For Choosing the 1.6 petrol engine keeps things affordable, and TS2 trim comes with luxuries like Bluetooth, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.

Against With all the luxury kit this version has, you don’t want to be left short of performance. For some drivers, this engine won’t quite have enough.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The best trim option, but although the 1.6 engine is affordable, it’s not our favourite. We’d upgrade to the 1.6 diesel. Still the best choice for petrol fans, though.

What Car? readers say

4.4


Key facts

0–60mph
12.2 secs
Top speed
112 mph
Average mpg
44.1
Tank range
534 miles
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Features

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Size

schematic See all measurements

View the whole Mazda 3 Hatchback range

Cheaper

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Read in full

The full Mazda 3 review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

There are lots of engine and trim options to choose from, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them – except the 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is okay only if you don’t want to get anywhere in a hurry. Despite that, Mazda still expects it to be the best seller. We, on the other hand, recommend the smooth and punchy 1.6 diesel.

We’re tempted to plump for TS2 trim, too, which gets climate control, alloys, a CD changer, cruise control and Bluetooth. However, some may reckon that TS trim is the better value overall.

Discount-wise, you might struggle to get to 10% (although you should always try) – anywhere between 5% and 8% will be a decent enough deal.

Reader test team says:

Mazda 3 Hatchback 1.6D TS2 5dr

I Bought this car in summer 2011, and it is brilliant, apart from road noise which is a bit loud when on the motorway, but it handles so well and so…

Jason Morton

5 out of 5 stars

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Have only done 4k in six months since purchase but the Takuaya is definately a good purchase. Got me out of a hole when my previous Mazda 6 "died" -…

Dominic Amans

4 out of 5 stars

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We have just purchased the 2.2d (185) sport in the top spec with leather etc. The car is fantastic to drive and we are really impressed. This is my…

Jabbar Sardar

5 out of 5 stars

Mazda 3 Hatchback 1.6 Sport 5dr

I puchased my Mazda 3 1.6 Sport in September 2009. I have found this car a pleasure to drive, it is so smooth. It is by no means the quickest car I…

Helen Briggs

5 out of 5 stars
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