@@cro_zeus_dorian8851 I had a look at the CX 30 mostly cause of my size of almost 6.6 feet (2 metres). The grey plastic wheel arches were putting me off though. Dont know why they did that. Nobody really tackles rough terrain in these things.
Bought a new generation AWD Mazda3 Sedan in July 2019. It has been a reliable, beautiful, comfortable and fun car for my 125 mile roundtrip commute everyday. Personally, I've grown to appreciate the rotary controller for the infotainment. Each "click" of rotation reliably equates to one move down the menu and it becomes second nature. I do NOT appreciate the PIANO BLACK on the interior. It looked like crap within 5 minutes of ownership and it's been downhill from there. I've forgiven Mazda for that mistake as the car does so much, so well.
@@ZACH_95_ There is some lag but very acceptable if driving in normal mode. In Sport mode I never notice turbo lag. Fuel consumption takes a big hit though.
Times change a lot. BMW hasn't made a truly impressive sports sedan since the early 00s. The Mazda has very similar (or better) interior quality, similar power, arguably sexier styling, better handling, and much better reliability all for thousands less than a 3 series. The only downside is that you can't say "I own a BMW" to people but those who buy a car to impress others more than themselves are fools. I think the only thing that the BMW pulls ahead of the Mazda is in infotainment. Also I know you can spec a 3 series to have much more HP and better handling but those trims are expensive and in a whole other class. The comparison between lower end trims of a 3 series vs this Mazda is makes sense and is what Mazda was aiming for.
Both companies have partnerships with Toyota, which makes me think that Mazda should join BMW in order to increase sales as well as expand their brand.
mazda is great. I bought my first car in 2017 and it was a 2014 Mazda 3. I love that car so much it's fun to drive, it's great on gas and looks sexy all black
I love everything about my Mazda 3, except the tires. I upgraded my tires to the 225/45R18 Continental Extremecontact DWS 06. It rides so much more better
I agree. The ilx is based on very old bones. But it has two things going for it. K24. And you can get deep discounts on ilx’s. My friend got a loaded one for 25k brand new So there’s about 6-7k separating them.
Mazda has stepped up their game a lot in the last decade or so. You could probably just take the badge off and people would think it's a significantly more expensive car than it really is.
I owned Mazda 3 GT sedan Skyactive X (180 hp) in white colour. It's my fourth mazda ( owned all series 1 to 4). Drive this car is pure joy. Tried other brand last year in this segment...no way to buy other brands. Mazda is realy "Japanees BMW"😉.
I am a HUGEEEE fan of the rotary knob. It's nice because you get a very very nice placement of the screen and you don't have to reach over to touch anything. It's just amazing. Overall, I purchased a CX-30 and I am in love with the brand and its concepts.
No joke. Ventilated seats were the dealbreaker for me going from a premium trim to a base 2.5. I prefer the comfort and temps of cloth seats but I could move to leather with some ventilation. Rare case for sure but something they should add next gen for sure. Also the base has virtually no gloss black, which is a bonus.
Lol in the Asian market our rims are gun metal and we wish it comes with gloss black. Many people here change it to gloss black. I felt relieved some like gun metal, it removes me the urge to repaint it. Thankyou sirrr
I agree with all of your points Alex. The only miss, IMO, is the lack of comparison to the CX-30. The CX-30 is really the same car with better packaging (has rear vents, for example) with very similar pricing. They need a signature trim for this car even if they don't sell very many. It will at least let potential customers know that they are serious about offering luxury for more affordable prices.
@@youtubehub8190 I think a lot of northern people might be surprised to learn warmer states also appreciate the tire grip of AWD cars and it's a feature becoming more and more popular in those states. AWD isn't just for icy roads. :)
Seems to be similar rear leg room to my 2008 Mazda 3. I’m 6’ 2” and fitting an adult behind me was challenging. Otherwise this looks like an excellent car. Love your reviews and attention to detail Alex! Keep up the great work.
As I am currently about to pull the trigger on buying this car I've watched MANY reviews but must say this was the most comprehensive and professional by far. Thank you for this!
I can't wait for the Mazda6 redesign. I have a 2016 Grand Touring and it's still a fantastic car. My local dealer has been trying to get me in a 2021 Mazda6 which is pretty tempting but I know the RWD Inline-6 model is around the corner so I'm patiently waiting! 😁
What a great very thorough review. Appreciate all the work you put into this as I have found it very informative. Also, I really like how you do the driving review with the 3 part window frame - nicely done.
First, Alex is the best auto reviewer on TH-cam year after year. Second, at the end, he finally hit on my big issue: for a fuzz more I can move up into a Kia K5 or Mazda 6, so why not do that by the time you max out a 3? The 3 is very pretty inside and out, but so is the 6 -- with a few more of the luxury features we're missing in the 3 (power passenger, rear vents, ventilated front seats, and especially a roomier back bench).
Very true and I thought about the same thing, but the thing for me is the interior design. The 6 has a great looking interior but the 3’s interior is SO MUCH better looking. That alone would make me choose it over the 6
I'd rather have the Mazda6 over the Mazda3, also. If there was a Mazda6 with RWD (and Limited-Slip Differential), Turbo, 6-speed Automatic, and no iStop, I'd buy it. I'd rather have an AWD, but a RWD w/ LSD will work, too.
So are 10speed autos 200k plus reliable? Many may not know but the more gears an auto had the more it costs to rebuild. It’s not uncommon for rebuilt transmissions cost over 5k.
7:30 Not ventilated seats, this is one of the sticking points for me. I saw it going into the other Mazda top trims and wish it would be an option for the 3. Many times in the hot summer after a run or workout, it would have been nice in my current '09 6 I have. I really wish Mazda would consider this for the Mazda 3.
Really nice observation between the Mazda 3 Turbo and Buick Verano. I think that Mazda is really aiming to position itself as a sportier Buick alternative
Alex, I thought your comparison between Mazda and Fiat/Chrysler/Peugeot/Stellantis was particularly astute. From now on I will regard this Mazda 3 as a Fiat ;-)
Yes, the Mazda 3 turbo is not the same as the BMW 2 series, Audi A3 or Mercedes CLA. But it’s not a money pit like them as far as reliability goes. Mazda’s reliability has just ranked ahead of Toyota and Lexus.
