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

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...

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Publish: February 11, 2021
ReDriven Red Power

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?

Mazda 3 SP25-1 Mazda 3 SP25-2 Mazda 3 SP25-3 Mazda 3 SP25-4 Mazda 3 SP25-5 Mazda 3 SP25-6 Mazda 3 SP25-7 Mazda 3 SP25-8 Mazda 3 SP25-9 Mazda 3 SP25-10 Mazda 3 SP25-13 Mazda 3 SP25-14 Mazda 3 SP25-15 Mazda 3 SP25-16 Mazda 3 SP25-17

  • 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 Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 114kW / 200Nm (Neo 2013 – 2017, Maxx 2013 – 2017, Touring 2013 – 2019, Neo Sport 2018 – 2019, Maxx Sport 2018 – 2019)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 138kW / 250Nm (SP25 2013 – 2019, SP25 GT 2013 – 2019, SP25 Astina 2013 – 2019)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel, 129kW / 420Nm (XD Astina 2014 – 2016)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina, XD Astina, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina, XD Astina, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Fuel Consumption

  • 4.7 – 7.5 / 100km (Touring, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 4.9 – 8.0 / 100km (SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)
  • 4.6 – 6.3 / 100km (XD Astina)

Length

  • 4460mm – 4470mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 4580mm (4 door Sedan)

Width

  • 1795mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1450mm – 1470mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1450mm – 1455mm (4 door Sedan)

Wheelbase

  • 2700mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1262kg – 1465kg (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1258kg – 1368kg (4 door Sedan)

Towing

  • 600kg (unbraked) – 1200kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)
  • Not tested (XD Astina)
  • 5 stars, tested 2016 (Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 114kW / 200Nm (Neo 2013 – 2017, Maxx 2013 – 2017, Touring 2013 – 2019, Neo Sport 2018 – 2019, Maxx Sport 2018 – 2019)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 138kW / 250Nm (SP25 2013 – 2019, SP25 GT 2013 – 2019, SP25 Astina 2013 – 2019)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel, 129kW / 420Nm (XD Astina 2014 – 2016)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina, XD Astina, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina, XD Astina, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Fuel Consumption

  • 4.7 – 7.5 / 100km (Touring, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 4.9 – 8.0 / 100km (SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)
  • 4.6 – 6.3 / 100km (XD Astina)

Length

  • 4460mm – 4470mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 4580mm (4 door Sedan)

Width

  • 1795mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1450mm – 1470mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1450mm – 1455mm (4 door Sedan)

Wheelbase

  • 2700mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1262kg – 1465kg (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1258kg – 1368kg (4 door Sedan)

Towing

  • 600kg (unbraked) – 1200kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)
  • Not tested (XD Astina)
  • 5 stars, tested 2016 (Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 114kW / 200Nm (Neo 2013 – 2017, Maxx 2013 – 2017, Touring 2013 – 2019, Neo Sport 2018 – 2019, Maxx Sport 2018 – 2019)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 138kW / 250Nm (SP25 2013 – 2019, SP25 GT 2013 – 2019, SP25 Astina 2013 – 2019)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel, 129kW / 420Nm (XD Astina 2014 – 2016)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina, XD Astina, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina, XD Astina, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Fuel Consumption

  • 4.7 – 7.5 / 100km (Touring, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 4.9 – 8.0 / 100km (SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)
  • 4.6 – 6.3 / 100km (XD Astina)

Length

  • 4460mm – 4470mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 4580mm (4 door Sedan)

Width

  • 1795mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1450mm – 1470mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1450mm – 1455mm (4 door Sedan)

Wheelbase

  • 2700mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1262kg – 1465kg (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1258kg – 1368kg (4 door Sedan)

Towing

  • 600kg (unbraked) – 1200kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars (Neo, Maxx, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)
  • Not tested (XD Astina)
  • 5 stars, tested 2016 (Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, SP25 Astina)

Warranty

  • 3 years / unlimited km
  • 5 years / unlimited km (from Aug 2018)

Servicing

  • 10,000 km / 12 months (All Models)

Model range, pricing and features

Mazda 3 SP25-1

Neo

Price when new: $20,490

Price used: $10,400 - $12,400

Equipment

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
  • 4 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
  • Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – Input for iPod
  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Bluetooth System
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
  • Bottle Holders – 1st Row
  • Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
  • Brake Assist
  • Brake Emergency Display – Hazard/Stoplights
  • CD Player
  • Cargo Cover
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Chrome Exhaust Tip(s)
  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Traction
  • Cruise Control
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Disc Brakes Rear Solid
  • Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
  • Hill Holder
  • Illuminated – Entry/Exit with Fade
  • Intermittent Wipers – Variable
  • Keyless Start:- Key/FOB Proximity related
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Power Door Mirrors
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Rear View Mirror – Manual Anti-Glare
  • Rear Wiper/Washer
  • Remote Boot/Hatch Release
  • Remote Fuel Lid Release
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
  • Seatback Pocket – Front Passenger Seat
  • Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
  • Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
  • Starter Button
  • Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
  • Tacho
  • Trim – Cloth
  • Trip Computer
  • Wheel Covers – Full

Maxx

Price when new: $22,990

Price used: $11,300 - $13,400

Adds

  • 16″ Alloy Wheels
  • 6 Speaker Stereo
  • Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
  • Camera – Rear Vision
  • Cup Holders – 2nd Row
  • GPS (Satellite Navigation)
  • In-Car Voice System
  • Internet Connectivity via Paired Device
  • Leather Gear Knob
  • Leather Hand Brake Lever
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Memory Card Reader
  • Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
  • Voice Recognition

Touring

Price when new: $25,490

Price used: $12,000 - $14,200

Adds

  • Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Front Passenger
  • Intermittent Wipers
  • Leather Seats – Partial
  • Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
  • Seat – Drivers Lumbar Adjustment Manual
  • Sunglass Holder
  • Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Driver

SP25

Price when new: $25,890

Price used: $11,800 - $14,000

Adds

  • 18″ Alloy Wheels
  • Central Locking – Key Proximity
  • Fog Lamps – Front

SP25 GT

Price when new: $30,590

Price used: $13,300 - $15,500

Adds

  • 9 Speaker Stereo
  • Amplifier – 1 Separate
  • Daytime Running Lamps – LED
  • Electric Seat – Drivers
  • Headlamp Washers
  • Headlamps – Active (Cornering/steering)
  • Headlamps – Bi-Xenon (for low & high beam)
  • Heated Seats – 1st Row
  • Information Display – Head Up
  • Power Door Mirrors – Heated
  • Premium Sound System
  • Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
  • Tail Lamps – LED

SP25 Astina

Price when new: $36,190

Price used: $15,000 - $17,400

Adds

  • Blind Spot Sensor
  • Collision Mitigation – Forward (High speed)
  • Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
  • Collision Warning – Forward
  • Cruise Control – Distance Control
  • Headlamp – High Beam Auto Dipping
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Sunroof – Electric

XD Astina

Price when new: $40,230

Price used: $16,700 - $19,200

Adds

  • Brakes – Regenerative
  • Fog Lamps – Front LED

Neo Sport

Price when new: $20,490

Price used: $15,600 - $17,600

Adds

  • Headlamps – Halogen

Maxx Sport

Price when new: $22,490

Price used: $16,800 - $18,900

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.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Sep 18, 2023.

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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