Mazda 3 Saloon (09-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 16 July 2009
Small saloon cars have never been particularly popular in the UK, unlike mainland Europe. Most buyers prefer the practicality of a hatchback when it comes to small family cars, but there are still several available including the excellent Mazda3 saloon. Like the previous model, it's one of the more attractive four-door models around. It's also incredibly refined, well built and good to drive too. So while it may not be as desirable as the hatchback, it's certainly very distinctive with a front end inspired by the RX-8. The line-up isn't as wide as the hatchback but there are still some excellent engines available too including powerful yet frugal diesels.
4 out of 5

Other Mazda reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

The Mazda3 is one of the slowest depreciating mainstream family cars, and engines are remarkably frugal given their power outputs. Servicing is reasonably priced as are parts. All the engines, except the 1.6-litre diesel, are chain driven and will not require cambelt changes.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,427 - £1,497 *

Diesel

£1,002 - £1,282 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

12,500 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £170.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    117
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    159
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The 1.6-litre diesel Mazda3 is capable of more than 60mpg and with CO2 emissions of 119g/km, ranks among the best in this class. The petrol 1.6-litre at 149g/km is a good reduction over the previous Mazda3, and better than most 1.6-litre alternatives. The addition of two new diesels (with lower carbon dioxide emissions than petrol engines) to the range also strengthens the Mazda3's green credentials.

Find the exact engine and CO2