This Small Car Is Good Value Compared To SUVs (Mazda 3 2024 Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Detailed review and test of the 2024 Mazda 3 G20 Evolve hatchback, including price, interior, handling, and more.
Does it still make sense to purchase a traditional hatchback over a small SUV? Sometimes, it can. The 2024 Mazda 3 isn't the perfect small car, but some models are well priced and it has good depth of talent. In particular, it is sporty and fun to drive, even with the smaller G20 engine.
Rivals to the Mazda 3 include the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Scala, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato and others.
Chasing Cars makes Australia's most independent new car reviews. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I have a 3 year old Mazda 3 G25 Astina and absolutely love it! It is a sedan and therefore has a massive boot.
No kids?
I drive a 22' G20 Touring. I love the car more everyday. It's such a solid car and only improves as you learn it's every facet. The 2.0l is actually a great and underrated engine in the 3, I get awesome fuel economy and enough power for everyday use. Chuck it into sport mode for a little fun on the way home and you've got a car that's fun to drive, pleasant to sit in, and has good driving dynamics.
SUVs needs to be discouraged among soccer mums
love it, bought one, favour it’s design and brand. dare to be different with everything else
Recently rented a CX-8 through tassie which had this big screen and similar instrument cluster. Really easy to use and amazing heads up display. The Cx-8 doesnt have the touchscreen enabled but the Mazda combo is a favorite combo of mine now
I love my mazda3. I’ve had 2 of them. A hatch BL 2010 and sedan BN 2016 (previous gen) all round great cars. I WILL NEVER JOIN THE SUV TREND! I refer to suv as ESV (emotional support vehicle)
Toyota it ain't, Toyota better resale looks handling power reliability why would you buy this over a corolla, makes no sense
it depends on the wait time, we ended up ordering a Mazda 3 sedan G25 in June 2023 and it was delivered in 3 months. At that time a Toyota cross hybrid had a wait time of 18-24 months and even Kia/Hyundai were quoting wait times of 6-9 months for Cerato/i30. We are happy with it but the sedan also has a sloping roof which isnt the best with kids in child seats but we couldnt afford the extra $7k to get into a similar spec CX5.
Vastly nicer to drive and a better interior. The 3 is also far better looking IMO
@vz468 wait times are an issue, you're correct
The front end of the 3 is beautiful IMHO. It’s sleek and aggressive looking at the same time. Nothing else on the road looks like it, at least here in the states. I think this design has aged well.
✌🏻✌🏻
@oceanlover3530 every mazda model from pick up to hatch to SUV has an identical front
Should import the Turbo 3 from the US. They would sell like hot cakes
turbo 3 designed in the us , while right hand drive are from japan . japan didnt want to put a turbo , maybe they want us to feel the redline pureness lol
The Turbos we have here in the US are Japanese. Hatches are Japanese, sedans are made in Mexico.
@@WarHammer1911A1 USA version is only chassis are made in japan , the engine was built in usa .
Too expensive for what it is , not a big seller over here.
I love how the hatch looks. I wasn't initially a fan but it's grown on me a lot.
A good review of a classic "old style" car. You covered the strengths and weaknesses very well. I own a 2022 G25 Astina manual. The Mazda 3 is a drivers car first and foremost, and the decision to axe the manual is one that I believe to be a mistake (although apparently only 5% of buyers agree with me). Mazdas naturally aspirated engines have a proven record for reliability & longevity, with a decade+ of history to reassure people that the 2.0 & 2.5 are "stayers" with basic maintenance.
Your fuel consumption was a bit of a surprise, I am averaging 7.5 litres / 100km over the last 5,000km, which is 80%+ urban running. Typically I get 5.5 - 6.0 litres / 100km on the highway, with a best of 4.8 litres / 100 km for a run which had plenty of downhill sections.
I appreciate that the tech is not "in your face", and is not intrusive. I was originally skeptical of the HUD.. but now I find it indispensable.
