2026 Mazda 3 review

It’s a tough time to be a small car.

The once-vibrant market for affordable small cars is shrinking faster than a puddle in the summer sun, down a staggering 24.1% this year. Adding salt to the wound, the Hyundai i30, a long-time champion in the segment, has been axed from Aussie showrooms.

Even as the hatchback’s star fades, the Mazda 3 continues to shine. Its enduring appeal isn’t a mystery. Mazda’s reputation Down Under speaks for itself, and the current generation, launched in 2019, still turns heads with its sleek, sophisticated design.

The Mazda 3 isn’t stuck in the past. It’s been revitalized for today’s driver with Mazda Connected Services and a more comprehensive Vision Package. The G20 Evolve we tested showcases these enhancements, plus a richer standard equipment list now boasting USB-C ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the oh-so-convenient wireless phone charging.

But does a premium price tag guarantee a premium experience? Are Mazda loyalists about to jump ship in ’25? We spent seven days with the Mazda 3 to uncover the truth.

How much does the Mazda 3 cost?

Prices continue to trend upwards, but recent rises have also coincided with upgrades to standard equipment.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Mazda 3 G20 Pure | $31,310 | |2026 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve|$33,110| | 2026 Mazda 3 G20 Touring with Vision Pack | $37,110 | | 2026 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP with Vision Pack | $37,110 | | 2026 Mazda 3 G25 GT with Vision Pack | $40,110 | | 2026 Mazda 3 G25 Astina | $43,310 |

For an extra $2,000, our test ride came equipped with the Vision Pack, transforming it into a vigilant co-pilot. Imagine a crystal-clear, bird’s-eye view of your surroundings thanks to the surround-view camera. Envision stress-free highway driving with adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist. Picture a watchful electronic eye, the driver monitoring system, ensuring your focus remains sharp. And finally, say goodbye to parking anxieties with front cross-traffic alert and parking sensors, turning even the trickiest maneuvers into a breeze.

To see how the Mazda 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Mazda 3 like on the inside?

Despite sitting near the bottom of the Mazda 3 food chain, the G20 Evolve still feels relatively upmarket inside.

Sink into the embrace of cloth seats, sculpted with supportive bolstering and customized to your form with full manual adjustment. Everywhere your hands land the steering wheel, the center armrest luxury whispers through premium materials. A pleasing softness extends to the door trims, the dashboard, and even the driver’s footwell, where a thoughtfully padded haven awaits your left knee, promising blissful comfort on even the longest hauls.

It’s not quite perfect. The doors feel tinny, and scratch-prone gloss black plastic surrounds the shifter and infotainment controls

Nevertheless, the Mazda 3 a very pleasant car to sit in, at least for those in the front row.

Recent technology upgrades also ensure the fourth-generation Mazda 3 still feels somewhat modern nearly seven years on from its debut.

The Evolve’s standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen feels a bit like peering through a porthole. Craving a cinematic experience? Spring for the Vision Package. It unlocks a vibrant 10.25-inch touchscreen. But here’s the rub: that glorious display feels miles away from the driver’s seat. Forget nimble fingertip control while navigating rush hour. Instead, I found myself gravitating to the satisfyingly tactile central rotary dial. It’s a far more confident companion when you’re carving corners or simply cruising. Think of it as your trusty co-pilot, always within easy reach.

The built-in navigation is a welcome touch, but the infotainment system otherwise feels like a shallow pond in a sea of feature-rich rivals. The home screen is a spartan affair: a simple scroll menu offering only five options – vehicle data, entertainment, communication, navigation, and settings. Fortunately, wireless Apple CarPlay becomes a refuge, offering a more modern and intuitive experience. It became my default destination.

CarPlay bursts onto the infotainment screen with vibrant hues, instantly highlighting its visual presentation. While the system is adequate, it hardly sets a new standard. Performance mirrors this assessment; it’s functional, but not particularly snappy.

Forget dazzling digital dashboards; this cockpit whispers tradition. Behind the wheel, two classic analogue gauges embrace a central speedometer like old friends. While the kids might yearn for something flashier, there’s a quiet dignity in this timeless arrangement. It’s an understated elegance that speaks volumes, a refreshing antidote to the hyper-digitized world outside.

Modern cars, with their touchscreen-everything dashboards, have taught me a valuable lesson: Mazda’s decision to stick with tactile, easily reachable climate controls is pure genius.

Don’t let the Mazda 3’s sleek silhouette fool you – it’s a storage ninja in disguise. The cockpit is cleverly designed to swallow your everyday essentials. The split centre console is like a bottomless pit for your phone and wallet, and the glovebox? A cavernous hideaway. Slim door bins keep things tidy, while a dedicated sunglasses compartment protects your shades. Thirsty? Dual cupholders are at the ready. Got spare change? The coin tray near the steering wheel keeps your pennies from rolling away.

The Evolve also comes with a wireless phone charger, as well as two USB-C outlets and a 12V socket.

While kids will be content in the back, adults might find themselves longing for a bit more breathing room – think cozy, not spacious.

