Review - 2024 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 enters 2024 with several changes across the board, some welcomed additions like technology upgrades while others like the removal of manual and hybrid variants might come as less than welcome news.

With some fierce competition in the small car segment, the MY24 Mazda 3 has its work cut out to impress buyers - let’s look at just how well it’s accomplished that task.

Mazda 3 Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

The MY24 Mazda 3 range is priced from $30,470 for the entry-level G20 Pure Hatchback and Sedan, with the step up to the Mazda 3 G20 Evolve Sedan & Hatchback bringing the price to $32,020.

The Mazda 3 G20 Touring Hatch & Sedan are priced at $34,670, while the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP Hatch & Sedan are priced at $34,670.

The Mazda 3 G25 GT Sedan & Hatchback are priced at $38,570 while the range-topping Mazda 3 G25 Astina Hatch & Sedan are priced at $42,470.

These prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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Mazda 3 (G20 PURE) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Mazda 3 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level Mazda 3 G20 Pure range comes riding on a set of 16-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery with a leather steering wheel & gear lever, push-button start, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a side of power-folding side mirrors.

Stepping up to the Mazda 3 G20 Evolve adds a set of 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a rear folding centre armrest and wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The Mazda 3 G20 Touring picks up black leather upholstery with power adjustment, keyless entry, USB-C ports, and a wireless smartphone charger, with the G25 Evolve SP picking up the same features.

The Mazda 3 in G25 GT form receives upgraded 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery with heated seats a heated steering wheel and heated side mirrors.

Finally, the range-topping Mazda 3 G25 Astina receives adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, black or burgundy leather upholstery, cruising and traffic support as well as some key safety upgrades we’ll cover later in the review.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

One of the biggest upgrades for the Mazda 3 range has come in the form of a larger display sitting atop the dashboard - though, unfortunately, this display isn’t bundled in across the range.

The Mazda 3 in base form retains the company’s existing 8.8-inch infotainment display that is packed with satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and paired with an eight-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the G25 GT or Astina adds the company’s larger 10.25-inch infotainment display which is a nice touch for buyers at the premium end, but may leave buyers at the entry point of the range wanting more.

Does the Mazda 3 Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Another welcome addition to the MY24 Mazda 3 range has been wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, though it’s not available across every member of the range.

To get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you’ll need to step up to the G20 Touring or above, with the entry-level G20 Pure and Evolve variants requiring you to connect your smartphone via a USB cord.

Is the Mazda 3 Comfortable to Drive?

On the road, the Mazda 3 is an incredibly strong performer at pretty much every challenge you throw at it.

Within the range, there’s two engine options, with base models picking up a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit that pushes out 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque.

Stepping up to the Mazda 3 G25 range adds a larger 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit pushing out 138kW of power and 252Nm of torque, with both powering the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Acceleration in the base model is nothing to get excited about, though it’s a willing unit, while the G25 proves itself as the pick of the bunch if you’re looking for more effortless acceleration.

Whichever engine you opt for, the Mazda 3 platform is outstanding, particularly on a daily drive around town thanks to its slick six-speed auto and agile platform.

Thanks to its agile handling and lightweight steering, the Mazda 3 is incredibly user-friendly and confident on a hop through the urban jungle and remains easy to park and navigate in traffic.

Hit the open road and the Mazda 3 is equally poised, with a comfortable and confident ride quality at highway speeds that proves itself a great little grand tourer.

For a small car, the Mazda 3 feels surprisingly sporty thanks to its relatively firm suspension that keeps body roll to a minimum in the corners and its sharp steering ratio, all while becoming a comfortable daily driver around town.

As a complete package, then, the Mazda 3 is difficult to fault thanks to its impressive refinement and versatility on everything from a hop around town to a long drive up the highway.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

While mild-hybrid variants have been removed from the MY24 Mazda 3 lineup, the range retains some impressive fuel economy figures from its pair of four-cylinder petrol engines with cylinder deactivation and start-stop system at traffic lights.