One thing I'd add - the OEM tyres are ok, but the car is definitely enhanced with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4's.
I have what you have - and as much as I love the manual, I can see why Mazda dropped it. 5% now, and falling with each year... it's just not sustainable.
I love the dark interior. It's a good, reliable hatchback that does the job. While not being too small.
Excellent, thorough review. I've always enjoyed cars over crossovers and would have considered a Mazda3 las December when I was shopping. Things have unfortunately changed for me though - I'm 63 now and injured my knee in September. It'll never be totally right again and now I see the appeal of crossovers - they're easier to get in and out of. My advancing decrepitude appreciates that.😬 Got a Hyundai Tucson. It's alright. Rather soulless and no fun to drive, but at least it doesn't hurt.
I'd always choose a car over a SUV, I don't need the sometimes extra space of an SUV, and prefer the generally better power to weight ratio of the standard cars. I've got an I20N which ticks a lot of boxes fun-wise and practicality - wise✔️✔️✔️
We have a 2023 G 25 Evolve sedan in soul red, great to drive and a good looking car.
I have a 2020 Mazda 3 Premium with only 20k on it. There aren’t too many vehicles at the moment I would trade for it.
I have a Mazda three and I service mine every 10,000.When has it been every 15k
They changed it 12 months ago. FWIW, 10,000km is better anyway
All service intervals should be at 10,000 kms in Australia imo, the climate gets more than hot enough to warrant this and our fuel quality is lousy
I have a manual 2019 Astina hatch and I love it. Going with the Polymetal Grey and burgundy leather I found that the colour combo gave the car a bit more classy look. The infotainment system dial works perfectly while you’re changing gears it’s in the correct position. I can switch between application without looking down and a quick glance at the screen off I go, I’m glad mines not a touchscreen. In saying that set it up before heading off so you can concentrate on driving instead of the screen. The tech is great and the 360deg camera is crisp and clear. Yes the hatch is a car you need to get use to due to the c pillars but then I love the radical appearance compared to the just nice looking sedan. Suits my needs has plenty of space and the best bit is the 2.5ltr matches extremely well with the 6spd manual. At 61 I’m not ready or older enough to drive an auto. As for fuel economy on country drive I have seen it down to 5.6l/100k and around town depends on the driving about 7-7.5L/100k. It’s worth a consideration
The G20 Evolve with the vision technology is the absolute best value imo, or the G25 Evolve SP if you can afford the extra power and cash
fair and comprehensive review. nice work
I brought mild hybird sedan. Fantastic
Best hatchback imo
I'm in the UK and took delivery 9 days ago of a Mazda 3 Skyactiv X Takumi and it is fabulous. Mazda have got the dash technology spot on.
I wrapped the high gloss inner parts with matt black foil, it looks fantastic now😊
Please Mazda, sell the turbo version here.
Got 2022 evolve sedan in deep crystal blue- love it
Nice spec!
Hey boss, checking with ya, mazda 3 recommend 0w20, 5w30.. im staying in hot weather climate, is it ok to use 10w40 viscosity??
I have a 2024 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP Hatch in Polymetal Grey on order which is due to arrive in August. Excited!! 😍
Welcome to the Mazda 3 club!
I bought a 2024 sedan late last year and it is a great everyday car.
The sedan has a light grey headliner and doesnt have the "cocoon effect" also the sedan has a larger boot
I just noticed there’s no more 12V cigarette lighter style charger anymore…
Most beautiful car in his segment
Sedan all the way, but that 38k tag looks overpriced... I got a G25 evolve SP (2023) last year and it was 35,500 driveaway.
So did have a price rise or did you got a discount deal?
@@unclelive6918 No discounts, I suspect its a mistake on this video. If you goto Mazda AU website you'd see the G20 evolve is actually less than 35k (I am in ACT).
Rear Seat vents? Yall got it made 💯
Unless they Turbo charge the 3 it will fall further behind,America has it WHY MAZDA AUSTRALIA don't we.
