I'd say this is a car focused on brightening your daily commute rather than focusing on limit performance. It's the enthusiast car for guys who drive the speed limit.
If i don't marry and make some kids within 5 years after graduating college, im gonna get one of these or a miata just so i can learn to drive a manual.
I love my 2024 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback 6spd MT. Bang for your buck best out there. SI has 7k OVER MSRP. Nope. Best shifter out there. Shifts like butter.
The fun of a manual transmission is not necessarily all out performance. It allows you, over time, to optimize your driving experience - finding the right gear in a situation, finding that rev point where there is optimal power available, or even maximizing efficiency to make the most of that last drop of gas. With a good manual and engine, you become one with the car each time you drive. Kudos to Mazda for making this car an option. Now let's see how many dealers make it available.
Yes, not only that but I feel like with a manual the engine sound is much more satisfying to listen to. You can almost play it like an instrument. In addition, the throttle response is just miles better in a manual, giving the driver 10x more control. And once you get into a rhythm, it becomes addictive.
They're not exceedingly rare in my area. I found several new ones with relative ease and got 2k off MSRP for it. Had the opposite experience when I was looking for an SI.
You're not going to make the most of every last drop of gas in a manual, period, and with "manumatic" you get the same benefits of being in the right gear at the right time. What you get with manual is just the fun/satisfaction of shifting well. (having owned a manumatic Mazda 3, manual wrx and manual Mx5)
@@Ryeric1 The only downside to the Mazda 2.5 is it doesn't particularly like to rev and doesn't sound that great when you do. I have the turbo version so there's no need to wring it out, but I do think the current Mazda 3 would be epic if it had an old Honda V-Tech engine...like the 1.6l in the late 90's Acura Integra type R.
Yeah me neither. I got the 2.5T Mazda 3 and I might just ditch it for an ev. The engine gets crazy hot after even short drives, it heats up my garage by 2-3c. I'm not sure I want to deal with potential headaches a decade from now.
@@AlumarsXLol what are you talking about? The car runs right at 215 degrees and even when I thrashed it on a 110 degree day it didn’t get any warmer than 230. So either your car is defective or you simply have never looked at real engine temperatures on this car verses other vehicles.
We find ourselves at a loss for words when describing the appeal of newer Mazdas, but none of these selling points would be off in a review of a Lexus. A lot of Lexuses also have whiny, strung out 4 cylinders, but its the understated classiness, the reliability, attention to little things, and - to borrow a SavageGeese phrase - "marriage material"-ness of those cars that appeal to people. I think Mazda's heading in the same direction. This is an "if you know you know" type of enthusiast car.
@ night and day difference compared to stock. Throttle response is greatly improved, entire rpm range is more useable. Redline is also raised to 6500rpm
we have mazdaspeed3 at home lol - there's a pretty reliable aftermarket supercharger available for these skyactiv engines brings it from 190ish to 250 hp or so with good tuning. I have a 2018 3 hatch and may go that route in the future. the previous gen also has a better suspension setup from factory (imo) and are really good value for money on the used market rn!
Great review and very well-spoken! I have a manual 2nd gen and it's so peppy and fun to drive. Eventually I want this one due to its devilishly good looks
This car is aimed towards my wife but Mazda didn't scope their sight correctly to hit the target... My wife owned her 2010 Mazda3 2.5s manual hatchback for 14 years. Base spec, plastic everything inside and zero rattles until it's final day. Very fun chassis for around town driving. After 170k miles (and original clutch) she was ready to buy the same car again but Mazda refused to offer a base Mazda3 with a manual. We asked the same question ourselves.. the premium trim Mazda3 with a manual is not an attractive package for us for what it cost vs the space it offered. $6-7k+ more for the transmission you want is a turnoff. Non enthusiast drivers also like base spec cars.