Creature comforts are sparse. A center armrest with built-in cupholders and door-pocket bottle holders offer meager consolation. A lone map pocket feels almost anachronistic, highlighting the glaring omissions: no USB ports to power devices and not a single air vent to relieve backseat passengers.

The cramped rear seats are best ignored. Fold them down, instead, and transform the back into valuable cargo space. Just be warned: legroom up front will become a premium, demanding front-seat occupants compromise their comfort.

Trunk space? Let’s just say packing light is amust. At a meager 295 liters (bench storage aside), you’ll find yourself playing Tetris with your luggage. Forget matching the cavernous BYD Dolphin, the family-friendly Skoda Scala, or even the outgoing Hyundai i30. This boot is strictly for minimalist adventurers.

Forget Tetris skills. The Mazda 3’s trunk might not swallow a whole band’s equipment, but its cleverly squared opening and high-lifting manual tailgate make loading a breeze. Plus, ditch the roadside assistance anxiety; a space-saver spare lurks beneath the floor, ready to rescue you from unexpected flat-tire drama.

| Dimensions | Mazda 3 Hatch | | — | — | | Length | 4460mm | | Width | 1795mm | | Height | 1435mm | | Wheelbase | 2725mm | | Cargo capacity | 295L |

To see how the Mazda 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Beneath the Mazda 3’s sculpted hood lies a choice of spirited, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines. For those seeking nimble responsiveness, the 2.0-litre powerplant delivers a lively 114kW and 200Nm of torque.

| Specifications | Mazda 3 G20 | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L naturally aspirated 4cyl | |Power| 114kW | |Torque| 200Nm | |Transmission| 6-speed automatic | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Weight| 1418kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 9.4 seconds | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 5.9L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 9.8L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 51L | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 138g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Braked tow capacity| 1200kg |

To see how the Mazda 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Mazda 3 drive?

There’s something very familiar, if not old-school, about how the Mazda 3 drives.

"Forget surging turbos or electric jolts. This machine glides from zero with an unwavering grace, fueled by a seasoned four-cylinder heart that sings a smooth, uninterrupted melody of pure, unadulterated power."

The 2.0-liter engine mimics the spirit of its 2.5-liter brethren, just with a softer blow. You’ll feel the torque difference, no doubt, but your wallet will forgive it readily. This G20 Evolve offers a compelling price advantage over the G25, making compromise surprisingly easy.

Let’s be honest, 114kW and 200Nm in a modern hatch doesn’t exactly scream "thrill ride." Yet, the base Mazda 3 has a surprising pep in its step when you unleash it. Forget those instant-torque rivals like the hybrid Corolla or the electric Dolphin; they might edge you off the line. But out in the real world? The Mazda 3 hangs tough. In this crowded small-car segment, it’s close, very close.

Even Mazda seems to acknowledge the 3’s naturally aspirated engine’s constraints, offering paddle shifters that let drivers dance through the gears, finding the sweet spot of power with satisfying fingertip control.

Forget the jerky dance of dual-clutch transmissions in city traffic. This car boasts a silky-smooth, traditional automatic gearbox. Unlike the sometimes-stuttering shifts of its Volkswagen and Skoda cousins, think Golf and Scala, this transmission offers seamless, predictable transitions, making stop-and-go driving a breeze.

However, there are some drawbacks to the powertrain found in this Mazda 3, namely noise and fuel consumption.

The Mazda 3 G20’s engine doesn’t purr; it protests. Squeezing every ounce of power from its smaller displacement feels like a constant uphill battle. A persistent, almost frantic buzz emanates from beneath the hood, escalating into a strained roar the moment you dare to tap into its reserves. It’s a soundtrack that constantly reminds you of the engine’s struggle, a stark contrast to the effortless surge of the G25 or its rivals.

The Mazda 3: A Fuel-Guzzling Relic in 2025? Prepare for frequent pit stops! This otherwise charming hatch has a serious thirst, chugging down over 10 liters of fuel per 100km in the city. Ouch! While it’ll happily accept 91-octane, your wallet might weep at the pump. Choosing a Corolla could save you hundreds annually, and going electric? That’s a whole new level of fuel-sipping frugality.

But when the asphalt twists and turns, the Corolla and electric newcomers like the Dolphin and GWM Ora fade into the rearview mirror, utterly eclipsed by the Mazda 3’s masterful dance.

The Mazda 3 isn’t just a car; it’s an extension of your senses. Sink into the driver’s seat, and you’ll discover steering that anticipates your every thought, pedals that respond with telepathic precision. Forget mundane commutes – the 3 transforms suburban streets into a playground and turns winding country roads into a symphony of motion. Handling isn’t just a feature; it’s the soul of this machine.

The suspension isn’t exactly plush, but it walks a tightrope between taut performance and everyday livability. Where others stumble, the Mazda 3 shrugs off road imperfections with poise, its reflexes sharp, body always composed.

But the open road? That’s where this car truly purrs. Unlike some of its hatchback and small sedan siblings, it feels utterly planted and confident on the highway. Our tester boasted the Vision Package, transforming mundane miles into a relaxed cruise. Think less white-knuckle driving, more effortless glide, thanks to its semi-autonomous system. Nudging the speed up or dialing back the following distance is a breeze with the intuitive steering wheel controls. Long journeys? Bring them on.

