The Mazda 3 has been one of Australia’s most beloved small cars for decades. With its sharp styling, premium interiors, and a reputation for reliability, the Mazda 3 competes directly with heavyweights like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, and Kia Cerato. For 2025, the Mazda 3 continues to evolve while holding on to the driving dynamics and design cues that make it a standout choice for Australians who want a hatchback or sedan that feels more upmarket than its price tag suggests.

In this detailed review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Mazda 3 in Australia—covering its design, interior comfort, technology, safety, specs, driving experience, and pricing. Whether you’re considering the hatchback or sedan, this guide will help you decide if the Mazda 3 is the right fit for your lifestyle.

A Brief Look at Mazda’s Legacy in Australia

Mazda has been one of the best-selling brands in Australia for years, often competing with Toyota and Hyundai for top sales. The Mazda 3, launched globally in the early 2000s, quickly became a hit thanks to its sharp looks and engaging drive. Australians embraced it as a small car that didn’t feel cheap, with reliability to match.

Today, the 2025 Mazda 3 sits as a staple in the small car segment. While SUVs dominate the market, there’s still strong demand for hatchbacks and sedans that offer great value, fuel economy, and everyday usability—areas where the Mazda 3 shines.

Exterior Design: Kodo in Motion

Mazda’s “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy has become one of the most recognisable in the automotive world. The 2025 Mazda 3 carries this DNA forward with a sleek, minimalistic design that blends sportiness with elegance.

• Hatchback styling: The hatchback is bold, with a wide stance, swooping rear, and a design that feels almost European. The thick C-pillar gives it a muscular look, making it stand apart from rivals like the Corolla or i30.

• Sedan styling: The sedan, on the other hand, feels more refined, with flowing lines and a long, elegant profile. It looks more like a junior luxury car than an everyday commuter.

Mazda has intentionally kept the exterior uncluttered. The front grille is large and commanding, flanked by sharp LED headlights that give the car a premium edge. Depending on the trim, you’ll get alloy wheels ranging from 16- to 18-inch sizes, with finishes that accentuate its sporty personality.

Interior: Premium Beyond Its Class

Step inside the Mazda 3, and you’ll quickly realise why it’s considered one of the most upmarket small cars in Australia. Mazda has focused heavily on creating a driver-centric cockpit while maintaining simplicity.

• Materials: Soft-touch plastics, leather upholstery on higher trims, and brushed metal accents make the cabin feel more like a luxury sedan.

• Design: The dashboard layout is minimal, with a low dash line that improves visibility. The central infotainment screen sits neatly atop the dash, angled slightly toward the driver for ease of use.

• Comfort: Front seats are supportive and designed for long journeys. In the hatchback, rear legroom can feel slightly cramped due to the sloping roofline, but the sedan offers more generous space.

• Boot space:

  • Hatchback: 295 litres

  • Sedan: 444 litres
    This makes the sedan a more practical choice for families or those who need extra luggage room.

Technology and Features

Mazda has steadily improved the tech in its vehicles, and the 2025 Mazda 3 is no exception.

• Infotainment system: An 8.8-inch display (standard across the range) controlled via a rotary dial, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone mirroring is now available on most trims.

• Sound system: Standard audio is good, but higher trims get a Bose 12-speaker premium setup that transforms the cabin into a concert hall.

• Driver aids: Digital driver display, head-up display, and smart keyless entry are available depending on the trim.

• Connectivity: USB-C ports and wireless charging are standard on higher models.

Mazda avoids cluttering the interface with too many touch functions, preferring physical dials and knobs for climate and volume—something many drivers still appreciate.

Engine Options and Performance

In Australia, the 2025 Mazda 3 is available with two petrol engine options.

• 2.0L SkyActiv-G Petrol:

  • Power: ~114kW

  • Torque: ~200Nm

  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic or manual

  • Efficiency: ~6.2L/100km

• 2.5L SkyActiv-G Petrol:

  • Power: ~138kW

  • Torque: ~252Nm

  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic

  • Efficiency: ~6.6L/100km

The 2.0L suits urban commuters, offering excellent fuel economy, while the 2.5L provides extra punch for highway overtakes and spirited driving. Both engines maintain Mazda’s reputation for smooth, responsive power delivery.