Totally agree. Im in the same situation where my 2010 is still chugging along but the manual is only offered on the premium trim, which makes zero sense
It's probably because the premium trim makes the most money (either most sales or most profit margin) and if they're spending the money making a MT then it better make money
@@emissarygw2264 it's certainly profit margin.. how many new gen Mazda3 Hatchbacks do you see on the road today? This model is dying and Mazda appears to be grasping at straws of final profit instead of being the segment leader they used to be.
I’ve owned this car since 2021. For me, one of the best and most comfortable minimalistic interiors I have ever had. If you know how to drive well, you can have fun with this car. Quiet, fun, and something very different from the rest of the cars out there. A+ Mazda for keeping the manual!!! ❤
These are nice cars. I like the 3rd generation better for sporty driving, because the independent rear suspension really gives that feeling of being connected to the car and the road. But these are really, really nice too. Good performing, great reliability, well constructed, nice interior, the only real downside is the back seat is tiny.
Manual is always fun, always adds engagement and connection, even in a non enthusiast car it will make it at least decently fun because it has a manual and your daily drives will always be more interesting because of it. Thank you Mazda for making this car
Lack of irs will definitely be noticed on Michigan roads. And i do expect it for 30k. It comes standard on many cars in the segment. Otherwise i think the Mazda 3 manual is a nice package and has one of better shifters out there.
Unfortunately they got rid of the irs so it could be awd. Had to make space. The solid rear axle and lack of a manual with awd kept me from trading my ‘18 in for one. A turbo manual awd would be nice.
@ Ok, but this is a Mazda. Way smaller company so it would be a lot to redesign a chassis to fit awd and irs. Not ideal, but much easier and cheaper to do it the way they did.
@@NBSV1 agree, that would be nice. The turbo has good torque numbers, if I'm not mistaken highest in class even. I like Mazdas engines and manual transmissions. Ultimately if weather and family permitted I'd daily a Miata but it is what it is haha
@@creakidI've heard that entry level cars barely make a profit, so it makes sense not to put r&d into making a car that won't make you money even if it sells
On the short list for the next DD. Had a turbo AWD and it was great for Minnesota winters, but the build quality was meh. The manual is made in Japan (as opposed to Mexico) so here’s to hoping. Also, would be nice if a 2.5 DI 13:1 compression motor made around 225hp instead of 191. C’mon, Mazda!
This mazda is what a volkswagen gti was 20years ago, the grown up, practical slightly boring hatch,that didnt excell at one thing. But did eveything well.
I expect a comfortable car that can have a bit of fun. I’d prefer it over the SI, interior is much nicer and it has a NA engine in it. I prefer the Mazda setup
I’m in a 2023 civic sport 6mt hatch I’d say this car is in the same bracket same as the sport touring except that’s got the turbo 1.5. The slow 2.0 Na in my civic does have some character in a 6spd going through the revs. Suspension is soft but ur set up for a successful suspension upgrade on 235 tires and nice chassis.
civic hatch so much better than this if you want to drive it like its meant to be also its hilarious how the civic hatch has significantly more space, is larger and still lighter than this thing
Test drove one when I got my GTI and the steering was by far the best of my of the cars I test drove. The throttle calibration is the worst though…. Rev matching is hard since the engine just doesn’t want to rev
I like the idea of this car but I think I'm gonna go for the previous gen. This car is really nice looking and different. This car has mostly improvements to interior and a mild boost in power with a mildly updated trans but it's also significantly heavier. The wheel base is longer. The care is more aero but the blind spots are worse. The suspension is softer. The balance is slightly worse. The fuel economy is worse. It feels kinda like the antithesis of what mazda CARS are about. It feels more like an SUV in ride qaulity than a really fun hatch but it didn't have to. Its like an experiment. I just don't think it has to be luxury/economy vs performance and mazda had the recipe for the middle ground in their hand with this car and they fumbled. I find myself just wishing they incorporated all these improvements into the previous chasis, gave it a higher red line like the miata, and improved rear visibility. Move the back seats back an inch or 2 and voila. A car that is equally an economy as it is a luxury performance car.
