Mazda 3 Buyers Guide, Everything to make a Buying Decision from Reliability, Models, Price Features & Lots More | 01 July 2024

The Mazda 3 is a car made by the Japanese company Mazda and has been around since 2003. Consequently, it is a very popular model in many countries - including the UK, with around 1 million cars sold across Europe alone. It also comes in two types, a Hatchback and a Saloon as well.

As a result, in this buyer's guide, we will walk you through the car's top features, prices, reliability and more to give you as much information as you need to make an informed buying decision and to know if this is the car for you.

Top Features of a Mazda 3

☑ The Mazda 3 offers you a range of engines, including fuel-efficient Skyactiv-G petrol engines and a Skyactiv-X Spark Controlled Compression Ignition engine, to name but two.

☑ The Mazda 3 features a modern design with a very distinctive front grille - which makes it stand out from other Hatch's and Saloon cars.

☑ The interior uses a lot of high-quality materials, which in turn gives you a more premium feel for its class, which are also complemented with comfortable seats and a well-thought-out interior cabin layout, as well.

☑ Equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, it includes a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay™, and Android Auto®, providing you with easy access to media and navigation.

☑ The Mazda 3 comes with advanced safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control, all of which are part of the i-Activsense safety technologies.

☑ Some models also include a heads-up display that projects important information straight onto the windshield - allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

Table of Contents

• Interior
• Exterior
• Paint Colours
• Alloy Wheels
• Upholstery Options
• Dimensions
• Mazda 3 Models
• How do the Mazda 3 Models Differ From One Another?
• Mazda Connect
• Multimedia Commander
• Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
• Bose Premium Sound System
• Boot Space
• What Are the Mazda 3's Engine Specifications?
• How Does The Mazda 3 Perform in Terms of Fuel Efficiency?
• What Safety Features are Included in the Mazda 3?
• How Does the Mazda 3 Handle and Drive?
• What are the Mazda 3's Main Competitors, and how does it compare?
• How Does the Mazda 3 Cater to Different Weather Conditions?
• What Warranty Options Comes With The Mazda 3?
• How Reliable is a Mazda 3?
• Price
• Mazda 3 Final Thoughts

Interior

When you step inside the Mazda 3, the first thing you notice is a cabin that offers you a lot of comfort and then a cutting-edge design that is perfect for both new drivers and seasoned motorists alike.

Infotainment System

The Mazda 3's infotainment system features an 8.8-inch colour screen that is easy to use, and includes a built-in navigation system while supporting both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto® alike - so you can connect your smartphone easily.

All of this allows you to access your music, maps, and other apps while driving really conveniently while, helping you to keep your eyes on the road at the same time.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort inside the Mazda 3, you will find seats designed for comfort on long trips that offer you adjustable settings and come in both fabric or leatherette - suitable for all tastes.

The design also focuses on providing you with a very relaxing ride, whether you are driving around town or on a longer journey, the Mazda 3 is excellently comfortable.

Instrument Panel

The Mazda 3 also has a clear and simple instrument panel that displays all your essential driving information, which can be upgraded to include a head-up display.

This Heads-up display feature then projects important details like your speed and navigation directly onto the windshield straight in front of you, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road at all times as a result.

Climate Control

The climate control system allows you and the front passenger to set your and their individual temperature preferences - helping to ensure both of you have the right level of comfort during any journey, regardless of the weather outside.

Sound System

For music lovers, you will appreciate the Mazda 3’s optional Bose sound system, which can be included in the car, as this sound system will give you a high-quality audio output - making every song you listen to sound great.

Boot Space

When it comes to the boot, the Mazda 3 offers you 334 litres of space with the rear seats up, making it perfect for shopping trips, holiday luggage, or even transporting large items to the tip when you need to do that cleanout.

Interior Storage

For interior storage, the Mazda 3 is well equipped with several convenient storage options that include cup holders, door pockets, and a central storage compartment for your small items as well, all of which help you to keep your interior tidy and your belongings within easy reach for when you need them.

Lighting

Ambient interior lighting in the Mazda 3 is also available and adds a touch of ambience to create a space you want to be in.

There’s also practical LED lighting that makes it easy to see the controls and items inside the car quickly and easily, especially at night.

