Just got one of these in the exact same trim and instantly fell in love with it! These cars are an incredible bang-for-buck used. Also, love Subterranean, sneaky good FF song
@hmyhung the only rev matching is my right foot! it is pretty forgiving on the down shift yes. i still give it a bit of a kick if it is a large down shift however.
Great video. I preferred the regular touring over the grand touring because I liked the bolstered cloth seats over the non-bolstered leather seats. I got the tech package as well - worth every penny.
Great review I liked it a lot. I also have the 2015 Mazda 3 but I did get the i sport Meteor Grey color. I didn't see getting the Cam and the extra 3 speakers was worth the 5k just for that. Also you can get the Nav for every 2015 Mazda 3 that has the touch 7" screen you just have to order the SD NAV CARD....don't order it from the dealer they are over priced I got mine from EBay for $177. compared to $450. It is a plug and play type so you just have to stick in the SD card and off you go. I paid around 14,500 for my 2015 Mazda 3 which I think is a good deal for what you get with the option on the 2015 model.
Nice video. I just recently purchased a pre-owned 2015 s Grand Touring automatic. I love the car for the most part. I owned an 06 3 before with manual transmission. Takes a little while to get used to the infotainment system.
I didn't drive the new gen, but I went the other day to test drive a 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5L. I'm a long time Mazda fan, I loved my Protege5, but the clutch was the worst I've ever driven, no feedback at all. I wound up getting a 2012 Focus SE Hatchback at another dealer, I can't believe how nice it was, and the clutch was almost as good as our old Lancer.
I thought about getting one of these...but I love my 2006 Mazda6 Wagon...V6 power and sound, better Bose system(in my opinion), faster, more spacious, and more rare, always gets looks...Love the new 3, just not for me...Plus, with a new 3, I wont get the bragging rights of having the only Mazda in that color in the whole world...yeah, I got the factory oops, and I love every minute of it! Great video tho =)
For real tho, great review! this video had everything I wanted to know about the Grand Touring. My son is 18 and wants to learn to drive stick, but the one I have now has a WAY too heavy clutch (and the power steering is gone) so it's really hard for him to drive being so inexperienced. I want to get a manual trans car that he can learn to drive stick on (he already has an automatic) so I really appreciate that you mentioned that about the transmission.
Best review of the Mazda 3 yet. The one area I'm stuck in is whether to get the speaker upgrade or not. The upgrade means getting the GT model, with climate control and leather, neither of which I want. I'm curious, does the upgrade include a boost in power, or is it just 3 more speakers that the same stereo powers? Secondly, probably the only thing you didn't mention, where is the 9th speaker? I thought it would be a mini sub, but you said no sub. I was originally going after the Impreza, but their stereo system is abysmal, and I'm not looking to do after market.
the dual climate control is nifty. My girlfriend uses it when she is in the car because she gets cold easy. And the 3 i GT does not have "Leather" its "Leatherette" So its looks and feels mostly like leather, but it wont go bad as easily. The GT package does not give a boost in power, Only going from the i to the s model does that, in the form of a different, sliiightly larger engine with ~29 more HP. And yes all of the speakers are powered by the same stereo. But they are all going through a different amp then the standard one. Its a Bose amp that is mounted under the drivers seat i believe. I would say that the sound system alone is worth the jump from touring to grand touring. But you also get the navigation chip with the GT, which is a $400 option that my girlfriend really wishes she has. The 9th speaker is a center speaker in the dashboard behind the nav screen.
skikarl Awesome, thank you. I'm definitely looking for a factory installed amp. I'm not looking to entertain the neighbors when I drive by, but I do want something more than the basic.
I've a 2010 3 s Grand Touring which I love dearly. 6 speed as well. Would be nice to have the hill start assist (though I don't really need it haha). Would be nice to have a lighter clutch as mine is on the heavy side for some reason. Trying to convince my sister to get the new 3.
Can you make a video on how to drive a manual I’m still lost how to know when to shift speed and what to do when coming up on stop sign or red light please
What are the price or spec differences with the 2014 vs 2015 Mazda 3 hatchbacks? Have yet to get a clear understanding. I'll be purchasing a manual trans in this make/model this May, but undecided on which year. Also, I really enjoyed your review in comparison to several I've seen lately.
