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: 30.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 450
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 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 interior with an air of simplicity and sophistication. 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 mean rear-seat passengers may find the cabin dark and claustrophobic, and larger child seats can be problematic.

The Mazda3 delivers a calm, composed, and mature driving experience with light, precise controls and a composed ride. Mazda exclusively offers naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X petrol engines, eschewing turbochargers and diesel options. The more powerful 178bhp Skyactiv-X returns 48.7mpg and emits 131g/km CO2, whilst the less powerful variant achieves 44.8mpg with 138g/km emissions. Trim levels range from entry-level SE-L with alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control to GT Sport Tech with advanced driver assistance systems. The intuitive MZD-Connect infotainment system features an 8.8-inch display controlled via rotary dial or voice commands, avoiding touchscreen distractions.

Best for: Buyers seeking distinctive design, a refined driving experience, and high-quality interior finish, particularly those who prefer naturally aspirated engines and don't require maximum rear-seat space.

Not ideal for: Families needing maximum interior space, those requiring diesel engines, or company car drivers concerned about emissions and benefit-in-kind tax implications.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda3 if: You value distinctive design, a refined driving experience, and high-quality interior finish, and don't require maximum rear-seat space or diesel power.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum interior space, prefer diesel engines, or are a company car driver concerned about emissions and benefit-in-kind tax implications.

Competitive Position: The Mazda3 (2019-present) is a thoroughly likeable car that stands out for its stunning styling and finely tuned driving dynamics. Whilst it may not offer the spaciousness of rivals like the Volkswagen Golf or the fuel economy of the Toyota Corolla's hybrid option, its high-quality fit and finish, nimble handling, and comfortable ride make it an excellent choice for discerning buyers. The naturally aspirated Skyactiv engines deliver an engaging driving experience, though they require more revs than turbocharged competitors. For those prioritising design and driving pleasure over maximum practicality, the Mazda3 proves to be a genuinely rewarding proposition.

Read our full Mazda3 Review

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