2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Wants To Be Your Number 1

Nothing sells like power and the Mazda3 with the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder should be very popular with people that like cars. Mazda is shedding its rowdy side for a more refined performance image. This is no Mazdaspeed3 and that's probably a good thing. Standard all-wheel drive tames torque steer and the suspension keeps things fun without any harshness. Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded Premium Plus model. It's a step up from Civic, Corolla, Forte and Sentra and an alternative to GTI. Maybe even Audi A3, BMW 2-Series and Mercedes A-Class. Maybe.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

[@mattdlynch]

"Virgos can get well-organized" Finally, a car reviewer who really understands me

[@burkholder1992]

I’m not a Virgo but definitely appreciated thjs

[@JClark-34695]

It's 10 grand less than it's european competition, far more reliable, far cheaper to fix. But the American upper crust ignores it, because it lacks the proper "badge?" God help us...

[@ntharting8959]

I traded my A3 in for a M3 Turbo PP HB in December. I couldn't be happier....

[@clayz1]

@@ntharting8959 I think Mazda will have a good year. The boat came in from japan and I picked up my CX-30 the next day. The dealership was an empty parking lot a month ago. Now its busier and I’m seeing Mazdas all over the place, some with the temporary licenses.

[@minime406]

@@ntharting8959 Gillette M3 Turbo?

[@Kishan2213]

Mazda really has the best red paint in the business

[@ElijahsAba]

Yes, but aside from the red, a very limited paint palate for all their North American offerings

[@samuelorellana2603]

@@ElijahsAba True. Imagine a Turbo 3 exclusive yellow paint option?

[@dvgd999]

i had this red on my 2017 cx5 loved it but god it rock chipped so easily. Im glade i switched to White on my mazda3 turbo, plus you can get the red interior

[@TomZ23]

It does not need a touch screen. I've adapted to it within the first week. I got into a car without the control knob and missed it. You quickly figure out the muscle memory of the control system.

[@quantum_entangled_tardigrade]

"Humans have a hard time re-orienting themselves once a perception has been solidified." Damn, that's a poignant statement.

[@KirkKreifels]

I enjoyed my time with the Mazda 3 turbo. Looks incredible! Drives great! Manual trans would make it nearly perfect.

[@67tomcat]

Good review by yourself too!

[@ivanlowjones]

Not everyone wants or needs a manual transmission.......sheesh. Why do people keep pushing the "you're an ---hole if you don't love a 6spd manual" agenda?

[@DJL78]

*BOOM! What a sexy little thing!

[@YouDontWannaFightMe]

Didn’t know you also like this channel. He’s pretty legit.

[@TheAdventureAuto]

@@ivanlowjones Not everybody wants or needs an automatic either. His comment wasn't pushing an agenda, it was displaying his desire to have a manual here. I am also like him with wanting a manual. I have been in contact with a Mazda salesperson for months waiting on a manual hatch to come in. Sales are down for manuals because they aren't available. I gave up and just got an auto from a different brand.

[@miguelircontar]

People always say Mazda’s are good but I rarely see any of the new ones I actually like them 😔😊

[@miguelircontar]

@@mezzb I’m debating between this or the Civic

[@kellyyyanneee]

@@miguelircontar Mazda is better. Quicker, better built and more reliable.

[@YouDontWannaFightMe]

About 6 years ago, a family friend of mine cross shopped one of these with a used 328i, so the comparison isn’t too far off. They ended up getting the BMW, but the fact they considered buying a brand new Mazda really says something about the brand.

[@kdomster9141]

@@mezzb Just upgrade these low rolling res touring tires to the same kind of much sportier and grippier as on 3 series and difference will be even smaller.... except you can buy 215 45 18s in performance tires or all 4 installed under 400usd , go do it on the bimmer for 400usd you will get one or two tires installed

[@AlumarsX]

I'm thinking about trading in a Giulia Ti on one. 40k less miles and a warranty for almost the same cost I'd get in trade in sounds like a good deal. Not gonna miss driving a car without a spare tire/lift on road trips, and AWD should help on winter trips to Colorado.

