Mazda 3 hatchback 2020 in-depth review - Carbuyer

The Mazda3 has often been overlooked in the family hatchback class when compared to rivals such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and the Vauxhall Astra. Mazda has pushed this latest generation model even more upmarket, with a stylish new design putting the Mazda3 into direct competition with the BMW 1 Series. But is the combination of economical petrol engines and striking design enough to give the Mazda3 a serious advantage over its rivals? Batch gives his verdict in the Carbuyer in-depth review.

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[ilker]

Mazda definitely deserves much more recognition.

[codexciv]

Loved seeing the 3 getting the praise it deserves in this review, Mazda is such a class act!

[LK-vvxk]

I respect this guy a lot. He doesn't follow the herd of motor journalists. Mazda is top draw. Car Wow would never acknowledge that.

[TheAdventureAuto]

I'm starting to see these on the road more and more. The hatch looks so futuristic when in motion. Well above its price point, even at $30k. Great job Mazda!

[jacekkaminski]

I'm sold. If the practicality isn't on the top of your list, than it's hard to beat it.

[akie]

Great review of an excellent car. Mazda sales are very strong in NZ, I'm yet to drive this new 3 but was really impressed with the interior quality. Lovely to see Carbuyer testing all cars unlike Carwows obsessive and boring reviews on VAG BMW and Merc, no longer follow.

[spb]

my son bought this car back in september, agree with your review, excellent car, breaking the boring 'Big Vag' looks..
I like it so much, ive gone for its cousin, the new mazda CX30, another excellent car from mazda. love the drive of a normally/ non turbo car, . and the spec is better than the best out there

[MrDamodee]

Just bought one and agree with everything he has said. I wittled my choice down to this and Mercedes a class but the Mercedes was just poor value for money and the Mazda just drove better. The equipment Mazda gives you is just amazing too! Is Mazda the best kept secret of the automotive world in 2020??

[themanipulator]

If this had a German badge on it then it would be completely adored by all car journalists. They'd be obsessed with it. They get away producing such average cars at insane prices (Mercedes in particular)

[robertlangham]

Phew, about time. Excellent review. I liked the look of the 3 but many reviewers were pretty unimpressed & failed to see its appeal, all a bit ...meh. Thank goodness someone is capable of seeing the beauty of this great little car 👍.

[FlamboyanToPossuM]

I look forward to getting one of these. Be it new or used, I can actually aspire to get this, and this is why I love Mazda!

[lash]

I would love to see Mazda make a GT/Mazdaspeed version of the 3.

[ClearVista]

Got a Mazda2 back in August. Best car I've ever had. Would love a Mazda3

[joaofarinha]

It's a bit of a shame the rather dark and tight back seats, but other than that, I just love it. I am gonna buy one... wait I just realized I can't afford it 😅😅

[MosesKaldor]

Picked up my Mazda3 in May 2019. From my driving experience I can agree with most of this review. The analogue fuel gauge is the current level in your tank and the digital gauge is your estimated range. Interior has picked up a few rattles such as in the drivers door and an intermittent one in the dash.

[markuslc]

i was also flashed by the mazda 3 driving experience, if u don’t need a practical hatch with loads of kneeroom in the back, you are good 2 go

[Fthampus]

3:47 you can change the middle fuel dial to a "estimated range" number in the settings. (literally the only customization for the digital gauge)
for example: it shows "600km" for me on a full tank. it also makes the left dial for fuel economy show a number instead, for example "6.7 l/100km"
it looks way better and is much easier to understand in my opinion!

[sob]

Hello
I have a Mazda GRand Tourism 2012 and just hityy 138000 miles..the car is amazing drives like a dream...looks brand new I keep the car up to date on everything...when I used to lived in Kalispell Montana..the only big thing I did was to buy snow tires and that car was amazing ... Never got stuck and drove perfectly in the snow and i had to drive into the mountains...And know AWD...can't wait to drive it....and trade my 2012 for the new one..with AWD...my dog will love it...she goes with me every where and the hatch does the job, her bed is in the trunk and she feels safe in there...

[kienfung]

Most beautifull in his class with a Normal size engine.

[Jon]

I was blown away by the trousers and coat combo personally 🧐