Because it's not made in right-hand drive.
Just found your video of this car and as a Mazda 3 owner here in the UK I loved your review of it and agree with all your points positives and negatives. I have the e skyactiv X engine which has 186 bhp and 240 nms which I find really quick enough for UK roads and get average 48 mpg which is amazing for the engine size.
Really like the new Peugeot 308 but reluctant to change from the Mazda 3 as has all the kit I really need.
Just bought myself the Astina Hatch last month and its simply stunning. . So glad I didn't follow all the other clones in the carpark and buy an SUV like every other Mr. or Miss Jones!
The last thing most drivers need is a damn touch screen. Too distracting as opposed to tactile switches, ie click on, click off. As least Mazda lock their screen until the handbrake is applied.
Give this car the 1.8L hybrid from the Corolla it would sell like hotcakes at a $2000 higher price across the range.....plus direct injection is not good for longevity
Is that a Seiko 5, mate? Looks like you fitted it with a leather strap. Brilliant watch.
The hatchback is as good as it gets aesthetically. This is a best-in-class vehicle in my opinion. Flawless exterior design and the interior is equally as nice.
The sedan is my preference, looks stylish and premium.
I have a 2yo G25 Astina hatch. Although I love it, I should list a few reasons why you *might* be turned off first.
1) You do sit pretty low. I love it; it's not to everyone's taste. It's not as easy to see out of as a more upright style like an i30 hatch.
2) The ride is definitely controlled, but it's firm enough. If you want a floatier ride, get something else.
3) There is a big 3/4 blind spot in the hatch. It did take me a while to make sure I paid attention to all of mirrors, head check, AND blind spot. If you don't, you'll have a few hairy moments.
4) As much as the G25 engine is good, it's not quite as much of a ripsnorter as Hyundai/Kia's 1.6L turbo, nor as economical as the Corolla Hybrid.
5) If your kids get carsick, or they are really tall, the back seat isn't as comfortable as it could be. Get the sedan if this is you. If you're a fairly broad person, this car might not be a great fit, either.
Onto the good stuff:
1) Get the Vision Pack for God's sakes. Worth it - the bird's eye view is fantastic, the parking sensors will make their money back with the first little bump.
2) Handles beautifully, steers beautifully, a real driver's car. The engine sound is nice in an everyday hatch for the 2.5, too.
3) The interior is just jaw-droppingly gorgeous from the front seat. The Astina in particular - if you get the coloured leather - is just a treat. Cover up the badge and it craps all over the equivalent A-Class or 1-Series for 75% of the price.
4) It takes 91-grade fuel. Volkswagen, take note.
5) It looks *fantastic* as a red hatch, especially with black wheels and red interior.
Don't worry about the small rear window - you won't use it for reversing, you'll use the camera every time anyway.
Agree about the touchscreen - just use the control wheel. It'll take a month or two but it will become second nature and it is vastly better than using a touchscreen while on the move.
A really great everyday user perspective .. Love it!
Personally with my 2024 Astina Hatch...
1) I'm tall and love the love low seating position. I feel imbedded into the cars driver position and feel like your sitting on a soap box cart.
2) For a NON sports car It's ride is VERY Controlled and the slower, heavier, steering input is deliberate and accurate.
3) The blind spot is terrible on most cars as 90% of people don't check their shoulder views anymore ... Hence the lane indicators (refer to Good Stuff point 1) on the dash and HUD are brilliant as my eyes can remain looing forward.
4) The G25 engine is plenty enough for urban, highway & squirts through the Adelaide hills on a Sunday.... but will help keep the eyes of the law away from your hip pocket too.
5) If you have someone sitting in the back of the car that isn't happy with the view or space provided ... MAKE THEM WALK.... The hatch is a Selfish one or two person family car.. Not an Urban 4WD SUV and realistically would have been an even better car as a 3 door :P hehe!
I liked the previous gen on the outside. This one looks like an egg.
Only touch screen when stoped
That can be configured in settings.