+Kaleigh Munsterman well the rear-view is standard on the '15 i-touring but was part of the tech package on the '14. fog lights are standard on the '15 i-touring but optional on the '14. the touchscreen is standard on the '15 and the '14 you needed the tech package. also, the GPS was a standard part of the '14 tech package. but is an additional option on the '15 tech package. unless you get the Grand Touring. And finally the '15 s model now has an option for a manual, whereas the '14 you had to have an auto with the s. there might be other minor changes, but those are ones to keep in mind :-)
great vid! does the manual come with downshift rev matching? i'm just curious since i'm learning in a 2011 mazda 3i GT, and I have to say after watching your video the newer models seem to be a bit more forgiving for new manual drivers. thanks!
I picked up a 2015 mazda3 i grand touring a few days ago, but it doesn't have the "Active Driving Display". Is that usual? or it just doesn't come with this feature?
The only thing is hasn't got too much to do with the car, when you drift down at the lights leave it in gear, if you put it in neutral it is still going to use fuel, but because the car is direct injected, when you let off the accelerator it will use 0 fuel :).
+faerieaeryk it's not the direct injection technology, it is called " fuel cutoff". Many cars does have this feature since the 2000 and sometimes before. Your car also have port injection, it will do the same.
I just purchased a '15 Civic Coupe EX a few months ago, and I'm thinking about trading it in for a new Mazda 3 Hatch. My main concern is storage in the coupe is absolutely awful, especially for a drummer. lol Contemplating the i versus the s, just because of the power, but everyone who has the i model says it's just as fun. Definitely the top pick for me right now. Thanks for the video!
Oruda intake, BBR GTi Super 185 package w/ high flow cat + exhaust. On E85 it dynoed at 194whp. And that was on a hot day with high humidity. I bet with some tweaking with colder weather id probably break the 200whp mark. Stock dyno was 139whp.
+nick golden I have the package right below this, and i can tell you the speakers are still damn pleasing to the ears. And if your anything like me, you might switch them out later for something else.
You are better off getting an iSport with Preferred package. Comes with alloy wheels, reverse camera w/ rear-cross traffic, blind spot monitoring, upgradable Nav (now standard to install on all 3's), some come with fogs, and upgraded premium cloth seats. Reason I say that is you can install a much better sound system for the price difference of a Touring with Bose. The best part is the Sport with Preferred package is only $1000 more than a base sport. I know, because I bought one and I sell them. Best sub compact you can buy hands down. It has the best handling in class, most HP in class with both the 2.0 and the 2.5, and it has the best resale value.
+skikarl That's the reason I love when people cry that they get seriously injured or their loved ones get killed on those "optional" stop signs. Love Philly for that matter too, fuck stop signs, yield signs, red lights, etc!
"Please stop resting your hand on the shifter. It hurts." -- Your Car Good quality video. 28mpg city is pretty dismal though. I get that in my BRZ in the city whilst beating the crap out of it. Trading in for a Mazda 3 anyways though for utility and comfort.
+cal920c yes, that is a stop sign that is basically not needing to be there. it goes in to a random small culdesac that no one ever drives out of. so everyone ever just drives through it. Nice catch none the less haha
What a phenomenal review of the Mazda3 with such extensive details being provided, while being performed in a very professional manner!! Your review is better than some of the some of regular new car review-experts!! BRAVO!! I quite enjoyed the detail about the light clutch, which in turn entices me to gravitate toward a manual transmission. I first learned how to drive in a car with a manual. Would you rate the shifter as being direct without being notchy? How was the steering feel, the ride with the higher profile tires (compared to the S model) along with the handling? Again, exemplary work!!
+Jim Norris Thank you good sir! The shifter is great, other reviews I have read have called it the best shifter for under $50k. Other 6 speeds I have driven are very picky, and you end up in 5th rather than 3rd or 6th rather than 4th. This shifter almost never does that if you let the springs do their job. Steering is good, very direct, and I can feel right away when I start to lose grip on a hard turn in, giving plenty of time to remove throttle or steering angle. One of the reasons I did not want the S was because of the 18s. They do look better, but they ride harder, and they cost more. I did test drive an s, but did not put much seat time in, so I can't really say too much about that.
Just subscribed! I really like your car reviews and hope you do more in the future. Sounds like you know your stuff and can speak on camera pretty well. If you could find other cars to review I would be extremely interested in watching!
Mechanically my car is great just as all the other 3's i've owned. Just have a couple tech issues that really are not Mazda's fault. My Iphone hates my infotainment center, really hates it. It wont let me 75 % of the time use the apps the car has in it but I can still change it over to just run off my phone. The other Issue is the SD card for the navigation and the problem with updating the maps. 2014 3's came with Tom Tom mapping and 2015 changed to a off band which works but no one can tell me how to up date it and I've gone above the dealership to inquire how to do this. There answer was take it to the dealership after some time and get a new one under warranty lol. But other than that I average 33-34 mpg in the city and I'm a lead footed person for sure. Oh and if you get the 2.0 get the 6 speed manual, it's a combo.
