Mazda 3

Overall Average Rating - 85.86%
Position in the Top 100 cars - 42nd

Given that the 3 has failed to gain a foothold in the ever more competitive compact family class, its mid-table set of results is fitting.

As you’d expect from a model based on a Ford Focus platform, the handling is above average, while 23rd in the reliability charts proves that Mazda could teach the blue oval a thing or two about making cars last…

Ratings

Position in the Top 100 cars
Reliability: 23rd
Build Quality: 42nd
Running Costs: 69th
Performance: 71st
Braking: 29th
Ride Quality: 66th
Handling: 23rd
Practicality: 45th
Comfort: 50th
Ease of Driving: 46th

Manufacturer Verdict (Position - 10th)

It’s fallen one place, yet Mazda is still in the top 10. The blot in its copybook is 23rd position for running costs, although it’s offset by a fifth-placed rank in both the handling and braking categories.