Is the rear space of the Mazda3 very small?
3 Answers
The rear space of the Mazda3 is indeed relatively limited compared to other models. Here is some relevant information about the Mazda3: Space: The rear space is a weak point of this car. Power: Equipped with a 2.0L engine, it offers a comfortable start. The steering is light at low speeds and gradually becomes heavier as speed increases, with good angle gain. Overall, the steering feels well-balanced. Handling: Driving it feels effortless, offering a sense of freedom where the car responds intuitively to your intentions. The next-generation Mazda3 is the first product of Mazda's new generation, featuring the Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture technology platform paired with Mazda's cutting-edge G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system, allowing you to enjoy unrestrained driving pleasure. Fuel Consumption: The current fuel consumption is not particularly low, averaging around 7.1L/100km for the 2.0L engine.
I've been driving the Mazda3 Axela for almost three years now, and the rear legroom really depends on who you're comparing it to. At 1.75m tall, I still have over a fist's width of space between my knees and the front seat when sitting in the back - perfectly fine for short trips with my parents. But if you frequently transport three 1.8m tall guys on long journeys, you'll definitely feel your knees pressing against the front seats. The car's rear suspension has a unique design that sacrifices some longitudinal space for better handling feel, though the trunk is actually deeper than competitors like the Civic. Some owners in modification groups have removed the rear seats and installed sliding rails to gain an extra two fingers' width of space, but this voids the factory warranty.
Last week, I accompanied a friend to test drive the Mazda3 Axela and specifically brought a tape measure to check the rear seat space. With a wheelbase of 2726mm, it doesn't look short, but the actual measured rear legroom is only 84cm, about 5cm less than the Corolla. However, the lateral space design is quite clever—the door panels are made very thin, so two adults can sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The central floor hump is relatively high, making the middle seat suitable only for emergencies; prolonged sitting would be uncomfortable. Mazda designers have mentioned that they intentionally keep the rear overhang shorter to make the rear end more agile, resulting in the smallest turning radius in its class at just 5.2 meters, which makes U-turns on narrow roads particularly easy.