[@aidensnow5017]

Mazda has been named the #1 brand for reliability for the last 3 years in a row according to consumer reports, becoming the first brand in over 30 years to take that #1 title from Toyota. So it's a safe, reliable, sporty, luxurious option for long term ownership.

[@lettuce1305]

@@mezzb man the new Mazda 3 is awesome, I traded my 2016 Audi A3 for the new Mazda 3 Turbo, no regrets whatsoever I think the Mazda is a better car. I mean yeah kinda unfair comparing a new Mazda to an older Audi but it just shows how good Mazda is these days.

[@kienfung3045]

Mazda 3 is a great choice

[@JakeRoot]

I borrowed one of these from Seattle's University Mazda for an hour a couple months ago. Even around town, this thing was such a blast. Really great, responsive transmission. Plus a good horn, and a spare tire?! This thing has it all. Apart from what it doesn't. Still, at the top of my list for cars to consider once my TDI's warranty runs out in a few years. Also: I quite like the rotary knob controller. Once I got used to the control, I found it more comfortable than leaning into the screen.

[@eblake57]

@Ed Findlay I just got CX-30, had to get use to it. It’s safer, I can’t go back to touch screen

[@che2335]

Yes the instalean!

[@achap6376]

Bought one last week, exceeds my expectations daily. It's just a great car, period.

[@weareallmadhere417]

Is it still

[@danielc3321]

Just bought a 2018 mazda3 hatch. I’m a believer in this brand. If I had twice as much money I’d have gotten this one. 😅

[@67tomcat]

This is a better looking car than the intended rivals from BMW and Mercedes. Add the reliability and savings and this is a winner! l actually like the design of the 3 sedan over the hatch in this case.

[@JDelta87]

I remember seeing this model in person, on stage at my last car show. As you mentioned, the color is very nice.

[@TheDude50447]

If I remember correctly the screen used to be touch sensitive on older models but only when the car was stopped.

[@ronniejaye1]

Extremely popular in Canada!

[@mess0965]

🇨🇦🇺🇲🇨🇦🇺🇲🇨🇦

[@swells1]

Always enjoy your reviews. Thanks Tom.

[@autonewstv86]

I hope people buy this so I can buy it used in like 10 years LOL

[@bdobrzensky]

Maybe I'll sell you mine in 10 years :)

[@73av8r5]

Even just a couple years when people return their leases. We just got a lease return 2018 CX5 for lots less than new with just 12k miles. 👍🏻

[@NeFariousGamer97]

I got you homie unless they come out with a higher performance hatch with a faster trans then I’m trading in.

[@ricome169]

in 10 years the inviros wont let you buy a gas car, only eletric.

[@joshg8545]

Got my sedan premium plus turbo brand new for 14k under sticker with trade and incentives so I can't complain.

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

Won’t miss what you don’t have - a very good point.

[@joegondo7985]

With you on the tangible,feel,of,a,mechanical shifter..Another Tuesday with Tom..thank you..👍👍

[@seanjones2753]

The comments on this particular video are really awesome. Great work and dialogue between multiple posters. Love this channel!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

True. I kind of take pride in the fact that the folks here are awesome. I've only had to delete abusive posts a coupe times in the last few years.

[@Nidnacron]

I drive the manual hatch (non-turbo) of the new 3, you really can’t go wrong with these cars. Great review Tom!

[@ormand3000]

How about the torsion beam rear suspension?

[@Nidnacron]

I mean, yes you can tell it’s not independent rear (I’ve spent a lot of time in a civic hatch and I’d say the civic handles bumps at high speed better), but the 3 is so balanced, it doesn’t matter to me

[@ormand3000]

@@Nidnacron thanks for the reply...I want to test drive one soon, with the intention of using it as a 2nd car/daily commuter over very bumpy/pothole ridden roads of Houston. Is the EPA MPG accurate?

