The venerable Mazda 3 not too long ago provided one the widest vary of fashions in its section, nevertheless it has been considerably reduce with its most up-to-date replace.

You may not get the Mazda 3 with a guide transmission, nor with a mild-hybrid powertrain. Your complete vary is now automatic-only and the 2 petrol engines on provide are non-electrified.

With these modifications to the Japanese carmaker’s small hatch and sedan, the bottom asking value now begins past $30k for the primary time. The Mazda 3 vary now begins at $30,320 earlier than on-roads for the G20 Pure, and extends to $42,320 earlier than on-roads for the G25 Astina.

Past this, Mazda has additionally made some upgrades to the three’s in-car tech. A bigger 10.25-inch display screen is accessible throughout the vary, and sure variants acquire wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to a wi-fi telephone charger.

I famously known as the current-generation Mazda 3 one of many best-looking new automobiles you should buy in one among our current workforce op-ed tales, however does this replace make you need to contemplate it over a equally sized and priced SUV?

How a lot does the Mazda 3 price?

The Mazda 3 vary now begins simply over the $30,000 threshold due to the latest replace that noticed the cheaper guide variants get the axe domestically. It now begins at $30,320 earlier than on-roads for the G20 Pure hatch and sedan.

Our tester is the mid-spec G25 Evolve SP variant that now begins at $34,520 earlier than on-roads, $1410 greater than it was pre-update. It’s the most affordable variant with the extra highly effective 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine.

The automotive got here with the elective $2000 Imaginative and prescient Know-how Bundle that now provides a bigger 10.25-inch display screen, in addition to a surround-view digital camera, Cruising & Site visitors Help, driver monitoring, entrance cross-traffic alert, and entrance parking sensors. It was additionally completed in Soul Purple Crystal metallic paint, which prices an additional $595.

This brings the entire quantity of our tester to $37,115 earlier than on-road prices, or $41,570 drive-away for Victorian patrons (every state has barely completely different taxes). Hatch and Sedan variations are the identical value throughout the board.

Mazda 3 pricing:

• 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Pure: $30,320
• 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve: $31,870
• 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring: $34,520
• 2024 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP: $34,520
• 2024 Mazda 3 G25 GT: $38,420
• 2024 Mazda 3 G25 Astina: $42,320

Equally priced rivals embrace:

All pricing excludes on-road prices, until specified

Within the SUV world, this value will get you a small SUV together with the likes of the Hyundai Kona N Line ($36,000), Kia Seltos Sport+ 2WD ($35,800), Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring ($37,210), Nissan Qashqai ST+ ($37,890), Subaru Crosstrek 2.0R ($38,490), and the Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2WD ($37,730), amongst others.

What’s the Mazda 3 like on the within?

In case you have been ready to see if there are any earth-shattering alterations with this replace to the Mazda 3’s inside, assume once more.

Strolling as much as and hopping into the Mazda 3 might be fairly a mission. I all the time neglect how low to the bottom the automotive is and discover I generally must contort myself to climb in. That is even worse once I must get again out.

The seats on this G25 Evolve SP tester are completed in a trusty black cloth upholstery which have an inoffensive design and appear to be they’ll stand the take a look at of time.

The motive force’s seat is surprisingly electrically adjustable in 10 alternative ways, which I wasn’t anticipating given it has cloth upholstery. There’s additionally electrical lumbar adjustment, in addition to two-position reminiscence.

The seat itself is deliciously snug and someplace I can sit for longer journeys and never get overly fatigued. There’s loads of bolstering to hug you in, and the seat goes fairly low.

It’s not stunning that almost all of the inside can also be largely black, given the Evolve SP trim is a sporty blacked-out variant. This implies nonetheless, the cabin is somewhat darkish and monotonous.

Up entrance the Mazda 3 appears to be like fairly upmarket given its value level and equally priced rivals, with loads of soft-touch plastics and supplies in your line of sight. In case you attain down decrease you’ll discover the inevitable tougher, scratchier plastic.

Forward of the motive force is a buttery smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel that has a skinny, triangular form to the rim and is a pleasure to carry.