Like a 2018 touring was under 2900 bls. By the time some finished putting a lighter battery, wheels, and maybe an exhaust it would be ~2700bls and lighter than a stock gr86. They knew they had a winning recipe when they released the 3rd gen mazda3. I really don't understand the 4th Gen. Yes it's more luxurious but it unnecessarily came at the cost of weight, balance, visibility, and performance which are all the things that make a car fun. We could've had it all...the most well rounded and practical car. The practical miata...
I'll take a practical Civic Hatch over the premium feel of the Mazda. The form over function trade-offs that Mazda made with this car don't make much sense to me.
@@christopherjohnston6343 2007 Focus ST 2.3NA occupies no bigger parking spot than the Fiesta. & no Mazda3 could ever match Focus' ride comfort: th-cam.com/video/dbFKgHHYcgI/w-d-xo.html
I have owned an 01 Protege ES, an 03 Mazdaspeed Protege, an 08 Mazdaspeed3, an 07 Mazdaspeed6 and a race ready 08 Mazdaspeed3... If I bought this car, which I wont, I would turbo charge it because it would likely get even better gas mileage that is does right now. I remain baffled at Mazda's imbecilic refusal to produce something that brought life to the brand. In my opinion for some sort of attempted move up the class hierarchy they are trading any future enthusiasm about the brand. I suppose that they did mercifully reverse their decision about the rotary, but I have always loved the light, agile, sedans with a turbo... All they would have to do is slap that manual into the AWD turbo version they already sell. Slap a Mazdaspeed3 badge on it and watch people come out of the woodwork. Toyota doesn't seem to have any problems selling Supras and GR Yaris/Carolas. As a matter of fact, they are bringing back the MR2 and the Celica. Honda is bringing back the Prelude, is making Type-R everything, and ran several years of a new NSX (which was bad to the bone). The only cars keeping Nissan's head above water are the GTR, Z, Q50/Q60s. Mitsubishi committed seppuku years ago, ironically the same time they stopped making the EVO. As for Subaru they have seemingly squandered the enthusiasm that they once had around their brand... Again... Around the time they stopped making exciting cars. Mazda has been performing better than Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru in my opinion, but they are a lifeless brand anymore. The exciting cars are never about the current car buyers. They are about lining up car buyers in 10, 20, 30 years down the road when kids have posters on the wall of a GTR, Supra, 3000GT, 300ZX, RX7, etc.
Sucks that in the UK we are stuck with the 2.0 in either skyactive G or X form. The most power we can get is 186. And I’ve seen acceleration videos which are disappointing, extremely long gearing means in the real world, UK cars will average around 9-10 seconds or more in a 0-62mph run
@@KidNato I'm talking about an used 2005 Lexus IS300. The key is to find a small car that still rides comfortably & handles with true steering feel. & this little IS300 has full-adjustment front passenger seat, too.
@creakid do you really need someone to explain why that isn't a fair comparison and nobody actually cross shops vehicles like that? Again, you are not in the market lol
@@KidNato My point is that cars with this much bulk (1.8 meter wide) deserve better suspension, as Corolla/Civic/Impreza/Golf all have irs available. Only cheap narrow (1.7-meter width) Fit/Mazda2/Fiesta don't. No wonder I had to go collect 1.7-meter narrow cars with irs including 2007 Focus ST 2.3 & even an used 2000 Civic with double-wishbone front suspension, just like RWD Miata/IS300(Mk1), also nearly as narrow. Now my family member is in the market for a Toyota 86, but not with such untrustworthy engine longevity....
I have a 2012 mazdaspeed 3 and a 2011 Mazda 3 2.5 both manual and man are they great cars ! Edit: god I swear my 2.5 2011 is faster With only 168hp! ITS not slow at all! I can race a Civic si (na) and its actually close and I only have a muffler and intake! The one one the video looks so slow!
