Used Mazda Mazda3 for sale nearInverness

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3%
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 available, combining striking design with a finely tuned driving experience. The cabin is appealing and well-finished, though rear-seat space can feel dark and cramped. The hatchback offers 358 litres of boot space with seats up, expanding to 1,026 litres when folded, whilst the saloon variant provides 450 and 1,138 litres respectively. Mazda's commitment to naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X petrol engines delivers a composed, engaging drive with excellent steering and a comfortable ride, though these engines lack the low-end pulling power of turbocharged rivals.

The Mazda3 stands out for its high-quality interior, precise controls, and mature driving dynamics that rival the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. Even entry-level SE-L trim includes alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, air-conditioning, and an infotainment system with DAB, sat nav, and smartphone integration. The MZD-Connect system features an 8.8-inch display controlled via rotary dial or voice commands, offering safety benefits by reducing screen distraction. However, the naturally aspirated engines result in higher emissions (138g/km for the Skyactiv-G) compared to hybrid competitors like the Toyota Corolla, making it less attractive for company car drivers. Running costs are reasonable with servicing packages available, though fuel economy lags behind hybrid alternatives.

Best for: Drivers prioritising design and driving engagement, those seeking a high-quality interior, and buyers who prefer naturally aspirated engines and manual control over hybrid technology.

Not ideal for: Company car drivers concerned with emissions and benefit-in-kind tax, families needing maximum rear-seat space, or those seeking the lowest possible fuel consumption.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda3 if: You prioritise design and driving engagement, seek a high-quality interior, or prefer naturally aspirated engines with engaging driving dynamics.

Consider alternatives if: You are a company car driver concerned with emissions and benefit-in-kind tax, need maximum rear-seat space, or require the lowest possible fuel consumption.

Competitive Position: The Mazda3 (2019-present) is a compelling choice in the family hatchback segment, offering distinctive styling, high-quality construction, and engaging driving dynamics that rival the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic. Whilst the Volkswagen Golf edges ahead with a higher overall CarGurus rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and better user satisfaction (4.8 vs 4.5), the Mazda3 holds its own with comparable expert ratings and value scores. The Toyota Corolla offers superior fuel economy and lower emissions through hybrid technology, making it more attractive for company car drivers. However, for buyers prioritising design, driving pleasure, and interior quality over maximum practicality or emissions efficiency, the Mazda3 represents an excellent alternative to more conventional rivals.

Read our full Mazda3 Review

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