Is the 2022 Mazda 3 Turbo a BETTER hot hatch than a VW GTI?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- The Mazda 3 Turbo bring extra performance for this popular hatchback. On the outside you get full LED lighting, 18in wheels, extra aero, and slick shape. On the inside there is a high end luxury feel. Under the hood is a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 mated to a 6-speed automatic and AWD. Is the 2022 Mazda 3 Turbo a BETTER hot hatch than a VW GTI?
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I actually really like the way they did the infotainment in this car. You have full control over it without ever needing to lean forward or look away from the road in order to utlize it. It also prevents all the dirty looking fingerprints that a touchscreen brings with it.
yeah i own a non turbo one but its way nicer to control everything with ur hand resting on the middle console. my friend has a golf gti and the screen is so low he has to ask me to change stuff on it so he doesnt look away from the road for too long. Also no fingerprints is a huge plus
I 100% agree. I prefer the dial over touchscreen
I rented a mazda 3 last week on Turo, and I agree, I prefer the ergonomics of the dial sitting right under your resting right hand., it is a much better way for my tastes
Exactly! Fully agree 👍👍
Hot hatches are pretty freaking cool.
You can say that again!
@@RaitisRides Will do proudly.
They are the reason why I don't have kids
@@alexandernelson477 I have two kids, am 47yrs old and own a hot hatch...my 5th, with a '23 Civic CTR on reserve!
They just look weird, like a compromised sports sedan
I bought one of these (in 2021) and I LOVE IT!!! I looked at the VW because I have owned 4 GTIs in the past. The whole interior set up of the VW let me down on the MK8. Counterintuitive for sure. The slide with your fingers climate control was asinine. I looked at the Mazda (i have a 1991 Miata and always liked Mazdas) and was really impressed by the interior. I don't even mind that you can't touch the screen. Stays clean and I have memorized the turn clicks to navigate it and Apple CarPlay apps. While yes I agree the VW did handle a bit better, overall I just feel more at home and luxurious in the Mazda3 Turbo. Not to mention the design is BEAUTIFUL to me! The sleek curvy shape, no needless fake-ventry going on here. I have the Polymetal Gray with Red Interior and wow I just love it. It's a wonderful car and my dealer experience here in Saint Petersburg, FL has been phenomenal. Best service I've ever had (and I have owned BMWs and a Mercedes).
Love the red interior! How can they make a 2022 car without back seat connectivity! Loved the overall stylishness!
I can count on one hand the number of times a person sat in the backseat of my Mazda 3 over the last 5 years. Back seat amenities are not priorities for me.
I'm the only person who uses my backseat 18 months later into my 2021! No connectivity is needed! lol
I have a 2018 model and this is by far one of my favourite cars, thanks for the review! I feel like this can smoke any car in its class on a quarter-mile drag race. That all-wheel-drive torque is insane out the gate (provided the competition doesn't use launch control...). I love JDM cars better than the euro market so I have high hopes for what Mazda does in the future, but with competition like the Integra and Elantra N, it's a good time to be a car guy.
Excellent car and so is the 2022 GTI Autobahn DSG... I would buy either one but I specifically like Moonstone Gray GTI.
I’m glad this car is not a cvt either
Good call man!
@@RaitisRides thanks man
This is more a luxury/high end finishes hatch than a performance/hot hatch. Looks great though, the interior quality is amazing and it has a very attractive design.
6 speed automatic, no room in the back seat, the model has been unchanged since.....nice driver thou.
Same for the ,Volkswagen,gr Corolla backseat
This looks the exact same as the 2013 model, Mazdas really need an update or refresh
@@tanyacaberro2546 Literally every single design element inside and out was changed in 2019... It is completely different than a 2013.
@@mezzb i have a 2.5 non turbo and i get around 6L/100km highway which pretty darn good considering its awd model.
I remember the awesome Mazda speed3s a decade ago and they brought the zoom zoom on that car. Now we got a different zoom zoom a decade a later. This car is still fun to drive and handles like a dream. Hook me up with a manual one and I’ll be set
You are so very right Matt!