The buttons and switches on the steering wheel have been given a matte black look with this newest replace, nonetheless their addictively clicky nature is retained. There aren’t any mushy buttons within the cabin by any means!

Behind the steering wheel are a set of analogue dials for the revs, temperature and gas gauge which sandwich a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster that has a round bodily component constructed into it for the speedometer.

There isn’t a lot content material displayed inside this round component. You’re in a position to have a basic needle for the speedometer, present the typical gas economic system, or a driver help readout.

One in all my favorite components of the Mazda 3’s inside is a head-up show comes as customary it doesn’t matter what variant you decide. It’s crystal clear and exhibits all of the vital data that you must see whereas driving, together with a digital speedometer.

Now to the centrepiece of this replace, the Mazda 3 is now out there with a bigger 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment system. It’s even a touchscreen, though that you must be stationary, in park, and now have the electrical park brake on in an effort to truly use this performance.

So as to get this bigger infotainment system within the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP that you must go for the $2000 Imaginative and prescient Know-how bundle that additionally provides an array of additional security tools. Solely the G25 GT and G25 Astina get the larger display screen as customary.

In case you don’t go for the elective Imaginative and prescient Know-how bundle you’ll rating the carryover 8.8-inch Mazda Join infotainment system as an alternative.

No matter which display screen you get, whereas driving that you must work together with the display screen utilizing a basic rotary dial with shortcut buttons flanking it. This takes somewhat bit to get used to, however when you do it’s truly fairly easy. Not truly touching the display screen additionally means there gained’t be as many smudgy marks.

The display screen itself has loads of processing energy, which implies it boots up shortly upon startup and new pages load shortly.

One other spotlight of this replace is the wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be found along with the common cabled variations of each. It’s good to get the G20 Touring or above to reap the benefits of wi-fi smartphone mirroring.

For my complete time with our tester I used wi-fi Apple CarPlay with my iPhone 12 Professional Max and had no connection points by any means. This was genuinely stunning as a result of nearly all of the automobiles I drive that supply wi-fi smartphone mirroring usually reduce out quickly in a technique or one other.

That is helped by having a wi-fi telephone charger, yet one more new characteristic within the MY24 Mazda 3, that really works. The one letdown was my telephone saved on overheating which is usually an indication of misaligned wi-fi charging coils.

The Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP comes with satellite tv for pc navigation as customary that sounds nice on paper, however is definitely an actual ache to make use of in observe as a result of rotary dial. Attempting to kind factors of curiosity takes perpetually as that you must scroll forwards and backwards heaps of instances.

Underneath the infotainment display screen I’m glad to see the slick local weather management setup with the bodily knobs and buttons has been retained. It’s tremendous compact and a pleasure to work together with.

One thing to notice is as a result of cupholder placement, should you put a bigger water bottle in there, the local weather controls can generally get blocked.

The centre console is totally plastered in piano black, which fortunately in our tester wasn’t too scratched but. It wouldn’t take lengthy to get all dusty and grubby although.

One in all my least favorite components of the Mazda 3’s inside is its centre console lid. You first want to slip the lid again earlier than lifting it up, which feels somewhat awkward. Underneath the lid are a set of latest USB-C ports which exchange the USB-A ports.

Shifting to the second row you realise how a lot the general person expertise is geared in direction of individuals within the first row.

The seat and plastics are nonetheless smooth however there may be completely no house in any respect. At a leggy 182cm I completely can’t sit behind my very own driving place. Fortunately there’s simply sufficient headroom.

By way of second-row facilities there are rear air vents, and a smooth fold-down armrest with cupholders. There are not any USB ports for rear passengers.

The Mazda 3 Hatch’s boot measures in at 295 litres, which doesn’t nice on paper, however is totally high-quality in observe. It’s not big and also you shouldn’t actually count on it to be.

There actually isn’t a lot to the Mazda 3’s boot apart from a singular gentle on the left-hand aspect. There are not any hooks for luggage or netted sections.

