Mazda 3 2019 review
Overview
The fourth-generation Mazda 3, codenamed BP, reached UK showrooms in May 2019 and immediately set a new standard for how a family hatchback could look and feel inside. The hatchback was orderable from February 2019, with the saloon following later in the year. At launch there were just two engines — the 2.0 SkyActiv-G M Hybrid petrol covered here and a 1.8 diesel — and five trims: SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. Note there was no plain 'Sport' trim in 2019, despite what some listings claim.
The 2.0 SkyActiv-G is a 1,998cc naturally aspirated petrol with a 24V mild-hybrid system and cylinder deactivation, producing 122 PS and 213 Nm. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual (a six-speed automatic was optional), covering 0–62mph in 10.4 seconds and reaching 122mph. Official economy is up to 45.6mpg with 117g/km of CO2 on 16-inch wheels; 18-inch cars return 44.8mpg and 119g/km. The best-selling Sport Lux manual cost £22,795 when new, with the range opening at £20,595 for the SE-L.
Inside, the Mazda 3 feels a class above its price: superb materials, a beautifully simple dashboard and a driving position that embarrasses premium rivals. Euro NCAP awarded five stars in May 2019 with a remarkable 98% adult-occupant score, and the warranty was three years or 60,000 miles. The trade-offs are a small 351-litre boot (358 litres including underfloor storage, 1,026 litres folded), tight rear headroom, thick C-pillars that hurt rear visibility, and a high load lip.
As a used buy, the Mazda 3 has no horror stories, but early BP cars were subject to several recalls internationally — including a wheel-hub bolt campaign on cars built from September 2018 to May 2019 and a cylinder-deactivation software recall — so check any car's recall and software history with a Mazda dealer or via DVSA before purchase. Note also that Mazda's current six-year warranty applies only to cars registered from September 2025, not to a 2019 car.
UK price from: £22,795
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol M Hybrid (1,998cc) |
| Power | 122 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 213 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| 0-62 mph | 10.4 seconds (manual) |
| Top speed | 122 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | Up to 45.6 mpg combined (16-inch wheels) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 g/km (16-inch manual) |
| Boot space | 351 litres (358 with underfloor storage; 1,026 folded) |
| Towing capacity | 1,300 kg braked |
| Insurance group | 15E-17E (petrol range) |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2019 test) |
Features
- 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G M Hybrid petrol (122 PS, 213 Nm)
- Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
- Front-wheel drive
- 8.8-inch infotainment display with rotary controller
- Head-up display on higher trims
- Bose premium audio on GT Sport models
- Full active safety suite with Smart Brake Support
- 351-litre boot expanding to 1,026 litres
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £49.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £10.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £17.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £21.99 | |
| 12V battery | £94.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £15.99 |
Pros
- Superb cabin quality — a class above its price
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating with 98% adult-occupant score
- Attractive, distinctive styling inside and out
- Well-judged ride and handling on UK roads
Cons
- Small 351-litre boot with a high load lip
- Tight rear headroom and poor rear visibility
- Early cars subject to several recalls — check by VIN
- 122 PS feels unhurried against turbo rivals
