2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Sedan Review | Mazdaspeed Is Making a Comeback

[@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy]

It would be interesting to see what a tuned version of this car could do.

[@DrivenDistrict]

Definitely! I'm also curious. The engine feels pretty potent with a strong mid range. I would think these might really come alive tuned...and of course with some suspension modifications 😅

[@eucmike]

Mazda has an R line coming soon!

[@psnmadracer27]

Last I heard, Burger Works was working on a little something for this engine

[@harmlesskarl427]

Faster than my sienna ?

[@KP-xi4bj]

@@psnmadracer27 JB4 is available for Mazda 2.5T for $529 USD according to their website.

[@DrivenDistrict]

And for anyone who doesn’t believe it…yes, it’s just him and his wife filming and producing all this. It’s insane to believe just the 2 of them are capable of creating videos like this. Videos that are both visually appealing to watch, and providing data & stats. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes during filming to get all the shots 🙌 It was a long day but I had a great time! Looking forward to linking up again in the future! 😁

[@zeliangchen530]

Same I had a great time with them when they were down in Florida

[@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy]

@Driven District Thanks! Really appreciate you guys sticking around for the whole day. And I really enjoyed the experience despite the car not meeting my expectations in the performance department.

[@WHERESSS]

First of all, this engine is tuned for daily driving, not 9/10s-10/10s performance driving. High torque, low horsepower cars will always feel strong in daily driving, but fall on their face at WOT. At the price point Mazda was aiming for, you can't have your cake and eat it too. This engine is damn near perfect for dailying in a 3000-3500lb car. The tranny is rough around the edges, definitely a notch below the ZF 8HP. As you said, high speed stability after 80mph is garbage, so is the braking at those speeds. But you can't compare performance metrics with the faster cars without mentioning the elephant in the room, the price tag. Did you seriously mention this car and the E63 in the same sentence? Comparing this car to the likes of the Civic, Corolla, Jetta I think this one is miles ahead. Its the perfect "I don't give a shit" daily beater for the enthusiast who doesn't want any douchebag appeal but also has a fast as fuck weekend car. The interior in this car... well it looks nice. Dashboard material is nicer than that of the current Audi A4. Buttons and knobs have quality feel. Instrument cluster lighting and screen are perfect. The seats are some of the best seats in a car under $50k. However, it pretty much ends there. Everything else feels run of the mill econobox. Door cards, kick panels, center console, etc...All of it feels flimsy and cheap. For those who have a fast weekend sports car, find me a better daily than this with the same cost of ownership and reliability.

[@giovanni233]

finally someone said the elephant in the room, i was somewhat enjoying the review so far and i actually choked on my drink when he said "this car feels sloppy and less planted especially compared to the likes of the M3 or E63" and im like.....did you really just compare a 33k Mazda to a 80k+ BMW or mercedes in the same breath? the production quality is amazing but i feel like this car was put at a much much unfair advantage being compared so cars way out of its performance, price, and size class.

[@IReahpZz]

@@giovanni233 he's comparing them due to weight..... Car is light and drives worse than cars that are 1k lbs heavier.... After driving this car I can 100% agree it is super sloppy even compared to fwd Competition. K5gt or sonata n line would murder it in every metric.

[@giovanni233]

@@IReahpZz well of course the 33k FWD based sedan with basic torsion beam suspension is gonna perform a lot worse at the limit then a RWD based fine tuned 500+ Horsepower Mercedes that costs the price of a house, and your comparing the COMPACT 3 to midsize K5’s and Sonata’s when the MIDSIZE Mazda 6 with a proper double wishbone front suspension and multi link rear would compete the best, with the K5 and N-Line

[@IReahpZz]

@@giovanni233 you want a compact comparison because you aren't gonna like the hot hatches that crush this same car either. K5 gt is 30k as well... Hyundai has the elantra n coming at that 30k line as well. an elantra n line with far less power pulls similar acceleration figures. Hondas accord is bigger and lighter than this and makes better real world power with a far better trans. And above all 33k is Tesla model 3 sr+ money......