Fortunately there’s a space-saver spare tyre, although a correct full-size unit wouldn’t go astray. It’s nonetheless higher than a can of goo or nothing in any respect.

What’s below the bonnet?

The Mazda 3 now solely out there with two completely different engines, following the axing of the 2 mild-hybrid engines with this newest replace.

Our G25 Evolve SP tester is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 139kW of energy and 252Nm of torque.

That is mated completely to a six-speed torque-converter computerized transmission with drive despatched to the entrance wheels solely. The beforehand out there six-speed guide choice was axed with the 2024 replace.

The Mazda 3 hatchback with the two.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine has a claimed mixed gas consumption of 6.6 litres per 100km. Over virtually 1000km of largely rural freeway driving I used to be truly in a position to beat the declare and obtain an indicated common of 6.5 litres per 100km.

All Mazda 3 fashions now include cylinder deactivation, in addition to engine idle stop-start. G20 and G25 fashions require minimal 91 RON common unleaded petrol and have 51-litre gas tank.

How does the Mazda 3 drive?

Beginning up the Mazda 3 feels very acquainted and virtually homely. It revs fairly excessive initially at round 1500rpm, however ultimately dials it again after warming up in a minute or two.

Our G25 Evolve SP tester with its bigger 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine has loads of energy from a standstill. You’ll be maintaining with visitors with no worries in any respect.

In case you push the throttle somewhat tougher you’ll simply pull forward of the automobiles on the lights, which is all the time nice enjoyable.

The Mazda 3 now solely comes with a six-speed computerized transmission as all manual-equipped variants have been axed with the newest replace. Fortunately the automated transmission is likely one of the slickest in the marketplace.

The six-speed transmission does flare the revs when it must, however for almost all of the time it retains them down as little as potential to minimise gas consumption. There’s additionally sufficient torque to keep up the low revs.

I’d love for the transmission to have an additional ratio or two as a result of at some factors the automotive revs somewhat bit prefer it has a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT). I’m grateful nonetheless it doesn’t shift up and and down gears aimlessly.

Thanks partly to Mazda 3’s compact dimensions, it feels tremendous simple to park. The steering is somewhat heavy at decrease speeds although, and the hatchback’s C-pillar is tremendous thick which significantly reduces visibility.

Our G25 Evolve SP tester got here with the elective Imaginative and prescient Know-how bundle that provides a surround-view digital camera, entrance parking sensors, and entrance cross-traffic alert, amongst different options. You don’t get these as customary until you step all the way in which as much as the flagship G25 Astina.

The Mazda 3’s suspension tune errs on the firmer aspect which isn’t horrible, however one thing to bear in mind for individuals contemplating this automotive. You may really feel virtually each bump you go over, however the automotive is rarely uncomfortable.

I attribute a part of this firmer journey to the tester’s 18-inch alloy wheels which are wrapped in low-profile 215/45 R18 tyres.

On pimply city roads you may hear and really feel the Mazda 3’s suspension doing a whole lot of work to suppress what it could actually. Over velocity bumps the automotive’s torsion beam rear suspension can even slap a bit, which doesn’t really feel very nice.

Dialling up the velocity and the Mazda 3 rewards you with nice driving dynamics that verge on being sporty. It virtually yearns for extra energy.

Talking of extra energy, in North America the Mazda 3 is accessible with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, nonetheless each are off the playing cards in Australia.

At round 80km/h the engine’s cylinder deactivation is most obvious. You may really feel via the accelerator pedal that there’s a little bit of an unbalanced thrum coming from the engine bay. This is sensible because the engine is operating on simply two cylinders slightly than the total 4.

The cylinder deactivation solely actually works when travelling alongside a flat street with gentle acceleration, as letting your foot of the accelerator causes the engine to disengage and pushing the throttle somewhat tougher causes the opposite cylinders to fireside into life.

At correct freeway and freeway speeds, the Mazda 3 is an extremely good cruiser. I used to be in a position to get some actually low gas economic system numbers (~5.5 litres per 100km) on one specific journey which I used to be fairly happy with.

On nation roads the suspension will get somewhat unsettled on very similar to it does on tremendous pimply city roads.