Officially, the Mazda 3 G20 range is rated at 5.9L/100km in the hatch, dropping slightly to 5.8L/100km in the G20 Sedan.

Opting for the more powerful G25 engine means fuel economy figures rise to 6.5L/100km in the sedan and 6.6L/100km in the G25 hatchback range.

• G20 Sedan Combined Cycle Fuel Use: 5.8L/100km

• G20 Hatch Combined Cycle Fuel Use: 5.9L100km

• G25 Sedan Combined Cycle Fuel Use: 6.5L/100km

• G25 Hatch Combined Cycle Fuel Use: 6.6L/100km 

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While it doesn’t command a huge footprint, the Mazda 3 package proves it’s not about size - it’s how you use it.

Thanks to Mazda’s particularly attractive interior designs and some clever packaging, the Mazda 3 in both hatchback and sedan form remain reasonably practical, though one is a far better option when it comes to family-friendliness.

In the front of the cabin, you’ll find a familiar cabin layout that offers a decent amount of headroom and cabin width with excellent forward visibility.

The design is simplistic yet effective with respect to keeping controls clean and easy to operate on the go.

There’s storage options aplenty in the front of the Mazda 3, with a large storage tray and cupholders hiding behind the gear lever, decent volume inside the folding centre armrest, a glovebox and large bottle holders on the door sills.

Move to the Mazda 3’s second row and you’ll find things aren’t quite as spacious as the front, though there’s a decent amount of space for adults to sit back here.

While legroom is restricted for particularly tall passengers, there’s enough headroom to get reasonably comfortable, with a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts standing by to accommodate forward and rear-facing child seats.

How Big is the Mazda 3’s Boot?

For those wondering whether the Mazda 3 hatchback or sedan is more practical, a quick glance at boot space figures is a giveaway for any family buyers.

The Mazda 3 hatchback has a fairly compact boot that measures in at 295L, while the Mazda 3 sedan range offers nearly 50 per cent more boot space thanks to its 444L worth of cargo storage.

• Mazda 3 Hatchback Boot Size: 295L

• Mazda 3 Sedan Boot Size: 444L

Is it Safe?

The Mazda 3 range is packed with a hefty list of active safety equipment, even in the base model, though some safety tech is reserved for the range-topping G25 Astina.

As standard, the Mazda 3 picks up forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and lane-keep assist.

You’ll also receive adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

Stepping up to the range-topping G25 Astina adds a surround-view monitor with front parking sensors, as well as driver attention monitoring, front cross-traffic alerts and cruising & traffic support.

Buyers opting for a lower-spec Mazda 3 variant can also get their hands on the aforementioned equipment by ticking the box on Mazda’s optional Vision Technology Package which is priced at $2,000 for most variants and $1,500 for the G25 GT.

Does the Mazda 3 Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The Mazda 3 has picked up a five-star safety tick from ANCAP after testing in 2019 saw it post the following results.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 98%

• Child Occupant Protection: 89%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 81%

• Safety Assist: 76% 

What Warranty Does the Mazda 3 Come With?

The Mazda 3 range is offered with the company’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

Service intervals have increased from 12-months/10,000km to a more convenient 15,000-kilometre interval.

Mazda offers five years of capped-price servicing for the Mazda 3 range which totals $2,142 for the G20 range and $2,168 for the G25 range.

Our Verdict: Is the Mazda 3 Worth it?

While it hasn’t been a game-changing set of upgrades for the 2024 Mazda 3 range, the company’s small hatch and sedan remains as competitive as ever.

Thanks largely to its refined on-road manners, sporty handling, decent equipment lists and impressive fuel-economy, the Mazda 3 remains a great option for small car buyers looking for a sleek and stylish daily driver.

If you’re looking for a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price.

Five Mazda 3 Specs You Need to Know

1. Two four-cylinder petrol engines available, both with six-speed automatic

2. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

3. 12-month/15,000-kilometre service intervals up from 10,000km

4. Mazda 3 Hatchback’s 295L boot increases to 444L in sedan

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating