• Fuel-efficient petrol engines 
• Lots of fuel-saving technology
• Including mild-hybrid systems

What are the running costs?

Both versions of the Mazda 3 feature mild hybrid assistance – and the tech is surprisingly efficient. Mazda claims achieved more than 50mpg under official WLTP combined cycle tests, which is bordering on diesel levels of efficiency. Those official figures aren’t too far removed from reality, either. We could achieve around 45mpg on the motorway with both engines.

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However, Mazda goes beyond just engine efficiency with the 3. All unnecessary weight was stripped from all aspects of the car’s structure, which not only reduces your fuel bills, but places less stress on consumables such as brake components and tyres. That means replacements should be required less frequently – something we’ll monitor as the cars become older.

Servicing and warranty

Mazda recommends you service the 3 every 12,500 miles or 12 months – whichever occurs first. The firm will sell you a service plan from with price starting from around £750, and these payments can be bundled into your monthly finance payment.

Every Mazda 3 comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty which is average for the market. Rivals offer more coverage. The Hyundai i30 has a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, while the Toyota Corolla has a 10-year warranty.

Reliability

• Traditionally a brand with a good reputation
• Interior feels very well built 
• Lots of complicated tech, though

The latest generation of Mazda 3 is proving to be reliable, and any issues that have appeared are dealt with quickly thanks to the brand’s excellent dealer network. There have been a few engine management software issues reported, which causes poor running, but otherwise, it’s a clean bill of health.

When the car was new, we had questions about the long-term reliability of the Skyactiv-X engine, as it combines elements of how both petrol and diesel engines work. But we’re approaching the end of the 3’s life-cycle now and the engine has proved to be dependable thus far.