2024 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve evaluate

It’s nonetheless a typical sight on Australian roads, however the Mazda 3 isn’t the gross sales favorite it as soon as was.

The Japanese small automobile was Australia’s top-selling nameplate as soon as upon a time, and remained a section chief even as soon as the SUV craze took maintain. In 2024 nevertheless, it doesn’t even make the Prime 20 listing.

However that’s to not say it’s as a result of the Mazda 3 is falling behind the pack. If something it’s nonetheless among the best small vehicles you should purchase, particularly as quite a few rival manufacturers withdraw their small passenger automobile nameplates in Australia.

This fourth-generation Mazda 3 first launched in 2019, and has obtained quite a few working adjustments since however no main facelift or redesign. In my eyes, it’s nonetheless one of many best-looking small vehicles on sale.

Right here on take a look at we’ve got the 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve Hatch, the one-up from base hatchback mannequin that may be parked in your driveway for a bit over $36,000.

Mazda rolled out some working adjustments final 12 months as a part of an MY24 replace, together with a bigger infotainment show with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the discontinuation of handbook and mild-hybrid variants, whereas the ‘G20’ 2.0-litre petrol engine obtained a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation operate.

How does it fare in right now’s tremendous aggressive market? Learn on to seek out out.

How does the Mazda 3 fare vs its opponents?

View an in depth breakdown of the Mazda 3 towards equally sized automobiles.

Mazda

Mazda 3

How a lot does the Mazda 3 price?

Costs rose for final 12 months’s replace by as much as $2310, however have remained the identical since.

It’s price noting the Mazda 3 is obtainable as each a hatchback and a sedan, with no value discrepancy between physique types.

Previous to this replace, the six-speed computerized commanded a $1000 premium over the now discontinued six-speed handbook transmission.

2024 Mazda 3 pricing:

• Mazda 3 G20 Pure: $30,320
• Mazda 3 G20 Evolve: $31,870
• Mazda 3 G20 Touring: $34,520
• Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP: $34,520
• Mazda 3 G25 GT: $38,420
• Mazda 3 G25 Astina: $42,320

Costs exclude on-road prices

See how the Mazda 3 shapes up towards its rivals utilizing our comparability device.

What’s the Mazda 3 like on the within?

Just about the identical because it has been since this technology launched, however there’s a bigger display now.

Whilst newer rivals have arrived, the now mature-aged Mazda 3 continues to be a benchmark for compact interiors.

From the excessive ratio of soft-touch supplies, stitched leatherette accents, and general clear design, the Mazda’s cockpit could possibly be mistaken for a premium-branded mannequin should you coated up the badge on the steering wheel.

It’s a really minimalist cabin, with lots of clear strains and a pared again method to bodily switchgear – although there are nonetheless precise knobs and buttons for the local weather management, quantity and the like.

The steering wheel is one other tactile spotlight. The basic rounded design with a skinny centre hub and clicky buttons seems and feels pretty within the hand, whereas the grooves and cutouts in your hand really feel effectively thought out.

Consolation up entrance is likewise superb, with supportive seats that, whereas manually adjustable, have angle adjustment for the thigh cushion. It’s fairly straightforward to seek out the proper driving place.

Mazda hasn’t rolled out its new digital instrument cluster past the Massive Structure vary (CX-60, CX-90), although the three’s 8.0-inch part-digital cluster is a pleasant stability of new-school meets old-school.

Each the instrument binnacle and Mazda Join infotainment show provide a minimalist design with fantastically clear fonts, which make for a really basic look. It’s all very straightforward to learn and navigate, too.

You’ll be able to toggle a few completely different views on the motive force’s show too, together with a standard digital dial with needle, a minimalist driver help show, a speedometer with central journey pc. I just like the basic one, personally.

Our take a look at automobile’s optionally available Imaginative and prescient Expertise Pack not solely brings extra help and security methods, but additionally a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment show – up from 8.8-inch.

Whereas the bigger show makes every thing a bit larger and clearer, there’s little different differentiation from the smaller Mazda Join system. You additionally don’t get wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on this spec, which is irritating given the identical unit within the Touring and above do (plus a wi-fi telephone charger).

The Mazda Join interface comes with embedded satellite tv for pc navigation, DAB radio, and wired smartphone mirroring. All of it works as you’d count on.