Yep - the problem with many of the German makes is the amount of plastic parts they use. The plastic ages quickly and can often times fail even before your lease is over.
Don't know why anyone would trade HUD for power passenger seat since it is a real benefit and used every time you drive compared to passenger seat which, depending on size and who drives most of the time, may rarely be used.
Something small to say too, in the north american market to get a car woth full led but not just that, rear amber turn signals is super rare. Thats should now be the standard, enough with halogen bulbs. All led, with rear amber turn signals are safer, last longer and if your break lights go out, your turn signal doesnt. Mazda hit the nail so hard on it's head with their recent lineup. Between thr mazda 3, cx5 and cx30 they have such a good market fpr whatever size you might want. Plus no cvt is just a cherry ontop
I bought the non turbo model. But with all the premium features and the 186HP is plenty get up and go. Turbos have reliability issues and I don't want to deal with the expense later on for that. This car beats Toyota and Honda for features for the price. Oh and I would rather use the nob for the entertainment then putting fingerprints all over the display.
I've had a 2016 Mazda3 for a year and a half now and I personally never physically touch the infotainment screen. Its just easier for me and more comfortable to use the dial by the gear shifter. I've gotten pretty familiar with it at this point.
Alex: I love your videos and learn so much! Please, can you help me to understand the advantages and disadvantages of TURBO engines? Do they cause problems down the line?
Honestly, if you're getting an entry level German car instead of this Mazda, you're just a badge snob. The Mazda is quicker and has an arguably better interior. Maybe you don't get 4-way adjustable lumbar support, but you still get 2-way adjustable lumbar support, and a seat that has 12 different adjustments overall. And sure, it doesn't have ventilated seats, but that shouldn't be a deal breaker for anyone, especially considering that the interior feels more premium overall (especially in the hatchback), and the German counterparts are going to cost way more once you start adding options anyway. If you want a quick, good looking car with a luxury interior and awd for less than luxury prices, then this is the car you should be looking at.
I think I’m the only person that doesn’t like all black wheels. To me it hides the design of the rims and it looks like a aftermarket wheel. And the black rims 90% of the time is gonna be more shinier than the tires which is a weird look to the detailed eye. I prefer gun metalgray or brushed nickel finish rims. IF I were to buy a turbo mazda3 I would swap it with the 3 premium trim wheels.
Alex absolutely nailed it with his comment on Mazda still using a 6-speed auto. I understand about keeping things reliable, and it seems like the Mazda 6-speed is bulletproof. But a reliable Mazda in-house designed 10-speed auto would really elevate Mazda to the next level. They designed a great engine, why not an equally great transmission?
What's wrong with well designed 6 speed? More doesn't mean better and with exception 9f BMW, I am yet to drive a car with good transmission that has 8 gears or more. Most of them just keep gear hunting all the timecand it completely sucks.
@@emiramick5305 I think the problem will be that people know Mazda is trying to play safe. There is nothing wrong with a good 6-speed, but people these days do more research on cars before buying them. Okay, they will see the great performance and reliability, but they will also see the poor fuel economy. I understand that the 8-speed/10-speed auto transmissions now may be quirky, but they will eventually become bulletproof and very reliable too. It is to the point that a good 9 or 10 speed makes using a CVT solely for fuel economy irrelevant because the newer transmissions do just as good fuel range as a CVT or better with a higher sense of reliability. This may be one reason why Nissan dumped their CVT in the new Pathfinder. Unfortunately, in this day and age, an auto manufacturer not only needs to stay competitive, but they also need to stay innovative and continue to refine their products.
I have had a 1999 BMW 3 series with an inline 6 with 170 hp, which I paid 33K for new, and then a 2015 Mazda 3 Grand Touring, which I paid 26K for. Both were excellent vehicles but the Mazda has a nicer interior. The BMW inline 6's are sweet motors and I would prefer it to the 2.5L Mazda, however the Mazda is more than adequate. I considered the Mazda to be a great value and it feels like it would cost much more. I really like what Mazda is doing and I hope they continue on their current path.
@@hereigoagain5050 it was a hood used car back in the day with turbo-4 thr highway fuel economy was in the 40 mpg range. Though they had their mechanical quirks the fixes were well documented you could do most in your garage.
Having just car shopped, I started looking at compacts. I grew up in an urban environment so I've always owned smaller vehicles, but I live in suburbia now. I assume like many people I shopped by I can spend X dollars on a car then looked to see what I could get for that price. I ended up with a lower mid grade Fushion Hybrid. Because it's mid size the design already incorporated rear air vents, power passenger seat, all the safety stuff. I would guess the main competitor for the Mazda 3 would be the Mazda 6 or other mid sized sedans at similar price points. Unless of course you really need a small car.
@@mezzb True! I drove small cars for years and Mazdas are really nice. What blurred the lines for me in my shopping is mpg is about the same now and As much as I hate to admit it I'm getting old (50's) and things hurt. I'm learning why old people drive gushy cars lol.
@@mezzb I went with Mazda 3 turbo instead of Elantra N line because I owned a Elantra Sport and the dual clutch shifted rough especially at low speeds.
I'd be buying this, hands down. Although, the rear suspension does make it disappointing. And as much as midsized would be more bang for my buck, I just prefer the smaller size. But I'll be honest, I could go a bit less on the luxury interior to cut costs down. I've been happy with my old 2005 3s and 2011 sport :)
@@cyrilmatthew2995 well, i'd certainly try the manual against the auto version and then decide. i learned to drive eons ago in a 1962 falcon 144 cid with a three on the tree. if the new mazda manual is like the outgoing one, it might be geared for economy and feel too tall in the gearing.
@@gregorywalker4997 i got you... Even the ford co developed torque conver too have tall gearing that in reality makes it to accelerate slower from standstill and won't do much gas savings at high gears as well... But a reliable inline 6, rear wheel drive layout and a manual... I am willing to sacrifices acceleration for my bias to rear wheel drive... Iam trying to get me hands on a used g37 sport sedan.. Anyway, nice talking to ya, have a good one
I agree, I wish at least the backseat had a bit more legroom. I have a 6 and while it's back seat is perfectly fine, its size definitely lags behind in the mid-size segment. I think, at least Americans, would find many Mazdas on the smaller side, but it seems Mazda is more real-world big compared to other offerings across the globe. When something like a VW Golf is considered a family vehicle in Europe, it puts things in a little different perspective.