[@Nidnacron]

@@ormand3000 id say so, I get 36 mpg easily, granted I do a fair bit of highway (more than half of my driving)

[@ormand3000]

@@mezzb not trying to flex or be a dick but I drive a Porsche Cayman and this would be my 2nd commuter car so I don't think I would want to drive it hard/fast. This is not to say I don't enjoy a car having good handling and excellent reliability and efficiency, which is what I am really after (cross shopping corolla, Prius, civic, etc. Japanese 4 bangers with a hatchback preference)

[@TalismanPHX]

The Mazda 3 hatch is nearly pornographic in that soul red paint. It's the only paint color I'd buy on any Mazda model. Excellent review and production quality as always, Tom!

[@joskjj3625]

I am done with Honda Mazda here I come

[@Gonzol7]

We did that years back. Good move.

[@louislopez55]

Same here. I’ve owned 4 Honda cars and about 10 Honda motorcycles. I’m done with their cars; my 2006 Civic fell apart and that was my last Honda. Among many other items, I had to replace the driver side sun visor at least 5 times before the car hit 90k.

[@miguelircontar]

Louis Lopez I feel you on the sun visors I just gave up and put two thumb tacs

[@Lucky8s]

I've been done with Honda ever since they introduced their questionable 1.5T

[@joskjj3625]

@@Gonzol7 thanks 👍

[@jschmitz23]

I’m always so happy when Minnesota gets a shout out, hello from Minneapolis!

[@theMLBfan]

Yikes! Keep your doors locked these next few weeks.

[@konactopus5418]

I LOVE the fact that Mazda stays with true automatic transmission. This made my friend's car buying so easy. All other options had CVT so went with cx5. And guess what, Mazda also had the best features with best looking interior even. Mazda offers alot for the money imo. No I don't work for Mazda or know anyone who works at Mazda.

[@eddstarr2185]

Tom, when you say e-shifters are no fun, I believe you. The thought of you running after a rolling car yelling, "come back . . . you're not paid for", gives me the heebie-jeebies.

[@rightlanehog3151]

:-)

[@xray111xxx]

Mazda has always been about what the driver involvement is about. I had an RX-7 and loved that car. The Rotary was well, but the handling, comfort, and balance was everything I wanted. My friend had a Mazda 6, and I loved that car. The ride was a European taught and a touch firm for us 'Mericans, but the steering and control feel is amazing. Mazda for me is the better dark horse that does not get enough love. Sure Subaru is my favorite overall and Toyota because my friends love cars they can count on. I told a friend not to buy the Cherokee but the RAV4. He had Prius already and loved it. Well, don't stop a good thing, RAV4 Hybrid. He was excited about the prospect. Why not? Mazda for my heart of driving, Toyota for my peace of mind driving. Kind of my favorite metric cars with many in between. Hyundai and Kia are stepping up and really making a difference. Honda is safe, but Toyota for me does that already, so Honda is in there but just not as enthused as I used to about them. Now if they bring back an S2000 or something then my respect quotient goes back up for them. Mazda is tweener I love when I care about the drive, and not just getting there.

[@hittrewweuy7595]

I got one of them and the best part of it is that on the door sticker it says made in Japan , no other country makes better cars than Japan , I am so glad they stopped making them in Mexico with very low quality control

[@timberw1lly]

I own one, and while I agree with your assessment, it puts a smile on my face every time I drive/look at it.

[@caclavijo]

Center knobs and buttons save lives, touch screens don´t. Well done Mazda!

[@NorthenRider]

U speak well and clearly, informative review

[@diegomontoya8889]

I think the soul red crystal is a great color, but this model looks better in that wet cement color, with the red leather interior. IMHO That makes the interior far less dark feeling.

[@raym8121]

Another great review, Tom. I concur on the claustrophobic rear window & blind spots in the hatch. I bought the turbo sedan.