I can't stand hatchback's narrow rear visibility. How do I retrofit manual tranny on the sedan version? th-cam.com/video/gAn6m16NjLM/w-d-xo.html The beauty of Mazda3 today is that no one else offers driver-seat cushion angle tilt on a manual seat, as the Civic only offers that on a power seat with turbo engine. & Civic just castrated port injection on the NA engine after 2024 anyway. Mazda3 got better steering feedback than Civic, but Civic got even more superb firm intuitive brake feel. Civic sedan now has wider rear visibility than Mazda3 sedan, but less quiet. The deal breaker is really Mazda3's “torsion beam” ride quality. I'm still driving my 1990 Protege DOHC with 8.9" of long-travel OEM TTL suspension that changes the camber to fishtail excessively: th-cam.com/video/V6pd2C-XZ4w/w-d-xo.html
Torsion beam; cheap Japanese 70's/80's shit box 💩 entered the Chat..😂😂 I Never understood why the manufacturers add a heavy moonroof at the top on "enthusiast" cars. Moonroof reduces the performance.
I'd say this is a car focused on brightening your daily commute rather than focusing on limit performance. It's the enthusiast car for guys who drive the speed limit.
Yup except these guys wouldn’t buy them….
If i don't marry and make some kids within 5 years after graduating college, im gonna get one of these or a miata just so i can learn to drive a manual.
I love my 2024 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback 6spd MT. Bang for your buck best out there. SI has 7k OVER MSRP. Nope. Best shifter out there. Shifts like butter.
@@liudxdxyep.. we're buying used Fiesta STs/VA WRXs/Focus STs/Mk7 GTIs.. for what this costs, you can get a used Fiesta ST and a used Miata lol
@@goosmdoosm4755 get the Miata.. buy once, cry once
The fun of a manual transmission is not necessarily all out performance. It allows you, over time, to optimize your driving experience - finding the right gear in a situation, finding that rev point where there is optimal power available, or even maximizing efficiency to make the most of that last drop of gas. With a good manual and engine, you become one with the car each time you drive. Kudos to Mazda for making this car an option. Now let's see how many dealers make it available.
Yes, not only that but I feel like with a manual the engine sound is much more satisfying to listen to. You can almost play it like an instrument. In addition, the throttle response is just miles better in a manual, giving the driver 10x more control. And once you get into a rhythm, it becomes addictive.
They're not exceedingly rare in my area. I found several new ones with relative ease and got 2k off MSRP for it. Had the opposite experience when I was looking for an SI.
You're not going to make the most of every last drop of gas in a manual, period, and with "manumatic" you get the same benefits of being in the right gear at the right time. What you get with manual is just the fun/satisfaction of shifting well. (having owned a manumatic Mazda 3, manual wrx and manual Mx5)
@@Ryeric1 The only downside to the Mazda 2.5 is it doesn't particularly like to rev and doesn't sound that great when you do. I have the turbo version so there's no need to wring it out, but I do think the current Mazda 3 would be epic if it had an old Honda V-Tech engine...like the 1.6l in the late 90's Acura Integra type R.
I have owned this car for 4 years. I love it, very reliable and what I was looking for. Manual with moonroof, no turbo.
Finally a manual review of the mazda 3 👏
Chose this over Civic Si and competitors solely because of the NA motor. Don't have high hopes for these low displacement turbo motors long term.
Yeah me neither. I got the 2.5T Mazda 3 and I might just ditch it for an ev. The engine gets crazy hot after even short drives, it heats up my garage by 2-3c. I'm not sure I want to deal with potential headaches a decade from now.
A tune wakes the NA right up
VW GTI’s and Golf R’s have proven to be pretty robust. Just let them idle for 1-2 minutes before shutting off, to let the turbo cool down a bit.
