MAZDA3

Mazda 3 Review

Strong engine; clever automatic; superb handling; slick steering; nicely calibrated stability control; price and equipment

Lacks rear-seat space; ride can be restless on patchy roads; road noise level below average; expensive to service

Mazda Mazda3 Overview

The Mazda 3 small car has been a game-changer in Australia’s automotive market over the past decade.

The Mazda 3 first went on sale in Australia in January 2004, replacing the Mazda 323, which was a staple of the local range for more than a quarter of a century.

The 323’s were big shoes to fill but the Mazda 3 easily found its feet and quickly established itself as a favourite in the small car class, with Australians warming to its neat styling, impressive dynamics and competitive pricing.

Read More...

The second-generation Mazda 3 replaced the original in April 2009, introducing an expressive new design, new powertrains and new technology while extending on the old car’s value-for-money appeal.

An enormous following from private buyers saw the Mazda 3 achieve the previously unthinkable in 2011, toppling the Holden Commodore – which had spent 15 consecutive years at the top of the sales charts – to become Australia’s most popular car.

That momentum has rolled on, with the Mazda 3 continuing to hold a solid lead over the strong-selling Toyota Corolla, Holden Cruze and Hyundai i30 in the small car segment.

Part of the Mazda3’s appeal is the broad range that aims to offer something for everyone.

Prices range from the low-$20,000s for the entry-level Mazda3 Neo to the high-$30,000s for the Mazda3 MPS hot-hatch. In between sits the mid-range Mazda3 Maxx Sport, the Mazda3 Diesel, the fuel-efficient Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv and the high-grade SP25.

With the exception of the MPS, all models are available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles.

The Mazda3 was the first model to introduce the brand’s SkyActiv technology to Australia in September 2011, a few months ahead of the Mazda CX-5 medium SUV, which was the first to be built from the ground up employing the SkyActiv philosophy.

The Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv features a 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s ‘i-stop’ stop-start system, all of which are designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions while delivering better performance than the conventional 2.0-litre models.

The modestly equipped Mazda3 Neo comes standard with alloy wheels, cruise control, tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio controls and 60:40 split-fold rear seats, while all other models add a string of extra features including automatic headlights and wipers, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, and Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming.

The flagship Mazda3 SP25 scores a larger and more powerful 2.5-litre petrol engine as well as premium features like bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, push-button start and a 10-speaker audio system.

All models have been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by independent crash-tester ANCAP thanks to their inclusion of six airbags (dual front, side and curtains) and stability control, among others.

Like all Mazda passenger vehicles in Australia, the Mazda3 is backed by a three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Mazda Mazda3 Reviews

198

Toyota Corolla v Hyundai i30 v Mazda3 v Ford Focus: Comparison Review
With an all-new Toyota Corolla launched with a $19,990 price tag, we find out which is the best entry-level small car for the money...

Mazda3 Maxx Sport Review

The Mazda3 has replaced the Holden Commodore as Australia's favourite vehicle. We get behind the wheel again to find out why it's such a...

129

Mazda3 SKYACTIV Review

With the latest mid-life facelift highlighted by SP20 SKYACTIV, Mazda can be assured of many more sales to come

Mazda 3 Review

Australia's favourite small car continues to shine

102

Mazda 3 MPS Review & Road Test

Energetic, fast and nimble the Mazda 3 MPS is satisfaction guaranteed.

Mazda3 Review

You'd be smiling too if you were a 3 Model Tested: 2009 Mazda 3 Maxx; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol; five-speed automatic...

109

Mazda3 MPS Review

2009 Mazda3 MPS - First Steer When you can make your hero car perform better, look more appealing, add extra equipment and potentially...

103

Mazda3 Review & Road Test

2009 Mazda 3 SP25 Review & Road Test Cheerful, sporty and a sales assassin Model Tested: 2009 Mazda3 SP25; 2.

Mazda Mazda3 News

Car sales 2012: Small cars dominant at the top
Small cars have once again dominated new vehicle sales in 2012, with the Mazda3 leading the way in its second straight year as...

Car sales 2012: Mazda3 retains its title as Australia's most popular car
The Mazda3 has retained its title as Australia's most popular new car in 2012, claiming victory for the second consecutive year after a...

2013 Mazda3 renderings leaked
Leaked renderings of the 2013 Mazda3 have provided the first clues to the look of the Japanese brand's important next-generation small...

Mazda3 updated with Bluetooth and USB; styling tweaks for MPS
Mazda Australia has upgraded its top-selling Mazda3 small car, making Bluetooth and USB connectivity standard across the range and...

Mazda3 extends sales lead as Honda fights back
The Australian automotive industry continued its strong start to the year in February with new vehicle sales up more than five per cent...

Mazda3 dethrones Holden Commodore in 2011
The Mazda3 is officially Australias favourite car, ending the locally made Holden Commodores run of 15 years at the top.

100

November 2011 VFACTS: Mazda3 overtakes Commodore
The Mazda3 is on the cusp of dethroning the Holden Commodore to become Australias most popular new car.

September VFACTS: Corolla back on top, Commodore overtakes Mazda3 again
The Australian automotive industry enjoyed its second consecutive month of growth in September as supply from Japanese manufacturers ...

2011 Mazda3 on sale in Australia: Full prices and specs
Read CarAdvice's review of the Mazda3 SP20 SKYACTIV. The updated Mazda3 has landed in Australian showrooms, headlined by a new...

Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv to achieve 6.1 litres/100km in Australia
Note: Updated with official Australian specifications. Official details of the Mazda3s new SkyActiv technology have been revealed...

August VFACTS: Mazda3 jumps ahead of Holden Commodore again
The Australian automotive industry hit a high point in August, with sales of new vehicles eclipsing those of the same month in the previous...

2012 Mazda3 production starts in Japan, coming to Australia late-2011
Production of the facelifted 2012 Mazda3 has begun in Japan ahead of the popular small cars launch in Australia later this year.

Mazda Mazda3 Owner Reviews Add a New Review

2011 MAZDA MAZDA3 SP20 SKYACTIV
By Matty H
Rating:
The new Mazda3 Skyactiv SP20 takes all of the good features of the Maxx Sport and improves on them. The 2.

2004 MAZDA MAZDA3 SP23
By andrew bros
Rating:
Great little hatch to drive. Feels sporty in activematic transmission. Low fuel costs. Lots of room in boot. Easy to maintain.

2011 MAZDA MAZDA3 MAXX SPORT
By Eva Rook
Rating:
Choosing a car is a very personal thing. What suits one person doesn't another. So when we went looking for a car to replace my husband's...

2010 MAZDA MAZDA3
By Maxwell Love
Rating:
The 2010 Mazda3 SP25 is a talented all-rounder for those looking for a sporty, feature-some and attractive small to medium sized sedan.

Car Advice