Mazda 3 models and trim levels explained

Behind its sensuous styling, the Mazda 3 delights with a quality interior that doesn’t revolve around a touchscreen. It’s fun to drive, economical and well engineered, so it’s a great choice if you don’t need the practicality of a boxy car. With unstressed petrol engines and Mazda’s eye for detail, the 3 also promises to be reliable and easy to live with.

We lay out the Mazda 3’s models and trim levels so you know which is the best choice for you.

Mazda 3 models

Since its introduction in late 2003, the Mazda 3 has been available as a five-door hatchback or as a four-door saloon. In the UK, the hatchback has always been more popular than the saloon, although more popular still is the CX-30 SUV, which is spun off the same platform as the latest 3.

Before the Mazda 3 launched, the brand’s Familia badge had been used for similarly positioned models since the 1960s.

Mazda 3 Saloon

As a niche option of an already left-field choice, the Mazda 3 Saloon (also called the Mazda 3 Fastback) doesn’t feature the same wide range of trim levels and engines as the hatchback. The latest version, available until 2023, only came with the most powerful engine and most were in a high spec.

Mazda 3 trim levels

The current 3 is available in the following trim levels:

• Prime-Line – entry-level model includes adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, LED headlights with auto high-beam assist, a head-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Centre-Line – adds front parking sensors, auto wipers, heated front seats, keyless entry and wireless phone charging
• Homura – swaps silver 16-inch wheels for gloss black 18s, and also gains tinted rear windows and black trim
• Takumi – top-spec model comes with powered leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360º parking camera and additional driver assistance tech

You’ll find recent models also available in:

• SE-L
• SE-L Lux
• Sport Lux
• GT Sport and GT Sport Tech

These are largely the same as Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura and Takumi respectively. Takumi also replaced the Exclusive-Line model.

Mazda 3 generations

Fourth generation – 2019-present

• Current-shape car with sleek, flowing styling
• You’ll find plenty of used examples for sale at Motorpoint
• Clever Skyactiv-X petrol engine features supercharger and diesel-like compression ratio
• Slim screen doesn't work as a touchscreen when driving – you need to use the dial on the centre console
• Almost entirely petrol powered; a 1.8 diesel was available at the car’s launch but was phased out very shortly after. The petrol has proven to be reliable

Third generation – 2014-2019

• Interior still feels quite modern with phone connectivity and features
• Two petrol and two diesel engines available
• One of the first Mazda models to use its ‘Kodo’ design language that’s inspired by flowing water
• First Mazda 3 not to be produced under Ford ownership

Second generation – 2008-2013

• Plenty available, and for not much money
• Attractive styling and ‘smiley’ front end
• Range-topping MPS is a rare but punchy hot hatch
• Updated platform from first-gen car

First generation – 2003-2008

• Praised at launch for its sporty handling
• Remaining examples are cheap and should be fairly reliable

Which Mazda 3 model is the best?

The latest Mazda 3 is by far our favourite, and not just for its calendar-worthy styling. Its suave interior, sorted handling and superb petrol engines make it worth considering for anyone looking for a fuel-powered hatchback. Having been on sale since 2019, you can find used Mazda 3s for reasonable money – and its bulletproof 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol engines should make unplanned maintenance a thing of the past.

Shop used Mazda 3 cars for sale at Motorpoint, or read our Mazda 3 review