@@AlumarsX EV🙄
@@AlumarsXLol what are you talking about? The car runs right at 215 degrees and even when I thrashed it on a 110 degree day it didn’t get any warmer than 230.
So either your car is defective or you simply have never looked at real engine temperatures on this car verses other vehicles.
mazda needs to give us the turbo awd with a manual dammit
Couldn't agree more! They gave the 🖕 to the enthusiasts
I came here to say AWD. I'll be happy with a turbo, too. I'll buy two and store one for the future.
The turbo lag would suck with a manual tbh. Current turbo owner here
Nobody would buy it
@future62 Unfortunately.
We find ourselves at a loss for words when describing the appeal of newer Mazdas, but none of these selling points would be off in a review of a Lexus. A lot of Lexuses also have whiny, strung out 4 cylinders, but its the understated classiness, the reliability, attention to little things, and - to borrow a SavageGeese phrase - "marriage material"-ness of those cars that appeal to people. I think Mazda's heading in the same direction. This is an "if you know you know" type of enthusiast car.
Owning a 21 with the 6MT I can say that springs and a tune completely change the car
What do you think of the tune, how does it compare to stock?
@ night and day difference compared to stock. Throttle response is greatly improved, entire rpm range is more useable. Redline is also raised to 6500rpm
What happens to the gas mileage after a tune? Thanks.
@ MPG’s stayed the same for me
The problem with this is when this doesnt sell they will conclude "no one wants manual transmissions."
Happens time and time again.
Sad but true.
Those who buy it will tend to keep it.
we have mazdaspeed3 at home lol - there's a pretty reliable aftermarket supercharger available for these skyactiv engines brings it from 190ish to 250 hp or so with good tuning. I have a 2018 3 hatch and may go that route in the future. the previous gen also has a better suspension setup from factory (imo) and are really good value for money on the used market rn!
objectively true- previous gen had irs, this has a torsion beam
Mazda needs to throw that 2.5L and 2.5L turbo into the Miata. Maybe one day give the engines the hot rod treatment to match.
Great review and very well-spoken! I have a manual 2nd gen and it's so peppy and fun to drive. Eventually I want this one due to its devilishly good looks
This car is aimed towards my wife but Mazda didn't scope their sight correctly to hit the target... My wife owned her 2010 Mazda3 2.5s manual hatchback for 14 years. Base spec, plastic everything inside and zero rattles until it's final day. Very fun chassis for around town driving. After 170k miles (and original clutch) she was ready to buy the same car again but Mazda refused to offer a base Mazda3 with a manual. We asked the same question ourselves.. the premium trim Mazda3 with a manual is not an attractive package for us for what it cost vs the space it offered. $6-7k+ more for the transmission you want is a turnoff. Non enthusiast drivers also like base spec cars.
Totally agree. Im in the same situation where my 2010 is still chugging along but the manual is only offered on the premium trim, which makes zero sense
It's probably because the premium trim makes the most money (either most sales or most profit margin) and if they're spending the money making a MT then it better make money
@@emissarygw2264 it's certainly profit margin.. how many new gen Mazda3 Hatchbacks do you see on the road today? This model is dying and Mazda appears to be grasping at straws of final profit instead of being the segment leader they used to be.
offering manuals on higher profit trims is the norm now
nobody buying a manual compact these days wants just the base things
I’ve owned this car since 2021. For me, one of the best and most comfortable minimalistic interiors I have ever had. If you know how to drive well, you can have fun with this car. Quiet, fun, and something very different from the rest of the cars out there. A+ Mazda for keeping the manual!!! ❤
Missed opportunity to not offer stick+awd+turbo. Would rather have said trim than a Subie
Problem is lack of IRS. Cannot deal with that where I live.
These are nice cars. I like the 3rd generation better for sporty driving, because the independent rear suspension really gives that feeling of being connected to the car and the road. But these are really, really nice too. Good performing, great reliability, well constructed, nice interior, the only real downside is the back seat is tiny.
