Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda 3

We get early taste of japan’s all-new hatch

Find your Mazda 3
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The new 3 competes in the intensely fought compact hatch class, but on this showing, the firm has a cracking car on its hands. While the styling isn’t as bold as the Honda Civic’s, it’s great to drive. Both engines are strong, particularly the hi-tech stop-start diesel. We’ll wait until we drive a production version of the car before giving our final verdict – but all the signs are good.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The first official pictures of the new Mazda 3 appeared this week – but before they were released, Auto Express was given exclusive access to drive a near production-ready prototype.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Mazda 3

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68428","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Expectations are high, as it uses Ford Focus underpinnings, has a lightweight construction and is powered by a range of hi-tech new engines.

Although our car was heavily disguised on the outside, the interior is spacious, while the Honda Civic-influenced dashboard is stylish and well laid-out.

We tried two new engines: the 150bhp 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol and 2.2 diesel. While the former is smooth and responsive, the oil-burner is incredibly refined and delivers mid-range pace to match the current MPS hot hatch.

Better still, in corners the well weighted, direct steering combines with strong grip and great body control. Even in this unfinished state, the 3 is clearly ready to rival the class leaders.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mazda 3

Mazda 3

RRP £22,065Avg. savings £2,318 off RRP*Used from £7,795
Mazda Cx-30

Mazda Cx-30

RRP £23,265Avg. savings £2,348 off RRP*Used from £9,895
KIA Ceed

KIA Ceed

RRP £19,965Used from £7,495
Seat Leon

Seat Leon

RRP £24,125Avg. savings £7,555 off RRP*Used from £7,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier
Skoda Enyaq SE L 85 - front 3/4

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier

Skoda's latest Enyaq SE L 85 delivers a 359-mile range and qualifies for the £1,500 government electric car discount.
News
30 Sep 2025
Plush new Vauxhall Frontera Ultimate range-topper priced under £26k
New Vauxhall Frontera Ultimate front 3/4

Plush new Vauxhall Frontera Ultimate range-topper priced under £26k

It’s faster and comes with more kit, but the Frontera Electric Ultimate has a little less range
News
1 Oct 2025
New Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV 2025 review: comfortable, quirky and affordable
Citroen C5 Aircross - front tracking

New Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV 2025 review: comfortable, quirky and affordable

Family-friendly SUV successfully majors on traditional Citroen strong points of comfort and value
Road tests
1 Oct 2025