The petrol manual Mazda3 is typically fitted with Mazda’s Skyactiv petrol engines (commonly 2.0 or 2.5) which favour a linear power delivery and good fuel use for a petrol car; the manual gearbox keeps running complexity and servicing costs down. As a saloon the boot is tidy but marginally smaller than the hatch equivalent; because this is a new unit check that the dealer has applied any factory software/map updates and supplied the full new-car handover paperwork and warranty information.

• Clutch bite point and engagement — check for smooth take-up and no judder or slipping, especially in town traffic.
• Gearbox operation through all ratios — ensure gears engage cleanly with no crunching or false neutrals.
• ADAS and cameras calibrated — test AEB, lane-keep and adaptive cruise (if fitted) on a short drive to confirm sensors are working.
• Tyre specification and age — verify correct tyre size/grade and check date codes for old stock tyres.
• Exterior panel gaps, paint and boot interior — inspect for transport damage, correct boot lining and presence of puncture repair kit or spare.