Ford Mondeo vs Mazda 3
What's the difference?

Ford Mondeo

$5,995 - $24,480

2018 price

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Mazda 3

$19,950 - $42,998

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Summary

2018 Ford Mondeo

2024 Mazda 3

By Tom White

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.1L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Well equipped
Practical and refined
EcoBoost engine hammers

Stunning design
Superb cabin presentation
Athletic handling and control

Dislikes

Hit and miss styling
Inconsistent ride
SUV-like seating position

Small boot
Gloomy rear seat
No more manual

2018 Ford Mondeo Summary

Yes, this is a Ford Mondeo review in Anno Domini 2018.

This assumes, of course, that Ford even still sells the Mondeo, and despite the fact that it's the third best-selling car in the segment, Ford oddly doesn't seem keen to talk about it.

Why? Perhaps Ford doesn't want anybody to get overly attached to a sedan-y hatch that has a cloudy future in an ever-shrinking mid-size market. After all, there's still a rather vocal sect of the population feeling burned by the end of the Falcon dynasty.

You'd also be right to assume those numbers are padded out a fair bit by corporate leases. Salesmen in England were long referred to as Mondoe Men for a reason. I'll tell you this much, though, I'd be pretty stoked if I got one of these Mondeos as a lease.

As an FG Falcon owner, for most intents and purposes it would even be a half-way decent replacement for my large sedan. Stick with me as I explain why.

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2024 Mazda 3 Summary

Half a decade on, the current-generation Mazda 3 has weathered a world of change.

Cheap cars have vanished. Electric vehicles are commonplace and the small car class it belongs to has been decimated by SUVs. Big names like the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer are history.

But while it looks identical to the car unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show, today’s Mazda 3 has also evolved, albeit gently.

Let’s see how competitive the latest and improved (as well as more expensive) version is.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Ford Mondeo 2024 Mazda 3

Verdict

The Mondeo creeps to the forefront as one of the best Fords with the smallest marketing budget.

Well equipped, reasonably fun to drive and semi-luxurious to be in for long periods, it's hard to remember why it's so forgettable.

Its certainly worth your consideration over its rivals, but then perhaps you don't want to fall in love with another Ford potentially headed for the chopping block in the near future.

Verdict

Given how effortlessly it traverses the mainstream and premium small car classes, the Mazda 3 might be the best value small car on the planet.

With racy styling, sports car handling, classy interior presentation and impressive, intelligent efficiency, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.

Poor rear vision, a dark back-seat area and smallish boot aside, it doesn’t have any glaring faults.

In a world overrun with SUVs, props to Mazda for evolving the small car so brilliantly to mask a half-decade of existence. Continuous improvements have made the 2024 G25 Evolve SP Vision an essential small car shortlist proposition, regardless of price.

Ford Mondeo vs Mazda 3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Mondeo vs Mazda 3
What's the difference?