Mazda3 review finds the hatch remains a quality choice with top level build quality and performance

Sales of compact hatches and sedans have slowed, but those who don’t need an SUV would become smitten with a new Mazda3

How long? Rather than debating price at the showroom, discussion with car dealers most often centres around wait times.

Covid, semi-conductor computer chip shortages and transport logistical challenges have collectively conspired against car buyers, with some used models selling for more than new prices.

For those chasing a compact hatch, the Mazda3 has long been an Australian darling. More than a decade ago it was the biggest selling vehicle Down Under, battling for supremacy with the Toyota Corolla before dual-cab utes took a stranglehold.

While beginning to age having been on the market for a few years with only a minor upgrade last September, the compact offering remains one of the best value small cars on the market with prices for the base Pure model with an automatic transmission just over $30,000.

The Mazda3 G20 Pure cabin.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: There may be a few buttons missing, but it doesn’t feel like an entry level model.

GRANT: Fit and finish of the Mazda3 is first-class. Soft-touch surfaces across the dash and doors deliver a premium feel and it’s quite the looker.

KEL: That rear end is particularly nice and I much prefer the hatch shape compared to the sedan.

GRANT: With an 8.8-inch colour display, 16-inch alloys, push-button start and an eight-speaker stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all standard.

The Mazda3 starts from just over $30,000 drive-away.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: It feels like the complete package. Some small cars lack features, power or performance, this Pure model was solid across the board.

GRANT: Mazda do put together a good car and when the ‘3 was relaunched there was a concerted effort to take it up-market. Back when it was fighting for sales supremacy the price started from just over $20,000.

KEL: Good cup holders in the console and bottle holders in the doors, along with a great storage spot for phones and keys in front of the shifter tick the daily functionality boxes.

GRANT: Cloth trimmed seats are comfortable with impressive support laterally and at the base. Some more modern models offer full digital displays, yet the Mazda3’s primarily analogue setup remains clear, concise and easily read.

KEL: Externally it has prestige looks with the 16-inch alloys. Our test car was in grey, but I really like that red which is also available.

GRANT: That “soul” red is a metallic option which costs $595. There are also another two metallic grey choices, while bronze, silver, blue, black and white are complimentary.

The Mazda3 starts from just over $30,000 drive-away.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Having seen how well the touchscreens work, being forced to use the rotary dial on the console felt like a step backward.

GRANT: Prestige cars used to primarily have this style of operation and it is slightly cumbersome. Once you get your head around the operation it’s fine although not as quick as the more modern touchscreens.

KEL: Another frustration for me was the lack of a smart key which opens the car when you stand nearby. Throughout the week I was fossicking through my bags to try and find them.

GRANT: You have to step up to the $35,755 Touring which enables true keyless entry. I like leather seats, and that required a further step to the G25 GT with a bigger engine but costs $40,493.

KEL: While parking was fine there weren’t any sensors at the front.

GRANT: The “vision” tech pack costs an additional $1500 and adds 360-degree camera view, front parking sensors and cross traffic alert, driver monitor and traffic support that looks after all the accelerating and braking and steering while in snarls. One other issue is scheduled servicing, which at the dealer average about $345 but are required every year or 10,000km (most rivals are 15,000km).

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: One of my friends bought the Mazda3 after being in a Golf and was disappointed with the power, but I had no issues.

GRANT: It would depend on what size engine she previously had, our experience was in the base four-cylinder engine which is no firecracker, nor is it a slowcoach.

KEL: Cornering nicely it felt beautifully planted on the road.

GRANT: Dynamically confident, the ‘3 offers dexterity in the city and when challenged by winding roads. The 2.0-litre engine can sound throaty when pushed higher into the rev range.

KEL: Everything about the drive was easy. You don’t feel vulnerable like you can in some compact cars.

GRANT: The six-speed automatic gear shifts are timely and it can run on E10 fuel which on average was slightly higher from the official Mazda figure, but still a reasonable 7.2L/100km.

The Mazda3 starts from just over $30,000 drive-away.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Before life without a touchscreen I wouldn’t have a hesitation of buying a Mazda3. It’s a great all-rounder inside and out. While I liked everything about the experience, it would be the one thing which may hold me back.

GRANT: We’re in the market for a compact hatch and the Mazda3 remains very much in the mix. If the budget stretches I’d like to move up from the Pure for some additional luxuries but the price can climb rapidly. Despite its age, the Mazda3 remains one of the best buys in the small car genre.