[@benoit.b9337]

Love the reviews you do, always learn something too. Hope you get your hands on more Audis. Have you considered doing a shootout of the major music streaming platforms in terms of real sound quality?

[@NGMonocrom]

Mazda going Upmarket. Translation: _"We're going to ignore our core customer base of buyers, and try to appeal to those in a higher tax bracket who have absolutely no interest in our offerings at all because we're not an established Luxury brand."_ Brilliant! Here's the thing, it doesn't matter that this Mazda 3 easily outperforms a front-wheel drive Audi A3 in terms of power, handling, and style. Doesn't matter that the 3 is literally a better compact car than the A3. Consumers who are seriously looking at an A3, or any Luxury brand compact car, are not even going to glance in Mazda's direction. Meanwhile loyal Mazda customers, such as myself, are going to either not be able to afford this Mazda 3. Or, will get angry at Mazda for being tossed aside; and will spend their hard-earned money elsewhere. While I love my V6 Mazda 6, I was looking to get into a slightly smaller vehicle that at least equals its performance. Well I'm not putting myself into debt simply to support a company that has decided that it's too good for me or my money. So, I'm seriously looking at a front-wheel drive KIA Forte GT, instead. But yeah.... Mazda should keep trying to cater to compact Luxury brand buyers who think that they're too good for a Mazda. Again, Brilliant!

[@ormand3000]

Maybe you should find ways to make more money instead of blaming Mazda for your frail earnings?

[@poppad1187]

I enjoyed the 2019 2.5 AWD Hatch until the motor was destroyed by a careless employee at supposed quick oil change while shopping at Costco. Once that issue was resolved, I stepped up a 2021 3 AWD Turbo and it’s definitely been fun, Winter in Canada was great with it, handled beautifully in some tough snow storms. I know not everyone loves the styling but I love the look and the fit & finish on the exterior is well done and the interior looks beautiful. Only a few minor issues with sensors needing replacement but other then that this is a fun car to drive and In my opinion looks real nice in the sun with great curves. Thanks for review.

[@cameraz99]

Best review of the Mazda3 I've seen yet!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Hi Tom, I am picking up a subtle vibe that suggests you have some doubts Mazda's transition from cheap and cheerful to Premium Lite® may not succeed.

[@zieteniere7500]

Touch screens while driving don't make sense. Its dangerous and difficult to use because of movement of driving - either user directed movement or due to the road. The knob makes more sense, and the designs of apple car play and android auto need to adjust to this because touch screen in cars wont make sense until we have cars that drive themselves for a majority of the time.

[@dmiller1000]

Thanks for this review. I sure wish Mazda would give you a plainer Select or Preferred model - all the car companies tend to give you the upmarket model so they can showcase the more expensive model. I came off a 1996 Camry to buy a 2010 Mazda 3 iTouring sedan which I'm looking to replace. The CX-30 seems to be more plentifully in stock than the Model 3's so I started looking at that. The biggest complaints I have about the 2010 have been the noise level, and the limited trunk space (espec. compared to the '96 Camry). Although I have a bike rack, I miss being able to throw a bike inside the car - easy to do with the Camry, just barely doable with the Mazda3. I was surprised to learn that the 2021 Model 3 hatch has more cubic feet of room with the back seats folded down than the CX-30 has. Makes it hard to understand why people demand SUVs or CUVs - just to sit higher on the road? My reluctance to a hatch used to be that you couldn't hide your gear in the trunk. The cargo covers they have nowadays seem to have addressed that.

[@ryboxer]

Thanks for showing us it has a spare wheel in the boot, a rare thing these days.

[@Jono.]

I am buying one of these as my first car as a working adult. Definitely excited!

