ForceGT.com Car News, Car Reviews, Video Reviews, Tuning and much more. The Mazda 3 has progressed over the years from a mainstream model to its current semi-premium offering. A strong seller in the small car segment, the fourth-generation Mazda 3 stands out with its sporty and sophisticated design, premium interior, and balanced driving feel.
Pricing starts from $24,990 for the entry-level G20 Pure, stretching to $36,990 for the range-topping G25 Astina tested here. This places the Mazda 3 in direct competition against key semi-premium rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 308.
The Mazda 3 G25 gets the larger of the two available engines. Like its nameplate suggests, it’s powered by a 2.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with 139kW at 6,000rpm and 252Nm at 4,000rpm. It drives the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The latter is a $1,000 option is fitted to our test car.
There is no shortage of tech on offer, with the G25 fitted with a classy and crisp 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display, projected head-up display, built-in satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and DAB+ digital radio. A 7.0-inch screen nestled neatly in the instrument cluster is also standard. The range-topper also gets you a punchy 12-speaker Bose Sound System with sub-woofer in the boot.
Safety in the Mazda 3 G25 is taken care of with a suit of driving aids and active safety features including lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree view camera, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. For extra peace of mind, 7 airbags including driver’s knee airbag are fitted.
As with all Mazda models the 3 is covered by a 5-Year unlimited kilometer warranty and 5-Year Roadside Assist.
For the full review, watch our detailed full-length video review above.
2021 Mazda3 Hatch G25 Astina pricing and specification
| Price (Excl. on-road costs): | From: $36,990 As tested: G25 Astina: $37,990 Tested option:
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| Warranty: | 5 years/unlimited kilometers |
| Warranty Customer Service: | N/A |
| Country of Origin: | Japan |
| Service Intervals: | 12 months/10,000km |
| Engine: | 2.5-litre naturally aspirated direct-injected in-line 4-cylinder petrol: 139kW @ 6,000rpm, 252Nm @ 4,000rpm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain: | Front-wheel drive |
| Power to Weight Ratio (W/kg): | 103.7 |
| 0-100km/h (seconds): | N/A |
| Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km): | Claimed: 6.6/ Tested: 9.2 |
| RON Rating: | 91 |
| Fuel Capacity (L): | 51 |
| Body: | 5-door hatch, 5 seats |
| Safety: |
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| Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B) mm: | 4,460/1,795/1,435/2,725 |
| Turning Circle Between Kerbs: | 10.6 |
| Ground Clearance: | 150 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,317 – 1,380 |
| Boot Space (L): | 295 |
| Towing Capacity (kg): | Braked: 1,200/Unbraked: 600 |
| Entertainment: |
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Competitors: Audi A3, Honda Civic, Holden Astra, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato, Lexus CT200h, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Skoda Octavia, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf
