Used Mazda Mazda3 for sale near Colchester

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £13,500

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 available, combining striking design with a finely tuned driving experience. Available as both a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon, it offers a high-quality cabin with an appealing sense of simplicity. 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 roofline can make rear-seat passengers feel cramped and claustrophobic, and larger child seats may struggle with headroom.

The Mazda3 delivers a calm, composed, and mature driving experience with light, precise controls and a composed ride. Mazda's commitment to naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X petrol engines means no turbochargers or diesel options, offering a more engaging driving experience for those who enjoy revving the engine. The more powerful 178bhp Skyactiv-X returns 48.7mpg and 131g/km CO2, whilst the less powerful variant achieves 44.8mpg and 138g/km CO2. The MZD-Connect infotainment system features an 8.8-inch display controlled via a rotary dial, offering intuitive operation without touchscreen distraction. Running costs are reasonable, with servicing packages available, though emissions are higher than hybrid competitors like the Toyota Corolla.

Best for: Drivers prioritising design and driving engagement, those seeking a high-quality cabin, and buyers who prefer naturally aspirated engines and intuitive infotainment systems.

Not ideal for: Families needing maximum rear-seat space, those with multiple children requiring high-backed booster seats, or company car drivers concerned about emissions and benefit-in-kind tax.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda3 if: You prioritise striking design and driving engagement, seek a high-quality cabin, or prefer naturally aspirated engines with intuitive infotainment systems.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear-seat space, have multiple children requiring high-backed booster seats, or are concerned about emissions and company car tax implications.

Competitive Position: The Mazda3 (2019-present) is a thoroughly likeable family hatchback that stands out for its stunning design and refined driving experience. Whilst it may not offer the spaciousness of rivals like the Volkswagen Golf or the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Corolla's hybrid option, its combination of style, quality, and engaging dynamics make it an excellent choice for drivers who value these attributes. The high-quality cabin and intuitive MZD-Connect infotainment system elevate it above many competitors, though potential buyers should consider the higher emissions and limited powertrain options before committing.

Read our full Mazda3 Review

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