If you're looking for comfort rather than performance, the interior of the Mazda 3 Touring is very rich.
Our passion
- The interior looks and feels like a luxury car
- Refined and responsive when driving around town
- More eye-catching than most similarly priced competitors
We don't like it
- The Vision Technology option adds functionality but compromises the driving experience
- Fuel-saving technologies create refining problems
- Practicality takes a hit in the name of style
2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring
Over the years, Mazda has repositioned the Mazda 3 Series from a sporty, agile model to a more upscale, but still nimble.
Mazda likes to tout the connection between people and vehicles in its vehicles, but what if you're not too interested in driving dynamics and performance? Well, you can find the right one for yourself, too.
While the Mazda 3 Touring doesn't completely abandon handling and vehicle control, it tends to focus more on comfort. Discerning motorists can opt for the more premium Mazda 3 G25 model in search of higher performance, but city dwellers looking for a luxurious premium hatchback may find everything they need in the Mazda 3 G20 Touring.
How much is a Mazda3?
The Mazda 3 Series is available in six variants, each of which is available in a hatchback or sedan version without additional modifications. The entire range is now also available in automatic mode, and the previous manual option is no longer available.
The entry-level model in the range starts at $30,470 for the G20 Pure, plus road fees, starting at $32,020 for the G20 Evolve and $34,670 for the G20 Touring here, both without road fees.
Standard equipment on the entry-level model includes an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, 16-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, fabric upholstery, leather steering wheel and gear lever, automatic lifting windows, power-folding mirrors, LED headlights with halogen daytime running lights, and more.
The station wagons tested here add extra features such as dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, wireless smartphone connectivity, electrically adjustable driver's seats with memory, leather seat trim, heated exterior mirrors with auto-tilt reversing, and other small details that embody luxury.
Available options include the Vision Technology Package (AU$2,000), which adds a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display, forward intersection alert, 360-degree camera, driver monitoring and more advanced adaptive cruise control.
Mazda doesn't offer any solid color paint, only mica and metallic tones. Some paints are available at no extra cost, while others cost an additional AU$595, including the machine grey metallic paint shown here.
Under the hood of the Mazda 3 G20 model is a 2.0-liter non-turbocharged engine with 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The full range of safety equipment includes forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, speed limit sign recognition, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and other functions. More information about safety technology is available below.
If you're not after the luxury of the Touring, the G25 Evolve likewise starts at AU$34,670. It doesn't have features like auto-dimming driver's mirrors and mirror tilt features, illuminated vanity mirrors, leather seat trim, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Instead, you get a more powerful 2.5-litre engine with 139kW of power and 252Nm of torque (+25kW, +52Nm).
| Key details | 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring hatchback |
| Price | AUD 34,670 plus travel fees |
| Test car color | Machine gray |
| Options | Vision Technology Package - AUD 2000 - 10.25-inch infotainment screen - 360-degree view camera - Driver monitoring - Cruise and traffic support cruise control - Front parking sensors and front intersection alert Premium Paint - AUD 595 |
| Price as tested | AUD37,265 plus travel fees |
| Opening price | A$34,489 (Melbourne) |
| competitor | Hyundai i30 | |
How big is a Mazda 3?
Despite being a five-door hatchback, it's best to think of the Mazda3 as a coupe with the addition of two rear doors. The low roofline and large rear pillar underline the brand's approach of prioritizing styling over practicality.
Not all buyers want or need a spacious upright car, though, so the Mazda3 gives the driver a low seat that gives it a racing feel. The cockpit-style instruments and wrap-around instrument panel are designed to be intimate and non-encroaching on passenger space.
In the Mazda 3 G20 Touring, the power-adjustable driver's seat makes it easy to find the ideal position, but even better is the memory feature – a bit unexpected at this price point. If you share a car with your partner or family, you'll wonder how you would live without it.
The leather upholstery feels good. It is soft and strong enough to withstand everyday use. With the winter chill hit, I did go looking for heated seats, but there was no such feature on the Touring, which almost seemed like a strange misstep considering the model was fully equipped in every other way.
The seats are comfortable for long drives and provide some side support, but not enough to make getting in and out difficult. Keep in mind, though, that this is a low-slung car, so you tend to get stuck in the seat and need some free space to get up and down.
Storage space in the car is a bit limited. There are a pair of cup holders in front of the gear lever, a doorside storage compartment that's narrow enough to fit a bottle, and a wireless charger under the air conditioning control panel. To access the center console, the armrest slides back and then opens at an angle, giving access to the cable duct and a small coin tray, although it is much easier to use if a single-action hinge is used.
The rear seats continue to use high-quality materials, but the space is closer to the economy class level. The exaggerated styling restricts rear headroom and outward visibility, and legroom is tight. The rear seat space is suitable for children and shorter adults – I'm 169cm tall and feel like I'm barely squeezing in. Taller passengers may have to crouch down to find the space they need.
The rear seats are ventilated through the rear of the center console, but there are no USB charging ports (there are only two in the front).
