Mazda 3 Hatchback Skyactiv-X 180ps GT Sport Tech 5d Owner Review

Skyactiv-X 180ps GT Sport Tech 5d
Mazda 3 review (2023)

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In their own words

This car has proved to be the most unreliable I have ever owned, with repeated breakdowns due to battery and entry/start systems. The engine is a major disappointment as the car feels underpowered and the throttle response is odd. Economy is only average despite promises of being class leading due to this new Skyactiv X technology. The car handles and rides well, but the overall driving experience is underwhelming due to the poor engine. The battery of safety systems can be intrusive, with sensitive cross traffic warnings which sounds alerts when using roundabouts normally for example. Lane assist is downright annoying. The keyless entry system does not work consistently, necessitating manual pushing of key fob buttons to lock and unlock about half the time. I would not recommend this car if you plan to use the rear seats regularly, as the rear feels very claustrophobic even with the optional burgundy (rather than black) leather I selected. Due to the reliability problems a d disappointing drive experience I cannot recommend this car.

How reliable do you find the car?

Unfortunately this car has proved very unreliable, with three breakdowns apparently caused by battery problems within four weeks. The dealer has failed to diagnose why the battery is going flat after only a few days of the car not being used.

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

The car handles and rides well but the engine is a major disappointment. It has a strange throttle response, sounds gravelly, lots of flat spots when accelerating, and to be honest is lacking in performance. Does not feel like a 180ps car with a circa 8 sec 0-60 time. Economy seems acceptable. The interior looks and feels nice but the car has already developed a few rattles. Driver's seat leather starting to look slightly worn in places after less than 1000 miles and I am pretty slim! Front seats are comfortable, rear very claustrophobic due to narrow rear windows and unnecessarily dark standard fit rear glass.
  • How they rated it

  • Reliability: 1 out of 5 1.0
  • Meets Expectations: 2 out of 5 2.0
  • Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 2.0
  • Adrian Cavendish doesn't recommend this car

About their car

  • Fuel type Petrol
  • When purchased July 2020
  • Condition when bought New
  • Current Mileage 1,000 miles
  • Average MPG 45 mpg