This Small Car Is Good Value Compared To SUVs (Mazda 3 2024 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve hatchback, including price, interior, handling, and more.

Does it still make sense to purchase a traditional hatchback over a small SUV? Sometimes, it can. The 2024 Mazda 3 isn't the perfect small car, but some models are well priced and it has good depth of talent. In particular, it is sporty and fun to drive, even with the smaller G20 engine.

Rivals to the Mazda 3 include the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Scala, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato and others.

Chasing Cars makes Australia's most independent new car reviews.

[yobbn]

I love how the hatch looks. I wasn't initially a fan but it's grown on me a lot.

[alisonodonnell]

I have a 3 year old Mazda 3 G25 Astina and absolutely love it! It is a sedan and therefore has a massive boot.

[nexusonels]

I drive a 22' G20 Touring. I love the car more everyday. It's such a solid car and only improves as you learn it's every facet. The 2.0l is actually a great and underrated engine in the 3, I get awesome fuel economy and enough power for everyday use. Chuck it into sport mode for a little fun on the way home and you've got a car that's fun to drive, pleasant to sit in, and has good driving dynamics.

[rubyred]

I love the dark interior. It's a good, reliable hatchback that does the job. While not being too small.

[chrisbwhittle]

I'm in the UK and took delivery 9 days ago of a Mazda 3 Skyactiv X Takumi and it is fabulous. Mazda have got the dash technology spot on.

[RodneyW]

A good review of a classic "old style" car. You covered the strengths and weaknesses very well. I own a 2022 G25 Astina manual. The Mazda 3 is a drivers car first and foremost, and the decision to axe the manual is one that I believe to be a mistake (although apparently only 5% of buyers agree with me). Mazdas naturally aspirated engines have a proven record for reliability & longevity, with a decade+ of history to reassure people that the 2.0 & 2.5 are "stayers" with basic maintenance.  

Your fuel consumption was a bit of a surprise, I am averaging 7.5 litres / 100km over the last 5, 000km, which is 80%+ urban running. Typically I get 5.5 - 6.0 litres / 100km on the highway, with a best of 4.8 litres / 100 km for a run which had plenty of downhill sections.

I appreciate that the tech is not "in your face", and is not intrusive. I was originally skeptical of the HUD.. but now I find it indispensable.

One thing I'd add - the OEM tyres are ok, but the car is definitely enhanced with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4's.

[JTH]

I wrapped the high gloss inner parts with matt black foil, it looks fantastic now😊

[PlaAwa]

fair and comprehensive review. nice work

[raymondhunt]

Just found your video of this car and as a Mazda 3 owner here in the UK I loved your review of it and agree with all your points positives and negatives. I have the e skyactiv X engine which has 186 bhp and 240 nms which I find really quick enough for UK roads and get average 48 mpg which is amazing for the engine size.
Really like the new Peugeot 308 but reluctant to change from the Mazda 3 as has all the kit I really need.

[QriousGorG]

Just traded-in 2007 SP23, from 07-08 fleet car. Since 2008 it had been with me. Very greatful as I managed to get 423, 825 kms out of her an blessed never had been in an accident.

First 2 car's ever owned were Honda Civic VTec prior to SP23.

Every Service of SP23 I'd be lucky enough to drive a wide range of Mazda's. I traded SP23 for G20 Evolve as you've reviewed. It's sufficient I believe, personally enjoy the dark cocoon low firm feel of being anchored. Wife Drives a 2023 ZR an I personally don't like how light the steering feels, had it felt as firm might of considered it.
I agree with you, being old world with new world tech. Not for everyone, but from comments it's for like minded ppl, no difference to other brand cars of like minded ppl.

Thanking you for sharing your perspective, it was a great watch an enjoyable.