The rear seats come with a 60/40 folding backrest, so if you need to squeeze in more space, the compact 295-litre trunk can be adjusted. I've found that in most cases, the rear seats jam the front seats when folded, so you'll need to push them forward first, then fold the rear seats and return the front seats to their original positions.
The trunk floor is also not flush with the rear opening, so you'll need to lift the weight before putting it in. It's not a big deal, but it can be inconvenient in some cases.
| 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring hatchback | |
| seat | Five |
| Boot the volume | The 295L seat is raised |
| length | 4460 mm |
| width | 1795 mm |
| height | 1435 mm |
| wheelbase | 2725 mm |
Does Mazda 3 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Without the optional Vision Technology package, the standard Mazda 3 infotainment system offers an 8.8-inch display, but in this case, it's available as an option to a 10.25-inch screen. Touring adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to complement the lower-tier wired connectivity standard.
The system is also equipped with AM/FM and digital radio, satellite navigation, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. You can access the menu via a suitably placed control dial on the centre console, or if you're using smartphone mirroring, you can think of the screen as a touchscreen, which is an easier way to switch between functions – albeit a bit far away and not easily accessible.
In front of the driver is a 7.0-inch digital display flanked by traditional tachometers, fuel gauges, and thermometers. The display options are very limited, but the layout provided is very clear and easy to read.
All models of the Mazda 3 Series are equipped with a head-up display. It can display speed and driver assistance functions as well as turn-by-turn navigation. The information you need to know is easy to understand and requires little to no gauge display.
Mazda has started rolling out a connected infotainment system with remote smartphone access on other models, but the Mazda 3 is not yet equipped with this feature.
Is Mazda 3 a safe car?
The Mazda 3 Series received an ANCAP five-star safety rating in 2019, which expires in December 2025.
It has a protection rating of 98% for adults, 89% for children, and 81% for vulnerable road users. The Mazda3 has a safety assistance system score of 76%. The car is equipped with 7 airbags, including dual frontal airbags, side chest protection and head protection side curtains, as well as driver knee airbags.
| 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring hatchback | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2019) |
| Security Reports | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technologies does the Mazda 3 have?
All models of the Mazda 3 Series are equipped with Forward and Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), including pedestrian and cyclist detection. The full range also comes with blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, reversing camera and tire pressure monitoring.
Mazda is equipped with two rear ISOFIXs and three child seat mounts with top straps.
Adaptive cruise control is standard, but it doesn't include the low-speed "cruise and traffic support" traffic jam assist feature on the top-of-the-line model. This feature can be added through the Vision Technology suite, which also adds forward cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring, forward parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera.
There were pros and cons to the vision technology suite as I drove this car: I saw the benefits of a 360-degree view camera, an upgraded infotainment system, and front-facing parking sensors, but the extended cruise control wasn't as smooth as I had hoped.
In low-speed traffic, the car will feel shaky and will often come to a sudden stop from a low-speed following state. It also seems to have a narrow view of the surrounding traffic, and the Mazda3 often fails to detect the vehicle in front of it with the car inserted from the side. Competitor driver assistance technologies such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and others can handle the situation better.
Thankfully, it's easy to switch between more assisted cruise and traffic support and more traditional adaptive cruise control, and in this mode, the car feels more trustworthy in a wider range of scenarios.
| Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) | yes | Including cyclist, pedestrian detection (front) As well as the rear AEB |
| Adaptive cruise control | yes | Traffic Jam Assist Included (with Vision Technology Option) |
| Blind spot alerts | yes | Alerts only |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | yes | Alerts and accessibility |
| Lane Assist | yes | Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Centering Assist |
| Road Sign Recognition | yes | Speed limit assist is included |
| Driver Attention Warning | yes | Distraction monitor included (with vision technology option) |
| Cameras and sensors | yes | Front and rear sensors, 360-degree camera (with vision technology option) |
How much does Mazda 3 maintenance cost?
The Mazda 3 Series is backed by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and comes with a limited-price repair service of 12 months or 15,000 km service intervals. Mazda is also providing roadside assistance for five years.
In the first three years, the service fee will cumulatively reach $1,318 AUD, while the scheduled maintenance fee will accumulate to $2,209 AUD over five years.
Based on a comparative quote from a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW, our insurance quote for the Mazda 3 Touring hatchback is AUD 1485 per year. Insurance estimates may vary depending on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
Looking at the competitors, using the same driver details, the petrol version of the Corolla ZR is quoted at $1599 per annum, while the Golf Life is quoted at $1547 per annum.
| At first glance | 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring hatchback |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited kilometers |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 km |
| Cost of Services | A$1318 (3 years) A$2209 (5 years) |
Is Mazda 3 fuel efficient?
The Mazda3 with its 2.0-liter engine claims fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 km, which is close to the 6.0 litres/100 km of the non-hybrid Corolla, lower than the 7.4 litres/100 km of the Hyundai i30 2.0-litre, but slightly higher than the 6.3 l/100 km of the turbocharged (but more powerful) Honda Civic 1.5-litre.