Manual is always fun, always adds engagement and connection, even in a non enthusiast car it will make it at least decently fun because it has a manual and your daily drives will always be more interesting because of it. Thank you Mazda for making this car
I see one of these parked on the street in front of my work building. It's really nice looking! Had to look it up.
Crazy how this car has good pedal position , even more so than GR Corolla
underrated car
Mazda makes fantastic vehicles. Bring back the MS3 and MS6!!! All I will say.
No rev hang!!!
Love mine.
Transmission shifts smooth and fun to drive.
Found it in soul red 👍
Lack of irs will definitely be noticed on Michigan roads. And i do expect it for 30k. It comes standard on many cars in the segment. Otherwise i think the Mazda 3 manual is a nice package and has one of better shifters out there.
Unfortunately they got rid of the irs so it could be awd. Had to make space.
The solid rear axle and lack of a manual with awd kept me from trading my ‘18 in for one. A turbo manual awd would be nice.
@@NBSV1But VW and Toyota are both able to package robust AWD systems on Golf R and GR Corolla with having independent rear suspension...
@ Ok, but this is a Mazda. Way smaller company so it would be a lot to redesign a chassis to fit awd and irs. Not ideal, but much easier and cheaper to do it the way they did.
@NBSV1 I mean sure, mazda runs a tight ship. Still at the end of the day their competitors can offer the combo and they can't.
@@NBSV1 agree, that would be nice. The turbo has good torque numbers, if I'm not mistaken highest in class even. I like Mazdas engines and manual transmissions. Ultimately if weather and family permitted I'd daily a Miata but it is what it is haha
Sticking with my sport hatch 6mt turbo civic!
Shame you cant get the stick in the very base trim. This for $25k is compelling. $30k, a lot less so.
Agreed, I still enjoy mine. But it’s no enthusiast car and it doesn’t need to be.
Mazda is stupid enough to not offer manual on the price-leader base sedan!
@@creakidI've heard that entry level cars barely make a profit, so it makes sense not to put r&d into making a car that won't make you money even if it sells
On the short list for the next DD. Had a turbo AWD and it was great for Minnesota winters, but the build quality was meh. The manual is made in Japan (as opposed to Mexico) so here’s to hoping. Also, would be nice if a 2.5 DI 13:1 compression motor made around 225hp instead of 191. C’mon, Mazda!
That's a nice interior at least
Nice review Fenton!😊
That stick shift throw looks super mushy.
It ain't a Miata but it ain't bad.
This mazda is what a volkswagen gti was 20years ago, the grown up, practical slightly boring hatch,that didnt excell at one thing. But did eveything well.
it's an alternative option enthusiast car for mundane days daily commutes
Yeah...this isn't for me. The delta between this and an Elantra N equates to about $84 per month over a 48 month term. It's worth it.
I expect a comfortable car that can have a bit of fun. I’d prefer it over the SI, interior is much nicer and it has a NA engine in it. I prefer the Mazda setup
Do you feel power-wise the Mazda was far off from the Si?
Would be seriously interested in this if it had a independent rear suspension.
I’m in a 2023 civic sport 6mt hatch I’d say this car is in the same bracket same as the sport touring except that’s got the turbo 1.5. The slow 2.0 Na in my civic does have some character in a 6spd going through the revs. Suspension is soft but ur set up for a successful suspension upgrade on 235 tires and nice chassis.
civic hatch so much better than this if you want to drive it like its meant to be
also its hilarious how the civic hatch has significantly more space, is larger and still lighter than this thing
Get out of that 2.5 turbo because it's too expensive and does not have a 6spd manual. 😂 Great Review for the 2.5 6spd just the backseats are small.
Test drove one when I got my GTI and the steering was by far the best of my of the cars I test drove. The throttle calibration is the worst though…. Rev matching is hard since the engine just doesn’t want to rev
Wow. Really nice. I’m in!
just buy a lightly used Elantra N. this is targeted at absolutely no one.