[@giovanni233]

@@IReahpZz well I know of course that the accord is bigger and lighter but the part that you not seeing is suspension setups and price points, yes the accord is bigger and “lighter” but trying to compare 3 wildly different cars with completely different suspension setups of course the 3 is gonna feel meh compares to the Mercedes with aluminum lower control arms and adaptive dampers along with the K5 with its fully independent suspension too, and yes I know that most hot hatches will probably smoke the 3, but that wasn’t my point my point is that you trying to compare apples to oranges.

[@ivanlowjones]

Never has a car been so eviscerated by such dazzling cinematography.

[@kdomster9141]

Your critique is not valid as this car is not MazdaSpeed that you want it to be. First dump these touring all season Turanza tires, put on some Michelin Sport Pilots and most of your performance figures will improve a lot. I have this 6 speed automatic and it is more than fine for this kind of car, it shifts smooth and does not hunt for gears like most "modern" 8 , 9 or 10 speed ATX at the same time this 6 speed is way more civilized than any CVT in cars trying to compete with Mazda3 at same price category.

[@KP-xi4bj]

But it's slow compared to an A4 with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. Fastest 0-60 time for Mazda3 Turbo is 5.6 seconds. The A4 does it in 4.8 seconds. The Mazda3 Turbo weighs about 3,400 pounds versus about 3,700 pounds for the A4. Why is it slower than a weaker and heavier car?

[@kdomster9141]

@@KP-xi4bj You seem to know Audi so are it's power numbers , that 2.0t must be well underrated and is more powerful that official numbers. Let me ask you about tires on that Audi, are those also 215width and all season touring tires? Let me guess, Audi runs on 245 width and much grippier than 215 touring all season on Mazda 3. There is your miss match! There was lot of tires squeel at your video . Use quality performance rubber and this Mazda3 will get even closer to 5 seconds ... and make sure you run it on Shell 93 that works great with this engine

[@KP-xi4bj]

@@kdomster9141 Even with stickier tire the Mazda3 Turbo is still slower than the A4 that is heavier with less torque. IMHO, Mazda should have given the Mazda3 Turbo a modern auto gear box.

[@kdomster9141]

@@KP-xi4bj You don't know that... Also Audi cost twice as much as this 3 .

[@kdomster9141]

@@KP-xi4bj Read little more about this transmission , it is not some sort of old tech ATX the way Honda boys are trying to call it defending their cheap and awfull CVTs. This tranny is running direct with out torque converter most of the time , and torque converter is smaller for less friction and power loss, it's hearing are set to every day driving and super smooth cheat changes with out gear hunting . Yes 2 extra gears would help in squeezing more and Mazda 8 speed is already patented and will surface in new RWD platform coming up very soon , keep in mind DSGs are quicker shifting but do not offer the same comfort of shifts and life expectancy . Mazda buyers expects the car to last while Audi buyer is mostly leasing and does not care.

[@DrivenDistrict]

Thanks for having us Dan! 😎 The Mazda 3 turbo does feel great on the road with a nice interior and lots of mid range punch, but as you proved, when pushed to the limits, it not might not be as capable or feel as planted as others. I guess this is what happens when Mazda doesn’t go full out to produce a “Mazdaspeed” line vehicle. Still put down some decent numbers and was nice to see how it lined up against some of the other cars that you’ve tested. It was a great experience and thanks for allowing us to put our Abarth 124 Spiders head-to-head as well (I’m still working on that video). Safe traveling and hopefully we can catch up again in the near future! 👌 P.S. Sorry, I should have cleaned the car before hand 😑 P.S.S. 1:43 damn look at that sexy arm lifting the hood 😏😂

[@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy]

@Driven District I think a Mazdaspeed3 is the answer to all of our problems. But if that doesn't happen, I would love to see a tuned version of this car at some point.