[@easternyellowjacket276]

I have a 2018 Mazda 6 GT with the same motor. It has been a great car and it returns on average 35 mpg on the highway. Of course it is only FWD, but I don't drive like an idiot. And yes, that average is with the car doing about 73mph. Great car. No doubt this 3 is fantastic too. One thing that makes me quite happy is that my 6 was about $8000.00 less than this Mazda 3. A steal, IMHO.

[@epbrown01]

I've been liking Mazda's design direction for a few years now.

[@pdlynch4330]

Great review!

[@ingram1225]

Having owned three Mazdas since 2010 I can assure you that I do like the mechanical shift for the transmission however I currently own a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and I have to tell you the reasons why you listed for why you like the mechanical shift is the same reasons why I like the rotary shift I know without a doubt without even looking at The rotary where Park is where reverse is and we're driving. The only drawback between the two is the rotary I wish would allow me to at least use paddle shifters or do manual shifting I do miss the manual shifting of an automatic transmission.

[@JeLifeCoach]

Great video. Thinking about swapping from my rowdy veloster n to this more tame and refined mazda 3. The ride quality on the veloster is so hard for a daily. How does this one stack up? And - how are the paddle shifts in the mazda? Are they quick or slow and delayed?

[@walterivanfairview]

Mazda is now an alternative to Lexus/Acura more than BMW/Audi.

[@Guvb235]

No rear vents is strange - every 3 model (bar the base model) here in Aus has them. And a ‘premium’ maker would include them, as well as things like gas bonnet struts, 8 gears, a pano roof, folding mirrors, rear heated seats, two rear map pockets and so on. Otherwise, I love it!

[@laraava]

As someone who switched from a wrx to a Mazda 3 turbo. It’s very unlikely I would have ever purchased a bmw/Mercedes in a similar (plus10k) price range. But I was also never ever going to buy a civic or golf. This has all the premium options I care about. I don’t however care about all the things you just mentioned (though caring about them is valid). I just wonder if there are enough people like me who A- don’t care about the prestige of the badge & B- love to drive awd hot hatches that have the vast majority of quality of life feature & outright quality of more expensive brands. I called my Mazda a 3Ok Mercedes when I bought it but two months in and it feels/drives like it’s a 30k Porsche.

[@dusk9618]

Going to be test driving the Mazda 3 Turbo and the Kia K5 GT. Also thinking about waiting for the Corolla Hatch R or new Golf R. US market just needs more hatches.

[@princeyi17]

Mazda is the best

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

- 👍👍 great video. My vintage Mazda has bad torque steer also. I think I need a new cv axel.

[@JVild]

Great review, Tom, thanks. As good as this car is and looks (though I still think the previous generation Mazda 3 looks better), I can't really stomach the price. Is the value really that far above a Toyota, let alone a Hyundai? I don't really think I could get that question out of my head, unless the test drive blew me away.

[@hanroduplessis8621]

What a great review.

[@MidniteSan]

Still got my 2020 and loving it 😂..

[@memphiscalifornia2195]

I'm very happy with my turbo 2021

[@soldieroftafari]

Great review Tom! I Have a gen1 MS3 and a part of me feels grown enough to appreciate a car like this, though it is toned down. But it IS also quieter, and rides much better, despite the incremental loss in acceleration. I am still on the fence about the loss of a manual though!

[@kellyyyanneee]

I think many reviewers who have tested both have said this one is either a match or faster then the last speed3.

[@soldieroftafari]

@@kellyyyanneee +250lb and -20hp, plus older slushbox means it's not as close as you think. The 1st gen speed3 constantly tested at 5.2-5.5 to 60 and 13.8-14.2 in the 1/4mi. I haven't seen a new turbo go much below 6 seconds in testing yet, so definitely not as fast.

[@kellyyyanneee]

@@soldieroftafari many many reviewers who have tested both cars have already said the 2021 is slightly quicker. It’s because 320lbs torque vs. 280lbs torque. Sorry to burst that bubble. If you bought both brand new from the dealership stock for stock the 2021 would win. Now this could be the 2013 speed3 they’re talking about?

