Four years since the 2018 Mazda3 was released, it’s still good value and has a modern body shape.

The Mazda3 Maxx Sport – which took home the gong for Australia’s Best Cars in its release year in 2018 – is the pick of the bunch as it includes autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, dual-zone climate control and an electric parking brake.

The Maxx Sport has shorter 10,000km servicing schedules so it’s a good idea to check the car’s logbook when you’re looking to buy second-hand.

Due to the high demand for used cars over the past year, the Mazda3 has kept its value which is good for the owner but not so much for the buyer.

The Japanese manufacturer is renowned for its functional and uncluttered interior design, and the Mazda3 is proof of that, with an exceptionally ergonomic cabin.

The surfaces are durable so they should not be showing too much wear at this stage, and there’s also enough room for four adults.

The Mazda3 is a nimble car and has a reputation as an easy and capable machine to drive. It’s helped by systems like G-vectoring control, which manages the engine’s torque during cornering to improve handling and suspension.

The Mazda3 is a nimble car and has a reputation as an easy and capable machine to drive. It’s helped by systems like G-vectoring control, which manages the engine’s torque during cornering to improve handling and suspension.

The two-litre Skyactiv engine in the Mazda3 is economical, consuming about seven litres of fuel per 100km. It’s available in both manual and automatic but go for the latter if you can find one and have the budget.

If you’ve recently started driving and can’t afford a new car, the Mazda3 Maxx Sports is probably the perfect used car to begin your driving life.

It’s easy to drive and park, has good safety features and design, and is easy on the wallet when it comes to filling up the petrol tank.

You can read more road tests in our Autumn 2023 edition.