@@Wells306 I am about 5'7-5'8 around 175 pounds. I sat in one of their new Mazda 3 hatchback when it hits the floor... I felt claustrophobic, and I don't even use that word at all.
Mazda will never compete with luxury brands without MEMORY MIRRORS. You appreciate little things like this when you actually own the cars and share them with your family, but every formulaic TH-cam reviewer neglects to mention them.
Compact vehicles with top trims tend to approach the price of their mid-size older siblings. You can think of mid-size vehicles as a higher "trim" for compacts. A Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $32,600. I would rather buy a Camry V6 for $35,545 or an Accord 2.0T for $36,900.
Except the Mazda comes with all wheel drive, which is a big factor for me. You can get the Camry with awd, but only with the base 4 cylinder. So for less money I'm getting the turbo motor with awd. I don't need the extra space of a mid size.
Crap! I watch a half dozen auto journalist reviews on a regular basis. I daily drive/30 miles total/highway/ in the Minneapolis area in a Ford Fiesta ST, which I love, but in this weather climate, I'm borrowing a truck in the winter. I could see this as a great daily, with a decent blend of performance, gas mileage, and comfort. I'm 49 years old, but want to be engaged in driving, but not necessarily beat up. I love manuals, am sort of frugal with money, love a red leather option, love that the hatch can maybe fit my drum set, and love that a relatively inexpensive aftermarket exhaust, tire/wheel combo, and intake could maybe balance out my needs. Also, I've owned a 2015 CX-5, and although that's a different animal, I think Mazda is a very reputable and reliable brand that isn't as mainstream, like an AWD V6. Camry. A/A reviews are specifically great, because, not only are they very thorough and nerdy, in a fast-paced way, they terrifically, and sometimes very subtly give a very strong personal opinion. I appreciate that.
Hey Alex, I really do love all your videos. Just one quick comment, do you think it would worth to do quick one or two min summary statement at the end of the video? I feel like sometimes the video just ends without proper finishing statement.(though you already covered all details)
People make excuses to not buy mazda vehicles but are doing a disservice to themselves... mazda is #1 in reliability, looks 1000x better than lexus interior and drives better than toyotas and hondas at any price point.
@@theBatmanGoeth2 the infotainment is better than those massive eye sore distractions stuck to dashboards on every other car. Gas mileage is awesome. Straight highway I can get 600 kms if I stick to the speed limit. $35 Canadian to fill the tank. Last year I spent $1250 - $1300 on gas.
@@theBatmanGoeth2 Fuel economy is lagging but they don't have CV transmissions. Their Infotainment is more practical than a Notebook computer screen bolted onto the center dash! (No way that leads to more crashes, right?😀). Also the HUD is awesome and too often taken for granted.
@@Alvin-1138 I would rather take 1-2 seconds to do what I want to do on the screen rather than 5-10 on multiple inputs while glancing at the screen continuously to make sure I selected the correct thing.
@Daniel Blaney Exactly this. ESPECIALLY considering that Mazda aims their products at enthusiasts, most people buying like that know the difference between the suspension types and the benefits . I bet they'll bring the multilink rear soon enough.
We’ll swap you the rear air vents that come as standard on the Australian Mazda3 for your 2.5 Turbo, which we don’t get (yet). Come on Mazda Australia, this is the Mazda3 we want, not the anaemic, lacklustre 2.0 SkyactivX. And for your market (North America), there’s no reason they couldn’t fit a power front seat. They just need to fit the driver’s power seat that’s fitted in RHD markets.
Seeing you wedge behind passenger seat said ‘how long till turbo 2.5/AWD premium Mazda6?’ Still, having owned a mid-level Mazda3 (‘14), I like this tack. Make it a sweet ride!! Hope there are enough drivers that want something more than a soft ‘appliance’ to appreciate the difference Mazda’s making!!
Question: Why are Mazda cars still so gorgeous? Answer: They never opened North American design studios like Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Wake up Toyota, Honda and Nissan. We loved your cars when they were Japanese in character. Now we buy your cars only because they are reliable. Close your NA studios and start designing stuff in Japan again.
The disproportionately large grill that Mazda puts on most of its vehicles is not universally appealing (it looks like a fish gasping for air to me) and I find the Nissan designs, for a sample, generally much more appealing that Mazda's. Nissan's problem is lack of reliability, which is why I wouldn't have one, but that's a different discussion. So I don't think the origin of the car's design is what determines which ones end up looking better since there are good and bad examples of car designes produced by studios in the US and Japan.
The turbo version should have gotten IRS like how Hyundai do it for the the Elantra Hybrid and N-Line. Make the screen a touch screen, throw in an eight speed auto gearbox, get rid of all the cheap shiny black plastic inside, and the Mazda 3 would actually be "Premium".
I would buy the Mazda 3 turbo hatchback. Here is why: It’s a car with decent performance, beautiful design inside and out, and decent material quality that will be a lot more reliable than the GTI or the Germans. And if or when there’s a repair bill, my heart won’t stop. It’s a toy that I can own with no guilt. For years I have thought about buying a GTI, but I have always found it hard to pull the trigger because VW still can’t figure out a way to make a reliable car. So, in a way, it is the package that the Germans have not been able to deliver.
Even tho it's never gonna happen, imagine how awesome a hybrid rotary rx9 would be. Battery to boost low speed power and a screaming roatary for higher speeds
the real reason were seeing brands like mazda and totyota lexus phase out touchscreens is because too many of them break or have the screens cloud up prematurely
I wished Mazda would do everything they're doing to the Mazda3, and do it with the Mazda6. I just want to know if the RWD will have a Limited-Slip Differential, or Posi-traction, in it?
great Context in a car historical sense .. an unlike many of your "cohorts" you still keep a eye on price.( that Millennial mindset of No price I want it , it should come at no charge, is a vile sickness of epic scale).. again Great job
Is the mazda 3 turbo a direct competitor to the Jetta GLI ? I guess with all the current discounts you can find either one for around $30000. I think you do get a little bit more sportiness out of the GLI but that car is so loud and not refined compared to the mazda 3
Was this car manufactured in Japan? Major components, engine and transmission manufactured and assembled? Do you know the models where Toyota and Mazda are teaming up to build the car?
2018 tlx v6 AWD aspec! Used certified pre owned for 25K with 30K miles. All the feature content you can want with the handling this mazda couldnt dream of.
the power gap between low and high octane fuel isnt surprising at all. Depending on how you setup the engine you can achieve the same power with low octane at a higher fuel usage or less power at the same fuel usage. Compression ratios and knock resistance have a big impact on performance and fuel efficiency. For example with low octane fuel you can achieve higher compression ratios just by injecting more fuel to cool down the mixture. Though this technique is mostly used in turbo charged engines to combat turbo overheating and the hot gas blowback into the cylinder. Thats why especially small turbo charged engines use so much more fuel when under high load for extended periods like on the motorway.
I really think modern Mazdas are gorgeous. They could do nothing but update the transmission and keep the design for some time to come. If Mazda updates the transmission, AND switches to rear wheel drive AND switches to 6 cylinder engines? They’ll be just as gorgeous, and, as someone we all know would say, “They’ll be a hoot and a half to drive.”
That six speed automatic transmission they use is super reliable. Why switch it. ??? 8 and 10 speed transmissions will fail much sooner and shift irregularly
@@christopheralonge7758 Yep, and those 10-speed transmissions feel like you're driving a CVT, since they stay basically at the same RPM all the time...... Six gears is - to me - the perfect number of gears.
This car is gorgeous. I really appreciate that it's actually full LED lighting.
i guess Im pretty off topic but do anyone know a good site to stream new movies online ?
@Emilio Reign flixportal
@Devon Ty Thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) Appreciate it !
@Emilio Reign you are welcome :)
I have a base model 2021 Mazda 3 and it is absolutely amazing. Can’t believe it’s a base model with all it has and how it looks like.
My guess is that the turbo gets people into the showroom, but the base engine is good enough and will have fewer problems. Enjoy your new car!
My wife has a 2020 hatchback base model we don't need those nonsense extra features
I have CX30 base model and i totaly agree with you my friend... it definetly gives the most for the money it costs
@@cro_zeus_dorian8851 I had a look at the CX 30 mostly cause of my size of almost 6.6 feet (2 metres). The grey plastic wheel arches were putting me off though. Dont know why they did that. Nobody really tackles rough terrain in these things.
@@TheDude50447 the idea for that was so the car looks more smaller and compact. i think they made it, it does look smaller thatn it is
Bought a new generation AWD Mazda3 Sedan in July 2019. It has been a reliable, beautiful, comfortable and fun car for my 125 mile roundtrip commute everyday. Personally, I've grown to appreciate the rotary controller for the infotainment. Each "click" of rotation reliably equates to one move down the menu and it becomes second nature. I do NOT appreciate the PIANO BLACK on the interior. It looked like crap within 5 minutes of ownership and it's been downhill from there. I've forgiven Mazda for that mistake as the car does so much, so well.
Don’t they sell that part aftermarket with a different finish?
You should get a new job...how much you make for a 125mile round trip?
I bought my 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback & love it. No lag delay compared to the turbo. Cabin interior noise is low. I love my rotary dial too.
I have no lag delay at all from my turbo, nor any that ive driven.
@@ZACH_95_ There is some lag but very acceptable if driving in normal mode. In Sport mode I never notice turbo lag. Fuel consumption takes a big hit though.
Cudos to Mazda for not jumping on the CVT bandwagon!
Amen - I can't stand the CVT drone
They will soon enough. They literally didn't have the money to develop a 6 speed replacement until very recently.
And the jerky hyundai, Kia 7 speed dual clutch.
Mazda and BMW in same sentence seems odd but hey times change.
The Mazda3 Subreddit is full of former Beemer owners
Times change a lot. BMW hasn't made a truly impressive sports sedan since the early 00s. The Mazda has very similar (or better) interior quality, similar power, arguably sexier styling, better handling, and much better reliability all for thousands less than a 3 series. The only downside is that you can't say "I own a BMW" to people but those who buy a car to impress others more than themselves are fools. I think the only thing that the BMW pulls ahead of the Mazda is in infotainment. Also I know you can spec a 3 series to have much more HP and better handling but those trims are expensive and in a whole other class. The comparison between lower end trims of a 3 series vs this Mazda is makes sense and is what Mazda was aiming for.
Both companies have partnerships with Toyota, which makes me think that Mazda should join BMW in order to increase sales as well as expand their brand.
mazda is great.
I bought my first car in 2017 and it was a 2014 Mazda 3. I love that car so much
it's fun to drive, it's great on gas and looks sexy all black
I wish you'd show a zoomed out view of the interior (mainly dashboard).
I love everything about my Mazda 3, except the tires. I upgraded my tires to the 225/45R18 Continental Extremecontact DWS 06. It rides so much more better
I would guess more grip, and better control at the limit as well?
How's the road noise?
Sat in both ILX and Mazda3 at the dealer, would the the Mazda hands down. Turbo just makes it all the more sweet.
I agree. The ilx is based on very old bones. But it has two things going for it. K24. And you can get deep discounts on ilx’s. My friend got a loaded one for 25k brand new So there’s about 6-7k separating them.
Mazda has stepped up their game a lot in the last decade or so. You could probably just take the badge off and people would think it's a significantly more expensive car than it really is.
I owned Mazda 3 GT sedan Skyactive X (180 hp) in white colour. It's my fourth mazda ( owned all series 1 to 4). Drive this car is pure joy. Tried other brand last year in this segment...no way to buy other brands. Mazda is realy "Japanees BMW"😉.
I am a HUGEEEE fan of the rotary knob. It's nice because you get a very very nice placement of the screen and you don't have to reach over to touch anything. It's just amazing. Overall, I purchased a CX-30 and I am in love with the brand and its concepts.
I wish they added ventilated seats... also I am not a big fan of the glossy black rims, a gun metal or matte black would combine better with any color
Matte black? We no, it’ll make the car look cheap
No joke. Ventilated seats were the dealbreaker for me going from a premium trim to a base 2.5. I prefer the comfort and temps of cloth seats but I could move to leather with some ventilation. Rare case for sure but something they should add next gen for sure. Also the base has virtually no gloss black, which is a bonus.
