White Mazda3

Used Mazda3

A fantastic all-round family hatchback that rivals some of the best in this class

Search Used Mazda3

Used Mazda3 for sale

Mazda3 rear right quarter

The Mazda3 is a medium-sized family hatchback that offers an engaging driving experience and an upmarket cabin design.

If you're in the market for an affordable family hatchback, then you may have already considered the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. However, the Mazda3 is a great alternative that's worth looking at for the following reasons:

  • Handsome appearance
  • Efficient choice of engines
  • Upmarket interior design and build quality
  • Generously equipped
  • Good fun to drive

Engines and Driving Experience

Mazda3 front right quarter

As a driving package, the Mazda3 is right up there with the best in its class. Not only does the 3 offer direct steering and a sharp turn-in, it manages to achieve this without making the ride overly stiff or uncomfortable. In addition, external noises are well-supressed, which is beneficial when travelling on the motorway.

Petrol / Mild Hybrid

  • 2.0-litre E-Skactiv G: 122bhp, 0 to 62mph in 10.4 seconds, up to 51.4mpg
  • 2.0-litre E-Skyactiv X: 186bhp, 0 to 62mph in 8.1 seconds, up to 54.3mpg

Diesel

  • 1.8-litre Skyactiv D: 114bhp, 0 to 62mph in 11.7 seconds, up to 56.6mpg

It's worth noting that the diesel engine was discontinued in 2019 and will therefore be rarer. A 6-speed manual gearbox is the most common and is sublime to use, although an automatic is available depending on the engine you go for.

Practicality and Running Costs

Mazda3 boot

The Mazda3 has a sloping roofline at the back. Although this looks great, it does hamper headroom in the back of the car. As a result, people over six-feet tall will brush their heads against the roof. However, there's plenty of space for children and young teenagers. All models come with five doors and ISOFIX anchor points in the back.

With 334 litres at your disposal, the boot is more than big enough for everyday family duties. The only problem is that it doesn't beat the likes of the Volkswagen Golf (380 litres). Fold the rear seats down and cargo capacity increases to 1,026 litres.

None of the Mazda3 models exceed insurance group 17 (out of 50), which should prove beneficial come renewal time. Affordable servicing and maintenance is available through all Evans Halshaw retailers.

Interior, Technology and Safety

Mazda3 cabin

Mazda evidently invested a lot of time into perfecting the cabin inside the 3. The build quality is on par with more upmarket rivals such as the BMW 1 Series, with a host of plush materials having been used throughout.

Each model gets an integrated touchscreen, which can be operated using a rotary controller for safety when driving. The menus are crisp and easy to navigate, while the screen is placed close to eye level for convenience.

All models are generously equipped, coming with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors and automatic wipers as standard. Head up the range and you'll benefit from luxuries such as a reversing camera, front parking sensors, heated front seats and a Bose sound system.

The Mazda3 achieved the full five-star safety rating during its Euro NCAP test, thanks to a host of features that include (but aren't limited to):

  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Lane keep assist
  • Drive fatigue warning
  • ISOFIX anchor points

Is the Mazda3 right for me?

If you're in the market for a great all-round family hatchback that has an upmarket design and an enjoyable driving experience, then the Mazda3 is a great choice that won't disappoint. However, you do have to accept that rear passenger space and boot capacity aren't class leading.

This segment of the market is hotly contested, so check these cars out before committing. The Ford Focus is the natural rival because it's more common and equally as brilliant. A Volkswagen Golf will always be easy to recommend because of its elegant interior design and exceptional all-round capabilities.

Why purchase a used Mazda3 through Evans Halshaw?

Find your ideal used car with Evans Halshaw

At Evans Halshaw, we have a variety of used cars for you to choose from. Each car is carefully selected by our teams before making its way through the rigorous preparation process, where it's inspected by a qualified technician and then fully valeted.

All our vehicles are fully HPI checked, giving you peace of mind when making a decision. In addition, we're able to offer Home Delivery to UK mainland addresses, giving you flexibility when searching for your next car.

We're also able to offer you a tailored Service Plan for your selected car, which allows you to spread the cost of maintenance over an agreed period of time, whilst saving you money in the process.

If you'd like some advice on picking the right car for you, or you've spotted a vehicle and want more information, please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw dealership, where one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help.