[@giorx5]

Winning over the S2000 in a handling course while being so subtle, refined and luxurious is a big achievement me thinks. Especially on those comfort focused tires.

[@chrisharper2658]

Why so many slow motion pictures of yourself? I test drove the CX5 with the same 2.5 Turbo and six speed auto. It gets larger brakes since they fit the larger wheels. I was pretty impressed with the way the trans worked through the gears from a stop. It didn't seem that your '3' demonstrated the same quick responsive gear changes unless you kept backing off on the throttle for the video shots? In your video, it didn't show that in my case, the gear changes only dropped the RPMs by about 1000 RPM which seems pretty ideal to me even with only six speeds. I'm pretty sure a well designed six speed provides enough gears and while more gears may improve efficiency, it can really complicate gear management. I prefer Toyota's older six speed over their newer eight speed.

[@WyFoster]

Criminally under rated channel

[@DmanX54]

I have a 2.5S and it’s amazing. The car has decent power for a NA engine. Really good mix of performance and luxury. The NVH is quite minimal.

[@dipenlakhani6894]

This is mad, I’ve been watching reviews for this car most of the week, so I wasn’t expecting this! Awesome production as always.

[@bahasad]

My wife bought a Mazda cx-30 turbo as her first new car. I think you hit the nail on the head (coming from me who owns a model 3 and a mustang GT and comes from BMWs). It’s an excellent value because the interior feels genuinely nice and the powertrain feels strong against the competition in this range (an even entry level cars like the x1 x2 and q3). It does not handle superbly but that mid range torque is great for my wife merging and passing on i95. 31k for a 250hp/320lb-ft new mini suv with a nice interior and looks good is what sold us to it.

[@djhrjeiwhri]

1. That "6 speed"hydramatic is most advanced and the best in the business actually 2. In realworld as driver using partial throttle mostly, the "outcome" might be different , as the 310lbft torque and mazda didnt interested in such test figure

[@animeradio9927]

I own this car and have to say I love it. Now that being said this car needs some changes the automatic I can’t do anything about but a different set of tyres really changed the handeling and performance. To put it in to perspective going around turns with the stock Bridgestone doesn’t I still confidence and the AWD system is amazing but the tyres don’t allow it to do what you want. I have pilot sports 4s on and it’s a different car. I have actually touged the car and it did way better than me and my friends thought as I kept up with a RX-8 the AWD system really kicks in with better tyres. If you have this car or any Mazda get better tyres you won’t regret it they are actual garbage tyres. The car itself as he said has all the right ingredients but needs a new chef and you gotta be that chef.

[@Kai240i]

For these slower cars I don't think anyone is interested in 1/2 mile data. I just want to know the 1/4mile and what it traps at 1/4mile.

[@BN99239]

Yeah, just cause it's a sporty car doesn't make it a sports car. It's just a sporty feel while driving on a day to day commute. Unless you mod a lot of internals, suspension, brakes, tires etc. these road cars that are "sporty" get destroyed at the track in terms of components breaking down because it was never engineered for this kind of abuse. Even if a car could be tracked and feels good on the track, doesn't mean that nothing got damaged in the process. Case in point, the M240i is very fast, almost as fast as that M2, actually faster in some cases on the streets and it costs $15k USD less. However, take that thing to the track and it overheats. It doesn't have the appropriate cooling that the M2 does. Fast doesn't mean it should be tracked. Handles great doesn't mean it should be tracked. The internal parts has to be built with that purpose in mind or else you risk destroying your car. But hey, a lot of people just track cause it's fun so who gives a shit right?

[@markx787]

100% agree with you I love my Mazda 3 awd 2019 for the interior and the quality of the ride and when a tchek too change it I dont really consider the Turbo model because of it and go for a new Golf R because after severall car I want a real sport option this time.

[@BN99239]

@@markx787 Nice choice. The Golf R is great and even punches above its weight class.

[@BN99239]

@Ed Findlay I mean, you made my point for me lol. That's exactly what I'm saying about these cars.

