The dawn of a new year brings renewed questions about the 2025 Mazda 3: is it a case of the same old sedan in fresh wrapping? Not precisely, but the changes may not be immediately apparent upon a cursory glance.

At its core, the Mazda 3 retains its signature sleek design, adorned with the same striking contours and available with naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines under the hood.

However, the upgraded Mazda 3 introduces significant advancements in technology and safety features, highlighted by the launch of Mazda Connected Services and a broader implementation of the Vision Package safety suite as standard equipment.

As is often the case, enhancements come with a price tag. The cost of the Mazda 3 has seen increases ranging from $720 to $2,320, largely due to previously optional features now becoming standard.

The model on review here is the 2025 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP, strategically positioned within the lineup to rival other well-equipped hatchbacks like the Hyundai i30 N Line and Kia Cerato GT.

So, does this steeper price curve detract from the allure of this endearing small car, or do the added features elevate the Evolve SP above its competitors?

How does the Mazda 3 fare against the competition?

A thorough comparison reveals how the Mazda 3 holds up against similarly sized offerings.

What will it cost?

The Mazda 3’s pricing now ranges increase significantly, with adjustments reflecting the incorporation of enhanced standard features:

Model Price (before on-road costs)
2025 Mazda 3 G20 Pure $31,190
2025 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve $32,990
2025 Mazda 3 G20 Touring with Vision Pack $36,990
2025 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP with Vision Pack $36,990
2025 Mazda 3 G25 GT with Vision Pack $39,990
2025 Mazda 3 G25 Astina $43,190

What’s inside the Mazda 3?

Mazda’s ambitious pursuit of premium quality is evident in the interior design, elevating the cabin presentation significantly.

While I wouldn’t claim that the G25 Evolve SP exudes an exclusive luxury aura, it certainly rivals vehicles in the $50,000 range.

From the driver’s perspective, the cockpit envelops you in a reassuringly refined environment, replete with soft-touch materials—from the leather armrest to the plush trimmings on the door card and center console. The dashboard boasts a tactile finish that adds to the overall ambiance—hats off to Mazda.

High-use areas such as the steering wheel and shifter are adorned with smooth leather, while all tactile controls elicit a satisfying response. However, there are minor drawbacks: the doors have a somewhat tinny feel, and the glossy black plastics surrounding the shifter and infotainment system could be prone to scratches. Still, this cabin remains a delightful space to occupy.

The G25 Evolve SP features supportive cloth seats designed for resilience during everyday use, providing comfort even over extended journeys.

Both front seats mirror each other in design, yet the driver’s seat enjoys the convenience of electric adjustments with lumbar support, whereas the passenger seat has manual controls.

Although the interior might not showcase dramatic changes compared to its predecessor, the technological enhancements are where the real evolution lies.

Now equipped with the newly standard Vision Package, the Evolve SP boasts a larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.

This improvement is indeed notable—screen size indeed enhances usability, and the upgraded graphics are clearer than in previous iterations. Unlike prior models, the 10.25-inch display operates as a true touchscreen, moving away from the rotary dial that was once familiar.

However, as someone who tends to sit further back in the seat, I found the screen’s placement a bit distant, making frequent engagement as a touchscreen impractical while driving. It felt safer and more ergonomic to rely on the dial rather than stretch forward.

Many drivers may adjust to the setup without concern, and the infotainment interface remains uncluttered and user-friendly.

Upon entry, the layout presents a straightforward scrolling menu with five primary tabs for vehicle information, entertainment, communication, navigation, and settings. Simple yet effective.

The interface, known to many Mazda owners, features a classic white font on a black background—decently legible, albeit not particularly captivating.

Most of my time with the Mazda 3 was spent utilizing Apple CarPlay, which now operates wirelessly with the enhanced system. The connection was swift and stable, facilitating access to apps like Spotify and Waze, though a dedicated shortcut for exiting smartphone mirroring would be a valuable addition.

In front of the driver, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster awaits. Described as a digital gauge display, it features digitized instruments with a modestly customizable center screen.

The design reflects the understated elegance prevalent throughout the cabin, appealing to mature drivers who favor a familiar aesthetic in their compact vehicle. Younger tech enthusiasts, perhaps, may have different expectations.

They might instead appreciate the small heads-up display projected onto the windshield. In keeping with the classic vibe, the climate controls incorporate a mix of physical buttons and dials.

