Of all the mid-size family cars, the Mazda3 is the most striking to look at and the best to drive. Yet it’s also very cost-effective to run.
Used Mazda3 cars
The Mazda3 is a sporty-looking hatchback that's well equipped, well made and as good to drive as it is to look at. We have a wide range of used Mazda3 cars for sale that are available to purchase or finance.
Finance representative example (PCP)
Total cash price £16,500. Borrowing £14,500 with a £2,000 deposit at a representative APR of 11.9%.
- Fixed rate of interest per annum
- 6.18%
- 48 monthly payments
- £242.35
- Total amount payable
- £21,816.80
- Cost of credit
- £5,316.80
- Optional final payment
- £8,184.00
- Annual mileage limit
- 10,000 miles
- Excess mileage charge
- 4p/mile
Finance representative example (PCP)
Total cash price £16,500. Borrowing £14,500 with a £2,000 deposit at a representative APR of 11.9%.
- Fixed rate of interest per annum
- 6.18%
- 48 monthly payments
- £242.35
- Total amount payable
- £21,816.80
- Cost of credit
- £5,316.80
- Optional final payment
- £8,184.00
- Annual mileage limit
- 10,000 miles
- Excess mileage charge
- 4p/mile
- Check your eligibility
Find out if you’re eligible for car finance in minutes, with no impact on your credit score.
- Read more about 2016 used Mazda Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV-D Sport NavView this car
Mazda Mazda3
2.2 SKYACTIV-D Sport Nav
- 73,105 miles2016 regManualDiesel
- Read more about 2016 used Mazda Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV-D Sport NavView this car
Mazda Mazda3
2.2 SKYACTIV-D Sport Nav
- 61,677 miles2016 regManualDiesel
- Read more about 2020 used Mazda Mazda3 2.0 SKYACTIV-X MHEV Sport LuxView this car
Mazda Mazda3
2.0 SKYACTIV-X MHEV Sport Lux
- 47,984 miles2020 regManualPetrol
- Read more about 2016 used Mazda Mazda3 2.0 SKYACTIV-G SE-L Nav Euro 5View this car
Mazda Mazda3
2.0 SKYACTIV-G SE-L Nav Euro 5
- 26,301 miles2016 regManualPetrol
- Read more about 2015 used Mazda Mazda3 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Sport Nav Auto Euro 5View this car
Mazda Mazda3
2.0 SKYACTIV-G Sport Nav Auto Euro 5
- 37,164 miles2015 regAutomaticPetrol
- Read more about 2016 used Mazda Mazda3 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Sport Nav AutoView this car
Mazda Mazda3
2.0 SKYACTIV-G Sport Nav Auto
- 32,065 miles2016 regAutomaticPetrol
- Read more about 2018 used Mazda Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV-D Sport Nav AutoView this car
Mazda Mazda3
2.2 SKYACTIV-D Sport Nav Auto
- 30,176 miles2018 regAutomaticDiesel
Thinking of getting a Mazda3?
The style of the car
The Mazda3 really stands out from the mid-size family car crowd. You certainly won’t lose it in a car park. The latest version was launched in 2019. The older model was sold new from 2013 to 2019. Both come with five-door hatchback or four-door saloon bodies, the latter badged Fastback. Their interiors have a minimalist look that’s designed to reduce driver distraction while still being user-friendly.
How it drives
The feeling you get when you drive the Mazda3 sets it apart from other mid-size family cars. Which is saying a lot, as some of those cars feel fantastic. The Mazda is responsive and balanced in a way that no rival can quite match. Which means it’s great fun on a winding country road but also easy to drive in town. It gives a really smooth ride on motorways, too. The view out the back when parking isn’t ideal, but standard sensors do help. Petrol and diesel engines are available, all of which give good acceleration. The latest version has mild-hybrid technology for better fuel economy. Some models have an automatic gearbox.
The interior
The Mazda3 is a five-seat family car that’s roughly the same size as the Ford Focus or Peugeot 308. There’s plenty of room in the front seats for people of any size, while there’s reasonable space in the back. Tall people might feel a bit hemmed-in, though. Children may struggle to see out of the small, high back windows, too. But if you only occasionally use the back seat, that won’t matter too much.
The boot is a decent size, with space for a few medium suitcases. All models have sat nav, climate control and cruise control. And the latest version has a head-up display that allows you to see the speedo and sat nav instructions without taking your eyes off the road.
Running costs
The Mazda3 is designed from the ground up to be as fuel efficient as possible. And it is, indeed, among the most economical cars of this type. According to official figures, older petrol models (sold until 2019) give fuel economy of up to 55mpg, while diesels can give more than 70mpg. The latest version gives up to 54mpg with a petrol engine and 56mpg with a diesel engine (as measured in a stricter test).
How it compares with similar cars
Mazda3 rivals include the Renault Megane and Vauxhall Astra, but the Mazda’s striking styling, user-friendly interior and fabulous driving experience really stand out. It may not be the most practical as a family car, but it’s a great choice if you only occasionally need a back seat and want a car that’s bigger than a supermini.
Common questions about the Mazda3:
Mazdas are very highly rated for their reliability and build quality and the Mazda3 doesn’t disappoint in that regard.
The Mazda3 is extremely fuel-efficient for this type of car. Some petrol models can give more than 50mpg, while some diesels can give more than 70mpg.
There are more spacious and practical mid-size family cars available, but the Mazda3’s back-seat space is perfectly adequate for average size adults.
The Mazda3 may lack a bit of practicality, but few similar cars look as good and are as enjoyable to drive.