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Mazda 3 Saloon (2004-2008) review

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Parkers overall rating: 3 out of 53.0

At a glance

Price new £13,165 - £16,155
Used prices £499 - £2,613
Road tax cost £160 - £385
Insurance group 14 - 20
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 411 - 702 miles
Number of doors 4
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Available fuel types

Petrol

Diesel

Pros & cons

PROS

Well built and engaging to drive, neatly styled, good rear passenger space

CONS

Limited range, not as practical as hatchback, dull cabin, lacks refinement

Written by David Ross Updated: 10 October 2023

Overview

Small saloons don’t usually sell well in Britain. The Mazda3 saloon is unlikely to buck the trend. Why? Like most models, the hatchback is the more popular choice as a practical family car.

But the Mazda3 saloon looks good, is competitively priced and well specified. Developed from the same platform as the Ford Focus and Volvo S40, driving pleasure was a high priority for engineers, so it’s good to drive.