Have enjoyed an '09 Speed3 GT since picking it up at the dealer in that year.
but can't corner for shit. rear torsion beam 🤣
My 2012 MSP 3 handles great in all phases 😊
This is by far the best looking hot hatch you can buy today. I absolutely love the styling. If I could buy this with a 6 speed manual, it would 100% be my next car. And honestly, it's still pretty high on my list anyway because it's AWD, perfect for the snowy, mountainous area I live in.
I agree with you 100%.
ALL Mazda's colors are top notch...
Thanks for sharing Team Raiti.
You forgot to mention that if you press "Info" on the steering wheel, it gives you the digital speedometer and shows you the car in third person and the sensors for the blind spot monitor system.
Edit: I wish you also went over the safety and other features of this Mazda3. There's so much to it, and this car was the best car I ever own up to date.
I just bought my 3-s, no turbo. For a grocery getter... heh heh it's glorious.
Soul Red with the crystal look, fabulous "Ceramic". It looks molten.
Ow it has that nissan feature for parking bird's eye view?
"I'm here to tell you growing up s✓cks". Had to pause for a self reflective moment after that one. So true.
You are so awesome Mark.
You're not the only one lol
🤔
Wow!! Excellent review and test driving in my favorite Mazda hatchback car as always Joe.
I am so glad that you could go along on the drive with me!
Mazda's system is better than a touchscreen. Once you learn how to use it, you never want to touch a screen again.
As someone who lived in Germany most of the time in my life and owned quite a few VWs I can say I'd rather keep my hands on a Japanese car. Not only is the styling of the Mazda more eye catching also quality and reliability is something Japanese car manufacturer know very well. The Golf has more like a conservative look to me it hasn't changed much over the years a few lines here and there were added other than that it remained its boring design. Don't get me started with electrical issues that are expensive to fix .
Everything european is so overrated...
@@rafars2246 it truly is.
Wouldn't a Mazda be expensive to maintain and fix in Germany when there are so little people out there that could fix Mazda's in Germany and also the lack of Mazda parts
@@jonathanng138 yeah but the Mazda will run with normal maintenance for over 200k miles without having to replace much of anything.
@@jonathanng138 my first question is who are the little people you mentioned? Mazda isn't a Mercedes or an European premium car brand . Japanese cars overall are pretty reliable.
I like the Mazda over the VW for the looks inside and out. I agree with you on the tire size. Thanks for the great review Joe and nice job Steven! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
Thinner tires = better mpg lol. Just need to buy bigger wheels and tires.
@@mnwolves180 lighter tyres means better MPG. Smaller wheels and tyres provide better fuel economy.
VW interior is way better
@@scamwick5969 what are you smoking
@@scamwick5969 Personal taste I guess. I'm getting rid of my 2020 Golf 8 this September to trade it with a Mazda 3. Felt more premium and distinguished when I drove it for 2 weeks last month.
I own this exact model in Polymetal Grey, and I agree with you on the tires, they’re bad but once they’re swapped out for something wider and sportier it’s a whole different feel
Also, agree on that chrome window trim, I wrapped it gloss black and makes a huge difference 👍
What tires did you switch too? We're picking up this same Mazda this weekend and for my daughter. We had to order it, so first time driving it is when we buy it🤷♂️
@@dcpiloti9756 I switched to some Continental ExtremeContacts on mine and really enjoy the ride. Grips a lot better and handle's like a dream, even in the rain.
@@dcpiloti9756 I hope she has a little bit of experience driving wise, this car packs quite a punch for a beginner.
@@smackette The electronic nannies will keep things in check. Besides, it doesn't really have that much power considering its weight. Off the line it feels punchy because its low-end torque. Pushing past 5000 the powerband just drops off a cliff.