How's the build quality on these? I am considering a 3 due to its high ratings(either a 2014 S Touring 2.4 or a 2016 i touring 2.0). Is everything well put together? Have you encountered any issues, big or small? My 2008 Subaru Impreza is starting to nickel and dime me. Sun visor keeps falling, b pillar trim falling off, etc.
+bmwmsport11 the only "build" related issue I have are, the rather apparent lack of sound dentining, and that at higher volumes the window switches vibrate a little bit.
+bmwmsport11 I have a 2016 3GTS and it is remarkable. No noises, everything is in its place and clean. The materials within the interior are perfectly matched and line up well, nothing seems to be amiss. The exterior fit of panels, the hood the plastics are all even and well placed. Since the car is new I have been over every inch cleaning waxing and just being smitten with the car. I have had the car since Oct of 2015 and I am pleased. I suggest you go for a test drive and take some time to give a good look over on the car. And, to second skikarl, the gas mileage is terrific. I do mostly city with a 2.5 and I am getting consistently 29 to 30.x mpg. I would add, I also like the performance of the 2.5. Snappy, tight and thrilling especially on the twistys.
i have a 2015 mazda3 hatch i touring and things i hate are when u start the car the mazda connect software takes like 10-15 sec to start and it always ask u to press 'i agree' before u even start using it its just annoying how slow the screen software starts, also i hate the voice command its useless it cant do anything and again its very slow and never understands u.
I am looking to trade in my 14 Focus ST lease soon and am concerned about dropping my speed dramatically. How is the pick up in this car. Sincerely another Philadelphian
+Matt Wilde well, the '14 focus ST has 250ish HP where my 3i has 155 and the 3s (2.5L) has 184. the S does 0-60 in around 7.4 and the ST is around 6ish so in comparison the i or even s would be quite a bit slower.
I like your review. I have the 2015 3s Touring also with the 6-speed manual transmission and I love it. If you plan to do a review of things you don't like I would like to mention that I don't the fact that it doesn't have a 12v or USB port up front for charging my phone or a place to plug in a radar detector or dash cam. The only power ports are in the center arm rest. Granted, there's a nice rubber tray just below the CD slot perfect for a cell phone but lacking a charging port or Qi charging capability makes that tray useless... for cell phones anyway.
+trwei396 yeah, I have thought about that, I want to get a dash cam, but i will need to wire it into the radio or something o_O. that could be a good tutorial haha. did you get the s for the larger engine specifically? or were you looking for some other options?
very nice car!! somehow I managed 58 mpg in my Volkswagen Polo the other day, pretty good for a petrol. id love one of these but obviously I'm not used to larger cars yet. However I think the screen would annoy me even though it's well placed. good video though I've subscribed :)
Someone help me with my M3 S GT. The road noise is terrible to the point where my ears get plugged on the highway. Is it the lack of noise insulation in the car or is it the 18'' sport tires?????
+Ryan Davidson It is both, the car has not much insulation at all. I have seen people on the forums add some to the doors and the wheel wells and say that it is a world better. and the low profile tires and bigger rims will be louder obviously so not much you can do about that :-/
Does your girlfriend's car have the 2.5L with automatic with manual shift and paddle shifters? I would like to see how you think the two compare. I can drive a manual, but opted for the auto after test driving.
+Tom Moore no, she has the 2.0i as well. honestly i did not see much of a reason to get the S. it was only a small jump in power, and a loss of some fuel economy. the wheels are nice however.
Very good review of this car! I want one nearly identical to this model being reviewed! 2015' or '16, Grand Touring Hatch with 6 speed manual + tech pkg + lighting pkg. I was hoping to find a review such as this 1 from someone who actually owned this car! Added to my fave vids! :)
Very high standard review however I notice young drivers such as yourself focus too much on the interior and its technology but we didn't even see the engine. Is yours a 2 L or 2.5?
Oh man holding the clutch down at a stop light is a bad move your gonna wear out the release bearing which basically comes up to a very expensive clutch job
+Sandro Ortiz well the car is like 24k but I got a bit of a discount because we bought two at the same time. and I pay 150ish on insurance. but that is very dependant on age, state, and location.
+skikarl how much a month for the car? did you get any package deals? i ask because i am very interested in this car, also how quiet is it when you driving?
how much i pay monthly is not really helpful information, because it depends on my credit with the financing i got. and how much i put down on the car and my trade in. but it is kind of loud on the highway. if you watch my other video 6 things i dont like about my mazda you will see me go over that and demonstrate.
