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It doesn't always have to be a VW Golf: if you're looking for a compact used car, you'll find a wide range of options apart from the classics from Wolfsburg. If the vehicle is to look good, the Mazda3 comes into play.
The "3" is Mazda's counterpart to VW Golf. It has been part of the Japanese model range since 2003 and is now in its fourth generation. The third edition (type BM), which was available between 2013 and 2019, is now in its prime used car age.
Body and interior
The Mazda3 of the third generation celebrated its debut as a five-door hatchback in Germany in October 2013, followed by the notchback, which is less popular in Germany, in February 2014. If the hatchback already stretches to a length of 4,46 meters, the four-door car goes one step further and comes to 4,58 meters. The elongated body mainly serves as a projection surface for beautiful shapes. The space is smaller than you might expect given the length.
It is best for people who are not too tall to sit in the rear. The wide C-pillars limit the view to the rear. Even with the trunk volume (356 to 1.263 liters, notchback: 419 liters), the Japanese does not set any records in the compact class. The interior is stylish and, depending on the equipment variant, also quite dignified. The Mazda3 scores with a good choice of materials and workmanship as well as easy operation.
The space is okay 
The Mazda3 is 4,46 meters long
At the beginning of 2017, Mazda gave its compact a facelift. It sported the usual trimmings, including a changed grille, modified LED headlights and bumpers. Inside, the handbrake lever disappeared in favor of an electric parking brake; a new steering wheel made its debut.
Motors and drive
The range of engines is clear: there is a choice of three four-cylinder petrol engines and two diesel engines, each of which drives the front axle. Unlike other manufacturers, Mazda does without turbo support for its petrol engines, preferring to use cylinders, cubic capacity and compression.
The 1,5-liter with 74 kW/100 hp and the two-liter petrol engine with 88 kW/120 hp and 121 kW/165 hp, which is available in two output levels, are highly compressed. The two-liter variants have a maximum torque of 210 Nm each, the entry-level petrol engine achieves 150 Nm. A manual six-speed transmission takes care of the power transmission, with the 120 hp petrol engine there was an alternative six-speed automatic on offer. The consumption values are between 5,1 and 5,8 liters.
The only diesel at the market launch was the 2,2 liter with 110 kW/150 hp and 380 Nm. On average, 4,1 liters flow through the lines here, and the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8,1 seconds. This puts the compression-ignition engine at the level of the top petrol engine. Even at the top speed (210 km/h) they give nothing. In 2016, Mazda added another diesel to its range. The 1,5 liter unit has an output of 77 kW/105 hp and 270 Nm. According to the standard, it manages with an average of 3,8 liters. First-time buyers could order a six-speed automatic for the diesel instead of the standard manual transmission. In the course of the facelift, the 150 hp diesel was given a vibration damper, the same one that is used in the 1,5 liter.
Equipment and safety
The "3 Series" was available in the typical Mazda equipment lines Prime-Line, Center-Line and Sports-Line. The first two comfort levels offer class-specific standards. With the facelift, Mazda pushed “Exclusive” between the Center and Sports Lines. Those interested in used cars who value looks and comfort are best looking for Sport Line models. The scope of delivery included seat heating, 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights and a head-up display. For the top version, there was also leather and an additional safety package for an extra charge. It included an adaptive cruise control system, high-beam assistant and dynamic cornering light and a lane departure warning system. The compact Mazda achieved a five-star rating in the NCAP crash test.
Quality
The Mazda3 does not always show its best side during the TÜV main inspection. At the test point light, it weakens. The reason is faulty headlights. Brake discs and the function of the foot brake also give cause for criticism, as do the axle springs and damping. The environmental aspect does not cause any problems. The Mazda3 doesn't spill, and the engine management and the exhaust system have so far been flawless.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a compact car and value beautiful design, you are in good hands with the Mazda3. The Japanese scores with its successful design, but is not a miracle of space. The high used car prices are also noticeable in the Japanese. It starts at around 10.000 euros.
