior that is not only comfortable but feels far more expensive than it is. We highly recommend the Mazda 3, find any cared-for 3 with a solid service history and you’ll have yourself an excellent car.
Yes.
This generation of Mazda 3 mixes reliability, practicality, safety and excellent driving dynamics. It then wraps those attributes in a gorgeous body shell and fills it with an interior that is not only comfortable but feels far more expensive than it is. We highly recommend the Mazda 3, find any cared-for 3 with a solid service history and you’ll have yourself an excellent car.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of February 11, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
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