The official fuel consumption given for 100 kilometers is 5.9 liters, and when mixed, during the time I drove this car, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers was 6.9 liters, which is still acceptable. My commute includes highway mixed speed driving as well as stop-and-go city stop-and-go during rush hour.
Mazda's 2.0-liter engine is equipped with a start-stop system that shuts down the engine at idle speed to save fuel. Another of its tricks is the cylinder deactivation system, which allows the engine to run with only two cylinders at low loads, such as when cruising at a steady speed.
The first system is well set up. If you gently press the brake pedal while parking, it won't turn off. This is convenient if you need to move slowly forward, or if you know traffic will soon be congested again. Press harder and the engine will automatically shut down, and when you release the brakes, the engine will quickly restart.
The cylinder deactivation system felt rough, and the vibrations in the cabin felt like an engine misfire. There's also no way to deactivate it, so if you're going to drive long distances, you'll have to live with it.
| Fuel efficiency | 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring hatchback |
| Fuel Disadvantages (Claimed) | 5.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (under testing) | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Types of gasoline | 91 Octane unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel tank size | 51 liters |
How does it feel to drive a Mazda 3?
The Mazda 3 G20 Touring may offer a list of luxurious configurations, but the engine is the base configuration that Mazda offers for the Mazda 3 in Australia. This is not the car you buy for the thrill of the dynamic – for many buyers, it's the perfect match.
In most driving situations, this engine is quiet and smooth. If you're driving around town on the weekends, or navigating traffic while commuting to work, this engine isn't bad. It's responsive when you need it, although not as agile as some of its competitors.
The 2.0-liter petrol engine is rated at 114kW and 200Nm of torque, and the power output is at the lower level in a small car. There is also no hybrid assist or turbocharging. This allows the engine to spin freely, but doing so weakens some of the calm and quiet you could otherwise enjoy.
The six-speed automatic transmission is of the traditional type, so there is no hesitation when stationary, and there is no rubber band when accelerating, just like competitors who use dual-clutch or CVT automatic transmissions. There's a sport mode switch to make the transmission more responsive, or the driver can use the gear lever or steering wheel paddles to manage gear shifting.
The overall refinement is good. Wind noise is low and tyre noise is generally well controlled when driving on the highway, but some asphalt roads can transmit noticeable road noise into the cabin. When using the cylinder deactivation system, there are also sound changes that overshadow the Mazda3's brilliance as a highway cruiser.
The same goes for exterior visibility, which has excellent forward visibility due to the slim A-pillars, but limited rear visibility due to the thicker rear pillars, compact rear windows, and smaller exterior mirrors. Even with blind spot surveillance, it can be difficult to verify that nearby vehicles are moving into adjacent lanes.
While it may not be a high-performance hatchback, the suspension and steering are well-designed and responsive. As a result, the grip is strong and the steering is agile. The wheels are a bit heavy, especially at low speeds, and some people may find the driving a bit stiff, but Mazda's goal is to help the driver adapt to the road conditions, and the overall balance works well.
| Key details | 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring hatchback |
| engine | 2.0 litres of four-cylinder petrol |
| strength | 114 kW @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| disseminate | 6-speed automatic torque converter |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 84.9 kW/t |
| weight | 1342 kg |
| Spare tire type | Space-saving |
| Traction level | 1200kg braking 600kg without braking |
| Radius of slewing | 10.6 meters |
Can a Mazda 3 be trailered?
For those who want to trailer a trailer, the Mazda 3 Series is rated at 1200 kg (with a brake trailer) or 600 kg (without a brake trailer). It's flexible enough to help you tow a golf cart, jet ski, or electric scooter, but it may not be up to the task of a camping trailer or minivan. Given that the 2.0-liter engine isn't powerful on its own, the Mazda3 probably shouldn't be the first choice for your regularly used trailer.
Should I buy a Mazda 3?
For those looking for something a little more "refined", the Mazda 3 Touring has it all covered.
The Touring doesn't come at a high price, but it offers a luxurious interior, a robust list of standard equipment, and the striking look of the Mazda3 hatchback – and it still has good shape even five years after the car's debut.
Drivers who rarely go out of town will love this refined configuration and relatively low fuel costs. Long-distance travelers may not like the elaborate configuration on the highway, and the Vision Technology option package blends practical technology like a 360-degree camera with some rough features, including low-speed cruise control.
But as a stylistic embodiment of style, the Mazda3 succeeds in putting a chic urban hatchback within the reach of buyers who may not consider a full-fledged premium brand, and contrasts with other mainstream small cars in terms of quality and appearance.
How to Buy Mazda 3 – What's Next?
The Mazda 3 Series offers a comprehensive range of models, so you may need to think carefully to decide if Touring is right for you. If you're not looking for a lot of performance, but want to treat yourself a little, then this well-equipped model could be the perfect choice for you.