CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.9%
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, with a design inspired by acclaimed concept cars featuring soft, shapely curves. The cabin is appealing and well-appointed, with an air of quality and simplicity, 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. The rising waistline and steep roof slope mean rear passengers may find the environment claustrophobic, and larger child seats can be problematic due to the sloping roofline.

The Mazda3 delivers a calm, composed, and mature driving experience with light, precise controls and a composed ride. The driving position is excellent with comfortable seats and generous stowage. Mazda exclusively offers naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X petrol engines without turbochargers, which require higher revs but reward those who enjoy engine engagement. The more powerful 178bhp Skyactiv-X achieves 48.7mpg and 131g/km CO2 emissions, whilst the less powerful variant returns 44.8mpg and 138g/km. Running costs are reasonable with annual servicing every 12,500 miles, though emissions are higher than hybrid competitors like the Toyota Corolla.

Best for: Drivers prioritising stunning design, refined handling, and a quality interior; those who enjoy engaging naturally aspirated engines; and buyers seeking a satisfying driving experience over maximum practicality.

Not ideal for: Families needing maximum rear-seat space or headroom; company car drivers concerned about emissions and benefit-in-kind tax; or those requiring diesel or hybrid powertrains for better fuel economy.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda3 if: You prioritise stunning design and refined handling, enjoy engaging naturally aspirated engines, and seek a quality interior with a satisfying driving experience.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear-seat space, are concerned about emissions as a company car driver, or require diesel or hybrid powertrains for superior fuel economy.

Competitive Position: The Mazda3 (2019-present) stands out in the family hatchback segment for its exceptional styling and engaging driving dynamics. Whilst rivals like the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 and Honda Civic offer more space and better value deals, the Mazda3 delivers a more distinctive design and rewarding driving experience. The Toyota Corolla provides superior fuel economy and lower emissions through hybrid technology, making it more attractive for company car drivers. However, for buyers prioritising design flair, quality, and driving enjoyment over maximum practicality, the Mazda3 remains a thoroughly likeable and compelling choice.

Read our full Mazda3 Review

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

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