Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda 3 review - talented family hatch, but lacks sparkle - Design

Mazda's C-segment contender should be taken seriously

Evo rating
RRP
from £17,095
  • Good refinement, space, tech and diesel engine
  • Question mark about residual values, base models not so attractive

The designer of the Mazda3 used to design shoes for a living - true story - and we reckon there's something of the running shoe about the profile of the hatchback model. Squint and it's a little too reminiscent of the current (and lacklustre) Subaru Impreza hatchback for our liking, but in a bright colour, on 18-inch alloys, it does look smart - especially so in Sport Nav specification, where the jewel-like lights help it stand out, preventing it from falling into the age-old Japanese school of bland car design.

Although the Fastback won't find as many buyers as the hatchback we reckon it's the better resolved shape - and it's more aerodynamic too to the benefit of economy, speed and refinement. And viewed from the front, either car is easy on the eye, replicating Mazda's current family look with its five-point grille and slim headlights.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's a pity there's no immediate evidence of an MPS version on the way - given the basic shape is already fairly attractive, a hot model to challenge the Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST could look fantastic. Best save up for that BBR package, instead.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland

If you still think Germans don’t have a sense of humour, you haven’t driven their finest performance cars. You’d be grinning from ear to ear
18 Apr 2025