@@RodneyW are you sure? - I looked at a 6 Wagon & they said it was locked out once you start moving.
Yey cloth seats
Outdated😮
Mazda cars are really dated..old technology,,no digital speedo... cramped interior..back seats are cramped..tiny rear windows. looks like the Mazda cars are from the 1990s. Mazda really really really need to update and freshen up all their car range to survive into the future.
One thing buyers must(not should), is that thisncar has a very very bad cylinder deactivaion which will FK up your mood every time you drive the car, especially because wverything 3lse in this car is so good that you always ask why Mazda why why did you have to FK us up! There is a very nasty, stall-like engine/transmission vibration in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear anywhere below 2000rpm. If you don't want cylinder deactivation to engage, you have to constantly play with the gas. Also, due to mild hybrid, this car has very steong engine braking, especially in 1st gear(in manual box), it'll FK you up whenever you have to drive in 1st gear. I warn you, this car isn't for everyone, especially with Manual transmission and don't listen to anyone who tells you this car is so great bla bla bla.
I own a 2024 car from new and I can tell you this car has lots of electrical issues such as push stard button randomly malfunctions and can leave younstranded.
Yours must be farked because I can barely even notice, even with the status monitor switched on I didn't even notice most of the time.
@bluewinds10 up until 2023, they were ok, from 2024 cylinder deactivation is more aggressive. Many many people havr complained about it, but Mazda says it's normal. The car is not fkd up, it is how it's designed. You go below 2000rpm in amy gear, steady speed, you gonna feel it so nicely. CD is there so the car won't last long. Soon there's be something to disable it, basically, you just have to tell the car not to go to CD mode. The problem is that under load, at syeady speed, when CD kicks in, the balancer shaft and flywheels get in phase and the engine starts to vibrate. I believe the flywheel of my car is not good as it doesn't stay out of phase with the balance shft. But most Mazdas have this problems. Every other situations it is never felt. It's a real problem and dealers test car is rigged so customers won't feel the vibration.
You haven't seen how many Mazdas have all kinds of issues.
@@ampm9771 Ha, Mine is built Nov 2022. Why would they change it and make it more aggressive, and also why would they now add it to the smaller 2 litre? When I notice it its only for a very brief time and feels like you are driving over the rumble strip on the edge of the road.
@bluewinds10 mine is 2.0l sluactive G. Mazda sent me an email before delivering my car, and said that they have "Further refined the engine", for aure the car doesn't feel like 150ps, because i drove 122ps and it is maybe even faster. Only in 5th gear the car has more juice. But in1-4 gear is the same. Mazda did that nrcause nobody is buying skyactive x which has much higher maintenance cost, and isn't as good as they say it is. With my skuactive-g I het 4.5l in the city driving up to 80kph with normal traffic. Slyactive x can't achieve that.
@@ampm9771 I am looking to get 2019 G20 touring with manual transmission, did they have CD in them?
The tech needs to be upped significantly to match the Koreans.
This is a car for people who enjoy the drive, rather than looking at two 12 inch iPads....
@@RodneyW I've owned one Mazda 3 for almost 5yrs and it's underpowered, unrefined and uncomfortable. So no, it's for retirees and people getting a first car.
@@Nerdificationing One beautiful thing about life is that we can all look at the same thing and have completely different opinions about it!
Bugger the G20 it’s too under powered. Get the G25 instead. Always buy the highest specification you can afford. I currently have a 2020 G25 hatch in GT trim with the vision pack. It is hands down the best car I have ever owned. Mazda has got this one right. It really has hit the sweet spot with just the right amount of tech & amazing quality materials for this segment.
Yes and no. The G20 is still a sweet thing, and it does actually manage a 0-100km/h time of 8.89 sec - G25 is a bit quicker at 8.03 sec (and torquier for overtaking, of course) but the small engine isn't anaemic.