Its very annoying how Mazda didn't link the gear suggestion with any of the gyroscopes on the car. On a super steep hill the car suggests to upshift which just leads to lack of power. I do like how the gear suggestion disappears during engine braking.
Why do you shift into neutral so early when coming to a stop light, instead of using some engine braking? You'd use less fuel and won't wear your brakes as much
+Paul Hojda I do downshift when coming to red lights, religiously actually. But because I was thinking and talking and driving I guess I just did not do it too much in this video. Like when I was talking about the steering wheel I did not want to be taking my hand off it ever other second to grab third and then second. But yeah, not very efficient driving in this video, for sure.
I never did like those brake assists on the hill if you can't drive a manual don't buy a manual I mean part of the skill of driving a stick is mastering hills
I'm surprised at how good of a review this guy did WHILE driving
Thank you! There were a few takes obviously, but who needs a script anyway!
+skikarl
You inspired me to buy a mazda3 and it'll make me feel better just found out my cat committed suicide
+Kyle SoSik that escalated quickly.....
I didn't believe you, until I read the comment...
@@TheKyleAye I’m sorry for your loss. If u dont mind me asking, how did a cat commit suicide?
I didn't realize the 3's came with hill start assist! Thanks, that info is helpful.
Just got one of these in the exact same trim and instantly fell in love with it! These cars are an incredible bang-for-buck used. Also, love Subterranean, sneaky good FF song
Test drove a 2017 Mazda3 hatchback with the 2.5 4 cylinder today. Absolutely wonderful car, will definitely be getting one in a few months!
I love how you run the stop sign lmao
0:52 Ran a stop sign
+Gregory Kanniard omg, yes. didn't even slow down.
0:59 realizes he ran stop sign, checks for police
OMG LOL. I watched it 4 times to be sure, but you were right! Lol
"Very aggressive city driving" isn't a lie XD yikes.
Wow you have amazing attention to detail Greg!
@hmyhung the only rev matching is my right foot! it is pretty forgiving on the down shift yes. i still give it a bit of a kick if it is a large down shift however.
+skikarl Word to the wise, oil spray them, Krown, Rustcheck or Corrosion Free
skikarl ,
Hi. Any problems with your Mazda 3 since posting this review?? I plan on buying a 2018 Mazda3 hatchback. Thanks
Great video. I preferred the regular touring over the grand touring because I liked the bolstered cloth seats over the non-bolstered leather seats. I got the tech package as well - worth every penny.
Re GPS map sound -- when the GPS computer speaks increase the volume right at the moment by turning the knob next to gear or on your steering button
Good for you for demonstrating the rear crosslane traffic alert system. My favorite feature on the Mazda and hardly anyone shows it!
I'm gonna go see one tomorrow. I didn't know it had hill start assist. That's a surprise to me, so it's another pro on my list.
i have a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3, cant wait till they announce the 2016 mazdaspeed3.
still waiting for it eh
Great review I liked it a lot. I also have the 2015 Mazda 3 but I did get the i sport Meteor Grey color. I didn't see getting the Cam and the extra 3 speakers was worth the 5k just for that. Also you can get the Nav for every 2015 Mazda 3 that has the touch 7" screen you just have to order the SD NAV CARD....don't order it from the dealer they are over priced I got mine from EBay for $177. compared to $450. It is a plug and play type so you just have to stick in the SD card and off you go. I paid around 14,500 for my 2015 Mazda 3 which I think is a good deal for what you get with the option on the 2015 model.
I own this car to. It's a fantastic and smooth driving car.
How is it holding up in 2021? Hows the transmission?
Nice video. I just recently purchased a pre-owned 2015 s Grand Touring automatic. I love the car for the most part. I owned an 06 3 before with manual transmission. Takes a little while to get used to the infotainment system.
I didn't drive the new gen, but I went the other day to test drive a 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5L. I'm a long time Mazda fan, I loved my Protege5, but the clutch was the worst I've ever driven, no feedback at all. I wound up getting a 2012 Focus SE Hatchback at another dealer, I can't believe how nice it was, and the clutch was almost as good as our old Lancer.
Hill launch assist is really nice to have for the stick.
Good review.
I myself have the 2015 S Grand Touring and I have the same gas milage. Makes me feel a little better about my 'economical' driving.
