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Mazda 3

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Mazda 3 Australia

Arriving in 2004, the Mazda3 was the second in Mazda's range to move away from the old, triple-number naming scheme, ending a quarter-century run for the Mazda 323.

It was a good job, then, that the Mazda3 was more than good enough to carry a new name – or number – forward. Going after the Corolla and its ilk with a small-sized sedan and hatch was always going to be a tough ask, but the 3's combination of handling prowess, good looks and high level of standard kit have propelled it to sales success.

From the arrival of the fourth-generation model in April 2019, the Mazda3 was available with a choice of two petrol engines. It is available from $30,470 to $42,470 for the 3 G20 Pure and 3 G25 Astina, respectively.

The Mazda3 is also known as Mazda Axela (Japan and China) in markets outside Australia.

Mazda 3 Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Mazda 3 varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $30,470 and going to $42,470 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 Sedan 2.0L, —, 6 SP AUTO $30,470 $42,470
2024 Hatchback 2.0L, —, 6 SP AUTO $30,470 $42,470
2023 Hatchback 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $23,650 $46,420
2023 Sedan 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $23,650 $46,420
2022 Hatchback 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $23,320 $45,980
2022 Sedan 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $23,320 $45,980
2021 Hatchback 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $21,670 $45,430
2021 Sedan 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $21,670 $45,430
2020 Hatchback 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $21,230 $43,120
2020 Sedan 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $21,230 $43,670
See All Mazda 3 Pricing and Specs

Mazda 3 Colours

The Mazda 3 colour palette includes 'Snowflake White Pearl Mica', 'Ceramic Metallic', 'Machine Grey Metallic', 'Polymetal Grey Metallic', 'Jet Black Mica', 'Soul Red Crystal Metallic', 'Deep Crystal Blue Mica' and 'Platinum Quartz Metallic'.

The two greys and red add extra dollars to the price.

  • Arctic White
  • Jet Black
  • Polymetal Grey
  • Machine Grey
  • Ceramic White
  • Deep Crystal Blue
  • Soul Red Crystal
  • Platinum Quartz
  • Snowflake White
  • Zircon Sand
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website.

Mazda 3 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Mazda 3 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • Ripples have formed on the bonnet and doors of my Mazda 3

    The best approach might be to have the car independently inspected and assessed. Your local motoring club (NRMA) would be a good place to start, but you could also probably take it to an established panel shop an achieve the same thing.

    The results of that inspection will determine which way you go from there. If the inspection really does determine that the car has damage to its bodywork, then Mazda should treat it as a warranty claim and fix it. If the car does get resprayed be very selective on who does the work, as a brand-new car that has obviously been resprayed will raise eyebrows if you try to sell it.

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  • My Mazda 3 ran out of diesel and now it won't start

    Many diesel engines don't appreciate being run out of fuel and will exhibit this behaviour if you allow them to run dry. That's because a lot of diesels have a fuel system that doesn't automatically prime itself and start pumping fuel once it's run dry.

    As a result, some diesel cars have a hand primer under the bonnet that allows you to prime the diesel fuel pump and get going again. But modern ones like your Mazda often don't, and priming them involves a specific procedure to get the fresh fuel from the tank to the engine. Most workshops will be able to carry out this job for you, but simply continuing to crank the engine with your fingers crossed will do nothing more than flatten the battery.

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  • 2017 Mazda 3 having trouble starting

    Cars have never been more dependent on their electrical systems than they are today. Sometimes, changing a dead battery can lead to the sorts of problems you've noted, and while it could be something more mechanical, there's one thing you can try at home before phoning the mechanic.

    Disconnect the battery and leave the car for at least half an hour. Then, reconnect it, start the engine and go for a drive of at least 30 minutes. That will usually be enough to perform what's called a reset and may solve your problems.

    If not, you need to have the car scanned at a workshop to see what problems the on-board computer has identified.

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  • Should I buy a 2018 Mazda 3 Astina or a 2019 Mazda 3 GT25?

    Both these cars are well equipped, well built and have a good reputation in the trade. Which means you won’t regret buying either of them. In turn, that means that the decision will come down to whether the extra standard equipment of the Astina model outweighs the factory warranty of the SP25 GT.

    The extra gear in the Astina amounted to 10-way adjustable powered front seats with a memory function, specific 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, radar cruise-control, forward obstacle warning, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance, and smart brake support. Whether you reckon that standard gear is better than a year of so of factory warranty is entirely up to you. The only problem being that when the warranty runs out, you might start to think differently about the relative value of the two cars.

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See All Mazda 3 Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Mazda 3 Speed

The Mazda 3 G25 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in around 8.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of about 210km/h.

Mazda 3 Accessories

The Mazda 3 is now promoted by its maker as a premium small car, with prices now north of $30,000, even for the entry-level version.

As a result, you’ll find goodies like air-con, remote central locking, push-button start, power windows, a central touchscreen with reverse camera, smartphone charger, digital radio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a head-up display, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, electric mirrors and alloy wheels.

Rising up the range, the 3 gains dual-zone climate control, leather, leather-look covering with double stitching for the doors and dash tops, a powered driver’s seat with position memory, satellite navigation, auto tilt/folding mirrors and better audio, culminating in a sunroof, heated steering wheel, adaptive LED headlights and polished 18-inch alloys on top-line versions.

