If you're looking for a car that stands out from the crowd thanks to its sleek looks but is still practical enough to be a family-pleaser, take a look at the Mazda 3 Saloon. It's actually the larger stablemate of the Mazda 3 family hatchback and is blessed with the same character plus the addition of some appealing improvements.
The Mazda 3 is a grown-up drive, meaning it doesn't suffer from any teething problems. This is a car that has matured into an all-round performer. It's easy to drive and economical around town and has enough comforts to take you on longer journeys. Additionally, the plentiful storage space means you'll have enough room to make those journeys weekend trips away.
The interior is a real highlight with the Mazda 3 Saloon, unlike some other cars, where the inside is a bit of a let down compared with the dashing exterior. When you slide into the Mazda 3 Saloon, if you haven't been convinced this is the right choice for you by the outside alone, we think the inside may well seal the deal!
The driving position is pretty perfect. All around, you'll find little touches and attention to detail that demonstrates that Mazda has really thought long and hard about providing everything you could need. Materials and trims are top-quality and the build has a sturdy feel. The dashboard is sleek and stylish, the instruments intuitive and the infotainment system is spot on, both in looks and functionality.
Safety is another area where this car out-performs many others in the same class. It's one of the most robust cars of this type. In 2019, during Euro NCAP tests, it received a 98 percent adult occupant protection score – that equalled the mark of just three other models at that time.