I thought about getting one of these...but I love my 2006 Mazda6 Wagon...V6 power and sound, better Bose system(in my opinion), faster, more spacious, and more rare, always gets looks...Love the new 3, just not for me...Plus, with a new 3, I wont get the bragging rights of having the only Mazda in that color in the whole world...yeah, I got the factory oops, and I love every minute of it! Great video tho =)
Sooo we're just not gonna talk about how he straight up ran a stop sign at 0:52? LOL
For real tho, great review! this video had everything I wanted to know about the Grand Touring. My son is 18 and wants to learn to drive stick, but the one I have now has a WAY too heavy clutch (and the power steering is gone) so it's really hard for him to drive being so inexperienced. I want to get a manual trans car that he can learn to drive stick on (he already has an automatic) so I really appreciate that you mentioned that about the transmission.
Hows the back seat space?
Best review of the Mazda 3 yet. The one area I'm stuck in is whether to get the speaker upgrade or not. The upgrade means getting the GT model, with climate control and leather, neither of which I want. I'm curious, does the upgrade include a boost in power, or is it just 3 more speakers that the same stereo powers? Secondly, probably the only thing you didn't mention, where is the 9th speaker? I thought it would be a mini sub, but you said no sub. I was originally going after the Impreza, but their stereo system is abysmal, and I'm not looking to do after market.
the dual climate control is nifty. My girlfriend uses it when she is in the car because she gets cold easy. And the 3 i GT does not have "Leather" its "Leatherette" So its looks and feels mostly like leather, but it wont go bad as easily. The GT package does not give a boost in power, Only going from the i to the s model does that, in the form of a different, sliiightly larger engine with ~29 more HP. And yes all of the speakers are powered by the same stereo. But they are all going through a different amp then the standard one. Its a Bose amp that is mounted under the drivers seat i believe. I would say that the sound system alone is worth the jump from touring to grand touring. But you also get the navigation chip with the GT, which is a $400 option that my girlfriend really wishes she has. The 9th speaker is a center speaker in the dashboard behind the nav screen.
skikarl Awesome, thank you. I'm definitely looking for a factory installed amp. I'm not looking to entertain the neighbors when I drive by, but I do want something more than the basic.
Hi
Is it reliable if bought used with 130k miles?
I got 51 MPG on my way home today in my 2016 Mazda 6 Grand Touring No Joke!
I've a 2010 3 s Grand Touring which I love dearly. 6 speed as well. Would be nice to have the hill start assist (though I don't really need it haha). Would be nice to have a lighter clutch as mine is on the heavy side for some reason. Trying to convince my sister to get the new 3.
0:53 you blew right through that stop sign lol
Can you make a video on how to drive a manual I’m still lost how to know when to shift speed and what to do when coming up on stop sign or red light please
Awesome review! Mazda 3's are indeed a great looking vehicle!
63 probably isn't random. Most likely because it's based on binary. 0-63 has 64 levels.
What's your opinion on the heads up display, does it bother you or get in your field of view?
Liked for blowing past a stop sign at 0:53
Oh, i got one more...
All these cameras, but couldn't see the stop sign.
Hows the transmission on this model era? Is it reliable? I have heard it has clutch issues....
Ran through a stop sign at 0:54?
What are the price or spec differences with the 2014 vs 2015 Mazda 3 hatchbacks? Have yet to get a clear understanding. I'll be purchasing a manual trans in this make/model this May, but undecided on which year. Also, I really enjoyed your review in comparison to several I've seen lately.
+Kaleigh Munsterman well the rear-view is standard on the '15 i-touring but was part of the tech package on the '14. fog lights are standard on the '15 i-touring but optional on the '14. the touchscreen is standard on the '15 and the '14 you needed the tech package. also, the GPS was a standard part of the '14 tech package. but is an additional option on the '15 tech package. unless you get the Grand Touring. And finally the '15 s model now has an option for a manual, whereas the '14 you had to have an auto with the s. there might be other minor changes, but those are ones to keep in mind :-)
great vid! does the manual come with downshift rev matching? i'm just curious since i'm learning in a 2011 mazda 3i GT, and I have to say after watching your video the newer models seem to be a bit more forgiving for new manual drivers. thanks!
No automatic rev-matching
Nice vid. How is the cooling on the rear seats?
I picked up a 2015 mazda3 i grand touring a few days ago, but it doesn't have the "Active Driving Display". Is that usual? or it just doesn't come with this feature?
The only thing is hasn't got too much to do with the car, when you drift down at the lights leave it in gear, if you put it in neutral it is still going to use fuel, but because the car is direct injected, when you let off the accelerator it will use 0 fuel :).
+faerieaeryk it's not the direct injection technology, it is called " fuel cutoff". Many cars does have this feature since the 2000 and sometimes before.
Your car also have port injection, it will do the same.
