Mazda 3 Hatchback Review

Performance3.5/5

The Mazda 3 has a choice of three engines available – a 1.6 litre 105PS petrol, a 1.6 litre 115PS turbo diesel or a 2.2 litre 185PS turbo diesel. If you are a petrol person, therefore, you have no choices to make – but you will find yourself with an engine offering 105bhp and a respectable 0-62 mph in 12.2 seconds. By way of contrast, the higher range diesel can dash from 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds and this Mazda 3 performance is likely to satisfy any sporty aspirations you may have.

Handling3.5/5

Mazda 3 noise levels can be a little high for comfort, especially on the motorway; but things have improved in the latest model. The suspension allows a comfortable enough ride, although it is still a bit firmer than many may like. The Mazda 3 has got good grip and is responsive, making it fun to drive on motorways and bendy roads; visibility is good all round, and the adjustable driver’s seat/steering wheel combination will keep most drivers happy on even the longest journey.

Exterior4.5/5

The Mazda 3 is one of the more visually pleasing family hatchbacks. With its distinctive front grille, prominent bumper and sculpted headlights the Mazda 3 stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons.

Interior4/5

The Mazda 3’s interior plastics are not exactly touchy feely, it’s all very sturdy and chunky and the dash is a little overcrowded with a large assortment of buttons. The steering wheel has plenty of reach and rake and the driver’s seat can be adjusted up or down – it is set a bit low, though, and your legs may end up a bit more horizontal than you would like. There is room for four six footers in the Mazda 3, although those in the back may find it a little bit of a struggle to get in through the slightly limited door space and will need negotiating skills to coordinate the position of the seat in front with their legs. Shoulder room is a bit tight too – but if you are not driving the length and breadth of the country you should be ok.

The Mazda 3 has a boot space of 340 litres, expanding to 1,360 with the rear seats folded down. There’s a capacious glove compartment and central storage box; so ample space for the weekly shop, but not a lot more than that.

Equipment4.5/5

The Mazda 3 comes in three trims – the (entry level) Tamura, the Venture and the Sport Nav. The Tamura comes complete with dual-zone climate control air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, power folding heated door mirrors, sports grille, radio with CD player, drivers seat lumbar adjustment, leather steering wheel, Multi-Information Display (MID) system and a 4 speed automatic transmission option. The two other trims lose the automatic transmission option, but the Ventura has the added bonus of cruise control, dusk sensing lights, rain sensing front wipers, heated front seats, integrated Bluetooth, leather gear knob, TomTom sat nav, and sports front seats; and the Sport Nav has, in addition to all the above, a heated front windscreen and LED rear lights.

Safety4.5/5

The Mazda 3 received a five star EuroNCAP rating in 2009. Six airbags are fitted as standard, along with active front headrests, stability and traction control systems, hazard light activation, and high grade, sturdy materials throughout. In terms of security, an alarm and deadlocks should deter all but the most determined of intruders or car-nappers.

Buying & Owning4/5

At face value, the Mazda 3 is competitively priced and offers good value for money, although it is not really up to the standard of rivals on offer from Ford and VW. It’s an economical choice though, especially the 1.6 diesel which has fuel economy of 65.7 mpg and tax-free CO2 emission levels. The petrol version also offers good fuel economy, but only if the car is run at low speed. One thing to be aware of is the likelihood of dramatic depreciation of the Mazda 3’s value.

Reviewed by cars2buy