The tires sing their song on the open road, a constant hum that thankfully avoids a full-blown rock concert. However, the doors, thin as a whisper, let in a touch more of the outside world than we’d prefer. And a word to the wise: merging into highway traffic demands extra caution, as the view out back is… well, let’s just say it leaves something to be desired.

Navigating the urban jungle? No sweat. The 3’s compact build and crystal-clear surround-view camera mean those pesky rear blind spots vanish during low-speed maneuvers.

To see how the Mazda 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

For 2025, every Mazda grade gets a boost, but the Evolve truly evolves. Say goodbye to tangled cords with wireless smartphone mirroring and a wireless charging pad. Stay connected with Mazda Connected Services, and juice up your devices with the new USB-C port.

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2026 Mazda 3 G20 Pure equipment highlights:

• 16-inch alloy wheels – silver
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
• 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display
• Keyless start
• Air-conditioning
• Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 8-speaker audio
• AM/FM/DAB+ radio
• Electric parking brake incl. Auto Hold
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Leather-wrapped gearshift, steering wheel
• Power exterior mirrors – auto folding
• Power windows incl. auto up/down
• Satellite navigation
• Seat trim – black cloth
• 60:40-split rear seats
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• USB-C input and charging port
• Mazda Connected Services

• MyMazda app compatible
• Vehicle locator
• Geofencing function
• Flash lights
• Curfew notifications
• Remote locking
• Vehicle health report
• Vehicle status report
• Vehicle tracking assistance
• SOS call

G20 Evolve adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic grey
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear air vents
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
• Paddle shifters
• Rear centre fold-down armrest
• Overhead sunglasses storage box
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger

G20 Touring adds:

• Keyless entry
• Driver mirror – auto dimming
• Exterior mirrors – heating function
• Exterior mirrors – reverse tilt-down function
• Exterior mirrors – position memory
• Seat trim – black leather
• 10-way power driver seat incl. lumbar, memory
• Vanity mirrors with illumination
• Vision Pack

• Surround-view camera
• 10.25-inch Mazda Connect display
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Driver monitoring
• Front cross-traffic alert

G25 Evolve SP adds (over G20 Evolve):

• 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic black
• Keyless entry
• Driver mirror – auto dimming
• Exterior mirrors – reverse tilt-down function
• Exterior mirrors – position memory
• Exterior mirrors in black
• 10-way power driver seat incl. lumbar, memory

G25 GT adds (over G25 Evolve SP):

• 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic grey
• Exterior mirrors – heating function
• Heated front seats
• Seat trim – black leather
• Heated steering wheel

G25 Astina adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels – gloss black
• Bose premium sound system

• 12 speakers
• Amplifier

• Glass sunroof – power tilt, slide
• Seat trim – black leather or optional Burgundy leather

To see how the Mazda 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Mazda 3 safe?

The Mazda 3 boasts a five-star safety pedigree, certified by ANCAP through rigorous Euro NCAP testing. But act fast: this top-tier protection rating cruises toward its expiration date in December 2025.

| Category | Mazda 3 | | — | — | | Adult occupant protection | 98 per cent | | Child occupant protection | 89 per cent | | Vulnerable road user protection | 81 per cent | | Safety assist | 76 per cent |

Standard safety features include:

• Autonomous emergency braking (forward, reverse)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Dual front, front-side and curtain airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• SOS emergency call

Vision Package* adds:

• Surround-view camera
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Driver monitoring
• Front cross-traffic alert
• Front parking sensors

* $2000 on G20 Pure, G20 Evolve

To see how the Mazda 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Mazda 3 cost to run?

Planning to keep your ride for the long haul? Think twice about the Mazda 3. While it’s a stylish choice, your wallet might weep when the service bills roll in. Unlike the Toyota Corolla Hybrid or the all-electric BYD Dolphin, which sip gently from your bank account (under $1500 for the first five years of maintenance), the Mazda 3 guzzles down a hefty $2284 in the same period. That’s a significant difference to consider before you sign on the dotted line.

| Servicing and Warranty | Mazda 3 | | — | — | | Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres | | Roadside assistance | 5 years | | Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres | | Capped-price servicing | 5 years | | Average annual service cost | $456.80 | | Total capped-price service cost | $2284 |

To see how the Mazda 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Mazda 3

Age hasn’t dulled the charm of the Mazda 3, but charm alone doesn’t necessarily warrant a recommendation.

This mature hatch might whisper "grown-up," flaunting safety, sleek lines, and a refined air. But beneath the polished surface, it forgets the small car essentials: fuel sipping, clever space, and a wallet-friendly spirit.

The Hyundai i30 N Line, a dependable choice until its December departure, faces stiff competition. For the same investment, the BYD Dolphin Premium and Toyota Corolla SX more effectively deliver on driver expectations.

But for the solo adventurer, the spirited driver, the open-road devotee the Mazda 3 sings.

What’s more, this G20 Evolve is just about our pick of the range, alongside the more potent G25 Evolve SP.

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