Used Mazda 3 Hatchback 2009-2013 review

If you want a good, dependable family hatchback that isn’t one of the the usual suspects, chances are your search will eventually lead you to the door of a Mazda 3.

When it was new, buyers appreciated the 3’s sporty looks, not to mention the fact that it wasn’t the usual Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. As a used buy, it also makes sense as it’s good value, and it doesn’t cost the earth to run, either.

The 3’s low-speed ride is firm, however, and verges on being uncomfortable. As speed increases, things smooth out only slightly, but there is excellent body control, as well as bags of grip, which makes it pretty good fun to drive. The steering is very responsive, too, but it’s also overly light at speed, a combination that makes the car feel twitchy in a bend.

Inside, you get chunky controls for the stereo and heater, both of which come with snazzy flashing lights, and everything you touch feels sturdy. The dashboard isn't all that appealing, though, with hard dashboard plastics letting things down, and it’s a shame there are so many buttons on the dash and steering wheel.

The 3 is roomy enough to seat four six-footers in comfort. Access to the rear can be a little tricky, though – the gap at the bottom of the doors makes it a bit of a squeeze to get your feet inside, and shoulder space is rather tight, too. The good-sized boot is well shaped, though, and the 60/40 split rear seats fold to make an almost flat extended load floor.

Prices start at around £2500 for the very cheapest, earliest Mazda 3s. Keep in mind that these will often have high mileages, though, so it’s worth spending a little more to get a better example. Expect to pay at least £4000 for an average-mile car with a full service history; slightly more if you want a diesel.

If you’re after the hot MPS version, meanwhile, you’ll have to pay at least £9000 for a car with reasonable miles, while an ultra-low-mileage example will set you back as much as £16,000.

Not much at all. Diesel versions can get as much as 66mpg, while even the 2.0 petrol can achieve 42mpg, which is pretty respectable for a relatively large-engined petrol car of this size, and because carbon dioxide emissions are linked to fuel consumption, your road tax won’t be too expensive either.

Like-for-like, those figures compare pretty well with the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, making the 3 a pretty efficient car. What’s more, it shouldn’t cost the earth to maintain a 3, because Mazda’s servicing deals for older cars are particularly cheap.

There are three petrol engines and two diesels to choose between in the Mazda 3 range.. The 1.6 petrol isn’t fast but is just about adequate for the job; the 2.0 petrol is much faster and not all that less economical, making it the best petrol engine, although it’s rare and was only available on top-spec versions.

At the other end of the scale, the 2.3 Turbo in the MPS is very potent indeed. There is also a gutsy 2.2 diesel, but the 1.6 diesel has all the perkiness you need.

At the start of its life the 3 was reasonably well equipped, though with early examples it’s best to aim for the mid-range TS and TS2 models rather than the slightly scrawny-feeling S. Later, a selection of different special edition versions were offered, with the Takuya being a particular highlight, while trim level names changed and equipment was added.

A late Tamura comes with alloys, remote locking, climate control and electric front and rear windows, but it’s Venture trim that provides the best balance of kit and value, with heated sports seats, sat nav, Bluetooth, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. Sport Nav models add only a heated windscreen and LED rear lights.

Our favourite Mazda 3: 1.6D Venture

The obvious alternative to the Mazda 3 is the Ford Focus, which is closely related to the 3 under the skin. It’s just as much fun to drive and has a slightly more upmarket interior, but it’s more ubiquitous, which might be a downside if you want to stand out from the crowd.

The Volkswagen Golf suffers the same problem, but to make up for it, it enjoys a truly classy interior and smart looks on the outside too. It’s efficient, well-built and enjoyable to drive, too, though it isn’t quite as sharp or as exciting to drive as the Mazda.

The Honda Civic’s wacky styling is certainly enough to make it different to the norm, and its reputation for reliability is another great attribute. Trouble is, it isn’t all that great to drive, and the fussy interior is tricky to use.

If you really want peace of mind, a good bet is the Kia Cee’d. Most used examples still have a good chunk of the seven-year manufacturer’s warranty left over, meaning most faults will be fixed for free. That’ll more than make up for its slightly cheap-feeling interior and average driving dynamics for many people.

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