Mazda 3 vs Ford Focus: Comparing two popular hatchbacks

If you’re looking for the perfect family car, then a family hatchback could be the ideal choice. A hatchback is big enough to carry a family and all their belongings while still being small enough to manoeuvre in tight spaces and light enough to be fuel efficient.

While there are many hatchbacks to choose from, two popular options are the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two hatchback cars so that you can decide on which model is best for your needs.

In this guide:

• Ford Focus vs Mazda 3: How do the models compare?

Find out more about the key differences between the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3 to help choose the right car for your needs.

• Interior features

Learn more about how the interior features of the two models compare to each other.

• Exterior features

Find out more about the key exterior features of both cars.

• Trim levels

Learn more about the trim levels available when you buy a Ford Focus or Mazda 3.

• Engine options

Find out more about the engine options you have to choose from when buying one of these models.

• Costs

Learn more about how the cars compare in costs to find the right car for your needs and budget.

Mazda 3 vs Ford Focus: how do the models compare?

With a huge range of trims, engine choices and body styles, you’ll be able to find a Ford Focus that suits pretty much any type of buyer. There are petrol engine and diesel engine options, versions with mild hybrid power, estate body styles, a rugged Active X version with SUV styling tweaks, and even a hot hatch – the Ford Focus ST.

Meanwhile, the Mazda 3 is more of a niche vehicle. It’s only available as a hatchback or a sedan (saloon) and is petrol-powered only. Although a 1.8L diesel was available for a short while from the car’s launch in 2019, this was phased out in favour of the 2.0L SkyActiv G engine, which uses compression-ignition to help achieve similar fuel economy to that which you’d find in a diesel model.

Although the Ford Focus has been around in some form since 1998, the latest version was introduced in 2018. The Mazda 3 hatchback, meanwhile, has been around since 2003, with the current version making its first appearance on UK roads in early 2019.

In 2021, both cars were rated in the top 10 family hatchbacks in the UK so it’s clear that they’re both popular cars in their own right.

Interior features

Inside, the Ford Focus benefits from:

• Modern looking, uncluttered dashboard
• 8” touch screen infotainment system
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Built-in sat nav
• Digital radio
• Wireless phone charging

Meanwhile, the Mazda 3 features:

• Rotary dial controller interface for an 8.8” infotainment screen
• Smartphone mirroring
• Sat-nav
• DAB radio

Both the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3 offer very comfortable seats too, although the lack of lumbar adjustment in the lower-spec Mazda 3 models is a bit of a disappointment.

In terms of boot space, the Ford Focus delivers a decent 375 litres of luggage space, while the Mazda 3 can offer a slightly lower capacity of 351 litres.

Exterior features

While the interiors of the cars are very similar, the two models take quite different approaches in their exterior styling.

The Mazda 3 follows the company’s ‘Kodo’ design theme, with sinous, flowing curves, uncluttered lines and an elegantly tapering boot line. It’s undoubtedly an elegant look, but the consequence of its sloping roofline is slightly less boot space, rear headroom and rearward visibility than you’ll find in the Ford Focus.

Meanwhile, the styling of the Ford Focus is more conventional and, as well as allowing for a roomy interior, is still attractive in its own right.

There are more design variations in the range too, with sporty looks in the ST-Line and ST models, a more luxurious approach in the high-spec Vignale trim and chunky plastic-clad bumpers, along with a raised ride height in the Active X versions.

Trim levels

Ford Focus

Mazda 3

Engine options

In terms of engine options, the Ford Focus offers a greater breadth of choices, with a series of 1.0L three-cylinder turbo petrol engines that range in power from 125hp to 155hp. These offer a decent balance of performance and economy, with plenty of torque thanks to their turbochargers and a little extra help from an electric motor in the mild-hybrid versions. In the Ford Focus, you can expect torque between 200 to 240 N.m. There are also two turbo diesel options, as well as the super-fast 280hp Focus ST.

Like the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 comes with the option of a mild hybrid options, but it’s no longer available with a diesel fuel engine option. It’s larger capacity non-turbo 2.0L petrol engines are still reasonably efficiency, especially the e-SkyActiv X model, which can manage more than 50MPG. That’s not as good as the Ecoboost Hybrid 125 Ford Focus, however, which can achieve 56MPG. The Mazda 3 offers torque of 213 to 224 N.m.

Whatever engine choices you opt for, both cars are great fun to drive, with accurate, well-weighted steering and very little body lean in corners.

Costs

The Mazda 3 seems relatively expensive on paper, but it is well equipped, which helps to offset that extra initial outlay. That said, both Focus and Mazda 3 prices start from just under £22,000.

At TC Harrison, we have a range of finance options for our Ford Focus models so please contact your local dealer to find out more. You can also book a in one of our Ford Focus models to try the car out before you make a final decision.