Mazda 3 hatchback 2020 in-depth review - Carbuyer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- Mazda3 hatchback review: carbyr.uk/2DLcpD8
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The Mazda3 has often been overlooked in the family hatchback class when compared to rivals such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and the Vauxhall Astra. Mazda has pushed this latest generation model even more upmarket, with a stylish new design putting the Mazda3 into direct competition with the BMW 1 Series. But is the combination of economical petrol engines and striking design enough to give the Mazda3 a serious advantage over its rivals? Batch gives his verdict in the Carbuyer in-depth review.
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Mazda definitely deserves much more recognition.
yes it does its a great company. Their cars are great and some of them are better than toyota.
@@alidaud258 toyota is only good at reliability
No fake vents. Thumbs up from me.
Loved seeing the 3 getting the praise it deserves in this review, Mazda is such a class act!
I think there's too much praise for nicer plastics and some bolder design. The car itself can be pretty annoying in many aspects like the engine (slow, anemic and noisy at revs, vibrations in 2-cyl mode), very bad visibility from the inside (even front visibility is limited), cramped interior, no rear vents, Mazda's spec policy - if you're ok with less expensive model but you want lumbar support (which doesn't come as standard) you need to splurge 30% more moeny to buy the highest trim.
I respect this guy a lot. He doesn't follow the herd of motor journalists. Mazda is top draw. Car Wow would never acknowledge that.
Probably because Mazda doesn't like Mat.
@@stephandolby Yeah, must be his German and Brit automobile bias.
@Fire Heart Agreed. E.g. When he did the "scratch test" in the Jaguar XE (a cabin full of cheap plastic) he was pretty charitable, whereas in the Mazda-CX5 (which literally had 1 tiny non-visible piece of cheap plastic) he located it and went to town in his critique. He isn't objective.
Agreed with all you guys.... Mat's channel has too many views - it's success has gone to his head
? He recommended this car. Dunno what u on about
I'm starting to see these on the road more and more. The hatch looks so futuristic when in motion. Well above its price point, even at $30k. Great job Mazda!
I would love to see Mazda make a GT/Mazdaspeed version of the 3.
Not gonna happen, Mazda does not have the money to develop MazdaSpeed at the moment.
Rumor says they will develop it with Toyota
@@BrateTebra123 Mazda has stated that the 2.5T will fit in no problem.. Some leaks to some forums say it will likely be released in North Amarica as the signature version! as a 2021 Model.
I'm sold. If the practicality isn't on the top of your list, than it's hard to beat it.
I look forward to getting one of these. Be it new or used, I can actually aspire to get this, and this is why I love Mazda!
Great review of an excellent car. Mazda sales are very strong in NZ, I'm yet to drive this new 3 but was really impressed with the interior quality. Lovely to see Carbuyer testing all cars unlike Carwows obsessive and boring reviews on VAG BMW and Merc, no longer follow.
my son bought this car back in september, agree with your review , excellent car, breaking the boring 'Big Vag' looks..
I like it so much , ive gone for its cousin, the new mazda CX30, another excellent car from mazda. love the drive of a normally/ non turbo car,. and the spec is better than the best out there
Stephen Barnard wait until it starts rusting like every other mazda after a few years.. Ive got a mazda 6 that is a rust bucket at this point
@@fug33the cx30 will be gone by then, i change cars every 18 months..
@@fug33 absolute tosh, Mazdas are brilliantly built cars and last for ages.
fug33 you must live in a humid climate or near a beach.
@@akie64 www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/07/mazda-seems-rust-never-sleeps/
It's a bit of a shame the rather dark and tight back seats , but other than that , I just love it. I am gonna buy one... wait I just realized I can't afford it 😅😅
Same here. I am looking at 2019 released cars to plan my next car in 2023 when they become affordable.
If this had a German badge on it then it would be completely adored by all car journalists. They'd be obsessed with it. They get away producing such average cars at insane prices (Mercedes in particular)
Not really, Germans are obsessed with practicality so with tight interior, tiny boot and poor visibility in all directions it would be criticized just like every other car. Same applies to the anemic engine.
Would love to see you review the Mazda 2, great review as always.
Got a Mazda2 back in August. Best car I've ever had. Would love a Mazda3
I test drove a Mazda 2 before getting the new 3. The differece is night and day. The highest trim 2 interior can't even compete with what you get in the cheapest 3.
@@Sixteen0Four I'm sure...My budget just couldn't stretch that far. Hopefully in a few years.