An rising quantity of rivals are including linked companies to their infotainment methods, which the Mazda at present lacks. Given the Japanese model is rolling out telematics and linked companies this 12 months beginning with the MX-5 sports activities automobile, we wouldn’t be shocked if that’s the following model-year change for the three.

Issues are maybe rather less rosy within the rear, particularly within the Mazda 3 hatch. The fastback-style roofline and pinched glasshouse imply it’s fairly a darkish place to take a seat, and should you’re taller that sloping roofline eats into headroom.

At 6’1 I can squeeze in behind my very own driving place with restricted knee room and legroom. My VW Golf is much better outfitted for individuals carrying, for instance, not to mention newer rivals within the section just like the Kia Cerato and Skoda Scala.

Stepping as much as the Evolve over the Pure will get you rear air vents and a fold-down centre armrest, which makes the second row much more habitable ought to you could carry individuals within the second row.

Different facilities embody a map pocket behind the entrance passenger’s seat (not the motive force), bottle holders within the doorways, and the requisite youngster seat anchor factors (i.e. ISOFIX and top-tethers).

Arguably the three Hatch’s greatest weak spot is the boot, which is among the many smallest in school. It provides simply 295 litres of capability with the second row upright – Mazda doesn’t quote a two-seat determine, both.

There’s a metal non permanent house saver spare wheel below the boot flooring of each Mazda 3.

What’s below the bonnet?

See how the Mazda 3 shapes up towards its rivals utilizing our comparability device.

How does the Mazda 3 drive?

The Mazda 3 actually embodies the model’s zoom zoom driving philosophy.

Even with the bottom 2.0-litre petrol engine, the Mazda 3 provides keen efficiency and interesting dynamics that make even the every day grind a enjoyable time behind the wheel.

There’s a very nice directness and responsiveness to the entire driver controls, although it’s not so linked or unassisted that on a regular basis driving situations a chore. If something, it’s fairly the other.

I like the buttery fluid steering, and the splendidly balanced experience that permits for frolicsome and pure physique roll in corners to tie in with the eager entrance finish, whereas additionally doing job at ironing out the lumps and bumps of metropolis driving.

There was a little bit of hullabaloo concerning the 3’s change from a multilink rear suspension to a torsion beam setup for this technology, and whereas the hatch particularly is usually a little stiff on the rear over harsher imperfections it’s removed from uncomfortable and is type of in line with the three Hatch’s extra athletic and enjoyable focus.

Some might pan the Skyactiv-G 2.0’s meek on-paper outputs as being ‘underdone’, and whereas its straight-line tempo received’t knock your socks off, the revvy petrol engine and six-speed auto make for first rate progress.

In regular driving it’s greater than sufficient, with nice naturally aspirated response and snappy shifts, although if you could gun it you’ll really feel it run out of puff on the prime finish. For most individuals although, it’s completely superb.

There’s a extra highly effective and costlier 2.5-litre engine accessible increased within the vary, almost $3000 dearer in its least expensive type. Stated G25 Evolve SP provides a bit extra equipment too, together with keyless entry, a powered driver’s seat and wi-fi smartphone mirroring, amongst different objects – it might effectively be the candy spot within the vary.

In case you like a bit extra grunt below your proper foot, it could possibly be one thing to think about.

However do you have to spend most of your time commuting across the metropolis and the suburbs, you most likely received’t want greater than what the two.0-litre provides. Plus, you’re more likely to spend much less on gasoline should you go for the smaller engine.

We noticed an indicated return of seven.7 litres per 100km in blended circumstances favouring high-traffic peak-hour commuting, which whereas up on Mazda’s mixed declare 5.9L/100km isn’t a world away from the city declare of seven.3L/100km.

That mentioned, one thing like a Volkswagen Golf 110TSI will use a litre or two much less, and that hole widens additional should you’re one thing like a Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

One thing tells me that if Mazda saved the 24V mild-hybrid system and added cylinder deactivation for the usual engine, we’d see higher all-round financial system given I’ve noticed a circa 1.0L/100km enchancment with urban-heavy driving prior to now when evaluating the outgoing G20 and G20e.