Did you blow through that stop sign at :55 seconds in? LOL
hi, is it possible to tune the car with aftermarket amplifier, subwoofer, speaker etc while using the actual on dash touch screen head unit?
Awesome job with a review 👍 I love my 2015 mazda3GT3 it put smile on face every day driving it's just awesome car like a Miata. 😎👍
Could you do a "things I hate about my Mazda 3" video? Thanks!
+Alain Sadun the wheels. thats about it
I have a mazda 3 2015 sedan and there are around 3 sensors mounted on the front wind shield on the central mirror. Whats the real purpose??
Do you still own the car?
I just purchased a '15 Civic Coupe EX a few months ago, and I'm thinking about trading it in for a new Mazda 3 Hatch. My main concern is storage in the coupe is absolutely awful, especially for a drummer. lol Contemplating the i versus the s, just because of the power, but everyone who has the i model says it's just as fun. Definitely the top pick for me right now. Thanks for the video!
+Casey Hardman I have a 2.0L and with basic mods I am already faster than a stock 2.5L.
+Falken Punch What kind of mods? Intake, header, exhaust? Any suspension mods?
Oruda intake, BBR GTi Super 185 package w/ high flow cat + exhaust. On E85 it dynoed at 194whp. And that was on a hot day with high humidity. I bet with some tweaking with colder weather id probably break the 200whp mark. Stock dyno was 139whp.
+Falken Punch Nice!
+Casey Hardman ever think of a truck? do you have testicles and a will to not die? trucks are the way to go, period.
Looking to get the base i Sport. But the Bose speakers are so tempting...
+nick golden 5.kicksonfire.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Shia-LaBeouf-Just-Do-It.gif?307836
+nick golden I have the package right below this, and i can tell you the speakers are still damn pleasing to the ears. And if your anything like me, you might switch them out later for something else.
You are better off getting an iSport with Preferred package. Comes with alloy wheels, reverse camera w/ rear-cross traffic, blind spot monitoring, upgradable Nav (now standard to install on all 3's), some come with fogs, and upgraded premium cloth seats. Reason I say that is you can install a much better sound system for the price difference of a Touring with Bose. The best part is the Sport with Preferred package is only $1000 more than a base sport. I know, because I bought one and I sell them. Best sub compact you can buy hands down. It has the best handling in class, most HP in class with both the 2.0 and the 2.5, and it has the best resale value.
How much did you the mazda 3 for OTD? How did you negotiate? Great car looking forward to owning one.
+Native722 I got a really good deal because we bought two of them at once haha. so it is a bit different if you are just looking for one.
No heads up display on this model?
I just drove from Houston to Panama city Florida in my 2016 mazda 3 stick shift grand touring and only spent about 25 dollars
you blew past a stop sign at 00:53
+samtheman2144
its philly, stop signs are optional
+Matt Wilde true story, no lie.
+skikarl That's the reason I love when people cry that they get seriously injured or their loved ones get killed on those "optional" stop signs.
Love Philly for that matter too, fuck stop signs, yield signs, red lights, etc!
People that get seriously injured is because they arent from philly
+rumynchik :-* Love you!
"Please stop resting your hand on the shifter. It hurts." -- Your Car
Good quality video. 28mpg city is pretty dismal though. I get that in my BRZ in the city whilst beating the crap out of it. Trading in for a Mazda 3 anyways though for utility and comfort.
0:53, blew through a stop sign?
+cal920c yes, that is a stop sign that is basically not needing to be there. it goes in to a random small culdesac that no one ever drives out of. so everyone ever just drives through it. Nice catch none the less haha
+skikarl you can see me double check my left at 0:52
I've been considering a mazda manual for awhile. Can you easily do a rolling stop while putting the car in 2nd as opposed to 1st?
+Patrick Query yeah, i do it a few times in this video i believe haha. i almost never have to put it back in 1st.
What a phenomenal review of the Mazda3 with such extensive details being provided, while being performed in a very professional manner!! Your review is better than some of the some of regular new car review-experts!! BRAVO!!
I quite enjoyed the detail about the light clutch, which in turn entices me to gravitate toward a manual transmission. I first learned how to drive in a car with a manual. Would you rate the shifter as being direct without being notchy?
How was the steering feel, the ride with the higher profile tires (compared to the S model) along with the handling? Again, exemplary work!!
+Jim Norris Thank you good sir!
The shifter is great, other reviews I have read have called it the best shifter for under $50k. Other 6 speeds I have driven are very picky, and you end up in 5th rather than 3rd or 6th rather than 4th. This shifter almost never does that if you let the springs do their job.