@Christopher Nah, skip the 2. For your first car I'd recommend you get a used Toyota Corolla/Auris (with a good service history, of course) and then go for a new Mazda 3 or 6 or whatever a few years down the road when you got the cash.
"But why not go for a used Mazda 3 now instead?"
Here are two reasons:
1. The Mazda 3 is more expensive in general and they're also *slightly* less reliable cars than Toyota's (first-car buyers usually need the car with the best reliability/cost ratio - and nothing beats a Toyota in that regard).
2. The Toyota will make you a better driver and also make you appreciate the improvements in the driving experience more once you'll switch to the Mazda. If you just buy a Mazda now, you won't know what you have, so to speak, and will not be able to appreciate it.
Phew, about time. Excellent review. I liked the look of the 3 but many reviewers were pretty unimpressed & failed to see its appeal, all a bit ...meh. Thank goodness someone is capable of seeing the beauty of this great little car 👍.
Just bought one and agree with everything he has said. I wittled my choice down to this and Mercedes a class but the Mercedes was just poor value for money and the Mazda just drove better. The equipment Mazda gives you is just amazing too! Is Mazda the best kept secret of the automotive world in 2020??
Has been since 2003 really, when the first 6 burst on the scene...
Shhh! Don't tell anyone! That's why they are still affordable. On a more serious note: I had the opportunity to compare the 6 to the competition -Accord, Camry, Sonata, etc.- at the NY International Auto Show. They definitely look and feel more premium.
Seems like a secret in Europe. Mazda sells tons of cars here in North America.
But they only have small engines 🙁 I have a Mercedes E450, and I would try out a small cheap Mazda 6 or so - but they stop under 200hp, that's just silly if you drive 30-35k miles a year like me...
@@erebostd lol what? I have a signature and it has 250 hp and 310 lbs feet of torque. Not gonna win a drag race but it's enough power for daily driving.
I was blown away by the trousers and coat combo personally 🧐
Nice one Batch, fantastic review as per usual but where's Ginny?
Picked up my Mazda3 in May 2019. From my driving experience I can agree with most of this review. The analogue fuel gauge is the current level in your tank and the digital gauge is your estimated range. Interior has picked up a few rattles such as in the drivers door and an intermittent one in the dash.
Take it back if under warranty
Great review my friend.
3:47 you can change the middle fuel dial to a "estimated range" number in the settings. (literally the only customization for the digital gauge)
for example: it shows "600km" for me on a full tank. it also makes the left dial for fuel economy show a number instead, for example "6.7 l/100km"
it looks way better and is much easier to understand in my opinion!
i was also flashed by the mazda 3 driving experience, if u don’t need a practical hatch with loads of kneeroom in the back, you are good 2 go
Great review 👏
Amazing review.
Is there any chance to review the new CX-30?
I'm curious about that one. Did anyone tested both cars?
Just got the m3 yesterday with the red leather seats and the aerodynamic sport package.
Hello
I have a Mazda GRand Tourism 2012 and just hityy 138000 miles..the car is amazing drives like a dream...looks brand new I keep the car up to date on everything...when I used to lived in Kalispell Montana..the only big thing I did was to buy snow tires and that car was amazing ... Never got stuck and drove perfectly in the snow and i had to drive into the mountains...And know AWD...can't wait to drive it....and trade my 2012 for the new one..with AWD...my dog will love it...she goes with me every where and the hatch does the job,her bed is in the trunk and she feels safe in there...
Lovely car the new Mazda 3. I used to own a 2013 (mk2) 3 which I was really happy with. These days driving a 2018 Mazda 2 as a daily. Mazda make great cars.
Havent got time to test drive one of this yet, but had a good experience with mazda 2 hatch. That lil car was quick and effin responsive, expecting this one would be twice as good
Absolutely Stunning Vehicle. Hope it does well in the UK
Simplifying the engine line is practical for the manufacturer. The styling is beautiful. Good for Mazda.
getting mine in october :) .....soul red crystal looks so sweet cant wait :)
I picked up the saloon / sedan GT Sport tech Skyactiv X with the White leather. Best car I've driven, love driving it!
I have a 2015 Mazda 3 I bought used in feb 2019 and will be getting this new 3 in 2-3 years. Can’t see my self in any of the competitors. From the looks, the driving and interior this is my pick. Oh and the saloon shape of the 3 is pretty sexy as well 😉
Agree, mine is a base version and a done already 10000 km, great car which feels different from the other ones.
Most beautifull in his class with a Normal size engine.
Vw is better looking
@@MrWalker1000 Funny joke. Vw is better with "software" you mean. 😂
@@kienfung3045 better looks and more features.
