All Mazda Mazda3 reviews

"The Mazda3 saloon offers possibly the best option in class for those who adhere to the notion that boot is best"

More often than not, small saloon cars look a little strange. Based on more popular hatchbacks, it's obvious where the stylists have shortened the roof panel, cropped the rear wings into shape and grafted on a distended rump. Rather more O-No than J-Lo in the posterior, these cars have never sold very well here in the UK, British buyers preferring the sleeker shape and added...

"The shape will also appeal to younger drivers looking for something with five doors but with a dash of panache"

Success stories can turn into sob stories with alarming rapidity but one suspects that Mazda's latest sales growth may well have some staying power. Previously relying on the MX-5 for most of their corporate image, Mazda's latest raft of models guarantee a broad base of success. The Mazda3 represents the brand in the important Ford Focus-dominated Family Hatchback sector and ...

"The Mazda3 is the most significant car of the Hiroshima company's recent crop"

As a nation, we have always been a little suspicious regarding the various incarnations of Mazda's 323. We knew it was well built and would be more reliable than a Network Rail broken promise. We also knew it was deeply unexciting and virtually bereft of any styling flourish. That's why the Mazda3 has such an easy task on its hands. It doesn't need to try that hard to look great. Putting a move on rivals li...

"With a top speed of 106mph the Mazda won't leave you embarrassed when you hit the outside lane of the motorway"

Buying into a model range at the entry-level often guarantees mediocrity. You get an engine that's the runt of the litter and you'll often find your car ruthlessly 'de-contented' with galling switch blanks where the electric gizmos of more upscale models typically reside. The Mazda3 is different. Opt for the entry-level 1.4-litre variant and whatever trim level you choose, yo...

"Although corporate buyers probably won't warm to this model, there's no reason why private buyers shouldn't appreciate this car's talents"

Attempt to make a splash in the family hatch market without a high-tech diesel engine in the armoury and it's likely you'll barely leave a ripple. Hence the importance of the Mazda3 diesel model we're looking at here. As with the petrol variants, this car offers a useful combination of quality, style and realistic pricing. All of which should, in th...

The Mazda3 saw the Hiroshima company bringing a class-competitive family hatch to market for the first time in a number of years. The old 323, while interesting, was never really a challenger for the likes of the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra but with the 3, Mazda were right on the pace. The comparison to the Focus is apposite, for under the skin of the Mazda3 is the same basic chassis as the Ford, spelling handling excellence and offering the benefits of one of thee world's most rigorous deve...

The Mazda3 saw the Hiroshima company bringing a class-competitive family hatch to market for the first time in a number of years. The old 323, while interesting, was never really a challenger for the likes of the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra but with the 3, Mazda were right on the pace. The comparison to the Focus is apposite, for under the skin of the Mazda3 is the same basic chassis as the Ford, spelling handling excellence and offering the benefits of one of thee world's most rigorous deve...