I know this is petty but that lower grill makes it look like it has a severe underbite. If Mazda would clean that up, I would really consider this.
Would love if Toyota had done that style of interior for my GR86 🙂
I like the idea of this car but I think I'm gonna go for the previous gen. This car is really nice looking and different. This car has mostly improvements to interior and a mild boost in power with a mildly updated trans but it's also significantly heavier. The wheel base is longer. The care is more aero but the blind spots are worse. The suspension is softer. The balance is slightly worse. The fuel economy is worse. It feels kinda like the antithesis of what mazda CARS are about. It feels more like an SUV in ride qaulity than a really fun hatch but it didn't have to. Its like an experiment. I just don't think it has to be luxury/economy vs performance and mazda had the recipe for the middle ground in their hand with this car and they fumbled. I find myself just wishing they incorporated all these improvements into the previous chasis, gave it a higher red line like the miata, and improved rear visibility. Move the back seats back an inch or 2 and voila. A car that is equally an economy as it is a luxury performance car.
Like a 2018 touring was under 2900 bls. By the time some finished putting a lighter battery, wheels, and maybe an exhaust it would be ~2700bls and lighter than a stock gr86. They knew they had a winning recipe when they released the 3rd gen mazda3. I really don't understand the 4th Gen. Yes it's more luxurious but it unnecessarily came at the cost of weight, balance, visibility, and performance which are all the things that make a car fun. We could've had it all...the most well rounded and practical car. The practical miata...
I'd rather have the turbo + AWD over the 3rd pedal
kind of a small note, but it would be nice if you included the base or as tested MSRP for cars when you test new/newer cars
I'll take a practical Civic Hatch over the premium feel of the Mazda. The form over function trade-offs that Mazda made with this car don't make much sense to me.
Torsion beam rear really kills this car for enthusiasts
Does it?
Oh I guess that's true nobody likes the Fiesta ST /s
@ unironically yes considering how poorly it sold.
You should know enthusiasts dont drive sales
@@ivannachoo they do for low volume cars
@@christopherjohnston6343 2007 Focus ST 2.3NA occupies no bigger parking spot than the Fiesta. & no Mazda3 could ever match Focus' ride comfort:
th-cam.com/video/dbFKgHHYcgI/w-d-xo.html
Every car has limitations…go check out your picks and get the one you like driving the most.
I have owned an 01 Protege ES, an 03 Mazdaspeed Protege, an 08 Mazdaspeed3, an 07 Mazdaspeed6 and a race ready 08 Mazdaspeed3... If I bought this car, which I wont, I would turbo charge it because it would likely get even better gas mileage that is does right now. I remain baffled at Mazda's imbecilic refusal to produce something that brought life to the brand. In my opinion for some sort of attempted move up the class hierarchy they are trading any future enthusiasm about the brand. I suppose that they did mercifully reverse their decision about the rotary, but I have always loved the light, agile, sedans with a turbo... All they would have to do is slap that manual into the AWD turbo version they already sell. Slap a Mazdaspeed3 badge on it and watch people come out of the woodwork. Toyota doesn't seem to have any problems selling Supras and GR Yaris/Carolas. As a matter of fact, they are bringing back the MR2 and the Celica. Honda is bringing back the Prelude, is making Type-R everything, and ran several years of a new NSX (which was bad to the bone). The only cars keeping Nissan's head above water are the GTR, Z, Q50/Q60s. Mitsubishi committed seppuku years ago, ironically the same time they stopped making the EVO. As for Subaru they have seemingly squandered the enthusiasm that they once had around their brand... Again... Around the time they stopped making exciting cars. Mazda has been performing better than Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru in my opinion, but they are a lifeless brand anymore. The exciting cars are never about the current car buyers. They are about lining up car buyers in 10, 20, 30 years down the road when kids have posters on the wall of a GTR, Supra, 3000GT, 300ZX, RX7, etc.
