Mazda3 hatchback - MPG, running costs & CO2

Mazda has a proud history of ‘doing things differently’ when it comes to engine technology. In recent years, the brand has shunned the trend for 'downsizing' for its petrol and diesel engines, instead saying it "rightsizes" its models. Its 2.0-litre petrol model has a larger engine than most rivals for that reason, including the Ford Focus, which has 1.5 and even 1.0-litre units.

Despite the engine size, economy doesn’t suffer because Mazda's e-SkyActiv X petrol uses a clever ignition system that blends high-pressure diesel engine technology with conventional petrol attributes to deliver impressive driveability and running costs. If you can afford it, it's our pick of the range. 

Mazda3 MPG & CO2

The 2.0-litre e-SkyActiv G petrol manages up to 51.4mpg, thanks to 24V mild-hybrid technology and the ability to shut down cylinders under light throttle. With CO2 emissions of 124-127g/km for the manual version, it's an affordable choice for company-car drivers. However, the 138-140g/km emissions of the automatic version will make its Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band rather high for business users.

The e-SkyActiv X engine is even more frugal and efficient, returning up to 54.3mpg and emitting as little as 118g/km of CO2 with 16-inch alloy wheels fitted, giving it the lowest BiK liability in the range. Fitting bigger wheels and an automatic gearbox can see these figures drop below 50mpg, while CO2 climbs to a maximum of 137g/km.

The 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine was discontinued in 2019. This engine produced 56.6mpg under the WLTP testing cycle and CO2 emissions of 107g/km when equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. With an automatic gearbox, the diesel managed around 50mpg, while CO2 emissions also increased to 127g/km.

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Insurance groups

Insurance groups for the latest Mazda3 e-SkyActiv G petrol start from 15 for an SE-L trim and go up to 17 for a GT Sport Tech range-topper, the same groups occupied by the SkyActiv-D diesel.

Warranty

Mazda offers a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which puts it on an equal footing with rivals from Ford and Volkswagen. It looks a bit stingy next to Hyundai's five-year/unlimited mileage offer and Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, however.