New Mazda 3 & Skoda Scala vs Kia Ceed
Our verdict
This is another eerily close test, with two quite different cars finishing very close on total points accrued. But the Scala takes the win. Sure, it’s outstanding in fewer areas than the 3 – with boot and rear seat space being its main points of superiority –but it manages to be consistently better across the board than its nearest rival here. As a result, the Scala will be the easiest to live with.
If you prize interior quality, loads of toys, a brilliant infotainment system and top-notch safety above all else, the 3 is a superb choice. But you’ll have to put up with areas of greater weakness, and it’s a particular shame that its firm ride doesn’t translate into the sportier handling that Mazda trades on.
The Ceed trails behind these two overall, but if you’re on a tighter budget, don’t dismiss it. Instead, maximise its brilliant value proposition – its PCP finance rates are very tempting – and opt for the cheaper 2 trim.
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1st – Skoda Scala - 4 stars
For Flexible engine; best economy; smoothest ride; tidiest handling; most rear space; biggest boot
Against Most wind and road noise; priciest PCP finance; so-so quality
Recommended options Rear-view camera (£300), variable-height boot floor (£75)
Read our full Skoda Scala review
Find a great Skoda Scala deal
2nd – Mazda 3 - 4 stars
For Quickest acceleration; best interior quality; best infotainment; most refined; best equipped; most safety aids
Against Poor wet-weather grip; firmest ride; no lumbar support; cramped rear seats
Recommended options Metallic paint (£550)
Read our full Mazda 3 review
Find a great Mazda 3 deal
3rd – Kia Ceed - 3 stars
For Cheapest to lease or buy on PCP finance; solidly made interior; decent boot space
Against So-so performance; worst fuel economy and emissions; unsettled ride at times
Recommended options Metallic paint (£570)
Read our full Kia Ceed review
Find a great Kia Ceed deal
Specifications: Kia Ceed 1.0 T-GDi 118 3
- Engine size 3cyl, 998cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £21,010
- Target Price £19,647
- Power 118bhp @ 6000rpm
- Torque 127lb ft @ 1500-4000rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 10.6sec
- Top speed 118mph
- Gov't fuel economy 48.7mpg
- Test MPG 337.6mpg
- CO2 emissions 131g/km
Specifications: Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-G 122 SE-L Lux
- Engine size 4cyl, 1998cc, petrol
- List price £21,695
- Target Price £21,695
- Power 120bhp @ 6000rpm
- Torque 157lb ft @ 4000rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 9.4sec
- Top speed 122mph
- Gov't fuel economy 45.6mpg
- Test MPG 39.1mpg
- CO2 emissions 117g/km
Specifications: Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI 115 SE L
- Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £20,385
- Target Price £19,896
- Power 113bhp @ 5000-5500rpm
- Torque 148lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 9.8sec
- Top speed 125mph
- Gov't fuel economy 49.6mpg
- Test MPG 42.1mph
- CO2 emissions 113g/km
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