The Mazda 3 is one of the brand's staple vehicles and has been in production since 2004. Over this time, many examples have been sold, and it has been a firm favorite with buyers. The car is a compelling package, and it should therefore come as little surprise it has been as successful as it has.
The latest 2022 model is arguably the greatest version yet, with a great engine lineup to match. Under the hood, the entry-level model is fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 191hp, while a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter unit is also on offer.
There are many reasons to consider buying a Mazda 3, and here are 10 of the greatest.
10 There Are A Choice Of Body Styles
Providing buyers with a choice and flexibility, the Mazda 3 is manufactured in both a hatchback and a sedan body style.
The chief designer of the Mazda 3, Yasutake Tsuchida distinguishes between the two styles, saying: “The four-door sedan customer is looking for a more sleek, elegant image, while the hatchback customer is looking for a sportier design and more emotion...both have to embrace Mazda’s Japanese design aesthetic to a greater level than ever before.
9 The Premium Cabin
The quality of Mazda interiors has been top-notch in recent years, and they can genuinely rival the premium marques.
The dashboard is trimmed in a soft-touch leather covering, and the cabin has a fresh minimalist feel. If there was one complaint, it would be that the interior is fairly conservative compared to others on the market.
8 Intuitive Infotainment System
The Mazda 3's infotainment offering is focused on an 8-inch color screen. To navigate the system, users must utilize a rotary controller. While touchscreen has become an almost universal feature, the rotary dial is arguably easier to operate while on the move.
The system features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling a range of apps to be used during a journey. For those who love their audio, making the upgrade to the Bose system is a sensible move.
7 The Affordable Price Point
Not every buyer can afford to spend big when it comes to purchasing a new set of wheels. For many buyers, a sedan or hatchback is more than enough car for their needs and no extra money needs to be expended on a flash SUV.
As a package, the Mazda 3 is a very hard combination to beat. The sedan offers the most accessible entry point into the range and is available for $21,150. Buyers can pick up the hatchback for slightly more cash at $23, 550.
6 Handling Is Excellent
While the Mazda 3 is clearly a family hatchback, and not a sports car, certain elements do punch way above their weight. The steering system for example is weighted well, providing drivers with a good level of feedback from the asphalt.
During cornering, body roll is well controlled, giving drivers the confidence to enjoy a spirited drive.
5 Safety Is Prioritized
Safety is of paramount importance in any family vehicle. Thankfully, the Mazda 3 performs well in this regard. The car is available with a suite of safety features known as i-ACTIVSENSE, which consists of both standard and optional systems.
Features like blind spot monitoring, radar cruise control, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert help minimize the possibility of the occupants being involved in a collision, and provides additional reassurance to parents.
4 Its Smartly Styled
The sleek exterior design of the Mazda 3 is one of its biggest strengths. The angular headlights really stand out, while the dark grille gives the car a classy edge.
The rear quarter is fairly chunky and muscular, creating an imposing look from behind.
3 It Is Designed For The Driving Enthusiast
One of the great things about the Mazda 3, is the fact it has something to offer to the enthusiastic driver. By comparison, many mass market hatchbacks are simply a way to get from A to B, and the driving dynamics reflect this.
The Mazda 3 uses a new "SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture", meaning Mazda has invested a lot of effort into achieving a harmony between component's. From the seats to the engine and suspension, this integration results in superior ride quality.
2 Versatile Practicality
Of high importance in any family vehicle, is practicality. From strollers to outdoor gear, and sports equipment, hauling a heap of stuff with you becomes standard practice.
To swallow all of this cargo, thankfully the Mazda 3 has a decent luggage capacity. The hatchback is the most generous, providing 20.1 cubic feet, while the sedan can accommodate 13.2 cubic feet.
1 Reliability Is Strong
Nobody wants to own an unreliable vehicle, and therefore decent reliability should feature near the top of anyone's wish list. J.D. Power ratings are one of the best available indicators of this, and reassuringly, the car fares fairly well, achieving a 74/100 rating.
Additionally, Mazda provides a 3-year/ 36,000 mile warranty with all of their new vehicles. This coverage is extended to 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain.