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 £13,100

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.

Mazda has eschewed turbochargers and hybrid technology in favour of naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X petrol engines, delivering a calm, composed, and mature driving experience with light, precise controls and a comfortable ride. The more powerful 178bhp Skyactiv-X returns 48.7mpg and 131g/km CO2, whilst the less powerful engine achieves 44.8mpg and 138g/km CO2. Servicing is straightforward, with packages available for both engine types. The MZD-Connect infotainment system features an 8.8-inch display controlled via a rotary dial, offering functionality comparable to premium rivals without touchscreen distraction.

Best for: Drivers seeking distinctive design, engaging handling, and a high-quality interior; those who prefer naturally aspirated engines and value a composed driving experience; buyers willing to compromise on rear-seat space for style and refinement.

Not ideal for: Families needing maximum rear-seat space or those with multiple children requiring high-backed booster seats; drivers prioritising low emissions or company car tax efficiency; those seeking turbocharged performance or abundant low-end torque.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda3 if: You value distinctive design and high-quality interiors, enjoy engaging handling and a composed driving experience, and are willing to compromise on rear-seat space for style and refinement.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear-seat space, prioritise low emissions and company car tax efficiency, or seek turbocharged performance and abundant low-end torque.

Competitive Position: The Mazda3 (2019-present) stands out in the family hatchback segment for its stunning design and refined driving dynamics. Whilst it trails the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf Mk8 in overall CarGurus ratings (4.2 versus 4.4), it matches them on expert rating and offers a more distinctive proposition. Its 33.3% good/great deals percentage sits between the Civic (29.9%) and Golf (34.3%), making it competitively priced. The Mazda3's naturally aspirated engines and higher emissions mean it's less attractive for company car drivers compared to the Toyota Corolla's hybrid option, but for private buyers seeking character and engagement, it remains a thoroughly likeable choice that delivers on design, quality, and driving satisfaction.

Read our full Mazda3 Review

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

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