I love Mazda because they are consistent. They have never been the best and definitely not the worst brand, but they always have made good cars and I love that they are starting to gain more traction with the public.
Thanks for this honest and sincere test of the manual 3 hatchback. I was on the fence for the longest time regarding manual vs AWD/Turbo, but this road test - and others like it - have convinced me that, for me, the manual is the way to go. Now if I can just locate one!
Mazda has a history of making some of the best gearboxes. My first manual experiences were in a 98 Ford Ranger, and Mazda really helped them make a very easy to use enjoyable manual.
The most expensive car I ever bought was the 24 Mazda3 hatchback with a manual transmission. But it also was worth every penny so far. It's perfect for me and my kid.
Great car owner here of a 2024 I'm getting 36 MPG average. Yes It could have more power but how often is it needed and in this car category you'd have to go turbo for more, and all things being equal a turbo engine won't last as long. Was considering a Honda Touring but this Mazda is better in every way (interior, power, looks, sound system, ergonomics, quieter, predicted reliability) and Honda wanted 33K before taxes. I got a discount and paid just under $30k. Also when does anyone have full grown adults in any back seat? 1% of the time?
I've always liked Mazda 3s in the compact segment for their fun to drive factor, nicer interior for it's class, and sleek styling that is unique at the same time. Good to see that hasn't changed with the new Gen.
Love my 2010 2.0 manual touring sedan. It's got 140,000 miles on it with almost no problems. It's super agile and fun in traffic. Even though it's only got 148 hp there's always traffic and red lights up ahead so extra power would mostly be frustrating. The blind spot on this new hatchback is a deal breaker for me since it would diminish visibility enough to compromise my confidence in making quick lane changes - so much less fun. Mazda should go back to making manual zoom zoom sedans.
Nice video! N/A engine is ideal in a daily commute in bumper traffic anyway for fuel economy. Have had this car for nearly 3 years now and only 3 complaints: fuel efficiency isn’t as good as competitors, transmission gets confused over time (you can reset the learning), I’m used to the blind spots and they really are no issue after a few weeks but you’re always aware they’re big. Otherwise, easy to service, nice to be in, looks and feels fantastic, cheap to run. Nothing to hate. Even the torsion beam rear is fine, it’s lively and communicates in sporty road driving. People bring the last bit up like it matters a ton outside of performance limits.
The refresh wont look as good as this. They've hit a pinnacle in exterior aesthetic and I think Mazda knows it, which is why its kept the same design for 6 years now. Its a thing of beauty.
I love my MX-5, but feel I need a slightly larger car that would be more comfortable for the passenger seated next to me. I also want something better suited for long distance interstate driving. I drove an RX-8 for 14 years and loved it! So… would this be a good RX-8 replacement?
I love hatchbacks and love Mazda but would not buy this hatchback as not a fan of the fat rear end and cramped rear seat and horrible rear visibility. I keep waiting for a styling refresh on the hatch but sadly no changes to the rear of the hatch in 5 years.
Mazda 3 hatch the blind spot view is horrendous also the rear seating is too cramped for taller individuals, cargo space is limited and the rotary knob/dial infotainment system is outdated in 2024 and has a learning curve for each new driver. Honestly wouldn't recommend this vehicle. Nice review........
I love Mazda because they are consistent. They have never been the best and definitely not the worst brand, but they always have made good cars and I love that they are starting to gain more traction with the public.
Thanks for this honest and sincere test of the manual 3 hatchback. I was on the fence for the longest time regarding manual vs AWD/Turbo, but this road test - and others like it - have convinced me that, for me, the manual is the way to go. Now if I can just locate one!
Mazda has a history of making some of the best gearboxes. My first manual experiences were in a 98 Ford Ranger, and Mazda really helped them make a very easy to use enjoyable manual.
The most expensive car I ever bought was the 24 Mazda3 hatchback with a manual transmission. But it also was worth every penny so far. It's perfect for me and my kid.
Overpriced
@@johncena6701 like yo mama
I bought the same car and have zero regrets. Its awesome!
Great car owner here of a 2024 I'm getting 36 MPG average. Yes It could have more power but how often is it needed and in this car category you'd have to go turbo for more, and all things being equal a turbo engine won't last as long. Was considering a Honda Touring but this Mazda is better in every way (interior, power, looks, sound system, ergonomics, quieter, predicted reliability) and Honda wanted 33K before taxes. I got a discount and paid just under $30k.
Also when does anyone have full grown adults in any back seat? 1% of the time?
I've always liked Mazda 3s in the compact segment for their fun to drive factor, nicer interior for it's class, and sleek styling that is unique at the same time. Good to see that hasn't changed with the new Gen.
@@143CAR classic recipe just polished
Especially if you get it in Soul Red 😉
Love my 2010 2.0 manual touring sedan. It's got 140,000 miles on it with almost no problems. It's super agile and fun in traffic. Even though it's only got 148 hp there's always traffic and red lights up ahead so extra power would mostly be frustrating. The blind spot on this new hatchback is a deal breaker for me since it would diminish visibility enough to compromise my confidence in making quick lane changes - so much less fun. Mazda should go back to making manual zoom zoom sedans.
Since 2019 mazdas are the most beautiful mass produced cars in my opinion. Here in Europe we only have 140 hp but it is more than enough.
Love mine I have the saloon (sedan) in UK with the Sky X engine.
Great report Jimmy!
@@karimhaddad5670 thank you!
Nice video! N/A engine is ideal in a daily commute in bumper traffic anyway for fuel economy. Have had this car for nearly 3 years now and only 3 complaints: fuel efficiency isn’t as good as competitors, transmission gets confused over time (you can reset the learning), I’m used to the blind spots and they really are no issue after a few weeks but you’re always aware they’re big.
Otherwise, easy to service, nice to be in, looks and feels fantastic, cheap to run. Nothing to hate. Even the torsion beam rear is fine, it’s lively and communicates in sporty road driving. People bring the last bit up like it matters a ton outside of performance limits.
@@cardboardglacier ya fuel consumption isn’t the best but for the way it drives it’s well worth the trade off! Thanks for watching.
I get 31mpg driving around town. I get much better on the highway. Sometimes 39mpg, I'm happy with the $35 a month I spend on gas.
The refresh wont look as good as this. They've hit a pinnacle in exterior aesthetic and I think Mazda knows it, which is why its kept the same design for 6 years now. Its a thing of beauty.
I love my MX-5, but feel I need a slightly larger car that would be more comfortable for the passenger seated next to me. I also want something better suited for long distance interstate driving. I drove an RX-8 for 14 years and loved it! So… would this be a good RX-8 replacement?
take a shot everytime jimmy says "fun"
@@rikaro1986 😂😂 who’s drunk
Manual is only available for the naturally aspirated 2.5 ltr - no turbo option is available.
I love hatchbacks and love Mazda but would not buy this hatchback as not a fan of the fat rear end and cramped rear seat and horrible rear visibility. I keep waiting for a styling refresh on the hatch but sadly no changes to the rear of the hatch in 5 years.
Mazda 3 hatch the blind spot view is horrendous also the rear seating is too cramped for taller individuals, cargo space is limited and the rotary knob/dial infotainment system is outdated in 2024 and has a learning curve for each new driver. Honestly wouldn't recommend this vehicle. Nice review........