Despite the immediate feeling of coziness in the Mazda 3, the rear seat presents a stark contrast.

Space for passengers is notably scant. As someone measuring 6’1′”, I found myself awkwardly contorted, struggling to fit comfortably behind the driver’s seat to even close the door. Headspace is equally limiting for those taller than 5’10”.

This cramped ambiance, accentuated by a dark headliner and small window dimensions, creates a somewhat claustrophobic environment. Thus, the back seat is decidedly more suited for children and cargo.

A lack of rear-seat amenities further compounds the issue—while there is a center armrest with cupholders and minimal door storage, USB ports or air vents are conspicuously absent. It is hard to imagine even children finding it all that enjoyable.

Although folding down the rear seats (which split in a 60/40 fashion) provides additional cargo capacity, utilizing that option necessitates moving the front seats forward, rendering it less user-friendly.

Moreover, cargo space remains limited, with a modest capacity of 295 liters, starkly contrasting with competitors like the Hyundai i30 N Line (395L) and the Kia Cerato GT (428L).

While the trunk may be on the smaller side, the opening is generously shaped, and the manual tailgate lifts high for easy loading. A compact spare tire resides beneath the boot floor, a comfort for those navigating remote areas.

Dimensions:

Length: 4460mm | Width: 1795mm | Height: 1435mm | Wheelbase: 2725mm | Cargo capacity: 295 liters

What lies beneath the hood?

The performance specs for 2025 see no changes; models in the G25 range include a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Specifications:

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol
  • Power: 139kW @ 6000rpm
  • Torque: 252Nm @ 4000rpm
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Driven wheels: FWD
  • Weight: 1417kg (kerb)
  • Claimed fuel economy: 6.6L/100km
  • Tested fuel economy: 10.5L/100km
  • Fuel tank capacity: 51 liters
  • Fuel requirement: 91 octane unleaded (E10 compatible)
  • CO2 emissions: 154g/km
  • Emissions standard: Euro 5
  • Braked tow capacity: 1200kg

Driving Experience:

The Mazda 3 appeals significantly to those who appreciate a dynamic driving experience over mere transportation.

You sit comfortably low within the cockpit-like cabin, finely tuned for engagement, particularly with the G25’s 2.5-liter engine. This engine enhances outputs, delivering 139kW and 252Nm—up from the 2.0-liter variant—allowing for a lively performance.

The swift response is commendable, achieving decent acceleration, yet it begs for higher RPMs to unleash its full potential. City drivers, in particular, might yearn for a bit more oomph at lower speeds.

While the power delivery is smooth, pushing the engine hard can result in increased noise, creating a less than tranquil commuting environment.

While we have become accustomed to turbocharged and hybrid options, transitioning back to a naturally aspirated engine underscores why many manufacturers have made the shift away from them.

Fuel efficiency is another point of contention. Although Mazda claims the car can achieve 6.6L/100km, my experience reflected over 10L/100km during a week of varied driving—somewhat excessive for a compact vehicle. It’s the trade-off for an engine that thrives on revs.

Another characteristic of the Mazda 3 is its relatively firm ride, which may transmit road imperfections directly to the driver, particularly on coarse surfaces. Steep speed bumps can lead to jarring experiences.

That said, the Mazda 3 shines in its nimbleness and sharp steering, offering a delightfully agile driving experience as you navigate city streets and suburban corners.

However, visibility from the driver’s seat presents a challenge; smaller windows and a low roofline make it difficult to gauge surrounding traffic and perform lane changes safely.

While the Mazda 3 appeals to individuals who recognize its enticing price point, visibility is paramount for less experienced drivers.

Parking’s inherent challenges are mitigated by the Evolve SP’s Vision Package, which incorporates a high-resolution surround-view camera, simplifying navigation into tight spots.

Now standard across all Mazda 3 variants, save for the Pure and Evolve, this safety package raises overall costs but enhances the vehicle’s appeal.

This tech bundle also proves beneficial during highway travel, featuring a user-friendly semi-autonomous driving system that seamlessly manages speed and distance whether you’re navigating dense traffic or cruising on open roads.

The technology enables the Mazda 3 to serve as a comfortable long-distance cruiser, making lengthy road trips less daunting.

