It’s a tricky time to be a small automotive.
Gross sales of reasonably priced small vehicles are down 24.1 per cent this 12 months, and the Hyundai i30 – a section stalwart – has been discontinued for the native market.
But, regardless of declining demand for the common-or-garden hatchback, the Mazda 3 hasn’t misplaced any admirers. It’s simple to see why – the Mazda model holds loads of credibility in Australia, and the present 3 nonetheless seems to be nearly as good because it did when new again in 2019.
Mazda has additionally made positive to replace the three for contemporary audiences, from the introduction of Mazda Related Companies to wider standardisation of the Imaginative and prescient Bundle security suite. The G20 Evolve on check right here advantages from each these upgrades, in addition to a protracted checklist of normal tools that not too long ago grew to incorporate USB-C connectivity, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wi-fi cellphone charging.
However is that sufficient to justify the accompanying value hikes? And may loyal prospects be trying elsewhere in 2025? We lived with the Mazda 3 for a full week to seek out out.
How a lot does the Mazda 3 price?
Costs proceed to pattern upwards, however latest rises have additionally coincided with upgrades to straightforward tools.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda 3 G20 Pure | $31,310 |
| 2026 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve | $33,110 |
| 2026 Mazda 3 G20 Touring with Imaginative and prescient Pack | $37,110 |
| 2026 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP with Imaginative and prescient Pack | $37,110 |
| 2026 Mazda 3 G25 GT with Imaginative and prescient Pack | $40,110 |
| 2026 Mazda 3 G25 Astina | $43,310 |
Our check car was optioned with the Imaginative and prescient Pack, which provides a surround-view digital camera, cruising and site visitors help, driver monitoring, entrance cross-traffic alert, and entrance parking sensors for an extra $2000.
To see how the Mazda 3 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
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What’s the Mazda 3 like on the within?
Regardless of sitting close to the underside of the Mazda 3 meals chain, the G20 Evolve nonetheless feels comparatively upmarket inside.
The fabric seats are comfy, with first rate bolstering and full guide adjustment, whereas widespread contact factors just like the steering wheel and centre armrest are trimmed in premium supplies. There’s likewise a suppleness to the door trims, sprint, and even the motive force’s footwell, the place you’ll discover a padded space to relaxation your left knee throughout longer journeys.
It’s not fairly excellent. The doorways really feel tinny, and scratch-prone gloss black plastic surrounds the shifter and infotainment controls
Nonetheless, the Mazda 3 a really nice automotive to sit down in, not less than for these within the entrance row.
Latest expertise upgrades additionally make sure the fourth-generation Mazda 3 nonetheless feels considerably trendy almost seven years on from its debut.
The Evolve incorporates a dinky 8.0-inch infotainment display screen as commonplace, however ticking the Imaginative and prescient Bundle field nets a bigger 10.25-inch system with full touchscreen performance. That’ll be music to the ears of many, nonetheless I discover the display screen sits too far-off from my driving place for use recurrently as a touchscreen. As a substitute, I trusted within the central rotary dial, which felt like a safer and extra comfy approach to make changes on the transfer.
Native navigation is included, however the infotainment system in any other case lacks depth in contrast with newer opponents. The house display screen presents as a easy scroll menu with not more than 5 tabs for car info, leisure, communication, navigation and settings. More often than not I’d find yourself in Apple CarPlay, which might now be accessed and not using a wired connection.
The colorful CarPlay interface attracts consideration to the visible high quality of the infotainment system, which is ok, although not standout. The identical will be stated of processing speeds.
And there’s not a lot for the youngsters to get enthusiastic about relating to the instrument show, both. Behind the steering wheel lies a standard instrument cluster that includes two analogue gauges flanking a central speedometer. It’s hardly a flashy setup, however I personally respect the class and timelessness of this structure.
And if driving trendy automobiles has taught me something, it’s that Mazda has made the precise name by protecting bodily local weather controls that fall simply handy.
Regardless of the compact nature of the Mazda 3, there’s loads of cupboard space up entrance. A spacious break up centre console and deep glovebox are highlights, when you additionally get skinny door bins, a sun shades compartment, centre cupholders, and a coin tray subsequent to the steering wheel.
The Evolve additionally comes with a wi-fi cellphone charger, in addition to two USB-C shops and a 12V socket.
It doesn’t, nonetheless, provide a lot in the best way of second-row area. Youngsters will match again there simply superb, however adults ought to anticipate a claustrophobic expertise.