I’ve to say that I completely hate how each Mazda I drive has a magnified driver’s aspect mirror, which considerably impedes visibility. I discovered I needed to do actually severe head checks when doing lane modifications to really guarantee there wasn’t a automotive in my blind-spot.

On the protection entrance, the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP is absolutely loaded. As I discussed above, our tester got here with the elective Imaginative and prescient Know-how bundle that additionally provides Cruising & Site visitors assist, which is Mazda-speak for lane centring and visitors jam help.

This technique truly works very well on clearly marked highways and freeways. It does nonetheless begin to lose its manner on regional and rural roads the place the markings aren’t fairly as clear. In these situations I selected to modify it off and correctly steer the automotive myself.

The adaptive cruise management system interacts fantastically with different automobiles. What I imply by that is when automobiles merge into your lane on the freeway it doesn’t slam on the brakes.

Whereas it really works effectively in regard to different automobiles, the cruise management does get fairly confused with hills. It’ll actually decelerate when approaching a hill after which decide up an excessive amount of velocity when happening.

It feels much more pure to take management in these conditions.

What do you get?

Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP highlights

Exterior

• 18-inch black metallic end alloy wheels
• Area-saver spare wheel
• Black aspect mirrors incl. reminiscence, reverse tilt-down perform
• Auto-dimming driver’s aspect mirror
• Automated LED headlights
• Halogen daytime operating lights
• LED tail lights
• Rain-sensing window wipers

Inside

• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch Mazda Join infotainment system
• Head-up show
• Wired, wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired, wi-fi Android Auto
• Wi-fi charger
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• 8-speaker sound system
• Two USB-C ports
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Electrical park brake
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Illuminated entrance vainness mirrors
• Keyless entry and push-button begin
• Leather-based-wrapped gear selector
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Black fabric upholstery with pink accents
• 10-way energy driver’s seat with reminiscence

Is the Mazda 3 protected?

The Mazda 3 has a five-star ANCAP security ranking from 2019, with scores of 98 per cent in grownup occupant safety, 89 per cent in baby occupant safety, 81 per cent in weak street person safety, and 76 per cent in security help.

Customary security options embrace:

• 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 digital camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre stress monitoring
• Twin entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag

Imaginative and prescient Know-how Bundle* provides:

• Encompass-view digital camera
• Cruising & Site visitors Help
• Driver monitoring
• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• Entrance parking sensors
• 10.25-inch Mazda Join show (customary on G25 GT)

The Imaginative and prescient Know-how Bundle is customary on the flagship G25 Astina.

*$2000 on G20 Pure, G20 Evolve, G20 Touring, and G25 Evolve SP; $1500 on G25 GT

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 12 months or 10,000km).

2024 Mazda 3 service pricing:

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda 3

Though it mightn’t appear to be the Mazda 3 has acquired a lot of an replace from the skin, it now receives a variety of inside comfort options that add a contemporary contact.

I’m unhappy to see the choice of a guide get axed from the Mazda 3 native line-up, however I do like this replace introduced the supply of a bigger infotainment display screen, wi-fi smartphone mirroring, in addition to a wi-fi telephone charger.

The Mazda 3 nonetheless retains its glossy and upmarket appears to be like, particularly in hatchback guise, and remains to be additionally an absolute hoot to drive. I want we bought the supply of the turbo engine in Australia although, as a result of the automotive is basically begging for extra energy.

The mid-spec G25 Evolve SP varieties because the decide of the vary should you’d like the most affordable variant that will get the bigger and extra highly effective 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. It’s additionally fairly uncommon {that a} automotive has cloth upholstery and an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat.

I do know the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP can be the variant I’d personally go for, however I’m additionally actually enamoured with the burgundy leather-based that comes within the flagship G25 Astina.

One thing that sticks in my thoughts, nonetheless, is most patrons at the moment are on the lookout for a high-riding crossover or SUV as an alternative of low-riding passenger automobiles.

Mazda already has an answer for this within the type of the associated CX-30 which is at the moment outselling the three – which might be your selection?

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