Mazda 3 Saloon (04-08) - Review

Review by David Ross on
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

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3 out of 5

Buying used

The Mazda3 saloon will offer better value than the hatchback second hand as they are perceived as less practical and are worth a few hundred pounds less. There's no entry-level 1.4-litre S model in the saloon range, so the basic specification is the 1.6-litre petrol TS.

See 19 used Mazda 3 Saloons for sale, starting at £2,795

2 out of 5

Selling

The saloon is not really in demand, so you could really struggle to sell one. All are well equipped though and have a racier appearance than the traditional family saloon. It's also a good choice for buyers after something different.