Mazda 3 Accessories

Mazda 3 Engine

The G25 uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, making 139kW of power at 6000rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

It drives the front wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Mazda 3 Dimensions

The dimensions of the Mazda 3 Hatchback and Sedan vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 Hatchback 1435x1795x4460 mm 150 mm
2024 Sedan 1440x1795x4660 mm 150 mm
2023 Hatchback 1440x1795x1435 mm 150 mm
2023 Sedan 1440x1795x4660 mm 150 mm
2022 Sedan 1440x1795x4660 mm 150 mm
2022 Hatchback 1440x1795x1435 mm 150 mm
2021 Hatchback 1440x1795x1435 mm 150 mm
2021 Sedan 1440x1795x4660 mm 150 mm
2020 Hatchback 1440x1795x1435 mm 150 mm
2020 Sedan 1440x1795x4660 mm 150 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda 3 Dimensions

Mazda 3 Interior

While not the largest or roomiest in its class, the latest (BP-series) Mazda 3’s cabin is nonetheless a spacious, comfortable and very inviting interior experience.

A flowing, stylised dashboard is great to look at and easy to navigate, with physical switchgear and controls that are also a cinch to identify and within reach. Mounted low and snug, the driver’s seating position is considered and multi-adjustable in relation to these too.

High points include impressive seat support, excellent ventilation, an abundance of storage and perhaps the clearest and classiest set of electronic instrumentation you’ll find in any small car. The fit and finish is also first class.

Low points include poor rear vision, a gloomy rear-seat ambience and limited back bench headroom for really tall occupants, while entry-egress via the rear doors is compromised by that sleek and flowing coupe-like roof line.

Mazda 3 Interior

Mazda 3 Fuel Consumption

The Mazda 3 is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by —, Hyb/ULP and ULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 5.9L/100km for Hatchback /— for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 Hatchback 5.9L/100km 2.0L 6 SP AUTO
2024 Sedan 5.8L/100km 2.0L 6 SP AUTO
2023 Hatchback 5.5L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP AUTO
2023 Hatchback 5.9L/100km 2.0L 6 SP AUTO
2023 Hatchback 6.2L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2023 Sedan 5.5L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP AUTO
2023 Sedan 5.8L/100km 2.0L 6 SP AUTO
2023 Sedan 6.3L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2022 Hatchback 5.5L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP AUTO
2022 Hatchback 6.2L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2022 Sedan 5.5L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP AUTO
2022 Sedan 6.3L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2021 Hatchback 5.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP MAN
2021 Hatchback 6.2L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2021 Sedan 5.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP MAN
2021 Sedan 6.3L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2020 Hatchback 5.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP MAN
2020 Hatchback 6.2L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2020 Sedan 5.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/ULP 6 SP MAN
2020 Sedan 6.3L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
* Combined fuel consumption See All Mazda 3 Pricing and Specs for 2024

Mazda 3 Wheel Size

The Mazda 3 has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 205x60 R16 9 for Hatchback in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 Hatchback 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16
2024 Sedan 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16
2023 Hatchback 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2023 Sedan 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2022 Hatchback 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2022 Sedan 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2021 Hatchback 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2021 Sedan 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2020 Hatchback 205x60 R16 9 16x6.5 inches 205x60 R16 9 16x6.5 inches
2020 Sedan 205x60 R16 9 16x6.5 inches 205x60 R16 9 16x6.5 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda 3 Wheel Sizes

Mazda 3 Boot Space

The Mazda 3’s cargo capacity, frankly, is poor, with just 295 litres of VDA-rated space – though it’s still miles better than a contemporary Corolla hatch.

Plus, the Mazda’s boot floor is wide and flat, with a large aperture and some oddments space around and below the floor, where the spare wheel also lives.

Mazda 3 Towing Capacity

The Mazda 3 has maximum towing capacity of 1200kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 Hatchback 1200kg 1200kg
2024 Sedan 1200kg 1200kg
2023 Hatchback 1200kg 1200kg
2023 Sedan 1200kg 1200kg
2022 Hatchback 1200kg 1200kg
2022 Sedan 1200kg 1200kg
2021 Hatchback 1200kg 1200kg
2021 Sedan 1200kg 1200kg
2020 Hatchback 1200kg 1200kg
2020 Sedan 1200kg 1200kg
See All Towing Capacity for Mazda 3

Mazda 3 Seats

The Mazda 3 is a five-seater, with a pair of well-bolstered and comfortable bucket seats up front.

Depending on model, both have height-adjustable cushions, as well as lumbar support for the driver. The top-line models even have electric adjustment for the driver.

The rear bench is for three people, and is fixed in terms of recline-ability and fore-aft movement. But the angle and padding seem about spot-on. The backrest is also split 60/40, allowing longer objects from the boot area to be transported in the cabin area as well.

The outboard rear-seat positions offer ISOFIX latches, while a trio of anchorage points are mounted behind for child seats. Another seat refinement is a folding centre armrest with cupholders.

Mazda 3 Seats

Mazda 3 Range

Mazda says the G25 averages just 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle… for a carbon-dioxide emissions rating of 154g/km. On a 51L tank, that is enough for a range of over 940km.

It runs on 91 RON standard unleaded petrol.