[@soldieroftafari]

@@kellyyyanneee Sorry but a 14.5 isn't the same as a 14.0. 40ft/lbs of torque isn't making up for those other deficits listed. This motor is designed for low torque and still loses to a gen 1 just off of power to weight. It's just not happening.

[@joskjj3625]

Call me crazy but I think Mazda should give hybrid powertrains

[@MandusahRamirez]

Doesn’t need it. That’s What SkyActive is for

[@emiliotorres2988]

They do in Europe. (Skyactiv-X)

[@Unchainedmaple888]

@@emiliotorres2988 It's barely a hybrid, just a mild hybrid. It does not have a substantial electric motor that actually saves much gas. The gas savings would be crazy if Mazda would pair Skyactiv X with a full hybrid system.

[@emiliotorres2988]

@@Unchainedmaple888 It's still a "hybrid" by technicality. Making the 3 a "full-hybrid" would not financially make sense with R&D for a Mazda that's trying to keep up with the bigger competitors (Civic & Corolla, which none of them have hybrid for the same reason). Not to mention, it'll drive the price up, making it a lot less appealing to buyers and how many years would it take to recuperate the extra money spent on getting a non-hybrid car VS a full hybrid. Easier said than done.

[@georgeg.7124]

Mazda entered into a partnership with Toyota last year so that Mazda could get access to hybrid technology for their future vehicles.

[@curtganeles925]

Maybe it's just the lighting, but man, @8:35, that fuel door really sticks out like a wart. No matter, thanks Tom as always!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Mostly lighting and angle but the large C pillar doesn’t help.

[@superioraddo2381]

Nice reviews Tom but I'm still waiting to see you reviewing the Mercedes benz c class 2021 model n bmw 3 series as well as Audi 3 series the 2021 model pleeeeasee

[@raxal9833]

My dad and I just bought my mom a brand new Mazda3 Hatchback non turbo on 5/18 so I wonder how much faster the turbo will be!

[@denzeljackson6505]

I have the 2020 Hatch the non touch screen works perfect when using Mazda's own interface, I use Android auto and when u start using that you need a touch a screen It's just very difficult to use without it

[@mazda3304]

I have driven mazda forever there is nothing better you drive anything else you want to come back to the mazda 3 guaranteed

[@diegomontoya8889]

I get some Volvo P1800ES vibes with those rear quarter panels... Not a bad thing. But, they should have better glass area in the back, like the P1880ES, instead of the upswept rear windows and tiny back hatch window.

[@thinkaboutit6029]

Why do people complain about door sound when this is a 5 star rated vehicle? My point is the sound has nothing to do with quality.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Perception is everything on the dealer lot

[@thinkaboutit6029]

@@DrivenCarReviews well done video btw. I like the shots of the car in motion and how u narrate as well. I just think that's an outdated standard and a good Sales rep should be able to train shoppers to think differently. Does it have anything to do quality in reality? Maybe like u say, perceived quality.

[@chimaeraSPK]

I wish the red leather interior was also available with the Soul Red paint.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

I have no idea why they'd deny people that. Its the option I want too

[@K03sport]

A saddle or baseball glove brown would be nice too...

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

@@K03sport Yes, that'd be lovely

[@laraava]

@@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra because you are wrong and you should feel bad.. jk have the mica black with red interior.. I fall in love with the red every time I drive.

[@bill7481]

A really nice car! But I agree that the initial point of contact with the car - the doors - sound really cheap, something that I am always reminded of every time I get in or out of my daughter’s 2020 sedan Premium. So I think that premium car buyers who consider this car might be turned off by that.

[@Taigaworkz]

I really like this car's looks.

[@TheBoobieMan]

Hi. Can you use a higher octane fuel than what is recommended by Mazda on a 2020 Mazda 3? I was told by the dealership to stick to 91 octane. Nothing more. But i see on your video that you have 2 different power outputs depending on what fuel you use. Thanks

[@tomjanowski8584]

I had a 1997 Protege and love it. I can barely fit inside this Mazda3....no sale. And it weighs nearly 1000 pounds more than the Protege.

[@rightlanehog3151]

And it lacks IRS like my cheap 323.

[@MrAsh-cw5cq]

Car looks beautiful

[@mlee6136]

Those torque numbers come from the relatively larger 2.4L...nice numbers. I personally think they need to look at the Mazda branding if they want to compete with the Germans...thinking Lexus and infinity, but this costs money. Nice car..

[@fredmiller6038]

Hey Tom, please review the new Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition.

[@gerardov.9716]

Beautiful

[@phoenixmysticised88]

“It makes sense for the brand to be like the Jeffersons and move on up”🤪😂🤪 If anything we the fans of Norman Lear are truly appreciative of this sublime comparison!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Didn't he donate a lot of money for the Northwestern University media department?

[@ormand3000]

1:52 omg that rear door close sound is terrible! Like something out of the 1980s

[@noahboy6349]

Would love to see you test drive a vehicle on the freeway so that you can honestly tell us how quiet it is at faster speed other than your friendly neighborhood.

[@cycloneyou]

Got the 2016 Mazda 3 love it will have to wait for this one to drop in price. To much for what it is.

[@hbrhbr7113]

It's a shame Mazda not allowing EU buyers to have this beauty. I really wanted to buy a new Mazda 3 because of how the interior looks and feels but sadly, the 2.0 180HP configuration is the best you can get in the EU and to be honest it is quite boring to drive that one.

[@snehalkrishnan618]

If it comes in a manual I’ll definitely get it.

[@joelhenderson4450]

I would definitely look at this before an Acura; not sure about BMW.

[@brittoncoil2518]

Shocked it doesn’t have rear seat air vents

[@K03sport]

Mr. Audet (CMO Mazda North America) needs to really consider bringing the Mazda6 wagon to US/CAN/MEX. Mazda could rule the long roof market and give ppl who want bigger than a '3, but don't want a CX-30,or CX-5. The' 6wagon is a fantastic looking car. But Mazda must learn from the past and make their wagon fast (2.3t only).

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'll assume the research has been done and all 10 people that want the wagon have a 50/50 chance of even considering it. Wagons don't sell in the US unless they're Subarus. This from a guy that's owned a half dozen.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DrivenCarReviews Well Tom, Since Subaru and Mazda come under Toyota's corporate influence these days, they could sell the Mazda wagon as a Subaru.

[@K03sport]

@@DrivenCarReviews... I must be person number 11 because they haven't contacted me. 😁. We all know wagons aren't a status vehicle and all of the CUVs are marketed as "non-wagons"...but in the end, they are more wagon than their given credit for, but again, that's marketing. If Volvo can still sell sedans, wagons, and C/SUVs...Mazda clearly can too. They just need the right marketing (and speed...wagons have to be fast)

[@SLE3PR]

Man, if someone would make this but give it some more bite in the styling (where the lines at?), a pano roof, more HP, manual transmission... That'd be my next car. Any suggestions, Tom?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Only to not hold your breath Eric.

[@K03sport]

... Golf R wagon...oh, wait, not in this country. 😔 2012 Saab 9-3 Aero wagon perhaps...

[@SLE3PR]

@@DrivenCarReviews 😭😭😭

[@SLE3PR]

@@K03sport I currently have a 2011 CRZ and honestly nothing out there is cooler.

[@louislopez55]

The “styling” is NOT having the usual lines. A larger sunroof is not as rigid and they may be more prone to shatter. As far as more HP, they just went from 186 to 250 in a small front-wheel drive car. What more do you want?

[@lama6736]

I wonder if Tom had to buy another house to store all that bath tissue. 😉

[@mikepetersons1319]

mazda need to make it with a 315 hp 340 tq engine. also implement launch control and different driving modes. they also need to put this engine in the miata without lowering any power numbers and finally an awd version. mazda could also storm the market with an affordable 2 door 2 seater mid engine awd vehicle weighing 2500lbs with athe 1.5l sky active an supercharge it. a good 200hp with 275 tq would be perfect.

[@kienfung3045]

What a beautiful car that is!

[@webguy943]

This is as close were getting to speed3. Enjoy it.

[@JustChillingNahhhhMean]

Had to watch it twice...I was thinking it was Mr Trump 🤣🤣

[@ELP1125]

Well this definitely looks classier than a Type R.

[@BlackButterf1ies]

As a family man, I need vents, and USB port(s) in the rear. As a car enthusiast, I need at least a DCT.

[@asop1245]

I decided to buy the 2.0 naturally aspirated version of this car at the end of the year

[@tommihelich2613]

Interesting that you mentioned a lack of a automatic stop/start system on this car. Seems like one or two other models recently also didn’t have those Tom. Have you asked why that may be? And this has high pressure direct injection, a turbo and EGR. All items that can cause headaches way down the road at 100,000+ miles. Just sayin.

[@stevewise1656]

Hood prop rods are a pet peeve. More gears doesn’t equal a better transmission.

[@doug3512]

My experience with Mazda is pretty dated, but as a guy who buys cars for long term ownership I've seen too many things fail prematurely. Engine mounts needing early replacement was an issue on my 2008 Mazda 3. As well as interior lighting elements failing (like the light inside a heated seat button dying after 4 years). This was one example of any little things failing before they should. I know there are still a few people like me who buy and hold cars for 8 or more years. Hopefully Mazda addressed their quality.

[@gabetaylor7922]

yeah, they aren’t owned by ford anymore, so their quality is much improved now

[@georgeg.7124]

I had a 2008 Mazda CX7 and my engine mount broke, too. I had the egr valve that also went bad. I had my Cx7 for 10 years, and for the most part the first 9 years was mostly good in terms of reliability, but that 10th year was one year too long holding it, and I did 2-3 major repairs on it. I was impressed enough to replace with a 2018 CX5.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

I have a 2016 Mazda 3. Never had a single issue at over 60,000 miles. All that has ever needed replacing is tyres & a battery.

[@Gonzol7]

Sorry to hear for you. We have two over 100,000--no major problems for us.

[@JClark-34695]

CR has rated the Mazda most reliable brand two years in a row. Dramatic quality improvements since they left the Ford stable.

[@sportsMike87]

Yes a real shifter!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

My one criticism of the Mazda 3 is that visibility is quite poor. It has small windows all around, thick A-pillars and C-pillars which makes the interior feel quite cramped. My brother has a 2020 Mazda 3 and don't get me wrong, I love driving it but visibility could have been much better. I think Mazda went with form over function.

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

And that's why I love it, one of the few remaining car makers that still thinks about design, besides, you really get used to it and along with BSM it becomes second nature (I've been driving one for a few months now)

[@alliejr]

Actually, most Civics driving around ARE turbos. And no Civic, not even the Type R, is AWD.

[@cvillalobos27]

Here in Chile the distributor managed to position the brand as semi luxury. Certainly what they charge for regular services is premium

[@rightlanehog3151]

If I was car shopping in Chile I would buy a Toyota Prado Sumo.

[@cvillalobos27]

@@rightlanehog3151 there is no such a model here, but as a market is way more sophisticated than the US. You can get pretty much whatever car you want. From Chinese brands to Ferraris, Rolls et al

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@cvillalobos27 My mistake, the model I am referring to is the Land Cruiser Prado 3D TX-L . In other places the 3 door Prado is called a Sumo.

[@cvillalobos27]

@@rightlanehog3151 I would have to agree

[@davids7799]

Do you just return all those bundles of TP after filming? I would.

[@76carmel]

Check out all his reviews, and yes, he does return them. The Costco knows him.