What's the difference?
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.
The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.
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.
The Mazda CX-5 Evolve kicks some goals and with its comfortable on-road handling, robust safety equipment and practical interior, it’s still a solid choice for families looking for a mid-sized SUV. The only thing it’s missing is a hybrid powertrain, which would make this already well-rounded package even more compelling.