Mazda3 hatchback (2009 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The main quality the Mazda3 has in its favour is style. This is one of the sharpest-looking family hatchbacks on sale. Taking cues from the Mazda RX-8 coupe, the 3 is covered in slashes and creases, meaning even basic versions look sporty. It suits big wheels and body kits so Sport versions, with their 17-inch alloy wheels, look even more purposeful.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

Where the exterior uses lots of detailing to good visual effect, the interior doesn’t work so well. It’s all a little overbearing. The cabin is awash with buttons and dials and doesn’t have the clear simplicity of, say, a Volkswagen Golf’s cockpit. That said, all the switches and buttons feel well-engineered. The 3 feels built to last and was creak- and rattle-free during our week with it.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

Family hatchbacks stand or fall on their practicality, and sadly the Mazda3 stumbles a little. The issue is rear space – there just isn’t enough of it. Little ones in child or booster seats will find their feet wedged against the front seats. Tall adults will struggle for headroom too. A standard split-folding rear bench seat helps on the furniture removal front, but, unusually, Sport models lose 40 litres of boot space compared to the 340-litre space of other versions.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

Like all Mazda’s cars, the 3 is engineered with the keener driver in mind, so it sacrifices a degree of comfort to that end. Over potholes you’ll feel a greater thump than you would in a Renault Megane or Ford Focus, but it’s not too jarring and there’s very little body roll, so the car always feels planted and stable. It’s no Ford Focus around the bends, though its responsive steering means it feels sharp enough for most drivers.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

There’s a definite division between the petrol and diesel versions of the 3 – the latter are the ones to go for. The 1.6- and 2.2-litre diesel engines that bookend the range have a wide power gap between them (from 113bhp to 182bhp), but all feel flexible at low revs. The petrol versions lack pulling power.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

The diesels are also the pick for lower running costs. Contrast the 41.5mpg of the 2-litre petrol Sport 3 with the 62.8mpg of the 1.6-litre diesel variant. The 117g/km of the 1.6 diesel puts it in Band C for VED too. Good reliability and quality also ensure that the 3’s residuals are strong, so at re-sale you’ll make more money back than you would with, say, a Vauxhall Astra.

Our rating: 3

7. Reliability

The Mazda3 is built to last. The previous generation model was a frequent high scorer in various reliability surveys and this car is built on the same underpinnings – based on the Ford Focus. It’s unlikely to give owners many problems in terms of its electrics or mechanicals.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

Loaded with safety kit, the Mazda carries a five-star EuroNCAP rating, including an excellent score for child protection. Its EuroNCAP report particularly praises its performance in the 18-month-old and three-year-old infant protection tests. Front and side airbags are standard, as are active head restraints to protect against whiplash, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

Most Mazda3s are packed with standard equipment. The entry-level S version doesn’t get alloy wheels or electric rear windows. However, TS models and above have climate control, alloys and electric windows all round. Sport cars feature a Bose stereo, heated seats, parking sensors and cruise control.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The Mazda3 is a solid package without ever really excelling in any one area. As long as you choose a diesel you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Visit the Mazda website now for more information on the Mazda3.

Our rating: 3