@@MrWalker1000 better looks? For a blind person maybe. Silly you.
Excellent review, I’m sold!
My honeymoon phase is still not over after almost 6 months of driving this beauty:-)
Hows the ride quality? Our cx3 is a bit firm and looking at this now
I just got this car this week and I’m thinking the honeymoon will never be over!
Great review, Batch! Sure the car has it's own compromises but it's not a basis for over-emphasis. I guess the 2 fuel gauges measure the fuel level and kilometre range separately. Also the N/A engine might be a bit lethargic, but still is appropriate for normal driving. All in all, this car is seriously good and different.
Just cross your fingers the collision detection system doesn’t just randomly slam on the brakes, well as the recall suggests
Bought the 2.0 sedan. Absolutely love it, such a joy to drive and own... Feels very premium, better built than some of the expensive badges. However, the very capable chassis can definitely handle more power....
It looks premium but it doesn’t drive like a premium car... the body feels very weak and the noise level in the car is above average...
@@duncanidaho7494 you definitely don't have first hand knowledge so just keep on trolling like you do, air head.
I'm a moron but unlike you sir I owned in the last 12 years a couple of cars such as : mazda 3, BMW 530 and 328i, 1 toyota yaris, vw beetle, mercedes c class coupe and an audi a3. So i know exactly what i am talking about, that mazda is 0 premium, even compared to my current audi a3
I must say that he has really grown into his role.
Great review. I'm planning to test the car on the road in January and then putting a deposit down. Too bad you get the BOSE Soundsystem only on the higher trims, because even the entry level gets a lot of kit.
Theres' nothing to regret, it's not much better than the base stereo.
Thanks for talking about the manual transmission!
How does Mazda 3's manual transmission and gear selector compare to a BMW 1 series manual? Which one is more fun to shift with?
This guy is in love with this new 3 and he is damn right .My friends would always make fun of my 2nd gen 3 & 6 but hey they dont know what they re missing.In a few months i ll be buying a new ride , it would be a mazda for sure but i have hard time picking a model .Would it be a 3 or a 6? hard to decide a this point
I test drove this car some months ago, and it just feels special, doesn't feel or look like something mass produced. In Portugal, you can get the version with 18 inch wheels for about the same as any 1.0 or 1.2 petrol Corolla, Civic, Focus, etc. Amazing value for something that feels and looks so special. I would love to own one.
A bit pricey in Spain though, at least if you compare it to the new Ford Focus or Corolla.
@@mendistudio strangely enough, I can see that in Spain they cost about the same as in Portugal. But Mazda is making a big effort here to keep the prices relatively appealing. A similarly specced focus with a 1.0 costs about 25000€. As you know, in Portugal you pay higher taxes the higher the engine displacement. So we are being ripped of by other brands with 1.0 three cylinder engines! It's a shame they don't sell the 3 with a 1.5 petrol as the previous generation did.
Good for you because here in Poland the very base Mazda 3 costs as much as fully optioned Ford Focus. Thing is - Ford constantly offer good rebates, said Focus can be had for 10-15% off the sticker price, with Mazda 2% is most you can have. You need to pay 10% more to get less equipment, more anemic and louder engine but a few nicer plastics inside.
@@sic22l good for me? I still can't afford it... ☹️
Picking up my 2020 gt hatchback in few days I have 2020cx5 rental amazing
Really loved this review and am considering getting a Mazda 3 myself... but can I just point out: *naturally aspirated* *2 litre supercharged*
Mazda 3 2021 myself here. I have to admit, the driving experience is so comfortable, quiet and you will notice the turning has so much grip and effortless.
And do you find it economic? How far do you get on a full tank? I took one for a test drive with the skyactiv g and felt like it had more than enough power for everyday driving.
@@samreimann4233 I find it very economical for everyday driving . I had RAV4. I drives to work 12 days in a month. I filled it up every 2 weeks. With Mazda, every 3 weeks and a bit in a month.
@@minbajunid thank you, that's helpful, trying to decide whether I'm going to step out of a 1 litre turbo and wasn't sure if I would spend more on fuel 👍
Great review! Thanks!
I can’t wait to buy one
Very good looking from the front.
Love it. I would buy one.
Not sure which automatic transmission is sold in the UK, but the 6 speed auto in the US is very good, albeit a bit outdated. I like it more than the 8 speed auto in my Golf. Unfortunately the manual can only be had in the very top trim and very limited quantities, which is not as it was in the last generation. We also don’t get Skyactiv-X yet, maybe next year. All trims get the 2.5L Skyactiv-G.
