The Mazda 3 is a great-driving, premium-feeling hatchback with clever mild-hybrid engines and lots of tech.
But it’s far from the most practical option, and its stoic aversion to touchscreens may not suit everyone. If that’s you, we’ve picked out 10 of the best cars that are like a Mazda 3. All are available to buy from Motorpoint with low mileage and warranty cover.
Still considering the magnificent Mazda? Read our in-depth Mazda 3 review or browse used Mazda 3 cars for sale.
BMW 1 Series
Better than the Mazda 3 for: a premium badge
In many ways, the Mazda 3 is just as good as the 1 Series. And more stylish. But while Mazda makes premium-feeling cars, some people just have to have a car with a premium badge. The 1 Series is arguably a tiny bit posher than the 3, but a bit more expensive too.
Shop used BMW 1 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 1 Series review
Audi A3
Better than the Mazda 3 for: infotainment
Mazda’s slim infotainment screen is dead simple to use and doesn’t usually feel overwhelmed with the info it has to show. But it feels unusual at first that the screen isn’t a touchscreen – unless you’re using Apple CarPlay while parked. In the premium hatchback space, the Audi A3’s infotainment system is our favourite, with intuitive menus, great graphics and top-rate responsiveness. And you get the Virtual Cockpit digital dials, too.
Shop used Audi A3 cars for sale or read our Audi A3 review
Volkswagen Golf
Better than the Mazda 3 for: all-round ability
The Golf has long been a default choice for a reason – it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re on a motorway, country road or a busy town-centre street, the Golf excels. There’s a wide range of engines, including diesel, plug-in hybrid and performance options, and plenty of rear-seat space.
Shop used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Golf review
Mazda CX-30
Better than the Mazda 3 for: SUV ride height
The CX-30 is heavily based on the Mazda 3, but it’s a little bigger and taller. The CX-30 mostly solves the 3’s practicality drawbacks, while keeping its plus points – it’s still fun to drive and its plush interior is loaded to the sky with standard equipment. And its SUV positioning means it sits a bit higher off the ground than the 3, affording you a slightly better view of the road ahead.
Shop used Mazda CX-30 cars for sale or read our Mazda CX-30 review
Ford Focus
Better than the Mazda 3 for: rear-seat space
Think of the 3 as a family-friendly MX-5 and it impresses, but against other family hatchbacks it comes up a little short. If you’re regularly going to be carrying adults along for the ride, the Ford Focus is up there with the best in class for rear legroom. And don’t forget that the Focus has a similar driving sparkle to the 3, which most hatches do without.
Shop used Ford Focus cars for sale or read our Ford Focus review
Toyota Corolla
Better than the Mazda 3 for: fuel economy
Mazda’s mind-bogglingly clever supercharged mild-hybrid petrol engine is pretty efficient, offering up to 54mpg. If it’s impressive fuel economy you want, though, the best choice in this sector is the Toyota Corolla. Managing up to 64mpg, the Corolla is as easy to drive as it cheap to run. The Mazda definitely has its Japanese rival licked for driver appeal, and still comes with a manual gearbox, however – the Corolla is auto-only.
Shop used Toyota Corolla cars for sale or read our Toyota Corolla review
Mercedes A-Class
Better than the Mazda 3 for: plug-in hybrid engine
The A-Class isn’t the only car on this list to offer a plug-in hybrid option, but if you’re considering the Mazda 3 then you’ve probably had at least a passing look at Mercedes’ entry-level model. Mercedes’ 13kWh battery enables a circa 50-mile electric driving range – which should cut your running costs if you keep it charged – while the interior is much more theatrical than Mazda’s restrained and classy cabin.
Shop used Mercedes A-Class cars for sale or read our Mercedes A-Class review
Cupra Born
Better than the Mazda 3 for: electric driving
There’s a small part of us that admires Mazda's stubbornness for launching an odd-looking, short-range EV and then saying “look, no one is buying it, let’s stick to petrol”. The Mazda 3’s petrol engines are very good. But the Cupra Born’s instantly available power and unstickable grip make it feel like a hot hatch hooligan. The Born is one of our favourite EVs for its decent range – over 250 miles is possible – and its copper-trimmed techy interior.
Shop used Cupra Born cars for sale or read our Cupra Born review
Kia XCeed
Better than the Mazda 3 for: warranty
Mazda’s three-year, 60,000-mile warranty is the industry standard. It’s likely you’ll never need to use it – Mazda scores well for reliability – but it’s worth looking elsewhere if you want that extra peace of mind. Going to keep the car a long time? Kia offers one of the best warranties right now, covering you for up to seven years or 100,000 miles of driving.
Read our guide to other cars with long warranties here.
Shop used Kia XCeed cars for sale or read our Kia XCeed review
SEAT Leon
Better than the Mazda 3 for: value for money
Like the Mazda 3, the SEAT Leon is a stylish and sporty hatchback that’s posher inside than you might expect. Generally, the Leon is a better seller than the 3, which means more are available on the used market – and therefore, you can pick up a Leon for a bit less than a Mazda 3. SEAT’s hatch is also a little more practical than the Mazda and can be had with diesel and hybrid engines, as well as petrol.
Shop used SEAT Leon cars for sale or read our SEAT Leon review
