Is Mazda 3 a good car used?
The Mazda 3 is one of the popular car models that made up the Thai C-segment, with the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic as its close competitors. Since its introduction in 2004, the Mazda 3 has become the best-selling hatchback, with over 85,000 units sold to date in the country.
However, the Mazda 3 is far from perfect as it also has a fair share of drawbacks. If you are seriously looking at Mazda 3 second hand choices, it's a good idea to first check what this car has to offer.
Exterior Design
Design is one of Mazda's strong points. In fact, it has won various design awards worldwide such as the World Car Design of the Year 2020. The Mazda 3 is one proof of the company's commitment to deliver exceptional design. This vehicle features a design called the Kodo: Soul Of Motion that gives it a high road presence.
The side profile is also very appealing. You can't find any straight lines, just curvy surfaces that give the car strong and elegant appeal. Moreover, the Mazda 3 also has a bit of sporty look due to its use of 18-inch alloy wheels. On the other hand, the rear of the car features a glossy black roof spoiler as well as LED taillights plus a dual exhaust layout, giving the car an aggressive look. It's worth noting that the tailgate is not powered.
What's unique about the Mazda 3 in comparison to other models in the C-segment is its power sunroof. It's a great source of natural lighting and it also prevents the cabin from overheating.
Performance
Although the Thai-made Mazda 3 did not get the latest engine that features mild hybrid or high powered-turbos, its performance is still on par with other vehicles in the same segment. The Mazda 3 offers a four-pot Skyactiv-G engine that produces 165 horsepower and 213Nm. This engine complements well with the 6-speed automatic transmission of the car. Moreover, it's also fuel efficient with average fuel consumption of 15.9 kilometers per liter.
Mazda is known for its excellent suspension tuning and so is the Mazda 3. Its front McPherson strut that comes with stabilizer plus a rear semi-independent torsion beam suspension gives you a smoother and comfortable drive on highways. However, under poor road conditions, it's unable to absorb many impacts effectively, so this is something worth noting if you plan to drive your vehicle in the countryside.
The Mazda 3 brakes are linear which means that its stopping power does not happen all at once. Some drivers like it this way as it helps them gauge the brakes more precisely. The drawback is that it can feel a bit dull when you are running at lower speeds.
Interior Space
The interior space is not really Mazda's strong point. The cabin isn't very spacious but it does look elegant, featuring full leather upholstery and chrome accents. The soft-touch materials in the interior also offer a premium feel.
Even with the low seat position, there is not much headroom for the front and back occupants. The legroom is just enough though. But what's great about the interior is the driver's seat that features a 10-way power adjustment as well as the multi-functional steering wheel that you can adjust for both reach and rake. These features can provide you with a better driving position.
Moreover, the Mazda 3 is fitted with an 8.8-inch display with a 360-view. However, it is not a touchscreen. Voice recognition, head-up display, Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard features. There is also a walk-away auto door lock feature which is very convenient.
Summary
The Mazda 3 second hand choices have their great and not-so-great features. They come with a great-looking exterior design and premium interior. They also perform well in city driving. However, these cars do not offer much interior space and it also does not have a touchscreen display.
Weighing the pros and cons of the Mazda 3 second hand choices, we can say that they are a great option if you are looking for a vehicle for city driving. Although they are not an ideal family car, they are highly efficient and can be a perfect choice for young professionals or small families.