2021 Mazda 3 review – better than a Ford Focus? | What Car?

The Mazda 3 is a car that's always done things a little differently to its rivals. With sleek styling, a plush interior and naturally aspirated engines – is it the best small car on sale? Find out everything you need to know about it by watching our review.

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[whatcar]

Think the Mazda 3 looks good? Vote in our poll at 01:20 to tell us what the best looking car is, is it the Mazda 3, Kia Ceed, Mercedes A-Class, or Toyota Corolla?

[ajunta]

This car in hatchback form looks 5 times better than any other "regular" car out there. It is stunning.

[amedeomodigliani]

Best design ever, would NEVER choose a Ford over this

[Streuth]

Took a test drive. Very classy car. Bought one!

[TheDude]

As a former golf 7 now Mazda 3 owner and having test driven a few cars including the Skoda Octavia and seat Leon I can safely say that the Mazda 3 handles best on twisty roads by far.

[TheKacper]

Interior is next level compared to crappy focus.

[ev.c]

I have one here in Denmark. The car is amazing. I love how quiet the cabin is. Very economic and a nice 122hp motor. Great job, Mazda!

[Hauntingtanderin]

Mazda’s doing really well in California. I see them every day

[poyntz]

just bought a Mazda 3 GT25 in poly grey and love it, drives like a dream - first time Mazda driver

[ribo]

To answer your question why the passenger seat has a rear pouch and not the driver seat. When you are in the driver seat and need to reach back its easier to go for the rear passenger seat, its driver focused, the way it should be.

[eamonnmcdermott]

The saloon version of this car eliminates a lot of the drawbacks of the space, headroom and light in the rear seats and I think it’s classically more handsome than the hatch. Plus the Mazda should be more reliable than any of its German competitors!

[bonzobanana]

Review seems to have a different opinion to other reviews of the same car. I've seen the handling compared very well to the Focus but seen the infotainment criticised as merely ok. Long term running costs should be much less than rivals especially if you take the car beyond its warranty. The lack of turbo is to increase reliability, the Japanese don't like to engineer cars that fail after a few years with huge bills hence they avoid fitting turbo's to small engines and thrashing the engine constantly.


A peeve of mine is only comparing build quality for the interior, there is a huge amount of build quality elsewhere in the car i.e. the engine and mechanicals. A nice interior is little compensation when you are waiting for the AA to turn up again and tow you to the dealer.


Personally I see the Mazda 3 a class above most cars of its type but I haven't driven one so can't give a full verdict but it just looks a brilliant car on face value.

[korates]

New King is Mazda 3..excellent disagn..very very beatifull car..it looks so sport also inside is so nice.

[chaardy]

I see a few of these driving around around Canterbury. They do look *really* nice in the metal, and are certainly more head turning than competitors!

[jakelamotta]

9:40 Yes Mazda have one of the best diesel engines out there if u ask me. Even the 2.2d Mazda 6. I took one for a test drive and i could still feel power at 5500 lol. I was even tempted to stretch it to 6000 jst to see how much it would strain.

[vlads]

I disagree. The rear looks comfy and safe. The smaller windows give you privacy and a sense of your own space.

[danpullen]

The map pocket is on the back of the passenger seat so that the driver can reach back with one arm and grab a map or other useful item out of the pocket whilst driving

[lde]

I hope some carmakers will keep the analog speedometers as it is UTTERLY UGLY to put some crappy screen there. This Mazda 3 is spot on and well done Mazda!

[fredzeppelin]

Glad I'm in the states, where the 2.0L has 155 HP, the 2.5L has 186 HP, and the 2.5L turbo has 250 HP.

[juschill]

This is does an excellent job reviewing vehicles. Keep up the good work brother! ✊