Mazda3 Review (2015)

We review the 2015 Mazda3 2.0 Astina to find out if it’s a hatchback worth considering in this competitive segment.

In this 2025 review of the Mazda3, we examine the pros and cons of considering the Mazda3 as an option if you’re looking for a stylish and well-appointed hatchback.

Mazda3 – Quick Specs

We Like: New styling, handling and sporty feel

We don’t Like: Interior a little dull and the automatic can be sluggish

Also consider: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30

Mazda is well on its way to getting back on track in South Africa. Its new models have been well received with the CX-5 selling well and the new Mazda2 is looking like a real winner in its segment.

The Mazda3 has long been a rival for VW’s Golf and Ford’s Focus. It has lost some of its popularity in recent times due to some iffy styling and average value for money offerings. We spent a week with the top-of-the-range Mazda3 2.0 Astina Hatch to determine what improvements have been made.

Where does a Mazda3 fit in?

Mazda is aiming the Mazda3 at the more premium end of the C-Segment hatchback market. Across the range it’s pretty well-specced and Mazda places a high priority on driving dynamics, making sure the driver has a particularly good handling car that does more than just ferry things and people from A to B. The new design theme Mazda employs on all its cars seems to be paying off quite well as the Mazda3 looks quite slim and athletic, with a visually longer bonnet and coupe-like shape.

Naturally aspirated engines

Mazda seems entirely sold on its natural aspiration technology that it calls SkyActiv. It claims that a high compression ratio petrol engine produces more power and reduces fuel economy. While other manufacturers have gone the small capacity, petrol engine route combined with a turbocharger, Mazda has done things a bit differently. The model on test here has a 2.0-Litre petrol engine capable of 121 kW and 210 Nm. The power figure is good and because it’s naturally aspirated, the Mazda3 has great throttle response and a smooth, linear power delivery. It does lack a bit of mid-range kick that turbo cars generally provide and that lack of kick sometimes backs you out of an overtaking manoeuvre.

Fuel economy is claimed at 5.9L/100km and during our week, we saw mostly high 6s to early 7s, which is acceptable for a combined run. The Astina model only comes with a 6-speed automatic that’s not as sharp as a dual-clutch box but gets the job done without too much fuss. I would still opt for the manual, however, as it’s more fun to drive.

Inside the 3

There’s a lot to like about the Mazda3’s interior, it feels well-built and solid in most places with a mix of soft-touch and durable plastics. It is however a little on the bland side when compared to the athletic looking interior and sporty nature Mazda is aiming at. The Mazda3 in Astina spec is incredibly well kitted.

You get a 7-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled via a rotary knob in front of the centre console. The screen works as your go-to place for connecting your phone via Bluetooth, using the navigation, connecting to apps for global radio stations and fine tuning the Mazda3’s vehicle settings.

It’s quite an easy system to get the hang of and works quite intuitively. Also standard on the Astina model is a heads-up display that shows your speed at eye level with the road. This system isn’t the best as it’s not all that clear and seems like a bit of an afterthought.

In the spirit of delivering a safe car to the public, the Mazda3 comes standard with 6 airbags as well as ABS, EBD, stability control and traction control. Euro NCAP also gave the Mazda3 a 5-star rating for safety.

Ride and Handling

This is where Mazda aims to please and the 3 delivers well. It’s not over-complicated and it relies simply on good weight distribution and responsiveness. It’s not mega hot hatch stiff but it feels grippy through the bends and communicates the chassis’ happenings right back to the driver’s fingertips and bum.

It doesn’t stick to the tarmac beyond belief but lets you play with the limits quite freely, it never feels out of control or if the limit is hit that you’re headed for a big accident. It’s a fun driver’s car without all the modern-day electronic wizardry that sometimes feels like it’s driving the car for you. On an everyday drive to work the ride is supple if a little soft and it doesn’t particularly enjoy big hits like potholes or sharp speed bumps as they intrude into the cabin with a knock.

Mazda3 – Verdict

The Mazda3 plays well to its strength as a driver’s car, something for the enthusiast that likes the feel of a revvy naturally aspirated engine with some good old-fashioned road holding dynamics. It’s well specced and offers good value for money when compared to its rivals. It’s worth a look in the ultra-competitive C-Segment if you’re after something a little different and stylish. If you don’t absolutely need an automatic, go for the manual option and you’ll derive a lot more enjoyment from the Mazda3.

Second Opinion

The Mazda3 is a good-looking car that offers offers both comfort and solid driving ability. The ride is blissfully smooth and the car feels well-planted on the road. Cruising is where the Mazda3 excels, and if you enjoy cruising then the 6-speed automatic does a fair job of it and long-distance driving in the 3 should be a pleasant experience. Performance is brisk but not blistering and even so, the Mazda3 has loads to offer in terms of features and styling. This is a car well worth consideration in this segment of the market. – Gero Lilleike

Mazda3 Pricing in South Africa

*Note that 2015 pricing for the Mazda3 is shown here

The Mazda3 offering starts at R232 900 for a 1.6-Litre Original, our top-of-the-range 2.0 Astina automatic model comes in at R326 300.

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