2023 Mazda3 hatchback new car review

This small car has long been one of the leaders of the pack, but has age slowed it down? We put it to the test to find out.

Is the Mazda3 still one of the best small cars on sale?

The Mazda3 has long been one of the quality benchmarks in the small hatchback market, but has time caught up with it?

VALUE

2020 Mazda3 Hybrid.

The Mazda3 range starts at roughly $31,000 drive-away for a manual version of the G20 Pure model. The next step up is the G20 Evolve, also available as a manual for about $32,700.

From there it’s a sizeable leap to our test car, the G20E Evolve, which starts at about $37,500.

The extra cash buys a standard auto transmission, a mild hybrid system, $1500 worth of driver assistance tech, keyless entry and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

The cabin feels a little old-school compared with rivals. The smallish dash-mounted screen is operated by a dial rather than touch, while the driver display is a combination of analog dials and a small digital readout. A head-up display is a nice touch, though.

The entertainment unit is compatible with Apple Car Play/Android Auto, although it can be fiddly to navigate.

Other goodies include in-built satellite navigation and an electric park brake.

Unlike most rivals, Mazda doesn’t charge extra for metallic paint, although the gorgeous soul red paint job on our test car costs $595.

The warranty is five years/unlimited km and a five-year scheduled service plan costs a reasonable $1732, although service intervals are shorter than usual at 10,000km.

Photo of the Mazda3

COMFORT

Form tends to triumph over function in the Mazda3. It is one of the most striking vehicles on the road, with its low-slung roof and stylish proportions, but the shape does compromise comfort in the back seats.

Head room is tight and the high window line means young ones could feel a tad claustrophobic. There’s not much room in the boot for prams and shopping, either.

On the plus side, the Mazda does have rear air vents and the seats are comfortable and supportive.

The suspension is firmer than most but it still manages to insulate occupants from all but the rudest of bumps and corrugations.

The cabin feels better than the competition.

Mazda put a lot of effort into reducing cabin noise on this model and it has paid off. Overall, the cabin ambience feels a cut above the opposition.

SAFETY

Mazda was one of the first mainstream carmakers to embrace driver assistance technology and the 3 has all the expected driver aids, including auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, front and rear cross-traffic alerts with auto braking and radar cruise control.

The blind-spot alert is better than most, displaying a warning in the head-up display as well as flashing lights in the side mirrors.

In contrast the lane-keeping is pretty rudimentary, intervening late and struggling to keep the car in its lane for extended periods.

The 3 has seven airbags and received a five-star crash rating in April 2019, scoring an impressive 98 per cent for adult occupant protection.

It’s a star on the road, where the 3 cements its spot near the top of the small car class.

ON THE ROAD

The Mazda3 has long been at the pointy end of the field when it comes to driver enjoyment and the latest model is no exception.

Well-sorted suspension and well weighted, accurate steering translate into excellent road holding.

The engine is getting a little long in the tooth and despite an upgrade in 2019, it doesn’t have the initial responsiveness of turbo rivals from Volkswagen and Hyundai.

Outputs are modest at 114kW and 200Nm, although it does the job once it has enough revs on board, aided by a quick-witted and smooth-shifting six-speed auto.

The mild hybrid uses a claimed 6L/100km, which is 0.2L better than the cheaper non-hybrid. On a mix of urban and highway driving we averaged mid 7s.

The mild hybrid doesn’t save much fuel compared to the non-turbo versions.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The Mazda3 looks fantastic and drives well but the engine is a little underdone and the cabin a bit dated.

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota Corolla SX hybrid, from about $38,100 drive-away. Sips a claimed 4L/100km and delivers peppy performance and secure handling, although boot is tiny.

Volkswagen Golf 110TSI, from about $39,700 drive-away. A little more expensive but interior feels more modern and the engine is perkier.

Hyundai i30 N Line, from about $36,000 drive-away. Cheaper with a punchy 1.6-litre that has more power and torque but is thirstier. More hi-tech looking cabin.

MAZDA3 G20e EVOLVE VITALS

PRICE About $37,500 drive-away

ENGINE 2.0-litre mild hybrid petrol engine, 114kW and 200Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1732 over five years

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control

FUEL USE 6.0L/100km

SPARE Temporary

LUGGAGE 295 litres