Great review of a great car!
Here in the states, we have a 2.0L 155 HP, a 2.5L 186 HP, and a 2.5L Turbo 250 HP. I always wonder about how different cars are in other markets.
It’s a pity you guys don’t get the 2.5 litre engine we get here in Australia. It totally transforms the car. It’s not a hot hatch like a VW GTI but it’s much quicker and more relaxed to drive than the 2.0 litre, especially in automatic form. Virtually no one buys manuals here (about 5% of Mazda3 sales). We get the 2.0 litre Skyactiv X engine later in 2020. We also get rear AC vents in the centre console. No one else seems to get them, except I think Malaysia. Very odd.
Sounds nice! I wonder how the Skyactiv X reliability is since it's kind of a new thing for mazda.
The autobox is really good, kickdown is very quick. Pity it's only a 6 speeder.
My neighbor has the top trim sedan version, it is very nice
God I love this car so much!
I bought the previous model in 2018 for my wife because I wanted to get her something I would want to drive. I haven’t driven a manual car in years but I agree about the gearbox being good as it really is a pleasure to make gear changes. I would definitely chose the Mazda 3 ahead of BMW, Mercedes and Audi.
Good to see a 2.0 petrol engine not keen on tiny engines
New class leader by a mile .
By which criteria?
Deffo a stretch
Hardly. Harsh ride and poor handling. Not impressive at all.
Not a chance
@@toxy3580 Harsh ride and poor handling compared to what?
Great looking car.😍
I would like to watch a review of 2019 Skoda superb scout 2.0 tsi with 272 Hp on your channel. Thanks
I want one....now!
Looks a bit like the Datsun 200 sx. I'm looking at one tomorrow.
It's the only new hatchback I like on the market presently, I was disappointed to learn there isn't going to be an MPS version or anything 200+ bhp, and I totally agree with the interior it was exquisite!!!!
Apart from in the US where it will have 4x4 and a turbo
@@a_ni_ma_l I'm sure they would sell ok in the UK
@@Jay-B1750 I'm sure they would, they are so underpowered currently.
Mazda should have made this as a stationwagon as well:D Would be an excellent car for many, who does not want or need a huge wagon:)
Amen! Been saying this for a long time, this would be my family car as the 6 is too big for me and I refuse to buy an suv!
@@hsvcommodore4111 and we would get the best of every world, with the excellent driving experiense. Fun handling stearing, good economy, nice suspension, more room in the back seat and a big boot as well! This should e a no-brainer for Mazda!:D
thomas risan agree, would love one
Is it as quiet in the cabin (road noise) as an Audi A3?
So 2 litre mild hybrid is better than the normal 2 litre? Acceleration and consumption I mean
Hopefully in the next update the screen will be integrated and flush into the dash with a 21-9 aspect ratio with 2k OLED so when you're parked up you can watch films. Then they can upgrade the sound system from Bose to Focal Home cinema speakers or wharfdale.
Sad, it costs 30k USD here in the Philippines, but with rear AC vents
It doesn't have two fuel gauges it has a fuel and a coolant temp gauges as all cars should have but don't any more.
It does have two fuel gauges. Look to the left of the coolant temp gauge, there is another fuel gauge as well as the one on the right of the coolant temp gauge.
This Car is fabulous a beautifully thought out car
Digital fuel meter is actually an average distance-to-fuel meter and not an actual readout of how full your tank is
This mazda or the volkswagen golf mk8?
Why didn't they use the 2.0 from the mx5 🤔 it's the same motor but way more power
I would love to own this car but best I can afford is M3 2013-2014 which I plan to buy in 2020...
Channeling his inner Quentin Wilson
My car mazda :)
But mazda 2 :(
still better than other small hatchbacks!
I have 2 from 2016 and 3 from 2019 and 2 isn't as bad as you may think, in some ways it is better, it feels so light and the manual is bit sharper, its small engine feels a bit more sporty too when downshifting :P
@@kendelion mini : am I joke to you
SON of PEWDIEPIE you’re the son of pewdiepie but mazda 2 really is better than the toyota aqua, honda fit, and other same size ones
@@user-mb8ep5eq5m In Japan, Mini is expensive than Mazda. I have a Benz A-Class and it's double the price of the top spec mazda, yet the mazda is still quieter, more efficient, and has lower maintenance cost. :(
Mazda's design is nice, as always.
In terms of gauges... One is the fuel level and the other is fuel economy (it shows fuel consumption and estimated range)... The digital view can also be changed.