Lol in the Asian market our rims are gun metal and we wish it comes with gloss black. Many people here change it to gloss black. I felt relieved some like gun metal, it removes me the urge to repaint it. Thankyou sirrr
Excuses
I agree with all of your points Alex. The only miss, IMO, is the lack of comparison to the CX-30. The CX-30 is really the same car with better packaging (has rear vents, for example) with very similar pricing. They need a signature trim for this car even if they don't sell very many. It will at least let potential customers know that they are serious about offering luxury for more affordable prices.
damn 32k fully loaded for the mazda 3 sedan might as well just get the mazda 6 carbon edition
I agree
Absolutely right, never ever buy top of the line.
AWD is very important for areas, I believe mazda6 will get it too at some point.
@@youtubehub8190 I think a lot of northern people might be surprised to learn warmer states also appreciate the tire grip of AWD cars and it's a feature becoming more and more popular in those states. AWD isn't just for icy roads. :)
@@youtubehub8190 Mazda 6 discontinued
Seems to be similar rear leg room to my 2008 Mazda 3. I’m 6’ 2” and fitting an adult behind me was challenging. Otherwise this looks like an excellent car. Love your reviews and attention to detail Alex! Keep up the great work.
I drive a 2008 Mazda 3 grand touring sedan that I like a lot but my a/c and my CD player have both quit working.
Took a 6"3 man to my test drive and he was comfortable in the back seat so it may be roomier now
Mazda proves that a modern car doesn't need to look horrible.
But their cars are so small inside
@@Snip3zjumper Rear leg room is tight in my 3 turbo.
Since your reviews are complete, I'd love to see also some photos of the interior under different trims. That'd be a great addition.
carconfection does a good job of doing that if you are interested
@@jerbsherb4391 Thank you!
You’re right. This is more of a premium vehicle than the ILX. And I’ve driven the ILX and own a 2019 Mazda3 hatch.
As I am currently about to pull the trigger on buying this car I've watched MANY reviews but must say this was the most comprehensive and professional by far. Thank you for this!
This was 5 months ago. Did you buy the car? How do you like it so far?
@@asdf89sdf bought the maxed out package in soul red and love it so much! Thanks!
The 3 German will be mostly FWD, so to match the power, options and AWD it will probably cost 6-10k more??
And the complementary Audi check engine light lol
Yeap... awesome design by Mazda, elegant, clean and beautiful body lines with no fakery.
I can't wait for the Mazda6 redesign. I have a 2016 Grand Touring and it's still a fantastic car. My local dealer has been trying to get me in a 2021 Mazda6 which is pretty tempting but I know the RWD Inline-6 model is around the corner so I'm patiently waiting! 😁
Same here
Same for me. I can’t wait. Acura TLX better watch out
Same here 😂
I HIGHLY doubt that mazda will actually make a rwd car with an inline 6.
Will be similar to the Stinger?
What a great very thorough review. Appreciate all the work you put into this as I have found it very informative. Also, I really like how you do the driving review with the 3 part window frame - nicely done.
First, Alex is the best auto reviewer on TH-cam year after year. Second, at the end, he finally hit on my big issue: for a fuzz more I can move up into a Kia K5 or Mazda 6, so why not do that by the time you max out a 3? The 3 is very pretty inside and out, but so is the 6 -- with a few more of the luxury features we're missing in the 3 (power passenger, rear vents, ventilated front seats, and especially a roomier back bench).
Very true and I thought about the same thing, but the thing for me is the interior design. The 6 has a great looking interior but the 3’s interior is SO MUCH better looking. That alone would make me choose it over the 6
@@kenyanewman5888 Plus some people just do not want a bigger car. I crossed the new TLX off my list, simply because it has been super-sized.
The 6 is a sweet ride but it's too big. The 3 fits perfectly in my town.
You can't get a turbo charged kia k5 with AWD. They don't make the Mazda 6 anymore
I love your reviews. The comparisons are spot on and make shopping for a vehicle much easier because you learn what to compare the vehicle to.
Have to admit, I'd go for a Mazda6 turbo over this 3 sedan. Just for more interior space and the timeless styling of the Mazda6.
Aging tech and no AWD is a deal breaker. Also it’s discontinued
Agreed. I opted for the 6 due to its larger stature and more premium feeling cabin with ventilated seats, despite lacking the latest tech.
I'd rather have the Mazda6 over the Mazda3, also. If there was a Mazda6 with RWD (and Limited-Slip Differential), Turbo, 6-speed Automatic, and no iStop, I'd buy it. I'd rather have an AWD, but a RWD w/ LSD will work, too.
So are 10speed autos 200k plus reliable? Many may not know but the more gears an auto had the more it costs to rebuild. It’s not uncommon for rebuilt transmissions cost over 5k.
How many people that get new cars keep them for 200k miles? Very very few.
@@kristians2704 maybe But I do. I like to not have a payment eventually.
Mazdas 6 speed is a joke in 2021. It's heavy, not very efficient, and is actually rather large, physically.
7:30 Not ventilated seats, this is one of the sticking points for me. I saw it going into the other Mazda top trims and wish it would be an option for the 3. Many times in the hot summer after a run or workout, it would have been nice in my current '09 6 I have. I really wish Mazda would consider this for the Mazda 3.
cut the seat and put some CPU fans in it.. connect it to heated seats :D
Mazda builds great quality and good looking vehicles. No CVT and no annoying stop/start!,
Really nice observation between the Mazda 3 Turbo and Buick Verano. I think that Mazda is really aiming to position itself as a sportier Buick alternative
Verano was a good looking car.
I’d buy Mazda over Honda and Nissan
Nissan yes, Honda.... Nah
I would buy Mazda over any other mainstream brand.
@@gnarl12 Surpise Honda doesn't come out with a Civic sedan type R to compete with this and soon to come out Elantra N.
@@gnarl12 I'm tired of seeing Honda's on the street to be honest. Mazda is way more appealing now.
I did just that recently. And I have been die hard Toyota for a long time.
I'm two years late! Also I still get one Alex.
Alex, I thought your comparison between Mazda and Fiat/Chrysler/Peugeot/Stellantis was particularly astute. From now on I will regard this Mazda 3 as a Fiat ;-)
Yes, the Mazda 3 turbo is not the same as the BMW 2 series, Audi A3 or Mercedes CLA. But it’s not a money pit like them as far as reliability goes. Mazda’s reliability has just ranked ahead of Toyota and Lexus.
Yep - the problem with many of the German makes is the amount of plastic parts they use. The plastic ages quickly and can often times fail even before your lease is over.
Thank you for showing what the indicator lights look like!