@@mezzb Yeah, the powerband just doesn't fit my style of spirited driving, especially since (showing my age here) my driving style had been shaped by Honda's VTEC. That said, the 3 turbo is an amazing DD. So comfortable, so quiet, and that auto brake hold feature. Can't live without it now. LOL
I like your consistency 🔥🔥 always a pleasure to watch your review. Keep doing what you're doing. 💪🏿 #gang
GTI performance > Mazda 3 hatch.
Mazda 3 hatch interior, exterior styling > GTI
Mazda 3 hatch value (36k for AWD) > GTI (35k+ for SE and fwd)
Hi Joe. thanks for the video. I have always been a fan of the three hatch especially the last two generations. I say that because they remind me of a GLC first-generation I’d spent a lot of time in when I was young. I wish they would just go ahead and give us that manual they used to use in the CX-5. Cheers.
Owned the Mazda3 and the infotainment not being touch screen is actually awesome imo. It’s in the right spot while driving and I don’t have to take my eyes of the rode as much as I do with most infotainments that have a touch screen. Plus the knob feels really nice and is predictable
I have 18 inch tires on my Mazda 3 but I switched out the rubber to The Pirelli P Zero's which helped tremendously.
If it werent for the non-touch screens on Mazdas, i prob would of bought one over my WRX. I loved my 2009 Mazda 3, lasted forever with zero issues.
Haha I love my Mazda 3 2008, planning to get a 2022 Mazda 3 turbo sedan
Hello Joe I love the Mazda Hatchback Turbocharged engine including the Sedans and I love your videos you expired me to the car world
That is so wonderful Jay!
@@RaitisRides Your welcome Joe
@@Jay-sb2xs You are the best!
@@RaitisRides Thank you Joe
Those red seats looks really really good. I've been waiting for mazda to being back the hatch and put awd on it. But Hate that you can't get this in a 6sp manual. Also, hate how the lift gate looks. The 2010 hatch looks so much better.
I hate that c pillar. That c pillars thicc, with extra c’s
I have a 2010 Mazda 3 ..... and I still love the car..I went to some vw dealerships and drove some gti's and didn't think there was that big of a difference for me... The sales people thought I was nuts...
Anyone who buys a CVT Integra over this is literally nuts.
i kept hearing about how the hatch version was too underpowered for awd, turbo seems like a good way to solve that
I currently own a 2nd gen Mazdaspeed3 and it’s a nice car not even 10 years old yet but I think this new turbo is definitely the way to go next
I love my ‘21 3 sedan. It corners beautifully and is really fun to drive. The stiffer steering took a little getting used to but I don’t regret buying ☺️☺️
Wife has a Mazda “17”CX-5 been a pretty good vehicle overall. Not one issue with 100k on it already. Not the best for cross country driving compared to my Lincoln town car but a great commuter car especially in winter. Great in the snow. I’ll buy this model for myself as a fuel efficient AWD vehicle over a Subaru.
Hey Joe me again that dude who was looking at the gt350 HE. Well good buddy I’m going to pick it up in a few hours and I will be looking for a daily and this Mazda could be it. With all that said I just wanted to say thanks Joe thanks for your awesome reviews of all the cars you give us and thanks for all you gave me to help me pull the trigger on my 2020 gt pp1 I got 10 months ago as you helped me understand that it was what I was looking and boy was it such a fun daily I mean I literally hate having to give it up but when I saw the gt350 HE pull up in front of me with only 1001 miles I knew she had to be mine and brother these last two weeks of trying to make it happen have been tough work but I know it’s going add to that sweet feeling once I get to rip on her. Thanks Joe you’re a part of this dream car experience for me and I promise to always make room for the twinkies, take care brother!!
Wait a sec I forgot your rules and I should adopt them, NO twinkies!!
This is one of the best looking/performing and qualitative car in the industry. You just have to live in a place where Mazda is established.
Perfect match of fun and luxury, interior quality a step up.
