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Find an Expert Rating: 
Expert Rating

Mazda 3

(2019 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

66
%
B

Used car score:

61
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

73
%
B

Safety Rating:

74
%
B

Eco Rating:

68
%
A

Reliability Rating:

76
%
C

Running Costs:

35
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

66
%
B

Used car score:

61
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

73
%
B

Safety Rating:

74
%
B

Eco Rating:

68
%
A

Reliability Rating:

76
%
C

Running Costs:

35
%
E

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


Media reviews


Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Evo

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

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

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

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

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models52 mpgB41 – 57 mpgB – D
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models128 g/kmA114 – 157 g/kmA – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models49E15 – 50A – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£187A
Year 2£511B
Year 3£846B
Year 4£1,082B
Year 5£1,485B
Overall£4,111B

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

Thatcham Research logo 150x65px

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 news, reviews and information about the Mazda 3 at The Car Expert

Mazda 3 update brings tech and trim changes

Mazda 3 update brings tech and trim changes

Mazda celebrates centenary with special edition models

Mazda celebrates centenary with special edition models

Mazda 3 saloon SkyActiv-X review

Mazda 3 saloon SkyActiv-X review

The petrol Mazda 3 with ‘diesel-like’ fuel economy

The petrol Mazda 3 with ‘diesel-like’ fuel economy

Mazda 3 review

Mazda 3 review

Audi e-tron electric car among five-star safety winners

Audi e-tron electric car among five-star safety winners

Mazda 3 test drive

Mazda 3 test drive

New cars to look forward to in 2019

New cars to look forward to in 2019

Clever engines and smart looks for all-new Mazda 3

Clever engines and smart looks for all-new Mazda 3

All new Mazda 3 to debut at LA Show

All new Mazda 3 to debut at LA Show

The best hot hatches for under £10k

The best hot hatches for under £10k

Most new diesel cars still pollute beyond legal limits

Most new diesel cars still pollute beyond legal limits

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Subscribe to a Mazda 3


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The Mazda 3 has received generally good to very good UK media reviews, with particular praise for its styling and value for money.Mazda 3