As for driver help options in the actual world, the Imaginative and prescient Expertise-equipped Mazda 3 is decked to the nines with options – I’d strongly suggest the $2000 possibility pack.

The 360-degree parking digicam is a big assist given the coupe-like glasshouse, aided by entrance parking sensors for that lengthy bonnet. Mazda’s semi-autonomous Cruising & Site visitors Help operate is also a fairly intuitive companion on traffic-ridden freeways.

Customary LED headlights with auto on/off and auto high-beam are additionally candy, however Mazda why do you stick with the crappy halogen daytime working lights on something however the flagship grade? At this stage, simply make the adaptive LED headlights normal or a part of the Imaginative and prescient Expertise Pack – I reckon there could be good take up.

What do you get?

Mazda 3 Pure highlights:

• 16-inch silver alloy wheels
• Auto LED headlights
• Auto high-beam
• Rain-sensing window wipers
• Auto-folding aspect mirrors
• Rear spoiler (Hatch)
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch Mazda Join infotainment system
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 8-speaker sound system
• Push-button begin
• Electrical park brake
• Leather-based-wrapped gear shifter
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Black fabric upholstery

Mazda 3 Evolve provides:

• 18-inch gray alloy wheels (Hatch)
• 18-inch silver alloy wheels (Sedan)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Paddle shifters
• Rear air vents
• Rear centre armrest

Choices

Imaginative and prescient Expertise Bundle:

• 360-degree view monitor
• 10.25-inch Mazda Join show
• Cruising & Site visitors Assist
  • Energetic lane centring
  • Site visitors jam help
• Driver monitoring
• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• Entrance parking sensors

Is the Mazda 3 protected?

The Mazda 3 has a five-star ANCAP security ranking from 2019 Euro NCAP testing.

It scored 98 per cent in grownup occupant safety, 89 per cent in youngster occupant safety, 81 per cent in susceptible street person safety, and 76 per cent in security help.

Customary security options embody:

• 7 airbags incl. driver’s knee
• Autonomous emergency braking (ahead, reverse)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane maintain help
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Reversing digicam
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre stress monitoring

Imaginative and prescient Expertise Bundle* provides:

• Cruising & Site visitors Assist
• Driver monitoring
• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• Entrance parking sensors
• Encompass-view cameras

How a lot does the Mazda 3 price to run?

The 2024 Mazda 3 is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

This replace has seen the Mazda 3 transfer to longer 12 months or 15,000km service intervals (up from 10,000km), which is now consistent with the business common.

Whereas not the priciest model to take care of your automobile with, Mazda’s scheduled servicing averages out at $400 a 12 months which is a little more than Toyota and Honda are charging as of late.

2024 Mazda 3 service pricing:

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda 3

There’s nonetheless lots to like concerning the Mazda 3.

Almost 5 years on from launch it’s nonetheless factor, and arguably a greater purchase than its more and more fashionable CX-30 crossover sibling which now outsells it by some margin.

It’s engaging, enjoyable to drive and has one of many plushest compact automobile cabins available on the market. In Pure and Evolve spec with the Imaginative and prescient Expertise Pack, it’s additionally one thing of a cut price given the extent of high-end options readily available.

Time has began to check the three, nevertheless. Its naturally aspirated engines, whereas revvy and enjoyable, are shedding out to newer and electrified opponents on real-world effectivity. Turbocharged rivals additionally provide higher low-down punch, whereas opponents with extra gears are much less confused on the freeway.

You can also’t keep away from the inherent packaging drawbacks that include the rakish seems. The Mazda 3 hatch has one of many smallest boots in school, and a good rear seat that isn’t a patch on the section’s finest. However should you’re single or a younger couple, you shouldn’t actually have any points.

In order for you extra luxurious equipment, the three has one of the complete line-ups on the market. In case you favor a lifted experience, the CX-30 is successfully the identical automobile – you’ll be able to’t knock Mazda for not supplying you with sufficient alternative.

Regardless of all of it, the Mazda 3 stays a strong possibility that’s simply recommendable. It’s nonetheless considered one of my private prime picks of the category, and the sheer quantity of trim choices accessible means you must be capable to discover one which caters to you and your finances.

Click on the pictures for the complete gallery

BUY: Mazda 3
MORE: All the pieces Mazda 3