Steering is good, very direct, and I can feel right away when I start to lose grip on a hard turn in, giving plenty of time to remove throttle or steering angle. One of the reasons I did not want the S was because of the 18s. They do look better, but they ride harder, and they cost more. I did test drive an s, but did not put much seat time in, so I can't really say too much about that.
Dopest part is that you can install Android Auto on it with the Mazda AIO tool.
Just subscribed! I really like your car reviews and hope you do more in the future. Sounds like you know your stuff and can speak on camera pretty well. If you could find other cars to review I would be extremely interested in watching!
Also just coming from an aesthetics POV, I would love to see you driving on really nice roads with cool scenes. I’m sure you’d enjoy it more as well!
What rpm do you shift gears at?
Mechanically my car is great just as all the other 3's i've owned. Just have a couple tech issues that really are not Mazda's fault. My Iphone hates my infotainment center, really hates it. It wont let me 75 % of the time use the apps the car has in it but I can still change it over to just run off my phone. The other Issue is the SD card for the navigation and the problem with updating the maps. 2014 3's came with Tom Tom mapping and 2015 changed to a off band which works but no one can tell me how to up date it and I've gone above the dealership to inquire how to do this. There answer was take it to the dealership after some time and get a new one under warranty lol. But other than that I average 33-34 mpg in the city and I'm a lead footed person for sure. Oh and if you get the 2.0 get the 6 speed manual, it's a combo.
How's the build quality on these? I am considering a 3 due to its high ratings(either a 2014 S Touring 2.4 or a 2016 i touring 2.0). Is everything well put together? Have you encountered any issues, big or small? My 2008 Subaru Impreza is starting to nickel and dime me. Sun visor keeps falling, b pillar trim falling off, etc.
+bmwmsport11 I have a new CX5 and the build quality is excellent.
+bmwmsport11 the only "build" related issue I have are, the rather apparent lack of sound dentining, and that at higher volumes the window switches vibrate a little bit.
+bmwmsport11 I have a 2016 3GTS and it is remarkable. No noises, everything is in its place and clean. The materials within the interior are perfectly matched and line up well, nothing seems to be amiss. The exterior fit of panels, the hood the plastics are all even and well placed. Since the car is new I have been over every inch cleaning waxing and just being smitten with the car. I have had the car since Oct of 2015 and I am pleased. I suggest you go for a test drive and take some time to give a good look over on the car. And, to second skikarl, the gas mileage is terrific. I do mostly city with a 2.5 and I am getting consistently 29 to 30.x mpg. I would add, I also like the performance of the 2.5. Snappy, tight and thrilling especially on the twistys.
Great video. I'm actually thinking about buying a mazda 3
i have a 2015 mazda3 hatch i touring and things i hate are when u start the car the mazda connect software takes like 10-15 sec to start and it always ask u to press 'i agree' before u even start using it its just annoying how slow the screen software starts, also i hate the voice command its useless it cant do anything and again its very slow and never understands u.
I am looking to trade in my 14 Focus ST lease soon and am concerned about dropping my speed dramatically. How is the pick up in this car.
Sincerely another Philadelphian
+Matt Wilde well, the '14 focus ST has 250ish HP where my 3i has 155 and the 3s (2.5L) has 184. the S does 0-60 in around 7.4 and the ST is around 6ish so in comparison the i or even s would be quite a bit slower.
+skikarl yeah i know the number differences. but is the pick up sufficient. for passing and getting up and getting onto highways?
+Matt Wilde I think it is sufficient. I never have issues merging. And a down shift makes passing a breeze
I like your review. I have the 2015 3s Touring also with the 6-speed manual transmission and I love it. If you plan to do a review of things you don't like I would like to mention that I don't the fact that it doesn't have a 12v or USB port up front for charging my phone or a place to plug in a radar detector or dash cam. The only power ports are in the center arm rest. Granted, there's a nice rubber tray just below the CD slot perfect for a cell phone but lacking a charging port or Qi charging capability makes that tray useless... for cell phones anyway.
+trwei396 yeah, I have thought about that, I want to get a dash cam, but i will need to wire it into the radio or something o_O. that could be a good tutorial haha. did you get the s for the larger engine specifically? or were you looking for some other options?
+trwei396 also yes, i will do a 6 things i don't like video soon.
Great video, great car.
If I could affort a car at that price, I would choose the Mazde 3 without any doubt.
Are these cars reliable?????
very nice car!! somehow I managed 58 mpg in my Volkswagen Polo the other day, pretty good for a petrol. id love one of these but obviously I'm not used to larger cars yet. However I think the screen would annoy me even though it's well placed. good video though I've subscribed :)
we dont get polos in US
Someone help me with my M3 S GT. The road noise is terrible to the point where my ears get plugged on the highway. Is it the lack of noise insulation in the car or is it the 18'' sport tires?????