Not sure why the euro press don’t like the auto. Likely because the market is manual biased and most of the euro brands use dct’s, which is are poor performing in stop\ go traffic and cost an arm and a leg to repair.
The auto in the Mazda is very smooth for normal day to day driving and will be more reliable over the longer term (than a dct or cvt). While the manual is great, you lose a lot of the adaptive cruise control functionality when opting for it. I love driving a manual but most of my commute is in stop\ go traffic and I’m not sure that I’d give up the comfort of having the adaptive cruise control (which will bring the car to a stop and then resume by itself).
That being said, my Australian Mazda 3 is a 2.5L (which is about as powerful as the skyactiv X). The torque on these engines makes the auto a more palatable choice.
I used to purchase golfs exclusively, as other brands always felt like a massive downgrade in terms of perceived quality. I‘m now in my second Mazda 3. The mazda’s have been faultless mechanically, whereas the vw’s became costly to maintain as they aged.
Good car but will it out sell focus or golf no its just not practical enough .
The 3 has been a massive seller here in Australia. Focus is almost invisible here.
Not any more!
I think Mazda has done a great job with the new Mazda 3. It ticks all the right boxes for me, has good looks, good amount of standard equipment compared to audi and vw and good reliability record.
If I was getting the Mazda 3, I would get the skyactiv-x engine as it has the efficiency of a diesel and the smoothness of a petrol engine. The best of both worlds.
Am I the only one to think this looks like an original seat leon? Not a bad thing either
I have same feelings. Back look exactly same as Leon with his C pillar being big
It does a bit indeed.
I agree. The rear is reminiscent of a mk1 Leon. Shame the Leon has now morphed into a generic Golf like lump.
People see cars in other cars..The new Focus hatch looks very like the Gen 2 Mazda 3. But this car is far more stylish than a Leon.
I will say the 6 speed is upstanding among the autos.
Weird how U.K. only has the skyactive G 2.0L 122hp trim while the rest of the world have the more explosive skyactiveG 2.0L 162hp trim. Well apparently now that has been sorted out by the 2.0L 180hp skyactive X
Not just UK, the entire EU gets either 2.0 122hp or 180hp Skyactiv-X for 15% extra.
shake those hands, knows what comments equal
It’s a great shame it didn’t turn out more like the concept model. The differences are mainly subtle but it’s nowhere near as striking. Much more appealing than the boring Golf and Focus though.
The sedan is looking even better I think
what is this ? the Carwow discount version ?
I love the modern Mazdas. Alas they’re too small for our needs though.
As a long time Mazda fan, only the top spec 2.5-litre AWD version of this car makes sense. Preferably in a manual, unless you live in a very crowded and huge city. Families should avoid the hatchback, and go for the sedan - or even better, the CX-30 and preferably the CX-5. Or wait around for the CX-50 😸👍
You sacrifice only a little handling for practicality, with Mazda crossover SUVs. With the CX-30, you get a better view and slightly more comfortable seating, ease(ier) of ingress/egress, and the back seating area is brighter and less claustrophobic - you loose those blindspots. Crossover SUVs also hold their value better when the dreaded time to let them go or trade them in comes. On the the diesels, they are only worth it if you do a lot of highway driving.
Also, the rear suspension is not as simple as you think - read up on it. This new gen has a lot of work put into it, and the cabin is a very comfortable, quiet and nice place to be in. Seriously, even Mercedes & BMW owners/fans I know, are impressed and might start moving over, cause they see the value. Power/torque figures on paper and even if they are higher, is not as important as you think for real world driving. Band snobbery and Euro aXX kissing, is another thing though 😉 Personally, I like the way the more luxurious 3 and CX-30 has gone, and I hope they keep heading in this direction. It's hard to compete with some other budget Japanese manufacturers, and of course the Koreans and even some Chinese brands now - check out Geely cars for example.
I agree with your first statement, except for those coming from the 2.0 skyactiv from the previous gen 3 like I did. I couldn't afford the AWD version or premium trim, but I was able to get the preferred trim without AWD and I'm more than happy with the improvements from the previous 2.0. Suspension wise, I really can't say I notice the lack of independent rear and the new torsion is set up extremely well.
This is trying to be alfa romeo Brera from 2006 hence looking better then current competition but brera still looks much better.
I guess Mazda decided to make the rear seats to be the size in between of a civic and a Mercedes coupe. I own one and hardly ever put anyone in the back, so it works for me.
Very good objective review. Well done Mazda.
So beautiful 😍
Check out togg new Turkish suv made by aselsan army teknology dude .. go next level