The Mazda3 is a car we know well. This year, it gets a slight refresh, with only a few visual changes — which immediately tells us the design didn’t need much tweaking. The real updates are on the inside, especially in terms of technology.
We also know that a new engine has been introduced, the 2.5-liter with 145 hp. But here, we’re driving my favorite: the 2.0-liter with 186 horsepower. Let’s take a closer look at why.
Mazda3 2025: our tops&flops
The Mazda3 is still one of the best hatchbacks on the market (personally, it goes head-to-head with the Cupra Leon, which I talked about recently). It may not be the quickest off the line, but the 2.0-liter 186 hp engine, known as the e-SkyActiv X, is enjoyable, punchy, and rewarding—especially when paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox, as in this test. I’m not a fan of Mazda’s automatic, though.
And for those looking for something different, there’s also the new 2.5-liter 145 hp engine, recently introduced and soon to be available on the new CX-5 (read here our preview).
Back to the Mazda3: with its sleek design and distinctive range of colors, it’s a car built for people who love to drive and are willing to accept some compromises—like the very tight and almost claustrophobic rear seats and a definitely small trunk. The infotainment system is also controlled by a rotary dial, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
That said, the car offers a smooth ride, a satisfying engine sound, and a rare level of steering precision—not to mention the attention to interior quality, with most surfaces wrapped in leather, though some hard plastics are still present.
Of course, given that the engine is relatively large by today’s standards (which says a lot), fuel consumption isn’t class-leading, averaging around 5 liters per 100 km. Still, it’s a good result considering the power on tap.
What we like:
- Excellent manual gearbox;
- Rare driving pleasure;
- High build quality
What we don’t like:
- Rear space is limited;
- Trunk is very small;
- Infotainment feels a bit old-school;
Prices in Scandinavia
Mazda3: still relevant
Yes, low-slung cars still exist — and this one is truly low, especially compared to what today’s market typically offers. Among the C-segment hatchbacks, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Of course, style is subjective, but there’s no denying that this generation of the Mazda3 stands out for its elegant, sculpted, almost monolithic design.
It looks its best in the signature Soul Red Crystal, now a symbol of the brand, but even in this Takumi version — with dark grey paint and glossy black details like the wheels and spoiler — it manages to be both elegant and sporty at the same time. Aesthetically, not much has changed, and that’s a good thing: it means the design was already a success.
As with all Mazdas, once you step inside, you immediately notice the attention to detail and materials. We’re in the top-of-the-range Takumi trim, so you get leather upholstery on the dashboard, seats, door panels, and center tunnel. Yes, there are some hard plastics — especially on the pillars — and rear passenger space isn’t among the best in the segment. The trunk is also not particularly generous, with a fairly narrow opening and a capacity that ranges from 334 liters to just over 1,000 liters.
The tapered shape compromises rear room: I’m 1.94 m tall, and I don’t fit all that comfortably. But whoever chooses this car does so knowingly: it’s not the most spacious, but four adults can still travel in comfort.
To improve brightness and airiness, there’s a panoramic sunroof — not huge, but effective. The Bose audio system is neatly integrated, with well-finished metal inserts around the speakers. Thankfully, the dashboard layout remains unchanged: a good mix of digital and physical controls. The instrument cluster is semi-digital, with a digital speedometer display, while the tachometer and fuel gauge remain analog.
The climate controls are physical, as are the ones on the center console, just behind the manual gear lever: Mazda’s classic rotary controller with shortcut buttons for home, navigation, auto hold, etc.
The big news is the updated infotainment system, taken from the CX-60 and CX-80. The interface looks similar, but it’s now also touch-enabled. Mazda gives you the choice: you can keep using just the rotary controller, or activate the touchscreen even while driving — which is especially handy with Apple CarPlay.
A truly engaging drive
The more I look at it, the more I like it — that part is subjective. But the more you drive it, the more you really like it — and in my opinion, that’s objective.
It’s the C-segment hatchback I’d buy without hesitation, and one I wholeheartedly recommend. Not because others aren’t valid options, but because this one shows real passion, care, and attention from those who built it. It’s made for people who love driving, as this version with the six-speed manual clearly demonstrates. It’s my favorite: precise, smooth, with short and crisp throws. Perfect for driving outside the city.
It’s true that in urban traffic, the somewhat stiff clutch can get tiring. During my test days, there was a transit strike and heavy traffic — in that situation, I would have preferred the automatic. But if I lived outside the city, I’d choose the manual without question. For those who do a lot of city driving, the automatic is the more practical choice. It’s solid, though still with some room for improvement. But for those who drive for pleasure, the manual remains the best version — and it’s also slightly more efficient.
I also love this engine. I’ve appreciated it since the first time I drove it, both in the Mazda3 and the CX-30 (which is also in my family). Both are available with the new 2.5, but I think this 2.0 with 186 hp still has a lot to offer. It’s lively, especially when paired with the manual, and with mild hybrid support, it delivers good fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
It’s not a hot hatch, of course. It’s a normal car, but with more-than-adequate power and very reasonable consumption.
Sound insulation is excellent — Mazda has really taken a step up here. Not just in materials, but in construction: chassis, insulation, structure. It feels like you’re driving a car from a higher class. Mazda has clearly decided to move upmarket, and I think they’ve succeeded. This is a car designed with emotion, in an old-school way, with engines that are now rare in size and displacement — yet paired with modern solutions.
There’s an electronic parking brake and a suite of ADAS features that can be easily muted with a button next to the steering wheel. They work well: they alert you to speed limits and when you exceed them, even showing a red marker on the digital tachometer that moves with your speed. Very clever, very modern.
Despite its compact size, it’s great for long trips: comfortable, stable, and quiet. And still easy to park, even in cities like Milan. Sure, rear visibility isn’t great due to the coupe-like shape. The rear window is small and steeply raked, and the rear pillar is thick. Luckily, it has large side mirrors, sensors, and a high-resolution 360-degree camera.
In corners, it feels glued to the road. The chassis setup is phenomenal. It’s low — you don’t see many hatchbacks like this anymore — but still incredibly stable. I took a few fast roundabouts with the manual, and it was firmly planted. ESC can be disabled, and there are other settings to play with.
Now let’s talk about fuel consumption: when this engine was launched, Mazda called it “a petrol engine that consumes like a diesel.” Maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s not far from the truth. In the city, it averages about 7–7.2 L/100 km; on the highway, even below 5 if you drive calmly. And even though it encourages a more spirited drive, consumption remains excellent.
At today’s price, considering overall costs, it’s a very solid deal. It’s been on the market for a few years now, so there are also good deals on new and certified used models. A truly well-executed car, with driving dynamics that are now almost impossible to find in this segment.