Exterior

The Mazda 3 is available in two very distinct body styles - the 4-door Mazda 3 Saloon and the 5-door Mazda 3 Hatchback.

So, depending on which one you decide to buy, you will get a different exterior look from the extended and more sloped shape of the Saloon to the more compact model suited for city-driving Hatchbacks.

Sunroof

The Mazda 3 also comes with a power sliding-glass moonroof that significantly enhances its looks. It allows light to flood the cabin, giving it a very airy and open feeling.

Mirrors

The Mazda 3's mirrors are power-adjustable as standard, allowing you to easily fine-tune them to achieve the best driving position for your posture.

Headlights

Both the Hatchback and the Saloon versions of the Mazda 3 also feature bright LED headlights that allow you to easily see the road ahead when it is dark and for other motorists to see you clearly as well.

Taillights

Equipped with LED taillights, the Mazda 3 has a very versatile and modern look. These taillights are brighter and activate faster than more traditional bulbs.

Front

With its front grille and bright, clear colours, the front of the Mazda 3 is not only very good-looking but it has also been designed to be aerodynamic, which really helps with improving the car's fuel efficiency.

The headlights also have a slightly aggressive stance, which helps to give you more road presence. At the same time, the prominent Mazda badge clearly stands at the front and centre of the grille, creating a front that is a bit sporty but will easily appeal to drivers of all types as well.

Rear Body Style

The practical rear body style of the Mazda 3 is designed to look good as well.

The Hatchback, for instance, features a more sporty tailgate that allows you to get to your luggage in the boot really easily and is more than suitable for both individuals and families alike.

On the other hand, with its more sloping rear design, the Saloon gives you that longer appearance at the rear.

Both styles include the functional LED taillights that not only really work well to give the car a very modern look, but this is especially true when you combine these with the integrated exhaust system and clean lines around the bumper - making it look just as good from the back as it does from the front as a result.

Paint Colours

When it comes to exterior paint colours, the Mazda 3 can come in 1 of 10 colours, which consist of:

• Arctic White
• Ceramic
• Deep Crystal Blue
• Jet Black
• Machine Grey
• Platinum Quartz
• Polymetal Grey
• Snowflake White
• Soul Red Crystal
• Zircon Sand

Alloy Wheels

The Mazda 3 can come with a number of Alloy Wheel options, such as:

Upholstery Options

In terms of interior styling options, you can get the following:

1. Premium black cloth with black interior colouration - (standard on prime-line, centre-line & exclusive-line only)
2. Black cloth with red stitch with black interior colouration - (standard on Homura only)
3. Black leather with black interior colouration - (standard on Ttakumi only)
4. Burgundy leather with burgundy interior colouration - (optional on hatchback e-skyactiv x Takumi models only)

Dimensions

When it comes to dimensions, the Mazda 3 has:

Mazda 3 Models

The Mazda 3 comes in 5 models, the:

• Mazda 3 Prime Line
• Mazda 3 Centre Line
• Mazda 3 Homura
• Mazda 3 Exclusive Line
• Mazda 3 Takumi

How do the Mazda 3 Models Differ From One Another?

The Mazda 3 models differ in a number of ways, such as:

Mazda 3 Exclusive Line Key Features

Mazda 3 Exclusive Line includes those features of the Centre Line plus:

• 18” Grey alloy wheels (Hatchback e-Skyactiv G models only)
• 18” Black alloy wheels (Hatchback e-Skyactiv X models only)
• 18” Bright alloy wheels (Saloon e-Skyactiv X models only)
• B-Pillar garnish in Piano black
• Adaptive LED Headlights
• Signature front LED daytime running lights
• Power tilt and slide sunroof (e-Skyactiv X models only)
• Rear privacy glass
• Signature LED rear combination lights
• Front grille in gloss black with chrome finish Signature Wing (Saloon)
• Frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Steering wheel mounted paddle shift (Automatic Hatchback models only)
• AM / FM / DAB radio featuring 12-Speaker Bose surround sound system, with Bose CenterPoint, BassMatch and AudioPilot technology

Mazda 3 Homura Key Features

Mazda 3 Homura includes those features of the Prime Line plus:

• 18” Black alloy wheels (Hatchback e-Skyactiv G & e-Skyactiv X models)
• B-Pillar garnish in Piano black
• Black electrically adjustable, heated, auto power-folding door mirrors
• Front rain-sensing wipers
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear privacy glass
• Black cloth seat trim with red stitch
• Black interior colouration with red stitching steering wheel, gearshift gaiter, dashboard panel, armrest
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Heated front seats
• AM / FM / DAB, with 8 speakers and 2 x USB Type-C inputs
• Qi Wireless charging for smartphones
• Drive selection switch (Sport mode) (122ps Automatic models only)
• Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (122ps Automatic Transmission features Stop and Go)
• Smart keyless entry

Mazda 3 Centre Line Key Features

Mazda 3 Centre Line includes those features of the Prime Line plus:

• Auto-dimming driver door mirror
• Front rain-sensing wipers
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Heated front seats
• AM / FM / DAB, with 8 speakers and 2 x USB Type-C inputs
• Qi Wireless charging for smartphones
• Drive selection switch (Sport mode) (Automatic models only)
• Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (Automatic Transmission features Stop and Go)
• Smart keyless entry

Mazda 3 Takumi Key Features

Mazda 3 Takumi includes the features of the Exclusive Line plus:

• Door mirror tilt down function when reversing
• 360° View Monitor (provides a birds eye view with front, rear and side-mounted cameras)
• Black leather seat trim
• Driver seat power slide, recline, height, seat tilt and lumbar adjustment with head-up display and driver door mirror memory
• Heated steering wheel
• Cruising and Traffic Support
• Driver Monitoring
• Front Cross Traffic Alert
• Smart Brake Support - Rear
• Smart Brake Support – Rear Crossing

Mazda 3 Prime Line Key Features

• 16 Inch Silver alloy wheels
• B-Pillar garnish in Satin black
• Body coloured electrically-adjustable, heated, auto power-folding door mirrors
• Front grille in gloss black with dark metallic finish Signature Wing (Hatchback)
• Reversing camera
• Coming home/leaving home lights
• Dusk-sensing headlights
• Halogen daytime running lights
• High Beam Control
• LED Headlights with auto levelling
• Rear parking sensors
• Gloss black roof spoiler (Hatchback)
• Premium dark grey cloth seat trim with black interior colouration
• Colour 7” TFT instrument cluster display (provides speed, traffic signs and Mazda Radar Cruise Control information)
• Electronic Parking Brake with auto-hold and auto-disengage function
• AM / FM / DAB radio, with 6 speakers and 2 x USB Type-C inputs
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
• Connected Services
• Integrated Bluetooth®
• Mazda Connect multimedia system with 10.25” Colour centre display and Multimedia Commander
• Mazda Navigation System with European mapping and 7-year free map updates
• Air-conditioning
• Electric windows
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control
• Windscreen projected colour Active Driving Display
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Driver Attention Alert
• e-Call with GPS
• Intelligent Speed Assist
• Lane-keep Assist System with Lane Departure Warning System
• Smart Brake Support - Front
• Remote central locking with deadlocking and automatic door lock when driving
• Traffic Sign Recognition

Mazda Connect

With Mazda Connect, you easily connect your phone to your Mazda 3, and all the details show up on a clear 10.25-inch screen that’s right in front of you at eye level as well, allowing you to glance at it easily.

With the Mazda Connect, you can check your car’s settings and information, and enjoy entertainment features like DAB Radio, all by connecting your phone via Bluetooth® which then allows you make and receive calls, look through your phonebook, and use your phone's navigation system.

Multimedia Commander

The Mazda 3 also comes with the Multimedia Commander, which makes it very easy to use the Mazda Connect infotainment system - which you can find out more about above.

The Commander is designed to be as straightforward and pleasing to the touch as possible as it allows you to operate it easily while you are driving and helps you keep your eyes on the road as well at the same time.

Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™

The Mazda 3 comes equipped with both Apple CarPlay® &Andriod Auto™ functionality as well.

With Apple CarPlay®, for instance you can easily use your phone's Apple Music, Maps, Messages, and make phone calls using Siri - all through the car’s Multimedia Commander or voice commands.

Android Auto™ lets you access your favourite music and messaging apps, Google Maps, and Google Play Music but from your Android phone, while the Google Assistant voice control also allows you to send and receive messages, make calls, get directions, and plan your day, all while keeping your eyes safely on the road.

Bose Premium Sound System

Fitted as standard in the Exclusive-Line and Takumi models, the high-performance speakers of the Bose Premium Sound System allow you to create a feeling like you are in the front row of your favourite concert, immersing you in whatever you are listening to. In fact, this sound system also features the latest Bose technologies, including:

• CenterPoint
• BassMatch
• AudioPilot

All of which enhance and give you a great entertainment experience as a result.

Boot Space

With the rear seats up, the boot space can be up to 334 litres, and with the rear seats down, it can be 1,026 litres.

What Are the Mazda 3's Engine Specifications?

The Mazda 3 comes with a few engine options for you to choose from depending on the different performance levels you are looking for.

For instance, the standard engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 122 PS and 150 lb-ft of torque. If you are looking for more power, though, there is a 2.0 e-SKYACTIV X, which gives you up to 186 PS and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The engine types you have available for the Mazda 3, for instance, include:

How Does The Mazda 3 Perform in Terms of Fuel Efficiency?

When it comes to fuel efficiency in the Mazda 3, this can vary depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration you go for, but you will be looking at around 54.3 MPG combined, with a high expected of 61 MPG and a low expected around 43 MPG.

What Safety Features are Included in the Mazda 3?

When it comes to safety features, the Mazda 3 is equipped with an impressive suite of standard safety features under the i-Activsense banner.

These can include, for instance:

• Forward Collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams

On higher trims, you can also get a heads-up display, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system.

How Does the Mazda 3 Handle and Drive?

The Mazda 3 is renowned for its excellent, engaging driving handling, which can be described as sporty, and has won many awards (which you can see in the reliability section), which factored this in.

For instance, it pulls this off because it features a finely tuned suspension system that provides a very smooth ride while helping to maintain composure in tight corners.

Steering

The steering is precise, offering you good feedback and making your drive rather fun as a result.

What are the Mazda 3's Main Competitors, and how does it compare?

When it comes to cars that the Mazda 3 competes against, you have cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf.

However, when comparing them to the Mazda 3, the Mazda 3 does offer you a more upscale interior.

The Golf matches up closely in terms of driving enjoyment, though, but typically comes at a much higher price point with more standard equipment as well.

How Does the Mazda 3 Cater to Different Weather Conditions?

When it comes to the different weather conditions the Mazda 3 copes very well, as it is available with All-wheel Drive (AWD), which gives you a significant advantage in various conditions, - especially in areas prone to heavy rain or snow.

This is due to the AWD system helping to improve the car's handling and traction especially in slippery conditions - providing you with a safer and more stable drive as a result.

Additionally, features like Automatic Climate Control and its Heated Seats also give you that extra level of added comfort in colder climates as well.

What Warranty Options Comes With The Mazda 3?

Mazda offers a competitive warranty package for the Mazda 3, which includes a three-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

How Reliable is a Mazda 3?

When it comes to reliability, the Mazda 3 is seen as highly in this regard, also winning many industry awards which consider this, such as:

• World Car Design of the Year
• IIHS Top Safety Pick
• Canadian Car of the Year for Best Small Car in Canada
• Car and Driver 10Best
• AutoTrader Best Compact Car
• Australian Car of the Year
• China Car of the Year

Price

When it comes to price, the Mazda 3 can change over time in this regard, so please see our dedicated Mazda 3 Hatchback Pricing page and our Mazda 3 Saloon Pricing Page for up to date information here.

Mazda 3 Final Thoughts

To conclude, the Mazda 3 really stands as a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable and stylish car.

This is, in part, due to its smooth and comfortable ride, impressive fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, all of which should put it at the top of your consideration, especially as the interior is crafted really well, offering you a lot of comfort features - along with a touch of luxury simultaneously.

With its responsive handling and modern technology as well, the Mazda 3 really does promise a driving experience that is both enjoyable and safe; whether you are commuting to work or exploring the countryside, this car is a dependable companion that will truly deliver on the performance and value you are expecting.

Consequently, book a test drive today at our local Mazda Dealership, and experience the Mazda 3 firsthand to find out if this is really the car for you.