Facilities are additionally briefly provide. There’s a centre armrest with built-in cupholders, bottle holders within the doorways and a single map pocket, however no USB shops or air vents.
As such, house owners are higher served folding the rear seats down and treating the bench as additional baggage area. However even that technique is dependant on the entrance seats being set fairly far ahead.
Excluding bench storage, boot capability is quoted at simply 295 litres. That’s far lower than you get in a BYD Dolphin, Skoda Scala or Hyundai i30, the latter of which is now in runout.
The boot within the Mazda 3 could also be small, however the aperture is properly sq. and the guide tailgate opens excessive enabling simple loading of things. An area-saver spare tyre is situated below the boot flooring, which is sweet to have if you happen to run into bother.
| Dimensions | Mazda 3 Hatch |
|---|---|
| Size | 4460mm |
| Width | 1795mm |
| Peak | 1435mm |
| Wheelbase | 2725mm |
| Cargo capability | 295L |
To see how the Mazda 3 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
A pair of naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines can be found with the Mazda 3, this being the smaller 2.0-litre lump producing 114kW and 200Nm.
| Specs | Mazda 3 G20 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated 4cyl |
| Energy | 114kW |
| Torque | 200Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed computerized |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1418kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 9.4 seconds |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 5.9L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 9.8L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 51L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 138g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 1200kg |
To see how the Mazda 3 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Mazda 3 drive?
There’s one thing very acquainted, if not old-school, about how the Mazda 3 drives.
It units off easily from a standstill and delivers easy, linear energy courtesy of a long-lived four-cylinder engine that is still devoid of turbocharging or any type of hybridisation.
The two.0-litre on check right here feels very comparable in character to 2.5-litre variants, simply with rather less punch. The torque deficit is certainly noticeable from behind the wheel, nevertheless it’s forgivable given this G20 Evolve is meaningfully extra reasonably priced than its G25 equal.
And, for a contemporary hatch, the out there efficiency continues to be greater than ample. Certain, 114kW and 200Nm doesn’t sound like a lot, however this entry-level Mazda 3 feels correctly pokey while you wind it out. I say that as a result of rivals just like the hybrid Toyota Corolla and electrical Dolphin Premium can have the Mazda 3’s measure from a set of site visitors lights, such is their immediate energy supply. However, on steadiness, there’s not a lot to separate many of the choices within the small automotive section.
Mazda can also be seemingly conscious of the restrictions of naturally aspirated energy, as the three comes outfitted with paddle shifters that enable the motive force to select gears and entry the ability band extra simply.
The transmission itself is a traditional torque-converter computerized somewhat than a dual-clutch, and that pays dividends in stop-start metropolis driving. Shifts are easy, predictable, and free from the jerkiness widespread to the gearboxes present in Volkswagen Group automobiles such because the Golf and Skoda Scala.
Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to the powertrain discovered on this Mazda 3, specifically noise and gasoline consumption.
The engine in G20 variations of the Mazda 3 is compelled to work more durable these discovered within the G25 or exterior opponents, and it exhibits. There’s a seemingly fixed buzz from below the bonnet, and the thrum solely grows louder as you flex your proper foot.
Life with the Mazda 3 additionally requires common servo stops. That’s as a result of this little hatch can drink upwards of 10 litres of gasoline per 100km in metropolis driving, a determine that doesn’t fly in 2025. With that stated, house owners can get away with utilizing 91-octane unleaded. Nonetheless, you’ll save a whole bunch of {dollars} per 12 months on gasoline by shopping for a Corolla as an alternative, and electrical options are even cheaper to run.
Nevertheless, neither the Corolla nor EVs just like the Dolphin and GWM Ora maintain a candle to the Mazda 3 within the dynamics division.
Certainly, the Mazda 3 continues to be probably the most rewarding vehicles to drive in its class, with completely weighted steering and predictable pedal response. Dealing with is an actual power of this platform, whether or not you’re slicing via the suburbs or having fun with a winding nation street.
The suspension skews in direction of the firmer aspect, however finds a cheerful medium between rigidity and luxury. Physique management is great, and the Mazda 3 recovers shortly from imperfections that may unsettle lesser vehicles.
It additionally feels at dwelling on the freeway, which might’t be stated for all hatches and small sedans. Our check car got here outfitted with the Imaginative and prescient Bundle, which provides true semi-autonomous driving functionality to an already stacked suite of driver help methods. The system succeeds in taking the stress out of lengthy journeys, and it’s simple to regulate cruising velocity and following distance utilizing the bodily steering wheel controls.