Throughout my test journey, I encountered no issues with the advanced driver assistance systems; safety monitoring features performed reliably, allowing me to focus on the road ahead. Although I did note some wind noise inside the cabin—possibly related to the slight tininess of the exterior panels—tyre roar was notably absent during highway drives.

The G25 model delivers sufficient power for highway speeds and overtaking maneuvers, especially when utilizing the paddle shifters. While the automatic transmission can be slow on the uptake, it responds more energetically in sports mode.

The symbiotic relationship between an eager engine and engaging driving dynamics ensures that this small hatch excels on winding country roads. The Mazda 3 offers an enriching driving experience that surpasses many in its class, even if that comes at the expense of comfort and fuel efficiency.

What features come standard?

All variants receive enhancements for the current model year, with equipment highlights for each model outlined as follows:

G20 Pure Equipment:

  • 16-inch alloy wheels – silver
  • 7.0-inch instrument cluster
  • 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display
  • Keyless start
  • Air-conditioning
  • Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 8-speaker audio
  • AM/FM/DAB+ radio
  • Electric parking brake
  • Auto Hold, Automatic LED headlights
  • Leather-wrapped gearshift and steering wheel
  • Power exterior mirrors (auto folding)
  • Power windows (auto up/down)
  • Satellite navigation
  • 60:40-split rear seats
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
  • USB-C input and charging port
  • Mazda Connected Services
  • MyMazda app compatible functions

G20 Evolve Equipment:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic grey
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Rear air vents
  • Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
  • Paddle shifters
  • Rear center fold-down armrest
  • Overhead sunglasses storage box
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Wireless phone charger

G20 Touring Equipment:

  • Keyless entry
  • Driver mirror – auto-dimming
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Reverse tilt-down function
  • Position memory for mirrors
  • Black leather seat trim
  • 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support and memory function
  • Vanity mirrors with illumination
  • Vision Pack: Surround-view camera, 10.25-inch Mazda Connect display, Cruising & Traffic Support, Driver monitoring, Front cross-traffic alert

G25 Evolve SP Additions (over G20 Evolve):

  • 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic black
  • Mirror enhancements (reverse tilt-down, auto-dimming, position memory)

G25 GT Additions:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels – metallic grey
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Black leather seat trim

G25 Astina Additions:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels – gloss black
  • Bose premium audio system
  • Power tilt and slide glass sunroof
  • Black leather or optional Burgundy leather seat trim

Is the Mazda 3 safe?

The Mazda 3 boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, a testament to its robust design and protective features.

Category Ratings:

  • Adult occupant protection: 98%
  • Child occupant protection: 89%
  • Vulnerable road user protection: 81%
  • Safety assist: 76%

Standard Safety Features:

  • Autonomous emergency braking (forward, reverse)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
  • Reversing camera
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Dual front, front-side, and curtain airbags
  • Driver’s knee airbag
  • SOS emergency call

Vision Package (available for an additional cost):

  • Surround-view camera
  • Cruising & Traffic Support
  • Driver monitoring
  • Front cross-traffic alert
  • Front parking sensors

What about running costs?

While the Mazda 3 delivers engaging performance, it does demand a higher maintenance fee than many competitors—both the Corolla Hybrid and Skoda Fabia generally offer cheaper upkeep over five years.

Servicing and Warranty:

  • Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kilometers
  • Roadside assistance: 5 years
  • Service intervals: 12 months or 15,000 kilometers
  • Capped-price servicing: Total cost over 5 years: $2,235

Final Thoughts:

While the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP showcases commendable tech and safety enhancements for 2025, a few longstanding drawbacks hinder its standing in an increasingly competitive compact segment.

The added features fail to offset the less-than-ideal cabin space and relatively high fuel consumption—a critical consideration for most pragmatic car buyers.

Nonetheless, the Mazda 3 remains a benchmark in terms of driving dynamics and interior quality. But when practicality and efficiency are high on the shopping list, the Evolve SP lags behind competitors.

For urban dwellers seeking a stylish ride for daily commuting, this model could be an appealing choice, complemented by the G20 Evolve as a smart alternative. However, those prioritizing versatility should look towards newer contenders like the i30 or the more refined Skoda Fabia.

If you’re considering the Mazda 3, reach out to one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers for further details.

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MORE: Everything Mazda 3

Source:www.carexpert.com.au