For the C segment, I would say civic gives the best drive, feel, space and power. Maintenance should be altis, but a boring car. As for mazda 3, the cabin is a bit cramped although the drive is less powerful, handling on par but quieter than civic. All those are subjective, depending on what is your priority.
Over the course of 5 years, Mazda will be the cheapest to maintain, with lower monthly payment and free 5 years of service. Altis and Civic will be higher and both will be about the same cost.

My son chose the civic