The Piano Gloss Black Plastic is just so gross why do car makers still use it?
Just look at it 9:40 and the car doesn't even have 10k miles on it yet.
ppf
??? I think you're seeing reflections.. The swirls are incredibly minor at 4k
@@LuisGuillermoMoreno ?
@@wilchambers1401 Paint protection film
Don't know why anyone would trade HUD for power passenger seat since it is a real benefit and used every time you drive compared to passenger seat which, depending on size and who drives most of the time, may rarely be used.
Something small to say too, in the north american market to get a car woth full led but not just that, rear amber turn signals is super rare. Thats should now be the standard, enough with halogen bulbs. All led, with rear amber turn signals are safer, last longer and if your break lights go out, your turn signal doesnt. Mazda hit the nail so hard on it's head with their recent lineup. Between thr mazda 3, cx5 and cx30 they have such a good market fpr whatever size you might want. Plus no cvt is just a cherry ontop
Amazing - besides powered passenger front seat it is also MISSING Ventilated Front Seats for a the Premium Plus model
I bought the non turbo model. But with all the premium features and the 186HP is plenty get up and go. Turbos have reliability issues and I don't want to deal with the expense later on for that. This car beats Toyota and Honda for features for the price. Oh and I would rather use the nob for the entertainment then putting fingerprints all over the display.
I've had a 2016 Mazda3 for a year and a half now and I personally never physically touch the infotainment screen. Its just easier for me and more comfortable to use the dial by the gear shifter. I've gotten pretty familiar with it at this point.
Entry-level Audi alternative.
Not with the economy car road noise. See Steve Hammes review on TH-cam. Way too much money for that cheapness!
With a lower price and no CHECK ENGINE light, lol
Alex: I love your videos and learn so much! Please, can you help me to understand the advantages and disadvantages of TURBO engines? Do they cause problems down the line?
Its a sleeper! Good job Mazda. Can't wait for the I-6. Mazda's M division?
They wouldn’t be able to use M as their sport division cause of BMW possibly?
Honestly, if you're getting an entry level German car instead of this Mazda, you're just a badge snob. The Mazda is quicker and has an arguably better interior. Maybe you don't get 4-way adjustable lumbar support, but you still get 2-way adjustable lumbar support, and a seat that has 12 different adjustments overall. And sure, it doesn't have ventilated seats, but that shouldn't be a deal breaker for anyone, especially considering that the interior feels more premium overall (especially in the hatchback), and the German counterparts are going to cost way more once you start adding options anyway. If you want a quick, good looking car with a luxury interior and awd for less than luxury prices, then this is the car you should be looking at.
The way Alex tests trunk space in the Mazda makes me think he's a fan of Italian gangster movies.
I think I’m the only person that doesn’t like all black wheels. To me it hides the design of the rims and it looks like a aftermarket wheel. And the black rims 90% of the time is gonna be more shinier than the tires which is a weird look to the detailed eye. I prefer gun metalgray or brushed nickel finish rims. IF I were to buy a turbo mazda3 I would swap it with the 3 premium trim wheels.
Definitely true, black wheels hide the design of the wheels. Some people like that stealth look for their wheels though.
I agree! Everyone is doing it too. Looks blan and toy-ish
Not to mention how impossible they are to keep clean.
Agree! Right after buying my 3 turbo I through on silver aftermarket wheels.
Alex absolutely nailed it with his comment on Mazda still using a 6-speed auto. I understand about keeping things reliable, and it seems like the Mazda 6-speed is bulletproof. But a reliable Mazda in-house designed 10-speed auto would really elevate Mazda to the next level. They designed a great engine, why not an equally great transmission?
What's wrong with well designed 6 speed? More doesn't mean better and with exception 9f BMW, I am yet to drive a car with good transmission that has 8 gears or more. Most of them just keep gear hunting all the timecand it completely sucks.
@@emiramick5305 I think the problem will be that people know Mazda is trying to play safe. There is nothing wrong with a good 6-speed, but people these days do more research on cars before buying them. Okay, they will see the great performance and reliability, but they will also see the poor fuel economy.
I understand that the 8-speed/10-speed auto transmissions now may be quirky, but they will eventually become bulletproof and very reliable too. It is to the point that a good 9 or 10 speed makes using a CVT solely for fuel economy irrelevant because the newer transmissions do just as good fuel range as a CVT or better with a higher sense of reliability. This may be one reason why Nissan dumped their CVT in the new Pathfinder.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, an auto manufacturer not only needs to stay competitive, but they also need to stay innovative and continue to refine their products.
@payrocoin is correct unfortunately alot of myself not included think we need all this extra shit
I have had a 1999 BMW 3 series with an inline 6 with 170 hp, which I paid 33K for new, and then a 2015 Mazda 3 Grand Touring, which I paid 26K for. Both were excellent vehicles but the Mazda has a nicer interior. The BMW inline 6's are sweet motors and I would prefer it to the 2.5L Mazda, however the Mazda is more than adequate. I considered the Mazda to be a great value and it feels like it would cost much more. I really like what Mazda is doing and I hope they continue on their current path.
" Saab"..( I own six of them.. ) that same straddle the market ..
I own a 9.3 convertible, I love it!!!
@@stewartstarling2309 still have a 2004 9-5 SportCombi!
Wow 6 Saabs, great
Every time I read a Saab review, I'd say, "Next time I'll buy Saab." I'd back out when it came time to take the money out of the bank.
@@hereigoagain5050 it was a hood used car back in the day with turbo-4 thr highway fuel economy was in the 40 mpg range. Though they had their mechanical quirks the fixes were well documented you could do most in your garage.
Surely it's hefty premium for turbo engine vs base model
It also includes AWD, normally an expensive option.
@@markmiller3279 i would like turbo non AWD at lesser price.Suddenly over $30 k for a compact car
Having just car shopped, I started looking at compacts. I grew up in an urban environment so I've always owned smaller vehicles, but I live in suburbia now. I assume like many people I shopped by I can spend X dollars on a car then looked to see what I could get for that price. I ended up with a lower mid grade Fushion Hybrid. Because it's mid size the design already incorporated rear air vents, power passenger seat, all the safety stuff. I would guess the main competitor for the Mazda 3 would be the Mazda 6 or other mid sized sedans at similar price points. Unless of course you really need a small car.
Congrats on the Fusion Hybrid. I have a 2010 Fusion (V6) and still love it.
