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

Other Mazda reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

The Mazda 3 hatchback was awarded four stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, but although this is good, the majority of newer rivals are now gaining five stars. All cars get ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) plus driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, plus both a collapsible steering column and brake pedal.

NCAP Test

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4 out of 5

Reliability

The Mazda has proven good so far and the firm has a strong reputation for well built and reliable cars. Its predecessor, the 323, was supremely reliable.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

A recall in 2004 for cars with the 1.6-litre diesel engine. It was found that it's possible for the engine to seize after the car has covered 62,000 miles. Check that the work to fix this has been done. Another recall in 2008 where an engine mounting may fail under sudden acceleration.

Other

No problems reported.