@@chasingcarsFor me the G25 suits the car. The more power under your right foot the better. The chassis could even do with the 2.5 turbo they have in other markets. Which I believe would walk out the show room floor. It does frustrate me that we are hamstrung with the models we get. The Mazda 3 would be so much better if it had a hot turbo version.
For the small amount it costs to get the G25 evolve SP of the G20 it is a complete no brainer for me personally I will always go for the highest spec I can afford with as many options as possible. For a couple of thousand $ I would stretch the budget.
It depends on who's buying.
Me? I'd get the 2.5L every time (and I did!).
But if it's for my wife, she wouldn't bother. Just get her the mid-spec with leather seats (for wipe-down) and keyless entry and she'd be happy. She doesn't accelerate hard enough to use the difference.
If it were for my Mum (who considered a 1.3L Honda Jazz to be "quite peppy"), then base spec is almost overdoing it!
@@chasingcars Is manual transmission version quicker then Auto? or more less the same
Unless there is a 2.5 turbo in the line-up I'm not interested
Because you want to be 3 seconds earlier at your destination?
Boot is way too small
U can fold the back seats
Tiny boot, too low so scape city, looks like a crab. No thanks
Elephant in the room is cx30 which sells well and looks fresher for an extra $1000
The CX-30 is a very good car. I think you'll find that the CX30 is an extra $3k over the same specification 3. The "as tested" included the Vision Technology package.
if this is true, then nice spot! 👍👏
$1,000? More like $5k, by the time you put in the equivalent options and engine.
@@jeremybean-hodges6397 well it's the same engine, just without cylinder deactivation. it's less than $3k extra to get the equivalent CX-30 grade. that's cheap for a much newer and more prestigious vehicle with a higher hip point and more legroom. and if you were happy to upgrade to only the base model of the cx-30, you'd get it for potentially thousands cheaper than the Mazda3 in this vid, which has a list price of $36,261 excluding certain govt/on-road costs. the base cx-30 has a EOFY sale price of $35,990 drive away. plus you get comfier tyres. I'd happily sacrifice dual zone a/c, passenger height adjustment, auto-dimming and paddle shifts. I do think the mazda3 hatch is very beautiful but the novelty has worn off in the last 12 months and it's starting to look a bit pointy compared to the next generation of more 'chunky', squared-off mazdas. and mazda did go a bit overboard with the cladding on the cx-30 with no apparent option for body-coloured versions but still, I'd feel safer with a better view of everything. for a bit less, you've got the kamiq and stonic and for much less, you've got the ignis. and the picanto over the 3. not exactly the same class but depending on where you're at in life and what you need, money can always be saved.
As a 2012 Mazda3 owner here in the US (and nearing retirement) the CX-30 is probably my next ride. The Mrs already complains about getting into my car. So we take her Rav4 more places than my car. I'm approaching 200k "freedom units" or just over 300k kilometers.
Just waiting for the dealers to get a bit more hungry as the marketplace here has been a sellers market for the past few years.
I'll miss my 6 speed MT, but I'm thinking the turbo AWD and 7/8ths of the sportiness of the 3 will meet the needs for both me and the Mrs.
What a crap car. Looks like it's from 2010. I had a 2018 Mazda 3 and sold it for a profit in 2021. So glad I got rid of it...
And you bought a...
@@asphalthedgehog6580 ioniq 5 - yes not comparable, but the tech inside all these Korean cars are leagues ahead. If I was buying in the same class, I'd take an i30 or elantra.
@@Nerdificationing don't care about tech at all. I wish they took all that rubbish out.
Ionic 5N I would consider, as the only electric car that can bring a mild smile on your face. And that is the only thing I care about in a car.
you better watch it, it's a good car
@@calebwany8422 I've driven one, I disagree. The engine hasn't changed.
Overrated and overpriced
Yes, Torsion Beam is still a cheap suspension no matter how well mazda marketed it with tons of BS explanation, it's not an independent suspension, just get a Civic
I love cars over SUV's. They are far safer and really fun to drive...
How are they safer?