Tyre roar is current at larger speeds however by no means deafening, though the tinny doorways enable extra sound into the cabin than ultimate. Moreover, restricted rear visibility may cause points when altering lanes on the freeway.
Don’t fear about these rear blind spots relating to low-speed city manoeuvres, although, as a result of the three is compact and incorporates a helpful surround-view digital camera.
To see how the Mazda 3 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
All grades obtained further options heading into 2025, with the Evolve gaining Mazda Related Companies, USB-C connectivity, wi-fi smartphone mirroring, and a wi-fi cellphone charger.
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2026 Mazda 3 G20 Pure tools highlights:
- 16-inch alloy wheels – silver
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display screen
- 8.8-inch Mazda Join show
- Keyless begin
- Air-conditioning
- Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 8-speaker audio
- AM/FM/DAB+ radio
- Electrical parking brake incl. Auto Maintain
- Computerized LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Leather-based-wrapped gearshift, steering wheel
- Energy exterior mirrors – auto folding
- Energy home windows incl. auto up/down
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Seat trim – black material
- 60:40-split rear seats
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- USB-C enter and charging port
- Mazda Related Companies
- MyMazda app suitable
- Car locator
- Geofencing operate
- Flash lights
- Curfew notifications
- Distant locking
- Car well being report
- Car standing report
- Car monitoring help
- SOS name
G20 Evolve provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic gray
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear air vents
- Auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror
- Paddle shifters
- Rear centre fold-down armrest
- Overhead sun shades storage field
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
G20 Touring provides:
- Keyless entry
- Driver mirror – auto dimming
- Exterior mirrors – heating operate
- Exterior mirrors – reverse tilt-down operate
- Exterior mirrors – place reminiscence
- Seat trim – black leather-based
- 10-way energy driver seat incl. lumbar, reminiscence
- Self-importance mirrors with illumination
- Imaginative and prescient Pack
- Encompass-view digital camera
- 10.25-inch Mazda Join show
- Cruising & Visitors Help
- Driver monitoring
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
G25 Evolve SP provides (over G20 Evolve):
- 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic black
- Keyless entry
- Driver mirror – auto dimming
- Exterior mirrors – reverse tilt-down operate
- Exterior mirrors – place reminiscence
- Exterior mirrors in black
- 10-way energy driver seat incl. lumbar, reminiscence
G25 GT provides (over G25 Evolve SP):
- 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic gray
- Exterior mirrors – heating operate
- Heated entrance seats
- Seat trim – black leather-based
- Heated steering wheel
G25 Astina provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels – gloss black
- Bose premium sound system
- Glass sunroof – energy tilt, slide
- Seat trim – black leather-based or non-compulsory Burgundy leather-based
To see how the Mazda 3 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Mazda 3 secure?
The Mazda 3 wears a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on Euro NCAP testing, though this can expire in December 2025.
| Class | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 98 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Weak street consumer safety | 81 per cent |
| Security help | 76 per cent |
Customary security options embrace:
- Autonomous emergency braking (ahead, reverse)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Visitors signal recognition
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Reversing digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Twin entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- SOS emergency name
Imaginative and prescient Bundle* provides:
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Cruising & Visitors Help
- Driver monitoring
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Entrance parking sensors
* $2000 on G20 Pure, G20 Evolve
To see how the Mazda 3 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Mazda 3 price to run?
The Mazda 3 is costlier to service than most rivals. For instance, the Corolla Hybrid and electrical BYD Dolphin each price lower than $1500 to take care of over the primary 5 years, whereas the Mazda will set you again $2284.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual service price | $456.80 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $2284 |
To see how the Mazda 3 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda 3
Age hasn’t dulled the allure of the Mazda 3, however allure alone doesn’t essentially warrant a advice.
As a result of whereas this mature hatch is secure, attractive and complex, it’s poor in issues that small automotive patrons actually need – effectivity, practicality, and low working prices.
Equally priced options such because the BYD Dolphin Premium and Toyota Corolla SX higher nail that temporary, and the Hyundai i30 N Line stays a strong choice till manufacturing ends for our market in December.
Having stated that, the Mazda 3 continues to be worthy of consideration for many who pack mild, respect the act of driving, and don’t usually get caught in metropolis site visitors.
What’s extra, this G20 Evolve is nearly our choose of the vary, alongside the stronger G25 Evolve SP.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Mazda 3. Click on right here to get a fantastic deal
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