@@mezzb True! I drove small cars for years and Mazdas are really nice. What blurred the lines for me in my shopping is mpg is about the same now and As much as I hate to admit it I'm getting old (50's) and things hurt. I'm learning why old people drive gushy cars lol.
@@mezzb I went with Mazda 3 turbo instead of Elantra N line because I owned a Elantra Sport and the dual clutch shifted rough especially at low speeds.
I'd be buying this, hands down. Although, the rear suspension does make it disappointing. And as much as midsized would be more bang for my buck, I just prefer the smaller size. But I'll be honest, I could go a bit less on the luxury interior to cut costs down. I've been happy with my old 2005 3s and 2011 sport :)
test drive it.
You won’t notice it.
I ended up with 2020 corolla due to independent rear suspension along with Macpherson struts lol
i'm ready for that in line six cylinder now, mazda!
Rear wheel drive ehh, i heard about that as well but i truly wish if they will bring a manual
@@cyrilmatthew2995 well, i'd certainly try the manual against the auto version and then decide. i learned to drive eons ago in a 1962 falcon 144 cid with a three on the tree. if the new mazda manual is like the outgoing one, it might be geared for economy and feel too tall in the gearing.
@@gregorywalker4997 i got you... Even the ford co developed torque conver too have tall gearing that in reality makes it to accelerate slower from standstill and won't do much gas savings at high gears as well... But a reliable inline 6, rear wheel drive layout and a manual... I am willing to sacrifices acceleration for my bias to rear wheel drive... Iam trying to get me hands on a used g37 sport sedan.. Anyway, nice talking to ya, have a good one
@@cyrilmatthew2995 manual, rwd, I6 would be my dream Mazda
@@Maxfli82 mine too l, but it's like a dream that may never happen
I'd get the base Kia Stinger RWD for that money, similar power, more fun, more passenger volume.
the non rear center air vents = major oversight. my vw golf tsi se has them and proved helpful for my rear passengers
Wish the best for:
Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, BMW, Mini, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Nissan, Infiniti, Suzuki, Lotus, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Jaguar.
I know its a compact car . But damn mazda really make their cars small.
I agree, I wish at least the backseat had a bit more legroom. I have a 6 and while it's back seat is perfectly fine, its size definitely lags behind in the mid-size segment. I think, at least Americans, would find many Mazdas on the smaller side, but it seems Mazda is more real-world big compared to other offerings across the globe. When something like a VW Golf is considered a family vehicle in Europe, it puts things in a little different perspective.
@@Wells306 I am about 5'7-5'8 around 175 pounds. I sat in one of their new Mazda 3 hatchback when it hits the floor... I felt claustrophobic, and I don't even use that word at all.
@@Wells306 and this is why mazdas sales are crap . They are not very practical. Most Americans like vehicles with large cabins and good leg room .
Small but sleek
yea.. liked CX-30.. but the rear seat and truck space is way too small.
Mazda will never compete with luxury brands without MEMORY MIRRORS. You appreciate little things like this when you actually own the cars and share them with your family, but every formulaic TH-cam reviewer neglects to mention them.
Compact vehicles with top trims tend to approach the price of their mid-size older siblings. You can think of mid-size vehicles as a higher "trim" for compacts.
A Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $32,600. I would rather buy a Camry V6 for $35,545 or an Accord 2.0T for $36,900.
Except the Mazda comes with all wheel drive, which is a big factor for me. You can get the Camry with awd, but only with the base 4 cylinder. So for less money I'm getting the turbo motor with awd. I don't need the extra space of a mid size.
Crap! I watch a half dozen auto journalist reviews on a regular basis. I daily drive/30 miles total/highway/ in the Minneapolis area in a Ford Fiesta ST, which I love, but in this weather climate, I'm borrowing a truck in the winter. I could see this as a great daily, with a decent blend of performance, gas mileage, and comfort. I'm 49 years old, but want to be engaged in driving, but not necessarily beat up. I love manuals, am sort of frugal with money, love a red leather option, love that the hatch can maybe fit my drum set, and love that a relatively inexpensive aftermarket exhaust, tire/wheel combo, and intake could maybe balance out my needs. Also, I've owned a 2015 CX-5, and although that's a different animal, I think Mazda is a very reputable and reliable brand that isn't as mainstream, like an AWD V6. Camry. A/A reviews are specifically great, because, not only are they very thorough and nerdy, in a fast-paced way, they terrifically, and sometimes very subtly give a very strong personal opinion. I appreciate that.
Intro kinda reminds me of reading rainbow
For big boys :)
Best bang for the buck luxury
Recorded horizontally:)
Yeah, Buick Verano! Had a 2.0T with 6-speed manual.
Had a good laugh at the trunk comfort test 🤣 thank you
Hey Alex, I really do love all your videos.
Just one quick comment, do you think it would worth to do quick one or two min summary statement at the end of the video? I feel like sometimes the video just ends without proper finishing statement.(though you already covered all details)
Deciding between this and a 22 stinger gtline. Any recommendations?
People make excuses to not buy mazda vehicles but are doing a disservice to themselves... mazda is #1 in reliability, looks 1000x better than lexus interior and drives better than toyotas and hondas at any price point.
Toyotas and hondas are overrated. I think Mazda and Hyundai/Kia deserves more sales.
I'll still prefer almost anything over Mazda. Can't get over the infotainment and fuel economy/range lacks behind the competition.
@@theBatmanGoeth2 the infotainment is better than those massive eye sore distractions stuck to dashboards on every other car. Gas mileage is awesome. Straight highway I can get 600 kms if I stick to the speed limit. $35 Canadian to fill the tank. Last year I spent $1250 - $1300 on gas.
@@theBatmanGoeth2 Fuel economy is lagging but they don't have CV transmissions.
Their Infotainment is more practical than a Notebook computer screen bolted onto the center dash!
(No way that leads to more crashes, right?😀). Also the HUD is awesome and too often taken for granted.
@@Alvin-1138 I would rather take 1-2 seconds to do what I want to do on the screen rather than 5-10 on multiple inputs while glancing at the screen continuously to make sure I selected the correct thing.
Too bad they replaced the far superior multilink rear suspension with a crummy torsion beam.
@Daniel Blaney
Exactly this. ESPECIALLY considering that Mazda aims their products at enthusiasts, most people buying like that know the difference between the suspension types and the benefits . I bet they'll bring the multilink rear soon enough.
