New Mazda3 Hatchback

New Mazda3

If you seek a distinctive and well-built family car that boasts a high-quality interior and lots of standard equipment, take a look at the Mazda3. An impressive vehicle that’s fun to drive and affordable to run, it comes in a range of trims – from SE-L to GT Sport Tech – and boasts everything from rear parking sensors and Mazda Radar Cruise Control to a 12-speaker BOSE surround-sound system, depending on your chosen edition.

Exterior and Interior

With a sporty coupé-style profile that derives from a prominent front-end and swept-back roofline, the Mazda3 cuts a fine figure out on the road. A gloss-black front grille is a particularly distinctive feature, with its expansive mouth-like design, which flows organically into a super-streamlined headlight array. Speaking of which, entry-level SE-L trims feature auto-levelling and dusk-sensing High Beam Control headlamps that incorporate daytime running lights and follow-me-home illumination. Meanwhile, a five-door body ensures that access is made easy for all who travel in the car.​

The Mazda3 is an ideal option for a young family of five, offering plenty of room for front-row occupants, as well as sliding, reclining and adjustable positions. The driver has the extra benefit of a seat that tilts and affords adjustable lumbar support, while a rake-and-reach-adjustable steering wheel is yet another feature that provides a comfortable ride. All models are fitted with 60/40 split-folding rears seats, which increase boot space from 334 litres to 1,206 litres, and offer up a range of configurations to suit varying passenger and luggage needs.​

Performance​

The Mazda3 is available with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol engines, one of which offers an output of 120bhp while the other delivers 186bhp. Naturally, it’s the former which is installed as standard and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option). This variant delivers up to 51.4mpg while producing CO₂ emissions from 127g/km. The 186bhp drivetrain is even more efficient, returning as much as 54.3mpg and producing emissions from 118g/km when paired with manual transmission.​​

Technology and safety

For your listening pleasure, an eight-speaker sound system is fitted as standard, incorporating an AM/FM tuner, DAB radio, USB inputs and Bluetooth connectivity. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are included too, allowing you to mirror your smartphone via the minimum-size 8.8-inch touchscreen. This also provides access to a standard satellite navigation system and other key functions.​

As you’d expect from any good family car, the Mazda3 comes with maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test certification and a host of safety tech. Multiple airbags, seatbelt reminders in all positions, and ISOFIX child-seat fixtures in outer rear positions are among the vehicle’s range of passive protective features. Driving assistance includes an extensive Pre-crash Safety programme, Lane-keep Assist, Lane-departure Warning, Hill-launch Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. The latter, for instance, works with Intelligent Speed Assist, ensuring that speed limits are maintained at all times. ​