I have a secret love for hot hatches…I had a 2003 VW GTI and I loved it…I have since moved on to a 2012 Tundra and I love that!! But seeing these vids makes me want a hatch again… I can fit my whole drum set in the back…it was perfect! I just can’t haul dirt and stuff….maybe I’ll have both one day… 😅
Great review as always, definitely one of my favorite channels! One thing, I think comparing the Mazda 3 to a GTi is off the mark. The 3 Turbo and Civic Sport Touring HB are more comparable. Both are fun, practical, similarly priced and sporty yet comfort focused. The Mazda has more power and AWD, but it and the Civic are really close to each other, while the GTi is more performance over premium. Of course this is just my opinion...
If only there was a AWD fast golf....
@@red00eye $10k more expensive lol
I'd buy this car JUST on the basis of its looks.. it's frikkin beautiful
As long as you ignore those thicc c pillars
Would be cool if Mazda would make this beautiful car a two door! Plus offer a 6 speed manual! Great job like always Joe!
there is a render of the car in 2door form online. It looks Pretty damn nice.
Too bad nobody buys coupes or drives manual (here in merica at least)
That's called a Mazdaspeed3
have a 2021 mazda3 Turbo love it! best value for the money
Joe with another fire video
That is how we like to do it!
I really really like Mazdas new styling. It's like a better more aggressive yet more sleeker Volvo SPA chassis.
"Growing up sucks"
A mood, honestly.
You know it!
I have missed the innuendo Joe throws in. Best car channel on TH-cam. Still loving my GMC 3.0 diesel. Thanks Joe.
I say if u looking for a performance car, get the gti. If u just want a cool stock hatch with good power, mazda turbo all day.
We’ve had one for about a year now and the list of repairs is unbelievable. Definitely regret trading our 2017 3 in for it!
But don’t you have warranty or like lemon law
@@mezzb We’ve got 13K and they had to replace the drivers side seat heater, strut mounts, drivers door handle (proximity key function not working) and a oil consumption problem Mazda knows about but doesn’t have a fix yet per the dealer. That’s not to mention endless interior rattles, we hardly ever even drive it on dirt roads. This is our 5th Mazda we always really liked Mazda until this one.
Tell me you beat the shit of your car without telling me... lol
@@LtSaynt never beat it have a mustang for that. Car is long gone trained for a N line and couldn’t be happier.
Hi Joe I love watching your videos
Thanks for being so supportive!
@@RaitisRides your welcome 🤗
@@Oaklomon99YT I appreciate that!
@@RaitisRides your welcome 🤗
That gloss black front splitter makes a massive difference for the design, Mazda outdid themselves as they do with all their recent designs!
i have the trim right below the Turbo model and enjoy even that. it definitely does not have the grunt and power or AWD speced on it. but it's still a good bit of fun to drive on curvy roads. have the same rims and paintjob but the rims came with paint that is so damn close to matching the body paint. its very nice.
I have this car same color also but 2021. I still have my 08 speed3 and I have to say its way more fun however this car for sure can move out but without much fanfare. I have put a ton of miles on it already and it is wayyyy more comfortable on long trips for sure. The fit and finish is far better than the speed3 and I will say if your not careful you will be going 90+ without much work. So my take... it is a great car for the money and you get all the options for around 35K. Sadly not really any aftermarket products for it. I reached out Cobb and they have no plans on doing any kind of products in the near future. The stereo is fantastic by the way... Oh I replaced the tires right away and that made a huge difference in handling without changing the suspension
I got a 2016 3 Hatch. I love the interior, style, bodywork, and engine purr with my cold air intake for a litle more power. I relate to the new gen of the 3, because it looks like they handle really smooth and of course, THEY NEED TO ADD MORE HP! Yeah they're kind of slow, but I get mad on why Mazda doesn't add spicy things on this model, lsd's, upgraded suspension, or a more agressive transmission shifting. Its like you yell at the car "please go faster" and it just can not. However, i love mazda, and will purchase their lineup. But please, please, more power.