Going to red rev without warming up engine first?
Sucks that in the UK we are stuck with the 2.0 in either skyactive G or X form. The most power we can get is 186. And I’ve seen acceleration videos which are disappointing, extremely long gearing means in the real world, UK cars will average around 9-10 seconds or more in a 0-62mph run
Do a reveiw of the bricklin at the oval racetrack
Are there any aftermarket bilstein dampers for this car?
Hear me out... it's not a sports car
Try sitting in the back for the torsion beam feeling is there...
Competing with the Corolla hatch I guess?
The regular Corolla is auto only now.
I love Mazda but 30k for a Mazda that’s a Lexus IS 😭
2005 little Lexus IS300 still rides way plusher than Mazda3's torsion beam.
Being that you don't know how much a Lexus IS actually costs I'm gonna guess you aren't in the market for either car 😂
@@KidNato I'm talking about an used 2005 Lexus IS300. The key is to find a small car that still rides comfortably & handles with true steering feel. & this little IS300 has full-adjustment front passenger seat, too.
@creakid do you really need someone to explain why that isn't a fair comparison and nobody actually cross shops vehicles like that?
Again, you are not in the market lol
@@KidNato My point is that cars with this much bulk (1.8 meter wide) deserve better suspension, as Corolla/Civic/Impreza/Golf all have irs available. Only cheap narrow (1.7-meter width) Fit/Mazda2/Fiesta don't. No wonder I had to go collect 1.7-meter narrow cars with irs including 2007 Focus ST 2.3 & even an used 2000 Civic with double-wishbone front suspension, just like RWD Miata/IS300(Mk1), also nearly as narrow. Now my family member is in the market for a Toyota 86, but not with such untrustworthy engine longevity....
Way too expensive for the current market.
When I turn gay, I will buy this car. The perfect ride to get clapped in.
good car, top interior, ok power, weak AWD, little over priced, smaller back seat space, ugly hatchback butt. oh , no more multi links
I have a 2012 mazdaspeed 3 and a 2011 Mazda 3 2.5 both manual and man are they great cars !
Edit: god I swear my 2.5 2011 is faster With only 168hp! ITS not slow at all! I can race a Civic si (na) and its actually close and I only have a muffler and intake! The one one the video looks so slow!
I can't stand hatchback's narrow rear visibility. How do I retrofit manual tranny on the sedan version? th-cam.com/video/gAn6m16NjLM/w-d-xo.html The beauty of Mazda3 today is that no one else offers driver-seat cushion angle tilt on a manual seat, as the Civic only offers that on a power seat with turbo engine. & Civic just castrated port injection on the NA engine after 2024 anyway. Mazda3 got better steering feedback than Civic, but Civic got even more superb firm intuitive brake feel. Civic sedan now has wider rear visibility than Mazda3 sedan, but less quiet. The deal breaker is really Mazda3's “torsion beam” ride quality. I'm still driving my 1990 Protege DOHC with 8.9" of long-travel OEM TTL suspension that changes the camber to fishtail excessively: th-cam.com/video/V6pd2C-XZ4w/w-d-xo.html
Nice the sedan has tiny doors
i like this
I can tell you its not for me lol
So it’s not the turbo?? Lol Wtf Mazda.
They do have a turbo version but I don’t think it comes in a manual.
Torsion beam; cheap Japanese 70's/80's shit box 💩 entered the Chat..😂😂
I Never understood why the manufacturers add a heavy moonroof at the top on "enthusiast" cars. Moonroof reduces the performance.
If it don’t autoblip, then I don’t want it!
Of all my cars (including VW/BMW/Focus), the 1990 Protege has the easiest heel-&-toe pedal placement.
What kind of enthusiast wants autoblip tho
learn how to heel toe
Hard pass.
this car needs a turbo and more power