The Mazda 3 is one of our favourite hatchbacks thanks to its concept car styling, premium interior and driving dynamics, but Mazda has sought out to improve it with a facelift – now on sale in the UK.
Don’t go looking for exterior changes because Mazda has kept the same eye-catching Kuro design language for the Mazda 3. The fourth-generation Mazda 3 does receive new technology inside and a revised trim level structure however.
There are now 18 models to choose from – 15 hatchbacks and 3 saloon models. Five trim levels are offered on the hatchback – Prime-Line will kick off the range, then Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and finally the range-topping Takumi. The saloon is limited to Exclusive-Line and Takumi.
The most noticeable upgrade the 2023 Mazda 3 benefits from is the larger central screen, going from eight inches to 10.25 inches. It’s still not a touchscreen, with the control coming from the dial located on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is now standard as is smartphone wireless charging. The USB ports have been swapped for USB Type-C units.
Engine options have been carried over. The four-cylinder e-Skyactiv X puts out 183bhp and there’s also a e-Skyactiv G with 120bhp – both are 2.0-litre petrol units that come with 24v mild-hybrid technology.
The lesser-powered e-Skyactiv G can be had across the full Mazda 3 trim level range, with a choice of automatic or manual transmissions. The more powerful e-Skyactiv X with a manual is available on Centre-Line and with the automatic gearbox option on Exclusive-Line and Takumi.
Prime-Line trim can only be had in hatchback guise and starts from £23,945 with the e-Skyactiv-G and the Mazda 3 hatchback fitted with the e-Skyactiv-X starts from £26,945. Centre-Line ups the price to £25,045, adding heated front seats. Homura costs an extra £500 on top but includes 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.
£26,745 gets you the Exclusive-Line with grey alloy wheels and the top-spec £29,145 Takumi adds leather seats. The saloon model starts at £29,245 and comes in Exclusive-Line and Takumi – only with the e-Skyactiv-X engine but with the option of an automatic or manual on the Takumi.
Now read our in-depth review of the Mazda 3…
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