Mazda3 hatchback (2009-2013) review - CarBuyer

It's a testament to the quality available in the family hatchback class that a car as talented and appealing as the Mazda3 doesn't sell in greater numbers. Sharply styled and keenly priced, the Mazda's positive qualities far outweigh any negatives. Entry-level S versions feel basic, while the more expensive TS and Sport models, with their alloy wheels, climate control and upgraded stereos, feel well equipped. The cabin can feel a little dark and cramped, especially in the rear, and there are several fiddly buttons. Of all the engines, the 1.6-litre diesel boasts excellent economy, although the smooth 2.2-litre diesel is significantly faster.

[RomanRomanko]

Compare Octavia and Mazda 3 after 3 years of using and you will spot the difference, japaneese is japaneese, no words needed.

[hairgirl]

I can't handle the cuteness! So happy!

[guwzmt]

I agree with you.. there is nothing wrong to hear the engine work.At the end it's an engine. Besides, it's fun to hear your engine work. If you love the car you love it's engine :)

[qb]

this was one of the worst reviews I've seen. Didn't even mention one thing specific about this car. You touched on the specifications, but didn't mention how mid range cars get Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control, all electric windows, electric folding wing mirrors while top spec ones get that plus auto lights, wipers and dimming mirrors, 10 speaker Bose sound system, heated front windscreen, keyless entry and start, global closing windows etc.

[nottsladjay]

Got this car, same colour too but mines a 1.6 Petrol Sport. Love it! The tyre roar comment, I’ve driven my car for over a year near and the tyre roar isn’t loud at all, in fact I’d say it is quite quiet.

[theoharrison]

Love Mazda. They make so good looking cars

[alteclansing]

Go for the MPS, its rude, brawny and always tries to kill me, that why i love it

[leosheppard]

I had the Australian version, BL 2010 in the same colour - Celestial Blue. It’s awesome colour! I had the petrol 2L manual with 6 speeds. Great car. I always service on time every 10, 000km (driving for work) and never had any issue. traded and brought another Mazda 3 BN new in 2016.

[dylansanderson]

if you are talking about 2nd gen mazda 3s, it would be (2010-2013). The 2009 models are the last year of the first generation.

[rowsdower]

I will admit the new one (2013) does look better and probably will be more "athletic." My dad has an 09 and I know that engine is potent. OMG, its got some juice and pulls nicely even for a car that heavy. I know the RAV4 with that engine can pull nicely. So in a strait line yeah its fun I guess lol.

[scratchyrice]

Simple. Diesels produce much more power than a petrol. Now I know what youre thinking already, but hear me out. A 2.0 litre petrol might produce at stock say 180bhp. A 2.0 litre diesel would produce at stock (notice stock, they tune them down for economy) about 150bhp. However a 2.0 petrol would produce 180lbft of torque, but the diesel - 300lbft of torque. What this means is that you get that full 150bhp right from the get go, rather than having to wait 100 years to rev up to 6k.

[davie]

How about the cars were reliability and cost to repair?

[mazdapremacy]

how tall are you cause when i was seating in the back and the seat was all the way back and down for my seatin position my legs were a bit cramped and i'm only 6 Foot 1"

[KDashCams]

A great car had one for 7 years and still do!

[hultii]

I love my mazda 3 sedan .. i have to say the review is very good

[scratchyrice]

The only thing I prefer on petrol's is the idle noise. A diesel car always sounds like a bloody tractor. Above idle though with the right exhaust and intake they sound amazing - Great deep bellowing like with a big v8 petrol - rather than that shite tinny sound you get from 4 pot petrols even with an exhaust mod. In my opinion though, if all you care about is noise, you're not serious about cars.

[AlinaNeemuth]

Love my Mazda Axela... Great car and so fun to drive...

[gethsemeny]

Diesel fuel contains more potential energy and is inherently more efficient than petrol. It makes sense to use it. And Mazda's SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine is so clean it doesn't need an aftertreatment system to pass the toughest emissions tests.

[scratchyrice]

Yes true, diesel fumes are slightly more carcinogenic than petrol, however 1) Only affects those in the motor trade who are actually around running exhausts all the time 2) DPF's filter this out anyway 3) Petrol fumes give off other types of toxins that can lead to much worse and instant problems than the extremely low possibility of lung cancer. 4) The environment, Global warming - This is a problem that WILL affect us all, diesel goes some way to help with this.

[judacomadc]

These guys complain a lot about the noise... I don't know why? when they ride on my 96' Toyota Tercel they would jump off the car if the noise annoys them so much... Even new cars over here in Colombia have worse sound isolation than my car! so I guess everything over here will be a crap to them... I just don't get it! a car is a machine and a machine makes noise!