+Ryan Davidson It is both, the car has not much insulation at all. I have seen people on the forums add some to the doors and the wheel wells and say that it is a world better. and the low profile tires and bigger rims will be louder obviously so not much you can do about that :-/
I'll look into getting the wheel wells and doors sound proofed then depending on cost
I watched this with ease, good job.
Too bad the manual is not available in my country :(
Does your girlfriend's car have the 2.5L with automatic with manual shift and paddle shifters? I would like to see how you think the two compare. I can drive a manual, but opted for the auto after test driving.
+Tom Moore no, she has the 2.0i as well. honestly i did not see much of a reason to get the S. it was only a small jump in power, and a loss of some fuel economy. the wheels are nice however.
Very good review of this car! I want one nearly identical to this model being reviewed! 2015' or '16, Grand Touring Hatch with 6 speed manual + tech pkg + lighting pkg. I was hoping to find a review such as this 1 from someone who actually owned this car! Added to my fave vids! :)
Very high standard review however I notice young drivers such as yourself focus too much on the interior and its technology but we didn't even see the engine. Is yours a 2 L or 2.5?
the I is a smaller engine it's the 2L 155 HP
The 2.5 L is the S model
Oh man holding the clutch down at a stop light is a bad move your gonna wear out the release bearing which basically comes up to a very expensive clutch job
How is the climate control of this car? Our old Nissan would take forever to heat up in the winter which left us cold.
how much a month did you pay for this including insurance?
+Sandro Ortiz well the car is like 24k but I got a bit of a discount because we bought two at the same time. and I pay 150ish on insurance. but that is very dependant on age, state, and location.
+skikarl how much a month for the car? did you get any package deals? i ask because i am very interested in this car, also how quiet is it when you driving?
how much i pay monthly is not really helpful information, because it depends on my credit with the financing i got. and how much i put down on the car and my trade in. but it is kind of loud on the highway. if you watch my other video 6 things i dont like about my mazda you will see me go over that and demonstrate.
I love this care, thanks for awesome review man.
thinking upgrade from 3 to mazda 6 ?
ferw swer they are two completely different cars. The Mazda 6 is more of a family sedan and a lot bigger.
Call me crazy, but it seems like you live somewhere near the Philadelphia/ Bensalem area
Somewhere near there yes.
I would always use the e brake when I was on a hill
do you own the 2.0 or 2.5 model?
The grand touring only comes in a 2.5
I think want to see a detail video like this... but interior focused.
So how would you rate this car on a scale of 0 to 63?
+larphraulen i would give it a solid 57
+skikarl Not sure if you've named your car but I would like to suggest "The Dark Night"
Its very annoying how Mazda didn't link the gear suggestion with any of the gyroscopes on the car. On a super steep hill the car suggests to upshift which just leads to lack of power. I do like how the gear suggestion disappears during engine braking.
Why did you removed the things you hate video?
+Ivan Delos Santos Dude to the STUNNINGLY bad viewer response. i plan on making it over, but differently.
mazda3 is the best on its category
derrick rose my next car, really excited
Love your review thanks man 👍
Great review.
Do the materials feel 'made in china'?
Why do you shift into neutral so early when coming to a stop light, instead of using some engine braking? You'd use less fuel and won't wear your brakes as much
+Paul Hojda I do downshift when coming to red lights, religiously actually. But because I was thinking and talking and driving I guess I just did not do it too much in this video. Like when I was talking about the steering wheel I did not want to be taking my hand off it ever other second to grab third and then second.
But yeah, not very efficient driving in this video, for sure.
coasting is fine
In his defense, it's a lot cheaper to replace brakes
Matt Szatkowski which is why you leave it in gear and not downshift, still effective and saves fuel.
I'm surprised, I have the new 2017 Mazda 3 and everything, but let her and nicer wheels are basically included
I did 1 of these on the same car but 2016
There are you bases in the back, only midways.
Thanks for the review.
I never did like those brake assists on the hill if you can't drive a manual don't buy a manual I mean part of the skill of driving a stick is mastering hills
Is your girlfriend's hatchback also the i Grand Touring manual?
+vader11111 no, hers is a Touring Auto
+skikarl You should have gotten her the Grand Touring. :)
Not a fan of the M/T on the Mazda 3i, very sluggish. But maybe that's just the engine.
Nice review
Great video..nice car..
Thanks
The gas mileage is really good!
hill start assist? its called the handbrake