Summary
The Mazda 3 (officially styled as the Mazda3) is a medium-sized family car available in five-door hatchback and saloon body styles.
The latest generation was unveiled in November 2018 and went on sale in the UK in summer 2019, initially only as a hatchback and with a limited range of engines. The saloon version and additional engine options both arrived in late 2019.
The new Mazda 3 has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK media, with particular praise for its styling and value for money. Early criticisms were made of a lack of performance in the engines available from launch, which were partly addressed by a more powerful ‘SkyActiv X’ engine that arrived a few months after launch.
A diesel version was originally offered when the car was launched, but has disappeared from the range recently.
As of January 2024, the Mazda 3 range holds a New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 66%. That’s a few points off the pace when compared with rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and saloon
Engines: petrol
Price: From £23,945 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol SkyActiv-X saloon Sport Lux
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Mazda 3 saloon is attractive but sales are unlikely to rival its hatchback sibling. The Skyactiv-X petrol engine, however, is a very clever bit of kit.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 cannot match some rivals for space or powerplants available, but scores with plentiful equipment and attractive, distinctive design, inside and out.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Boasting serious value for money, respectable efficiency, stunning looks and an impressive driving experience, it has everything to keep up with the best in the class.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 is still a great family hatchback and among the more desirable models you can currently buy. It’s fun to drive, too, and offers a package that’s of immense quality for the money.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0 180ps GT Sport Saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“The hallmark qualities of the 3 are still on show, wrapped up in a package that some will find more appealing compared with the sportier-looking hatchback.”
Read review
Model reviewed: SkyActiv-X
Score: 8 / 10
“You get some much needed extra power over the SkyActiv-G car without really sacrificing fuel economy, but a little refinement is lost. It’s good enough to be our pick of the Mazda 3 bunch.”
Read review
Model reviewed: SkyActiv-G 2.0 122ps Sport Lux
Score: 8 / 10
“Be in no doubt, the Mazda 3 is a great car to drive.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“If you fancy moving away from the common hatchback and into something a bit different, then the Mazda3 Saloon may be for you. It offers eye-catching looks and impressive interior quality, as well as some clever engine technology that could keep running costs down. It’s not bad to drive, either.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“By steering a subtle course upmarket, the latest Mazda 3 feels like a polished, premium product. Enjoyable to drive and with a more upmarket cabin, its only weak link is the amount of space in the rear seats and boot.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre manual 100th Anniversary hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The 3 100th Anniversary edition is pitched at Mazda fans who want something a little bit special for their money. When you consider the price is a modest increase over an equivalent GT Sport, it’s a pretty appealing proposition for those already wise to the 3’s left-field appeal.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Very appealing styling inside and out, and outstanding interior quality.”
Read review
Model reviewed: SkyActiv-X
Score: 8 / 10
“Even with the normal and relatively weedy 2.0-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel, the Mazda 3 is a highly recommendable hatch. Unsurprisingly then, with a little more fire in its belly courtesy of the Skyactiv-X engine, there’s even more reason to pick one as your next family hatch.”
Read review
Model reviewed: SkyActiv-G GT Sport Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“It has certainly got the looks. In fact, I think the Mazda 3 is now one of the best looking cars in its class.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“With the 3, Mazda has produced a car that’s more than capable of giving the heavyweights a seriously bloody nose.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: SkyActiv-X
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 is an impressive newcomer in the busy family hatchback marketplace, depending on your priorities. You can be confident that your choice of mainstream hatch is a jaw-dropping, great-handling tech fest.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual SkyActiv-X
Score: 10 / 10
“We’re huge fans of the Mazda 3, and adding the Skyactiv-X engine into the mix only serves to heighten its appeal. Its increased performance takes the chassis to a new level too, without compromising on anything the 3 does best.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda3 is good to drive, with a stylish, premium cabin. But it’s not the most practical.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Mazda3 Fastback offers more space than the hatchback, but the same equipment and stylish looks”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Saloon range
“The Mazda 3 Saloon is one of the best looking small saloon cars on sale and comes with a decent infotainment system, but alternatives can be had with a much wider selection of engines”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 has a high-quality interior, a great infotainment system and is fun to drive, but if you value rear space and a practical boot most, there are better hatchbacks.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Sport saloon
“Skyactiv-X engine massively impresses for efficiency figures, although it’s not a high-performance unit despite the 180hp power figure. Saloon bodystyle is a niche addition, but looks smart.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol SE-L Lux
Score: 8 / 10
“This new arrival in the core fleet lower-medium sector is something of a hidden gem, especially with its kit and interior quality. More power and efficiency would help.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol GT Sport hatchback
“High quality with great residuals, but emissions could be nearer the sharp end of the sector. New engine late this year could be significant.”
Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual GT Sport hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 is the perfect hatchback for young couples who won’t fill the back with little people – and for older drivers who simply want a car that’s straightforward and comfortable.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Skyactiv-X
Score: 8 / 10
“Innovative, efficient and clever engineering that only improves the 3’s already impressive package.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Mazda’s innovation has never been more apparent – the new Mazda 3 is flawed but brilliant, and the type of ‘normal’ car we need.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol AWD GT Sport Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“The all-wheel-drive system delivered lots of grip on wet and cold winter roads, but there’s more grip than performance. As our real-world results show, the one benefit of the new engine seems to be potentially better economy.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol GT Sport Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“The new model has progressed forward, but the almost rally-car like driving experience of the last Mazda3 has been replaced with a more refined overall product, which is predictably designed to try and win more mainstream sales, but which also means that the latest Mazda3 loses some of its differentiation.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Looks great. Premium interior with excellent standard specification.”
Read review
Score: 10 / 10
“Stunning styling. As good to drive as it is to look at. And remarkably well equipped from base model upwards. Is it better than the new Focus? The general consensus was smoother and more refined, at least as good to drive, though possibly not quite as much fun to rag the tyres off down an empty B road.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Sleek five-door handles fabulously, but isn’t the most practical family car”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Sport Lux
“With so much good stuff coming as standard, the Mazda 3 definitely flatters, but does not deceive, and its comfort, driveability and green credentials put it right up there as a family motor.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Score: 8 / 10
“Good in all the right places but up against stiff competition.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol SkyActiv-X GT Sport Tech saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“It might not make much of a dent in the sales charts, but if you’re after a slick, smart saloon car with a compact footprint, the Mazda 3 Saloon is probably the best there is. True, it’s average on space, and its engine feels a bit gutless, but it strikes a terrific balance between fun, comfort, style, value, and a truly premium feel.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual 122hp GT Sport Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“Reverting to a twist beam rear axle makes this family hatch ride a bit harshly and the rear seats feel claustrophobic, but dynamically the Mazda 3 is up with the class leaders and this autumn’s Skyactiv engine promises diesel economy and petrol performance.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Skyactiv-G
Score: 8 / 10
“Mazda blows against prevailing industry trends and reinvigorates the declining C-segment market with a combination of stunning style and single-minded engineering.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Mazda’s new 3 family hatch: low on excitement, high on quiet satisfaction.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Mazda3 has sharp proportions, a reverse-teardrop silhouette and a swoosh of a windowline.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Adjustable lumbar support is standard on the driver’s seat too, even on the cheapest trims, and the centrally mounted armrest can be used by both front occupants.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 finally feels like the car it should have been all along, offering buyers a genuinely accomplished alternative to the likes of the Focus and Golf.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 73%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the Mazda 3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 57
Average repair cost: £772.89
Last updated: April 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Mazda 3 has a reliability rating of 48%, which is just below average, according to extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current (2019 onwards) model as well as previous generation (pre-2019) models.
The average repair cost is just under £800, which is a little higher than average and certainly more than the cost of a used car warranty. So that’s worth keeping in mind if you own or are looking at a used Mazda 3.
The most common warranty claims relate to braking issues, although the average repair cost is not too expensive at about £400. More of a concern is the high average cost of engine repairs at more than £3,000.
If you’re buying a used car warranty for a Mazda 3, make sure it covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 52 mpg | B | 41 – 57 mpg | B – D |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 128 g/km | A | 114 – 157 g/km | A – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 49 | E | 15 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £187 | A |
Year 2 | £511 | B |
Year 3 | £846 | B |
Year 4 | £1,082 | B |
Year 5 | £1,485 | B |
Overall | £4,111 | B |
Whether you decide to opt for the hatchback or saloon, the Mazda 3 has very good running costs, according to data exclusively provided by Clear Vehicle Data.
While diesel models are no longer available, petrol models are very fuel efficient by family car standards, with low emissions to boot. While insurance costs may be more expensive than you planned for, the car’s service and maintenance costs are cheap in the first year, and only get a little more expensive in the four years of ownership after that.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail
Date: 2019
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda 3 has received
2021
- Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Best Used Mid-Sized Car
2020
- World Car of the Year Awards – World Car Design of the Year
2019
- Scottish Car of the Year
- Red Dot product design awards – Best of the Best
- Honest John Awards – Family Car of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mazda 3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A3 | BMW 1 Series | Citroën C4 | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mazda 3 at The Car Expert
Buy a Mazda 3
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mazda 3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Buy a car online from your sofa. We’ll deliver it. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Lease a Mazda 3
If you’re looking to lease a new Mazda 3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from LeaseLoco. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Ready2Lease. Find out more
Subscribe to a Mazda 3
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)