While there’s no hybrid Mazda 3 in Australia yet (unlike the Corolla Hybrid), Mazda has announced plans to expand electrification in the future. For now, buyers get traditional petrol power, with a focus on efficiency and driving engagement.

Driving Experience: Engaging and Comfortable

The Mazda 3 continues to set benchmarks in the small car segment for driving feel. Mazda has tuned its suspension and steering to strike a balance between comfort and sportiness.

• Ride quality: Firm but comfortable, soaking up bumps while keeping body roll in check.

• Steering: Direct and precise, giving drivers confidence around corners.

• Noise insulation: Improved cabin soundproofing makes highway driving quieter than ever.

Enthusiasts will appreciate how “connected” the Mazda 3 feels compared to rivals that prioritise comfort alone. It’s a car that makes even a short commute enjoyable.

Safety: ANCAP 5-Star Confidence

Safety has always been a strong point for Mazda, and the 2025 Mazda 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Key safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control

• Blind-spot monitoring

• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Lane-keep assist

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Traffic sign recognition

Higher trims add 360-degree cameras and front cross-traffic alert, making city driving and parking much easier.

Variants and Pricing in Australia

The 2025 Mazda 3 is available in multiple trims, catering to different budgets:

• Mazda 3 Pure (entry level) – around $30,000 drive-away

• Mazda 3 Evolve – adds more tech and styling upgrades

• Mazda 3 Touring – leather seats, more luxury features

• Mazda 3 GT – premium sound, larger wheels, advanced safety

• Mazda 3 Astina (flagship) – full suite of features, priced around $42,000 drive-away

Pricing varies slightly between the hatchback and sedan, but overall, the Mazda 3 is competitively positioned in Australia, offering value that rivals struggle to match.

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Sedan: Which One to Choose?

• Choose the Hatchback if: You want bold styling, sportier looks, and don’t mind sacrificing some boot space. Perfect for singles or couples.

• Choose the Sedan if: You prefer a sleek, elegant design with more rear legroom and a much bigger boot. Better suited for families or frequent travellers.

Both share the same features and driving dynamics, so the choice comes down to practicality and personal taste.

Competitors in Australia

The small car market in Australia is packed with excellent choices. The Mazda 3 competes against:

• Toyota Corolla (notably the hybrid version for fuel savings)

• Hyundai i30 (often better priced, but less premium inside)

• Kia Cerato (long warranty, practical but less refined drive)

• Volkswagen Golf (premium, but more expensive)

• Honda Civic (stylish, but pricier in higher trims)

Despite the competition, the Mazda 3 continues to hold strong thanks to its balance of price, premium quality, and enjoyable driving.

Ownership, Running Costs, and Warranty

Mazda offers:

• Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kilometres

• Servicing: Every 12 months or 15,000km

• Service costs: Capped price servicing keeps ownership costs predictable

Fuel economy is solid across both engines, especially the 2.0L, making the Mazda 3 a cost-effective choice for daily commuting. Insurance premiums are generally reasonable, especially compared to performance-oriented small cars.

Why the Mazda 3 is Still a Smart Buy in 2025

With SUVs taking over Australian roads, you might wonder why anyone would still choose a hatchback or sedan. The answer lies in what the Mazda 3 delivers:

• A car that feels premium inside and out

• Driving enjoyment rarely found in this price range

• Excellent safety and reliability

• Choice between stylish hatchback or practical sedan

For buyers who don’t need SUV bulk, the Mazda 3 remains one of the smartest purchases in the Australian new car market.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Mazda 3 proves that small cars still matter in Australia. Whether you choose the hatchback for its bold styling or the sedan for its practicality, you’ll be getting a vehicle that combines premium features, engaging driving dynamics, and strong safety credentials at a price that makes sense.

For Australians looking for a compact car that feels like more than just a budget commuter, the Mazda 3 is still a standout choice in 2025.