[@markx787]

@Ed Findlay Golf R is a real sport car he have brake, tire, set-up suspension and transmission if you want to go on Track. Mazda have none of that.

[@gruppegee]

Your disappointment during the handling was clear... The car has some promise, perhaps a tuned hatch with better tires and coilovers could be interesting

[@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy]

@TBG The tires were definitly the weakest link of the equation. But I also feel like there was a tremendous amount of oversteer.

[@elonmusk3792]

Handling would be miles better with a different set of tires. The stock Turanza's are absolutely horrible cheap tires, and I can't believe manufacturers still use these tires.

[@E2Driver]

First of all, FANTASTIC REVIEW! I love the all-out, put-it-through-it’s-paces style of review when it comes to getting a true look at this Car. Particularly with the cornering and handling portion, no one else reviews cars with this kind of detail. They’ll maybe just demonstrate straight line speed or acceleration only, and we have to take them on their word for the road handling and braking. Your video means a lot for Us who truly Love the spirited drive. This car does seem to lack and that has me worried. I’ve owned multiple generations of Mazda3 and my first one was born out of the ZOOM-ZOOM ideology. It was fantastic performance with an accessible price tag and there was nothing else out there at the time that could come close. The performance minded sub-compact was always my thing, and Mazda’s new Luxury over Performance scares me deeply. Mazda did say that this was NOT the MazdaSpeed and that definitely holds true, clearly with the change of the rear suspension! With that said, Tires are EVERYTHING! The stock Bridgestones that you get with this car appear to be garbage in terms of performance and more geared for quiet, soft, luxury driving. It would more interesting to see if there’d be any difference with something like a Michelin Pilot Sport. The Transmission could ABSOLUTELY be better, but it could also be worse! A DCT would be the perfect fit, and if they do wish to compare with the likes of BMW it will be a requirement. However if they ever go with a CVT, I will walk away from the Mazda Line. ..and Finally I Love that You addressed the brakes. No one else ever talks about braking performance and it drives me nuts! The Mazda3 has been in need of an upgraded braking package for quite some time. If they get to all of this in the next models, I’ll likely be re-inspired and a little more acceptable of the luxury branding.

[@simonchan2457]

Your videos are always extremely well done ! Keep it up.

[@wpw4508]

I'd pay good money for a tune to divert 70% or more of the power to the rear tires. That said, on our CX-30 Turbo, the all wheel drive makes it want to rally.

[@Ragedknightmares]

This is suppose to be a luxury vehicle now not performance. People are having trouble understanding this. This isn’t track race anymore like the speed three. The transmission is suppose to be slower because it’s suppose to be more smooth to be more comfortable gear switch.

[@DextahPC]

Love the Glycine Airman. I have a Combat Sub. Fantastic watches for the price.

[@timw2083]

I know many miss the MazdaSpeed3 but this is not it's replacement. I think this Mazda3 is a great car. Mazda is clearly prioritized interior and build quality over track numbers. Hopefully, the inline-6 is more performance focused but if not, I'll still probably get it for my wife over the European offerings.

[@migy5031]

Great work, Dan! This Turbo is a good value and fairly quick, but can’t really substantiate its luxury aspirations.

[@migy5031]

@@mezzb Point taken. There are many considerations in purchasing a vehicle so it’s wise to compare all the options. ✌️

[@detailcentral]

Good video. Thanks for this information.

[@SicSemperBeats]

the crazy part is that mazdaspeed never even reached its true potential. Only good mazdaspeed cars were the two generations of the 3 and the awesome mazdaspeed 6 that no one bought.

[@dynamics5960]

I love this car and am thinking of getting it. Does anyone have any videos, pictures, or ideas of some cosmetic mods on this car? Sedan specifically. Would appreciate it!

[@Workin247]

I read either 2022 or 23 mazda is going to use the bmw 3 series chassis for the mazda 3...

