The humble Mazda3 is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week - and here’s everything you need to know about this versatile and affordable lease car.
The Mazda3 was first revealed way back in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in the autumn of that year.
Spanning four generations, Mazda has sold more than six million 3s worldwide - in both hatchback and saloon form.
It was initially offered with a choice of petrol engines - 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre units - as well as a couple of diesel mills.
The Mazda3 you REALLY wanted was the performance Mazda3 MPS hot-hatch, which made its debut in 2006 and took the fight to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The MPS had power of 260 PS, a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, a limited-slip differential, 18-inch alloys and aggressive styling. The Mazda3 MPS now changes hands for around £6,000-£7,000 and if there’s one parked in your garage, you might be wise to keep hold of it, as prices are rising.
And while there’s no ‘hot’ version of the Mazda3 right now (the MPS disappeared when the third gen model arrived) it has enjoyed multiple generations and facelifts to get to where we are today.
The year 2013 saw a ‘big step forward’, according to Mazda, with a new ‘Kodo’ design philosophy influencing the design while more efficient ‘Skyactive’ petrol and diesel engines were added to the line-up.
The fourth, and current, generation of the Mazda3 arrived in 2018, and set ‘new standards of athletic and artistic aesthetics for a family hatchback’, according to the good people at Mazda.
So what can you expect from a Mazda3 lease?
First and foremost, it’s an affordable model - with lease prices for the hatchback beginning at £237 per month*, and 294 per month* for the saloon.
Your choice of engines couldn’t be more simple, as there’s just the one - a 2.0 litre petrol unit bolstered by mild-hybrid tech. It comes in two power outputs - the ‘G’ with power of 122 PS, and the ‘X’ with 186 PS.
That potent ‘X’ model will propel you from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, which is only a couple of seconds slower than the initial Mazda3 MPS.
The trim levels for the Mazda3 run from entry-level ‘Prime-Line’ through ‘Centre-Line’, ‘Homura’, ‘Exclusive-Line’ and range-topping ‘Takumi’.
And the good news for lease customers is that the most affordable Prime-Line models still come fully-loaded with kit, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with sat-nav, a head-up display, and reversing camera.
Plus, you also get radar-assisted adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist - two systems that are pretty rare on cars at this price.
As an alternative to the Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic or Vauxhall Astra, the Mazda3 is well worth a look.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 08/11/23.
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