Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda 3 1.5 SkyActiv review

The new Mazda 3 1.5 SkyActiv ignores the recent trend for small-capacity turbos

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,429 off RRP*
Pros
  • Smooth power delivery, great handling, stylish design
Cons
  • Less mid-range power than rivals, interior plastics
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

Even at the entry point to the range, the Mazda 3 1.5 SkyActiv is a fine car. The ‘right-sized’ engine is smooth, revvy and helps maintain the newcomer’s reputation as one of the best drivers’ cars in its class. The design is a big step forward inside and out, while the practical and well equipped cabin should help Mazda’s move into the mainstream.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is the new Mazda 3 1.5 SkyActiv, and unlike so many of its rivals, it doesn't use a small-capacity turbo engine. Mazda believes downsizing engines to boost efficiency rarely gives the real-world benefit other makers claim, so while its new ‘right-sized’ 1.5-litre SkyActiv petrol replaces a 1.6 in the latest 3 hatch, there’s no turbo to boost power – although it’s cleaner and more powerful than the old engine.

• Full Mazda 3 review

By sticking with a naturally aspirated set-up, the Mazda 3 1.5 SkyActiv's power delivery is smooth and linear – something you just don’t get with a small-capacity turbo. The engine isn’t exactly powerful, but it revs sweetly when you’re driving enthusiastically, plus it allows smooth, quiet cruising.

However, the 1.5-litre’s 150Nm of torque means you miss the mid-range thump of a turbo, so you have to work the slick gearshift more often.

The new Mazda 3 is one of the best-handling cars in its class, and this entry-level version doesn’t let the side down. The engine is light, so this car weighs just over 1,100kg – as a result, it corners with agility, while the ride on the 16-inch alloys is comfortable.

The SE model’s interior is a big step forward over the old car’s, although some of 
the plastics used don’t feel quite as classy as in rivals.

Choosing a Mazda is a step away from the mainstream. But even in entry-level form, there’s a lot to like about the new 3, with its sharp drive and smart cabin.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mazda 3

Mazda 3

RRP £22,945Avg. savings £2,429 off RRP*Used from £12,000
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £15,940Avg. savings £2,827 off RRP*Used from £9,000
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £27,795Avg. savings £2,400 off RRP*Used from £18,203
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025