I always love your shows and on toes waiting for all new vehicles that you bring. I'll always appreciate your work man, this informations helps me have an idea on what vehicle to buy 👌👍👌👍👌. I truly truly appreciate and congratulate your awesome work, this is all coming from the deepest part of my heart. #Raiti'sfun.
i have the premium hatch non turbo mazda 3 and ive had 3 gti's, mk4, mk5, and mk6. cant go wrong with either of them, but i like the mazda for reliability and i prefer the minimalist, more basic tech in the mazda. its tempting to upgrade to the turbo, but i dont feel like i need it.
That's such a clean design. 😮
Gti is just more versatile. The cargo space still sells it for practicality that's still SO FUN 🥰 love my Mk7.5 GTI and can still get a walker in the back for grandma with all seats up and 5 passengers! This is so much more gorgeous than the somewhat dopey looking Mk8.
I do zonk this for the fuel economy though. I can get 40mpg on the highway just by being nice to the accelerator (not even dedicated hypermiling) and this is common in the community! We all get better than EPA if untuned. How is the fuel economy so much better in my 4 year old car (I do realize this is AWD but come on, this has got to be more aerodynamic and have some kind of technology to decouple or something to maximize efficiency at speed) 😫
This is so very true!
@@RaitisRides sorry I edited to add to my comment... I just noticed and it's neat that you responded, thanks
The Mazda doesn’t spend a lot of time in the shop, unlike Volkswagens. I’ve owned both and you can keep the VW
@@pmscalisi I have owned seven GTis and GOLF Rs...not a single one of them was in the shop for something major. Super reliable cars. Not to mention MAzdas rust like shit. After every rain you have to dry it out, so it wont turn itself in to an iron ore.
@@genderlessyoutubefanperson That's not even true, I've had had gen4 for years and all it ever does is rain in my state. Literally zero rust issues.
I had a Golf GTI. Now a Mazda 3.
If you look at Car and Driver tests for drivers cars of the year, you see they both end on top. The Mazda for handling and driving pleasure, the Golf for the extra power. The power benefit for the Golf is gone, so...
In fact a Golf is no more than the grandson of the Beetle. A car for everyone.
I had a 16 GTI and got a great trade in offer towards a 21 Turbo 3 PP. Love both cars. The GTI is better in agility and what I would call initial punch off the line. The seats with plaid looked amazing and the trunk was easy to load. The negatives were cost of repairs and I found the dash dated quickly. The 3 PP Turbo I haven't had long enough to know repair costs and reliability. The interior is amazing, the fit and finish are at a next class up level. I disagree with Raiti, the non touch screen info means they set it further back in the dash. I prefer using voice control and the wheel to control vs touch screens. Mazda really put in an effort there. The dials for climate control feel great. The blind spot detectors work well, my 16 GTI didn't have them. Negatives would be that the power pulls more in the going at speed and need to pass someone type way. The trunk is not as easy to load with the higher lip. The key is also sporadic in working with locking and locking the car as you approach and or leave like it's supposed to. The Mazda app does detect if that happens and sends a notice if that happens at least, and you can lock remotely from your phone. I also agree with Raiti on the window chrome trim, looks awful. Inexpensive vinyl chrome delete sticker kit from Amazon cleaned that right up. I would drive both and see which calls to you if you are trying to pick between the two. I have noticed with the 3 turbo PP people aren't as willing to pay $36k for a 3. Because of that my dealership dropped the price to the level down turbo trim price to convince me to make the purchase. You won't see that with GTIs now, more likely to see 5k plus in mark ups on them right now. Obviously this should return to a more normal level soon, hopefully.
I also loved mazdas myself personally even though I have owned only toyotas especially the corolla. My father is a mazda man and still has his 2009 mazda 3. My only issues with mazda is the repair costs compared to corollas especially long term. I have the 2005 matrix along with 2020 corolla, so the cost of each one is way cheaper than mazda overall, but the driving dynamics are more engaging in the mazda by a long distance and if it wasnt for toyota for offering an amazing deal on the 2020 corolla LE that I got back in 2020, would have gone Mazda for sure.
They are not that comparable imo. Really just comes down to what you value more fun or luxury. The Mazda is luxury with a splash of fun. The GTI is fun with a splash of luxury. The Mazda is more of an A3 competitor than a GTI.