[jeffmorse]

Excellent, thorough review. I've always enjoyed cars over crossovers and would have considered a Mazda3 las December when I was shopping. Things have unfortunately changed for me though - I'm 63 now and injured my knee in September. It'll never be totally right again and now I see the appeal of crossovers - they're easier to get in and out of. My advancing decrepitude appreciates that.😬 Got a Hyundai Tucson. It's alright. Rather soulless and no fun to drive, but at least it doesn't hurt.

[parnpichate]

The hatchback is as good as it gets aesthetically. This is a best-in-class vehicle in my opinion. Flawless exterior design and the interior is equally as nice.

[unknown]

SUVs needs to be discouraged among soccer mums

[zaamuro]

Recently rented a CX-8 through tassie which had this big screen and similar instrument cluster. Really easy to use and amazing heads up display. The Cx-8 doesnt have the touchscreen enabled but the Mazda combo is a favorite combo of mine now

[claudiadavies]

I'd always choose a car over a SUV, I don't need the sometimes extra space of an SUV, and prefer the generally better power to weight ratio of the standard cars. I've got an I20N which ticks a lot of boxes fun-wise and practicality - wise✔️✔️✔️

I bought a 2024 sedan late last year and it is a great everyday car.

[davidrome]

I have a manual 2019 Astina hatch and I love it. Going with the Polymetal Grey and burgundy leather I found that the colour combo gave the car a bit more classy look. The infotainment system dial works perfectly while you’re changing gears it’s in the correct position. I can switch between application without looking down and a quick glance at the screen off I go, I’m glad mines not a touchscreen. In saying that set it up before heading off so you can concentrate on driving instead of the screen. The tech is great and the 360deg camera is crisp and clear. Yes the hatch is a car you need to get use to due to the c pillars but then I love the radical appearance compared to the just nice looking sedan. Suits my needs has plenty of space and the best bit is the 2.5ltr matches extremely well with the 6spd manual. At 61 I’m not ready or older enough to drive an auto. As for fuel economy on country drive I have seen it down to 5.6l/100k and around town depends on the driving about 7-7.5L/100k. It’s worth a consideration

[Kaipochama]

love it, bought one, favour it’s design and brand. dare to be different with everything else

[melzz]

I have a 2024 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP Hatch in Polymetal Grey on order which is due to arrive in August. Excited!! 😍

[jeremybean-hodges]

I have a 2yo G25 Astina hatch. Although I love it, I should list a few reasons why you *might* be turned off first.

1) You do sit pretty low. I love it; it's not to everyone's taste. It's not as easy to see out of as a more upright style like an i30 hatch.
2) The ride is definitely controlled, but it's firm enough. If you want a floatier ride, get something else.
3) There is a big 3/4 blind spot in the hatch. It did take me a while to make sure I paid attention to all of mirrors, head check, AND blind spot. If you don't, you'll have a few hairy moments.
4) As much as the G25 engine is good, it's not quite as much of a ripsnorter as Hyundai/Kia's 1.6L turbo, nor as economical as the Corolla Hybrid.
5) If your kids get carsick, or they are really tall, the back seat isn't as comfortable as it could be. Get the sedan if this is you. If you're a fairly broad person, this car might not be a great fit, either.

Onto the good stuff:
1) Get the Vision Pack for God's sakes. Worth it - the bird's eye view is fantastic, the parking sensors will make their money back with the first little bump.
2) Handles beautifully, steers beautifully, a real driver's car. The engine sound is nice in an everyday hatch for the 2.5, too.
3) The interior is just jaw-droppingly gorgeous from the front seat. The Astina in particular - if you get the coloured leather - is just a treat. Cover up the badge and it craps all over the equivalent A-Class or 1-Series for 75% of the price.
4) It takes 91-grade fuel. Volkswagen, take note.
5) It looks *fantastic* as a red hatch, especially with black wheels and red interior.

Don't worry about the small rear window - you won't use it for reversing, you'll use the camera every time anyway.
Agree about the touchscreen - just use the control wheel. It'll take a month or two but it will become second nature and it is vastly better than using a touchscreen while on the move.