Used Mazda Mazda3 for sale near Clacton-on-sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £13,000

Mazda3 (2019-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stunning styling for a family hatchback	Far from the most spacious car in its class
High-quality fit and finish	Naturally aspirated petrol engines need lots of revs
Satisfying to drive, with nimble handling and a comfortable ride	Relatively high emissions

Quick Summary

The Mazda3 (2019-present) is one of the best-looking family hatchbacks on the market, with distinctive design inspired by acclaimed concept cars. Available as both a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon, it offers a high-quality cabin with an appealing, minimalist design. The hatchback provides 358 litres of boot space with seats up, expanding to 1,026 litres when folded, whilst the saloon offers 450 and 1,138 litres respectively. However, the rising waistline and steep roof slope can make rear-seat passengers feel cramped and claustrophobic, and larger child seats may struggle with headroom.

Mazda has engineered a composed, mature driving experience with light, precise controls and a comfortable ride that rivals the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X petrol engines eschew turbochargers in favour of larger capacities, with the more powerful 178bhp Skyactiv-X returning 48.7mpg and 131g/km CO2 emissions. Running costs are reasonable, with servicing packages available, though emissions are higher than hybrid competitors like the Toyota Corolla. The MZD-Connect infotainment system features an 8.8-inch display controlled via rotary dial or voice commands, offering smartphone integration without touchscreen distraction.

Best for: Buyers prioritising distinctive design and driving engagement, those seeking a high-quality cabin and composed driving experience, and families willing to compromise on rear-seat space.

Not ideal for: Those needing maximum interior space, drivers seeking turbocharged engines with low-end pulling power, or company car users concerned about emissions and benefit-in-kind tax.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda3 if: You prioritise distinctive design and driving engagement, seek a high-quality cabin and composed driving experience, or want a family hatchback that's satisfying to drive.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum interior space, prefer turbocharged engines with strong low-end power, or are a company car user concerned about emissions and benefit-in-kind tax.

Competitive Position: The Mazda3 (2019-present) is a thoroughly likeable family hatchback that stands out for its stunning design and finely tuned driving experience. Whilst it trails the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf Mk8 in user ratings and overall CarGurus scores, it remains competitive on value. Its main shortcoming is rear-seat space and the naturally aspirated petrol engines' reliance on high revs, plus relatively high emissions compared to hybrid rivals like the Toyota Corolla. However, if you can overlook these compromises, the Mazda3 offers a distinctive, engaging, and high-quality driving experience that few competitors match.

Read our full Mazda3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.