It looks great in that mate grey or black by the way. Personally my favorite Mazda model is the rx7 and RX-8.
I would go RX-7 all day long!
@@RaitisRides that's a good choice. Whould you do some work to it .
@@Reaperguy67 Oh heck yeah!
I know it’s apples to oranges, but I love the 10.3 inch system in my CX 50. This just looks like a smaller version of that. Mines touch, but I never use it because the control knobs below the shifter are just so much easier and nicer to use. It’s a pretty snappy unit too. Response time is quick for all kinds of different commands. Also, you review in my area and it’s always fun to see which road or location you’re using! I recognize a lot of them.
CX50 turbo or sport 2.5 ?
@@nrm1412 turbo premium plus!
Love it. I think I am going non turbo fwd due to maintenance intervals and plus I don't like how the turbo kicks in. Looks I love it, minus the wiper you mentioned.
Joseph the Mazda King, nice Mazda III I think it's a dandy of a hatchback.
I am so glad that you are liking this one Luis.
@@RaitisRides Yes I love it a lot I enjoy the way you explained everything.
Probably already been said but the GTI comes in manual and Mazda don’t
Nothing like having a 🏁race car driver🏁 doing reviews with a crazy sense of humor 😂
I recently bought this in the Platinum Quartz color. My only gripe so far is the gas mileage and the paint quality. Other than that I absolutely love the car 🔥
What's wrong with gas mileage on it??
Get that shit ceramic coated before it even rolls off the lot. So very worth it.
Looks amazing!
I am so glad that you think so.
Hey there
@@Reaperguy67 Hey brother!
@@RaitisRides lol. Ok
@@Reaperguy67 is this comment better
Us Yanks say MAH-ZDA, the Canadians say MAA-ZDA.
LOL Perfect!
the screen size of the infotainment is so compact that it constantly reminds you that this is a compact car.
Another great review! Gonna disagree with you on the shiny chrome though. I feel it breaks up the sea of black and grey.
Big time David!
Mazda always makes competently attractive and competitive vehicles! They take you up to the limit but seem hesitant to take you over! My wife had a little 323 Sedan years ago; fun and sporty but didn't blow your mind. So do you think they're bringing us a performance variant? That would be cool and fill in the gaps that we enthusiasts are looking for!!! As always, awesome review! ✌🏾❤✊🏾
You hit the nail on the head!
I have a Hyundai GT Sport and I think they really nailed a great inbetween from what Mazda & VW do with their hatches. It's rated at 201 wheel hp, so ig technically like 226hp or so, 195lbs wheel torque, it's quick enough for daily driving no matter what. 6s 0-60 thru the 7spd DCT models like I have. It does have a fully independent rear suspension, great sounding dual exhausts, 18" wheels, big front and rear disc brakes, sport suspension, etc pretty much all the underpinnings of a hot hatch. But where it really shines is features and quality. Full panoramic sunroof, all leather that's cooled & heated, wireless chargers, 8.3" infotainment, lvl 2 autonomous driving, Infinity sound system with a ported subwoofer, all soft touch materials everywhere, paddle shifters, rear ac vents, just a lot of features that make it a great daily that a lot of other brands skim over and don't include. So it's a great inbetween, and imo a perfect daily. The hatch has like 26' with the seats up & 58' with the seats down which is way bigger than this or the GTi. Only thing I miss from the VW is the ambient lighting. Really wish Hyundai would step their game up with that.
We really need a manual Joe 😞
Trust me I know how you feel.
Automatic > Manual all the time
The empanadas and the topo chico joke made my day
Corksport can add in some of the "zoom zoom" for you if you want. They have a front big brake kit, rear sway bar, front strut bar, exhaust, intake, and a rear wing spoiler available. They are developing a coilover kit right now. Pair that with some wider tires and wheels and you pretty much have a fun sporty luxury hatch which lets face it...will be more reliable than a GTI. Sure it won't be as fast as a Civic Type R, Corolla GR, Golf R, Veloster N, Mini Cooper JCW, but it would make for an awesome daily driver.
