Mazda 3 Saloon (04-08) - Review Review by David Ross on 27 October 2005 Last Updated: 23 March 2009 Small saloons don't usually sell well in Britain. The Mazda3 saloon is unlikely to buck the trend. Why? Like most models, the hatchback is the more popular choice as a practical family car. But the Mazda3 saloon looks good, is competitively priced and well specified. Developed from the same platform as the Ford Focus and Volvo S40, driving pleasure was a high priority for engineers, so it's good to drive. The range was given a mild reworking mid-2006, which improved fuel economy, lowered emissions and made it more civilized on the move. However, there's a limited range compared to the five-door and it's not as easy to sell on. 3 out of 5 Other Mazda reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery Also Consider 3.5 out of 5 Ford Focus Saloon (05-09) Good to drive, robust build quality, comfortable on the move Hatch and estate are more practical, not an easy car to sell second hand, Read full review 4 out of 5 Volkswagen Jetta (06-10) Well built and reliable, cheaper and smaller alternative to a Passat, good choice of engines Not as practical as a Golf, dull image, noisy TDI engines Read full review 3 out of 5 Renault Megane Saloon (06-09) High safety and equipment levels, comfortable to drive Not as practical as the hatch, can be tricky to sell on, reliability problems Read full review Find other saloon cars Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Mazda 3 cars for sale We have 19 models like this for sale. Find Mazda 3 cars for sale Previous: Buying & Selling Next: Company Car Info
3.5 out of 5 Ford Focus Saloon (05-09) Good to drive, robust build quality, comfortable on the move Hatch and estate are more practical, not an easy car to sell second hand, Read full review
4 out of 5 Volkswagen Jetta (06-10) Well built and reliable, cheaper and smaller alternative to a Passat, good choice of engines Not as practical as a Golf, dull image, noisy TDI engines Read full review
3 out of 5 Renault Megane Saloon (06-09) High safety and equipment levels, comfortable to drive Not as practical as the hatch, can be tricky to sell on, reliability problems Read full review