@@watershed44 Some enthusiast cars have used the torsion beam such as the Polo GTI and Fiesta ST
can you tell the diff in how it drives? is it that pronounced?
@@watershed44 you cannot tell da difference
@@mbenton6 Yes, I certainly can, as can many others that are enthusiasts.
We’ll swap you the rear air vents that come as standard on the Australian Mazda3 for your 2.5 Turbo, which we don’t get (yet). Come on Mazda Australia, this is the Mazda3 we want, not the anaemic, lacklustre 2.0 SkyactivX. And for your market (North America), there’s no reason they couldn’t fit a power front seat. They just need to fit the driver’s power seat that’s fitted in RHD markets.
Can't wait for the new styling and new motor! Mazda can truly become a premium brand (when I think 'luxury' I think about Mercedes though).
Mazda never said they are moving into luxury territory. Irks me that people allude to this even in their comments
what car is that on 10:26 ?
Great review Alex .
Seeing you wedge behind passenger seat said ‘how long till turbo 2.5/AWD premium Mazda6?’
Still, having owned a mid-level Mazda3 (‘14), I like this tack. Make it a sweet ride!! Hope there are enough drivers that want something more than a soft ‘appliance’ to appreciate the difference Mazda’s making!!
Question: Why are Mazda cars still so gorgeous?
Answer: They never opened North American design studios like Toyota, Honda and Nissan.
Wake up Toyota, Honda and Nissan. We loved your cars when they were Japanese in character. Now we buy your cars only because they are reliable. Close your NA studios and start designing stuff in Japan again.
It worked for Volvo, the current lineup was designed in Los Angeles. Go figure.
The disproportionately large grill that Mazda puts on most of its vehicles is not universally appealing (it looks like a fish gasping for air to me) and I find the Nissan designs, for a sample, generally much more appealing that Mazda's. Nissan's problem is lack of reliability, which is why I wouldn't have one, but that's a different discussion. So I don't think the origin of the car's design is what determines which ones end up looking better since there are good and bad examples of car designes produced by studios in the US and Japan.
The turbo version should have gotten IRS like how Hyundai do it for the the Elantra Hybrid and N-Line. Make the screen a touch screen, throw in an eight speed auto gearbox, get rid of all the cheap shiny black plastic inside, and the Mazda 3 would actually be "Premium".
What shiny black plastics... mazdas interior is untouchable
Well done Alex!!!
Think Mazda will do something like this for the Mazda 6?
@@mezzb Oooooh!
Wow that's a nice car, had this been around when I was shopping for my GLI it would have been one of the cars I definitely would have checked out.
I would buy the Mazda 3 turbo hatchback. Here is why: It’s a car with decent performance, beautiful design inside and out, and decent material quality that will be a lot more reliable than the GTI or the Germans. And if or when there’s a repair bill, my heart won’t stop. It’s a toy that I can own with no guilt. For years I have thought about buying a GTI, but I have always found it hard to pull the trigger because VW still can’t figure out a way to make a reliable car. So, in a way, it is the package that the Germans have not been able to deliver.
Hatch looks goofy
Power is good for a modern Mazda. Looks good.
excellent and detailed review....pretty impressed
Even tho it's never gonna happen, imagine how awesome a hybrid rotary rx9 would be. Battery to boost low speed power and a screaming roatary for higher speeds
the real reason were seeing brands like mazda and totyota lexus phase out touchscreens is because too many of them break or have the screens cloud up prematurely
Mazda only needs a panoramic roof option on their models. Perhaps just an ambient lighting touch as well.
I wished Mazda would do everything they're doing to the Mazda3, and do it with the Mazda6. I just want to know if the RWD will have a Limited-Slip Differential, or Posi-traction, in it?
great Context in a car historical sense .. an unlike many of your "cohorts" you still keep a eye on price.( that Millennial mindset of No price I want it , it should come at no charge, is a vile sickness of epic scale).. again Great job
Any thoughts / experience with long road trips, 500-600 miles/day?
Is the mazda 3 turbo a direct competitor to the Jetta GLI ? I guess with all the current discounts you can find either one for around $30000. I think you do get a little bit more sportiness out of the GLI but that car is so loud and not refined compared to the mazda 3
Was this car manufactured in Japan? Major components, engine and transmission manufactured and assembled? Do you know the models where Toyota and Mazda are teaming up to build the car?
lol so no talk about the main reason to go for Mazda. Reliability!!
2018 tlx v6 AWD aspec! Used certified pre owned for 25K with 30K miles. All the feature content you can want with the handling this mazda couldnt dream of.
"everything gets this 2.5 liter engine" MX5 crying in a corner
the power gap between low and high octane fuel isnt surprising at all. Depending on how you setup the engine you can achieve the same power with low octane at a higher fuel usage or less power at the same fuel usage. Compression ratios and knock resistance have a big impact on performance and fuel efficiency. For example with low octane fuel you can achieve higher compression ratios just by injecting more fuel to cool down the mixture. Though this technique is mostly used in turbo charged engines to combat turbo overheating and the hot gas blowback into the cylinder. Thats why especially small turbo charged engines use so much more fuel when under high load for extended periods like on the motorway.
Where is the Skyactiv X in the United States?
Why didn't Mazda give the 3 wider tires?
I'd really like a carbon edition of the Mazda 3 turbo sedan. Blacked out chrome, polymetal grey exterior, and red leather interior.
THIS Is definitely buy a car right now if they came out with a Mazda 3 Carbon Edition. Apparently they aren’t gonna make Mazda 6 anymore.
I really think modern Mazdas are gorgeous. They could do nothing but update the transmission and keep the design for some time to come. If Mazda updates the transmission, AND switches to rear wheel drive AND switches to 6 cylinder engines? They’ll be just as gorgeous, and, as someone we all know would say, “They’ll be a hoot and a half to drive.”
That six speed automatic transmission they use is super reliable. Why switch it. ??? 8 and 10 speed transmissions will fail much sooner and shift irregularly
@@christopheralonge7758 Yep, and those 10-speed transmissions feel like you're driving a CVT, since they stay basically at the same RPM all the time...... Six gears is - to me - the perfect number of gears.
Isvthe CarPlay conectes by usb from the mobile or do we have to connect it wireless?