Really have been a big fan of Mazda’s for awhile now. Currently have a 2020 CX-5 GT-Reserve and a 2018 Mazda 6 Signature. Love my 6. Such a great car for the money. My one zonk on it has been addressed by this 3; that is the cup holders. They put them in front of the shifter bringing forward the arm rest. Wish my 6 had. Have been thinking about a new 3, but can’t bring myself to get rid of the 6…it is just too good.
My gf has a '16 Mazda CX-5 that doesn't have the floating infotainment center and it's glorious, I can not stand that virtually every manufacturer has switched to that floating screen except for VW, which I applaud. I've always loved VW's interiors dating back to early MK1 Golf/Jetta's. I admit the Mazda 3 is pretty damn sexy with the front lip and matching gloss black wheels. It's a contender....no doubt.
The thing I really like about this car is it is very understated. It doesn’t look like a hot hatch therefore doesn’t drag attention. It’s a moderately powerful hatchback, nothing crazy just nippy.
For me the mark 7.5 golf GTI/R is the nicest looking of all with best “overall“ performance.
Awesome video. I used to have a nonspeed 2010 Mazda 3 hatch, loved that thing. Upgraded to a 2018 gti se a few years ago. I love my gti, and am happy I got a 7.5 vs the mk8 due to the touch controls. I also won't get the Mazda because of that horrid infotainment system and lack of the sportier inclusions on the gti. I've still got a few years to go on my car but I hope they both fix their issues
I actually had a GTI on reserve and it was between that and one of these for a no-markup affordable upgrade for me. I ended up choosing this 2 months ago for the AWD, nice stereo w/real buttons, HUD and sunroof over the base GTI for the same price that honestly was the better drivers car stock.
Yes, it's not a Speed3 replacement but some upgrades *really* help make it much more fun to drive! Mazda simply focuses on features/near-luxury for the money and cost cut in some performance areas instead, so if you are willing to drop $3k in upgrades, shoot, less than that, it makes for a *much* better driving car! $1200 on bigger cheap wheels/tires, and $100 strut tower brace alone helps *tremendously!* And yes, the chrome only in that one spot on the windows does look out of place, but I easily fixed it with a $30 chrome delete kit. Also, excessive easily scratched interior gloss black around the gear shift and window switch gear can easily be covered with pieces off eBay/Amazon/AliExpress.
Now, factory tune is also *very* strange and complex, for consistency I suppose, it literally regulates the post IC/actual manifold intake air to ~110-115F, so cold air intakes are pointless but intakes in general do help flow some and sound fun. Since it's a big 4 banger, exhaust upgrades sound surprisingly deep and rich too. That said, it was released during a pandemic, so there is still not a ton of aftermarket support yet, but a few difference piggybacks out there do help as well. Even then it still takes running premium consistently over time to get some nice timing advance for it to not feel sluggish off the line in standard D mode. It's not even about the additional peak HP, it needs premium to get that timing off the line with a tall final drive.
Truly, I was actually a little underwhelmed at first, but knowing this car better now it has tons of potential and seeing how it's woken up a bit with some miles and mods under it now I'm very happy overall! PS, even the non Premium Plus gets the HUD that tells you where other cars are around you, makes the lower visibility a non-issue! But also, fuel economy, while not horrible for what it is, could be a bit better, I've never had a car struggle to hit its rated MPG so much. Using logging, it's clearly running a touch richer than it needs to, Mazda as small maker can't risk reliability reputation and too many warranty claims, so running a little rich is what they do, which is also what Hyundai/Kia did initially when they released their 1.6 and 2.0 turbo's. C'mon Mazda, you can tune a little better than Hyundai/Kia first year turbo, right?
