Click for vehicles with £300-£500 Cashback
£12,975
£17,897
£6,895
109-126 of 111 vehicles
The Mazda 3 is known for providing family hatchback buyers with a leftfield option in this ultra-competitive market. Over two decades, it has built a reputation for offering an exciting driving experience, along with an increasingly premium image. Overall, it’s an attractive used option to consider over the default Volkswagen Golf.
There are no shortage of other rivals for the Mazda 3, however, including the Kia Ceed, the reliable Hyundai i30 and ever popular Ford Focus.
Here, we have all the information you need if you are considering buying a Mazda 3. Take a look at a Mazda 3 for sale on heycar to discover just what’s on offer.
The Mazda 3 is a great family hatchback for those who want luxury, good looks and an enjoyable driving experience, but without turning to the usual premium brands. In terms of image, the Mazda 3 may not quite match certain German cars, but that won’t concern drivers who like to think outside the box.
‘Boxy’ is certainly a word that doesn’t apply to the Mazda 3. Rarely are family hatchbacks this handsome, with bold flowing lines and a stylish front grille. It will make you look back over your shoulder whenever you park up. Even the entry-level SE-L avoids looking like a bargain basement model.
The same theme continues inside, where the Mazda 3 is finished with high-quality materials throughout. It lacks the show-off chintz of some premium brands but, again, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Everything feels built to last, with the generous standard technology all working to make life easier.
Compared to other family hatchbacks, the Mazda 3’s swoopy styling does restrict interior space somewhat. Headroom in the rear feels a little bit tight for taller adults, although those in the front will have no complaints about space. Luggage capacity in the boot is a little below the class average, but the Mazda 3 still remains a viable option for families.
What really sets the Mazda 3 apart is how it drives. It channels the spirit of the MX-5 sports car, with sharp steering and a direct manual gearbox. Matching a Ford Focus for driver involvement, it is not far behind a Volkswagen Golf for ride comfort either.
The Mazda 3 is a highly rated family hatchback for those who want something a little out of the ordinary. It offers a premium experience without being ostentatious, and is genuinely fun to drive. Don’t forget those curvaceous good looks, too.
A Mazda 3 for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
Most buyers will want the extra power of the Skyactiv-X petrol engine, particularly as Mazda claims it can return diesel-like economy (and the diesel was axed within a year of this generation's launch). The cheaper Skyactiv-G is fine if you’re on a budget and don’t need the extra power, but it does feel lacking compared to turbocharged contemporaries.
All models of the Mazda 3 are well-equipped - the entry-level Mazda 3 SE-L really doesn’t feel like a basic car. You won’t find any blanking spaces on the dash or steel wheels here. The SE-L Lux adds some desirable features like a reversing camera and heated seats but won’t cost the earth on the used market. Trim levels with the word ‘Sport’ in their name are - surprisingly - sportier, but the flashier 18-inch alloy wheels come at the expense of ride quality.
The Mazda 3 hatchback is offered with a choice of two petrol engines. Depending on the trim level chosen, either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic is available. Mild-hybrid technology is fitted to both engines to save fuel.
The Mazda 3 is offered with a choice of five trim levels, with two different engines. Standard equipment across the range is generous and, aside from paint colour and upholstery finishes, there are no optional extras available.
The Mazda 3’s exterior dimensions are:
The Mazda 3’s boot space is:
Whichever model of this Mazda 3 generation takes your fancy, and there's a lot to like about it, all will cost you the same £180 per year in road tax.
Compared to other family hatchbacks, the Mazda is rated in relatively high insurance groups. This is due to the focus on larger engines, along with the level of standard equipment fitted. Cars in SE-L trim start from insurance group 15 (out of 50) for the 122hp version, with the 186hp engine in group 21. The flagship GT Sport Tech model ranges from group 17 to 23.
Read our full Mazda 3 review