There is a moment, somewhere on a quiet stretch of road, when a good small sedan stops being transport and starts being a pleasure. The 2020 Mazda 3 G25 GT finds that moment more often than a car at this price has any right to.

This is the top of the range, and it shows the instant you climb in. The cabin feels lifted from a class above - clean lines, soft-touch surfaces and a hushed calm that makes the daily drive feel like a small luxury rather than a chore.

Under the bonnet sits the larger 2.5 litre engine, and that extra muscle changes the character entirely. There is real shove when you ask for it, paired with a six-speed automatic that shifts so smoothly you stop noticing it. Around town it is easy and refined; on the open road it simply gets on with things.

The G25 GT badge means you are wanting for very little. It is the grade Mazda built for people who appreciate the details, and at 54,900 kilometres this Machine Grey example has plenty of road still ahead of it.

Front-wheel drive, frugal where it counts and beautifully finished, it slots neatly into life whether you are commuting through Melbourne traffic or pointing it somewhere more interesting on the weekend.

For anyone shopping the used small-car field around Nunawading, a well-kept top-spec Mazda 3 is one of those rare buys that feels good and makes sense in equal measure.

Yes, it is the sensible choice. It just happens to be the sensible choice that you will keep finding excuses to go for a drive in.

All prices displayed exclude government charges. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MM Carz recommends you confirm with one of our consultants to confirm specific specifications/features about the car. Please also note our vehicles may not always be on display, as they may be in for detailing-please contact us in advance to confirm availability before visiting our showroom.