Comparison: Turning circle Mazda 3 vs. competitors 2025

Now, let's prance through time and scrutinize how the Mazda 3 has spun tighter (or not) with each iteration. Our archival dance begins with the Mazda 3 BK (2003-2006), performing an impressive 10.30m pirouette. But as it aged, it seemingly grew wider in its twirls—10.90m post its first facelift and stubbornly sticking to it through the BL generation. By the time we encountered the BM models (2013-2019), the Mazda 3's turning radius ballooned to a less-than-whimsical 11.40m, and it appears this figure has found its feet, remaining unchanged in the latest BP model. Does it foxtrot around its ancestors? Hardly—it prefers a more modern (or should we say bulkier) approach to choreography.

Next to its Mazda kin, the 3 is, shall we say, middling. Take the petite Mazda 2 with its 10.20m carousel—it's just that bit more agile. Zoom up to the sporty MX-5, be it Roadster or RF, and you'll find a marginally less svelte figure of 10.40m adorning their specs. Stepping up to the larger CX-30, the Mazda 3 doesn't look quite as deft, as the crossover twirls a smaller 10.60m circle, leaving our fair Mazda 3 quite average in the family photo. And let's not speak of the Mazda 6 or the colossal CX-60, which limbo under the bar with a less-limber 11 and 11.70m respectively.

How does our protagonist fair against the rogues' gallery of competitors, you ask? The peppy Skoda Scala nips at its heels with a mirrored Mazda 2-like 10.20m, the Citroen AX could practically spin on its own axis with a scant 9.60m, and the Suzuki Swift darts about with a sprightly 9.20m. Even the robust Hyundai Pony matches the Mazda 3's early-gen swivel with an even 10.00m. But ah, there's a glimmer of superiority when lined up against the Rover (Austin) Maestro, where both Mazda 3's present and past hold their ground with the 10.30m starting figure. So, while the Mazda 3 isn't the most graceful in its class, it's far from the clumsy oaf—rather, a dependable partner for your urban two-step.