Can this hatchback handle family life? Mazda 3 2023 review - G25 Evolve SP test

The Mazda 3 hatchback is very popular - but is it up for the task of family life? In this test, you'll find out!
Emily Agar has just spent a week with the Mazda 3 G25 SP Evolve, which is one of the most interesting specs in the 2023 Mazda 3 range.
It's not too expensive, has the better 2.5-litre engine, and a fair few attractive features besides. So was it up for life as her family car for the week?
As you might expect, a compact hatchback has is drawbacks - and in the Mazda3's case, those are clearly the back seat and boot space - but with other redeeming features, those might be elements you can overlook.
See what Emily though in this review, or read her thoughts by hitting the link below - we've also got a few comparison tests for the Mazda 3 (against the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato and others), so be sure to check those out.
#Mazda #Mazda3 #review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Practicality
04:31 Driving
05:28 Efficiency
05:52 Safety
06:30 Design
07:56 Pricing and features
08:29 Ownership
08:57 Verdict
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Read Emily's full review: carsgui.de/3B1BUhs
Check out our Mazda3 hub: carsgui.de/3KfQc0p
Find more hatchbacks: carsgui.de/3kbB7SL
Visit our family guide: carsgui.de/2qpbJia
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[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

So, we just bought a Mazda 3 hatchback - G25 Astina, with the manual gearbox. If you are a family of shorties like us (tallest member 5'7), then the rear seat is absolutely fine - rumours of its impracticality are hugely overstated IMO. However, if your kid does get carsick, or you need a little more room in the back, then consider going for the sedan - the high door sills on the hatch do enclose you in a little bit. The blind spot and the small rear window honestly isn't a problem. It's 2023 - blind spot monitoring, electric mirrors and reversing cameras are standard on every car everywhere. Set your mirrors up well and you're absolutely fine. I strongly recommend the manual gearbox if you can drive a manual. That 2.5l engine is far better when you rev it out - something that's much easier to do when shifting your own gears. That transmission is a delight to use, too. It's great to drive, but the ride is firm. Not crashy, but certainly not as cushy and smooth as, say, a non-GT model Cerato or a Corolla. My take is that if you only use the back seat sometimes, go for the hatch provided you like the styling. Frankly, I love the styling - it looks like an old-school fastback. If you carry people in the back on a very regular basis, go for the sedan. If you really, really want the SUV, go a CX-30 or CX-5. But really, most people will be fine with the hatchback.

[@nexusonels]

Boring? That's a wild take if I've ever heard one.

[@chuckh5999]

My sedan is < 1 year old. Hasn't missed a beat and handles beautifully. The owners manual is a Tolstoy read. Some of the alarms are annoying and now fuel is at 6.5 l/100Km (~43 mpg). Not bad for a 2 litre .

[@TheFunnyPlayer2]

02:08 the reason for this is, that the co driver seat is used by many different people.. so u have nonstop to change the seat position…electric ones would break fast than manuel, also the manual option is faster… you can change seatposition faster than with the electric ones… it’s also a safety feature to have electric seats on driverseats… try to change position while driving with manual adjustements:D

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

Doesn't really explain why Mazda puts electric seat adjustment on the passenger side seats of lower trim models like the Mazda 6 Touring and have done for over a decade.

[@jackgrego6393]

You completely missed out on how fun this car can be!

[@davidrome6066]

I’ve owned my manual Astina hatch for 3yrs now and still love it. My fuel economy city (country city) 7.6L/100 Country I’ve had it down to 5.3L/100 I love the design and the 6spd manual matches well with the 2.5ltr.

[@garyk8285]

It's a shame they don't have the Manual anymore... I like a manual transmission in these smaller hatchbacks, what was Mazda thinking, especially with the higher performance option of 2.5L. Do you think the rear torsion beam suspension is much of a hinderance? Or it's very good and playful in the twisties?

[@davidrome6066]

@@garyk8285 the 6MT matches well with the 2.5ltr with a silky smooth throw. Mazda Australia could have easily reduced the manual models to two or just one like the SP which they promote as a sporty range. I was going to trade to a turbo CX5 but I think I’ll keep the 3 for a bit longer.

[@garyk8285]

@@davidrome6066 And the torsion beam suspension is good on the 3 for twisty driving? I was just looking at newish hatchback cars (max 3 years old, and below 10k - basically demo or new) and under AUD$50k with manual gearbox, and really there isn't much to choose from. Dang, might need to hold my Astra SRI manual even longer lol... I don't really want SUV tbh, especially as a single guy, albeit a bit older now.

[@southernsandgroper3423]

Fit for purpose in my fam, now as aging empty nesters. We have the 2020 Astina and love it, especially with many of the advance safety features. Looked at many similar vehicles when purchasing, but the Mazda was just a cut above, and what we don’t like we can live with. It does plenty of country miles - hugs the road beautifully; the Bose sound system is excellent; and in the grey-blue spec with the black rims is very appealing and ‘bullet’ like. Happy to retain for the next few years before being forced into an EV.