[@Yoomaro]

No their creating their own RWD platform for the next gen “Mazda6” but it’s been discontinued so no wonder that they’ll call the new model, the Mazda3 will stay on its same platform

[@fahmidnd2]

Lexus IS platform, toyota owns 5% of mazda, they want mazda to get influenced from the lexus brand. So the next gen mazda will share a lot with lexus

[@kelvinbanikikadjama4052]

Great video I just subscribed

[@jw08901]

It is an affordable performance car.

[@yennyzheng2629]

Great content 👍

[@lpvgs-817]

mazda should out source their transmissions get a zf 8-speed like everyone else

[@sasothestrategizer]

Finally, some honesty.

[@jbm0866]

In what way? I haven't seen a single review that says this car is near a new Mazdspeed 3...and Mazda certainly isn't marketing it as such. It is what it is, and that was good enough for me to recently swap my 2016 GTI for a 2021 turbo hatch premium. Other than the near lack of rear visibility, (blind spot monitoring comes in handy) I have no regrets. Only mods I have planned are some new wheels with wider, stickier rubber..and maybe a catback at some point.

[@amgonegaming9515]

Didn't know they still make 3 series.

[@Jonny8859]

will you be reviewing the Lexus IS500 when that vehicle comes out?

[@Republic1ders]

Drove my friends New CX-5 and his Girls Mazda 3 to do some paint work on them. They do have decent comfort, but it feels....slow for the power advertised and there is no real driving dynamic to either. I'd say it's closest competitor would be lexus in it's "sport" compact segment. Long way to go before it holds a candle to Audi or BMW, but they're getting there

[@Nick-lm5lz]

I have a 3 bl 2.0 ....mt6. I find this a bit disappointing. I was really hoping they kept that engaging drive

[@panamera53]

Would love to see a tuned certain with a reworked transmission

[@psnmadracer27]

I would've loved to let you guys borrow my '18 GTI when you came through my area, unfortunately I had prior commitments that day and someone backed into my car the day before. I'm still straightening things out with the at-fault party's insurance, so I hope to have my baby good as new soon 🤞

[@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy]

@madracer27 Dang that sucks, where abouts are you from? We are definitly going to make more trips down south, but never Florida again. At least, only during the winter. 😁😁

[@psnmadracer27]

@@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy I'm in VA. And I can totally understand that lol. We're in the middle of a heat wave here bringing temps up to over 100F. It's crazy

[@noblevengeance312]

My Passat’s gearbox has issues with the gearbox, the shifts are more aggressive than stock, but not enough. Still surprised the vw stuck with this car on the highway. 0-60 is pretty quick but I can see it dying after 2nd gear. Likely why I could keep up was because of its gearbox You’re right about it sliding all over the course. The balance on this car is bad. I don’t even like the sound lol. I’d totally take my passat over this. I’ll bring the Passat up to New Jersey in a few years when she’s fully done. Would make for an awesome mundane video, but that’s if you ever start an aftermarket series. Mazda has a long way to go. I hope they can eventually pull up to lexus or something

[@flea4061]

I don't know. In its attempt to be Audi, Mazda has lost its zoom zoom. Something is missing.

[@daigo12865]

youd be surprised what a good set of tires does to transform the car. It comes with some garbage econo touring tires from the factory that seriously dulls response. Throw on a set of PS 4s and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[@franciscoguerrero4814]

i wanted to trade in my well kept Speed3 for one bit im glad i didnt i still love my speed3

[@xxxpensive1415]

Mazda needs a new transmission.

[@icerack9688]

Yeah! Airman No1!

[@amgonegaming9515]

It looks more like Mitsubishi Lancer

[@DrivenDistrict]

So i'm not the only one! lol I had a white Evo X a while back, and when we got this white Mazda 3 the tail lights reminded me of the Evo X.

[@fultonjackwaterloo4085]

Way better than Infiniti .....

[@grigoriyde7011]

mazdaspeed6,3 mps good cars- other 👎

[@Crankshaft232]

This is car isn't the fastest

[@370gtalej5]

My Altima handles better than that