I can recall the days Mazda made the Mazdaspeed3 in the early days. Also, thank gosh there's all-wheel-drive for this Mazda3!
wish Mazda decided to make this Mazda 3 hatchback a Mazdaspeed3 hatchback. the 1st gen mazdaspeed3 is still one of my favorite hatchbacks
This car is on my very short list of possible future cars, but the only thing I'd zonk it on is fuel economy. Luxury hatch competitors like the GTI and Integra may not have this kind of torque and traction, but they have an edge on it when it comes to fuel consumption. I know you can't have your cake and eat it too, but it would be nice to see Mazda try to get this car's economy up a few more miles per gallon especially considering the trend in gas prices.
I have the Mazda 3 Turbo AWD, love it!
I notice a lot of dealerships going with hot hatch I just want a hatch 6spd manual performance going up against other high performance cars not mediocre
You're reviewing the car I drive!! The only real drawback is gas mileage. Easy car to drive and live with.
Hey Joe it's almost Aidan's birthday
That is so wonderful! Happy Birthday Aidan!
My wife test drove this and loved it…but I didn’t fit too well in the front and lol not a chance in the back. Too bad, was a nice car.
I don't understand why people keep complaining that it doesn't have a limited slip differential when it doesn't need it because it has all-wheel drive to me that tells me that people making these comments don't have any clue
Needs VENTILATED FRONT SEATS 🥵🌡️
Thanks Joe, enjoyed your review as always. So much so that my new 2023 turbo,machine grey, back intreior(don't like the red!) will arrive late oct.
Great bang for the buck and in my opinion..probably one of the best looking cars on the road.
I miss the MazdaSpeed 3! Wish they’d bring it back..
Got myself a Focus ST ‘17 instead now. It houses a continuous development of the MazdaSpeed 3 L-engine’s heart but of course with Ford parts around it.
The interiors of these cars are great. I don’t like the torsion beam rear suspension.
The sedan looks great but the hatch looks like a pear 🍐 on wheels to me, not a good style at all on the hatch.
The sedan looks great and is a great value for the $.
Great review as always Joe &Lori, we appreciate you!
Also (correct me if I’m wrong) the manual transmission option I thought was only available on the non turbo premium hatch model?
That’s a major bummer to me personally. I’d love the option of a turbo sedan with manual transmission but I don’t think it’s available. Again I’m not 100% sure about this correct me if I’m wrong.
@@bretthansen8166 Correct, no manual option on the turbo... but the AT is def not as bad as I feared, easy to trigger quick downshifts for power or engine braking and its logic is actually quite good... but def some soft upshifts I wish would be more crisp for sure.
Slick car. Definitely Mazda needs to bring back the 6speed manual! Would be a completely package
Hi Joe, how do you rate the suspension? Less stiffer than GTi? Given a choice for long distance touring, which one you would go for GTi or this Mazda3?
i own a 2016 and the multi link rear makes all the difference in the world. I'm aslo running 235 40 18 Michelin PS4s. Since Mazda is going up market, they ditched handling fun in favor of ride quality. It's a shame no manual with the turbo. fingers crossed a Mazdaspeed is in the works.
Nice car for sure. I owned both gens of the mazdaspeed3. At the time it was fantastic. Wish this car had more adjustability, a special looking exterior that stands out from the standard 3 and the exhaust is weak. I drive the Kona N and love it, checks all those boxes for me. Always a great fair review.
I totally agree with you!
Love hot hatches but prefer them with a stick. That thing also needs a cat back. Past that it looks like a great car.
One of my fav!
While I have not driven the Mazda 3 Turbo, I have driven two Mazda 3 sedans (both 2.0NA), own a CX-30 with the 2.5NA, and have driven the CX-30 2.5T. I enjoyed driving all of them, and think at this point an 8 spd transmission would help, with a little of a faster shift. The steering and feedback are a cut above the class, and make up for some of the other shortcomings.
The GTI has a quicker steering rack and stiffer spring rates making it much more nimble and performance oriented. The 3 Turbo is not a hot hatch and its not trying to be one. It is an A3 competitor not a GTI competitor.
Raiti is insane and it's hilarious 😂