[@kunalgandhi6694]

Great review and a beautiful car. Can we please have upgrades talked about, compared to the last year model as well please in the reviews.

[@letsseeif]

I enjoyed the fact that your video review included driving in the rain. Very few reviews about cars include driving in the dark and/or rain. Overall the Mazda 3 looks like a nice car, however, its restrictions you noted, make it a a no buy for me. thanks again.

[@wembley636]

I was looking to replace my 2014 Fastback model with a new Mazda 2023 version, but I just don't see much in the development in 9 years, I am sure the engine has been upgraded and a few other features, I have been on the Mazda website to "Customise my Mazda" and I reviewed on what I have compared to what I could get and I just don't think there's much progress. I don't like the dials compared to what I have, yes they are not LCD/Display or what every you want to call it, but when I get in my car the dials pulsate as in the Car is ready to go before I turn on the engine, also through the wheel I can press a button and get all the info I need on the dash. No vents in the Rear for air cooling? My current Mazda is my 4th I have had, and all have been exceptionally reliable. Or am I missing something? as stated, I have had previous Mazda's (323F with popup headlights, 323F in British Racing Green, Mazda 6 Tamura & Mazda 3 Fastback Sport Nav edition)

[@bearhood2004]

'not much elbow room' complained about the car's size when the problem isn't the car space!

[@carlobi]

You've got the USB ports in the Central console.

[@drlt9241]

I hate how the usa doesn't have back air vents

[@cityplanner3063]

I was shocked that the CX 30 is shorter than the 3 hatch

[@TrippyEagle]

my second service interval is in 12mths/20k km - I do believe 10k is just the 1st one, unless this is specifically for 2.5 (i have 2.0)

[@Bear-wj1mc]

Mazda services are at 12 months or 10k which ever you reach first

[@TrippyEagle]

@@Bear-wj1mc idk what to tell you, mine is in 20k or 12 months

[@Bear-wj1mc]

@@TrippyEagle That's not what Mazda recommends. Have you checked the Service book, it state's every 12 months or 10 thousand klms

[@Bear-wj1mc]

Are you in Australia ?

[@TrippyEagle]

@@Bear-wj1mc nope, EU - we may have different recommendations

[@kienfung3045]

Nice design and luckly no smal downsize lawnmower engine

[@ianr5322]

What Just Happened At The Start?

[@Hawks2015]

Does it have HUD?

[@munmeng]

Yes

[@bruceraymond8611]

You should have got the sedan. Better vision and looks sporty. The hatchback looks like the sedan with its arse cut off. 👍

[@selgeaus]

I prefer the look of sedan

[@kickoffshowguy]

Could You Guy Please Family Review A Citroën C3

[@carsguide]

It is possible. Not promising anything, but it's a maybe. :D

[@kickoffshowguy]

@@carsguide Fingers Crossed 🤞

[@MrSteveMather]

seriously its time a for a new dashboard on Mazdas. Those samse3 dials have been there since i hit puberty

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

I'm not sure your sexual development is part of Mazda's design studios mission statement, when it comes to car design milestones. Maybe it should be. Give them a call and lay out the plan for them.

[@mharro88]

It can handle 3 people max. Hardly a family . A babyseat basically renders the passenger seat useless due to no legroom. It's such a claustrophobic car. Unfortunately the sedan isn't much better. Families should grab a Mazda 6

[@cityplanner3063]

Yeah Mazda never been known for packaging

[@mvnorsel6354]

Many families are single parents or those carrying their ' fur babies ' around. Must be inclusive.

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

@@cityplanner3063 Have you see the boot in a Toyota Corolla hatch?

[@bernaridho]

It cannot fit family. Rear passengers.

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

Interior wise its about the same size as the first generation Mazda 6 mid size car. Its just that cars have been getting bigger every generation and apparently we all expect more room each generation too.

[@stephenwalters8061]

Mazda screen is touch but not when car is in motion. Well my 2019 6 is.

[@TrippyEagle]

they removed all touch functionality afterwards, even when stationary - kudos to them in my opinion!

[@davidliang7855]

They removed the touch screen form 3...but even the lowest class of Mazda 2 has a touch screen. Don't understand the reason.

[@d.j.z.j]

Terrible. The 2005 mazda is better lol. Mazda 6 would be a better option for fsmilt- tbh I have been unimpressed with the new mazda cars given the price point :(

[@Lemon83166]

Yeah its not for poor people.

[@Lemon83166]

This chick is a good liar. Theres barely any noise in the cabin. Its very quiet. Yes its not meant for tall ppl in the back. Esp behind drivers seat. This car is amazing on corners if u have the tyres. The parking cameras and sensors are 2nd to none. The thing that will make this car PERFECT, is bloody wireless andoid auto /carplay. Thats all it needs. Seriously.

[@carsguide]

Probably no need to call our reviewer a liar, mate. You could have made all those comments without belittling her.

[@darylarellano1871]

@@carsguide I found this a very good and informative review and I love how unbiased it is. Props to her and the team!

[@Alex_G_M]

@@carsguide Good on you for calling out bullshit!

[@halitosis75]

It's ugly