A Mazda3 With A Turbo! - 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Part 1

[@danielc3321]

The hatchback is gorgeous. I don’t care what anyone says. When you see one in person, it’s really striking.

[@Yoomaro]

It is, nothing on the road looks like it, I have the 2020 and it turns so many heads

[@mpg65]

@Stereo Typist the turbo does not have cylinder deactivation and the 2021 models I believe no longer have this feature either, cylinder deactivation was only in the premium model btw. Where did you get your information from?

[@lions208436]

Yup, in person it really shows as a luxury hatch. It won't be the quickest, but it will be fast enough for daily use and fun to drive

[@lions208436]

@H FG looks are subjective, and I dig it

[@cytrynowy_melon6604]

I agree. Its actually sedan that loks weird being this short. Sedans look good when really long.

[@JaRW7]

I cross shopped the Mazda3 with Audi and Acura and went with the Mazda. You're well above 40K by the time you load any of the luxury models with the options you can get around 30K with the Mazda. I got a fully loaded premium model for 27K. Great deal, great car.

[@jack12345678936]

same here and i can say that Acura ilx is nowhere close to the mazda 3, exterior/interior wise.

[@JaRW7]

@@jack12345678936 I even looked at the TLX and it was awful. I loved the TLX engine but couldn't get passed the outdated interior. Plus, I am not a fan of button shifting.

[@darrell9616]

I just built an A3 on the site and it was 38K. Non turbo, that's probably a good deal, though the 2.5 motor and auto does nothing for me in the Mazda (had a 15 2.5 MT).

[@yes8032]

No Audi 😔 very sad

[@chooseymomschoose]

@@JaRW7 "...couldn't get passed the outdated interior. Plus, I am not a fan of button shifting." These are contradictory statements.

[@Grapo2001]

American's perception of 'luxury' seems to be only directed to the brand and the name and not the actual product. Go sit in the new BMW 2 series and tell me its more luxurious than the Mazda 3. Spoiler alert, its not.

[@aca2983]

Luxury means conspicuous consumption. Nothing do to with quality, design, or comfort.

[@VPoje]

Yep, i was looking at a CT4 and a G70, but when i learned that they would put the Turbo in the 3, i went to see it in person (a GT AWD w/o the turbo to see the exterior and interior quality) and i bought one on the spot. The finish is on par with Cadillac and Genesis.

[@mihainicolae8141]

This review focused too much on negative aspects. Mazda 3 is a great car!

[@James-il3tq]

Yet isn't a big seller

[@wyw201]

The pricing might be off on the Mazda Turbo compared to the Gti. We’ll know when Mazda releases their annual report.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

@@mezzb It would also be interesting to see a comparison to the new Mazda3 vs the previous IRS one

[@cashkenterprises5584]

I love the c-pillar on this car. I wasnt sold on it through the pics, but seeing it in person made me a believer. This hatch is hot

[@golfgra36]

Agreed 1000%. Nothing else on the road looks even remotely like this, which for me is reason enough to consider it for my next car.

[@slscamg]

Agree 💯. I love every review Alex does and I agree with him on everything except this. I think the back end of the Mazda three hatch is absolutely gorgeous almost Alpha Romero looking Italian gorgeous. I don’t care if it cuts down on visibility or space that’s why I have Blindspot monitor LOL

[@juancruz-jg5pq]

I think this an authentic Honda accord ( sedan turbo ) competitor , familiar but good to start college after school graduation.

[@lunasky5635]

What about blind spots? The thick pillars would imply that to me. And ive seen some reviews where this was “dinged” as a problem

[@feixas6961]

@@lunasky5635 this car has a 360 degree camera, blind spot sensors, and other safety features, it's really not that big of a problem

[@jw.jalilwaiz]

I got a fully loaded Mazda 3 GT premium package, and it has more tech features than our 328xi. Mazda3 has a better ride qualit probably because of the non run flats. Absolutely love and recommend it.

[@cjsgamingworld7568]

Nice man, I just got a ‘17 Mazda 6 GT w/premium package and it rocks... ZOOM ZOOM

[@darrell9616]

That's not really saying much depending on what year the BMW is. Without the sports package, the 3 series is terrible. Always has been (IMO).

[@jw.jalilwaiz]

Darell, the BMW is 2015 328xi with sport package. And that cost us $62,000 CAD, and the Mazda 3 $28,600 CAD all in.

[@darrell9616]

@@jw.jalilwaiz The last gen 3 series was not a good car (according to most reviews. I passed on it as well). No question the Mazda has far better steering. My 15 certainly did. My take on the Mazda 3 is stylish, but competent. I wouldn't knock anyone for buying one, but I just don't find anything particularly impressive about it besides the styling.

[@RhinoDog69]

I eat mazdas 3 for lunch everyday with my Cupra 😃

[@bvedant]

The "young-professional-who-wants-something-sporty-yet-refined" market is definitely at least populated by one member 🖐️

[@rightlanehog3151]

We will check the sales charts next year to confirm the accuracy of your estimate.

[@mpg65]

I'm 55 and am strongly considering replacing my 2014 3GT with this.

[@bvedant]

@@mpg65 2018 Touring here.

[@ChocoTaco39]

It's funny because that's me. I'm 31 and work in the tech field. I want something fun to drive, but reliable and mature looking.

[@bvedant]

@@ChocoTaco39 as much as I desire reliability it's hard to find in the sportier entries. It's why I've broadened the search to include 3 Series M-Sport as well. Also in a tech job here, although probably making a whole lot less!

[@blergblergus]

I'm a young software engineer and I got a 2019 Mazda 3 hatch in red with the 6 speed manual as soon as it was available in Canada. I did want something sporty and loved the looks, but for sure the market of people like me is tiny. I have no complaints about the performance of the NA engine, but if they put a manual in the turbo, I would immediately take a huge loss and trade in for it.

[@bryanfioriglio9459]

Did u check out the civic type r at all? I just sold my speed3 for a 2019 civic type r and it’s great. It’s an absolute weapon. But if Mazda put a manual in this thing I would have been one of the first buyers at my dealership.

[@blergblergus]

@@bryanfioriglio9459 All the type Rs in my city were retailing at way over msrp at the time. I test drove a civic si which I liked but even the 1 model year old si I wanted was priced way over msrp. On the other hand at mazda I'm pretty sure they didn't think the mazda3 would sell well so I ended up getting my 2019 mazda3 gt (top trim) for a smaller payment than a base trim 2018 cx5 manual.

[@braetonwilson4296]

@@bryanfioriglio9459 Dealers near me are charging $50,000 USD out the door for a new civic type R due to the dealer mark up. I hate civic type R and Honda dealers because of that.

[@slscamg]

Even though it’s a minor detail but I love how they changed this to an air to water intercooler. Helps with heat soak and normally a shorter path for the charged air to travel thus reducing lag. I wonder if this change will make its way to all the turbo engines??

[@MrTmarc1]

young professional here, I picked mine up on Monday (Hatchback Turbo Premium Plus). I love the way it looks, I love the power from the little turbo. engine. Its sophisticated without being an overpriced luxury car, Lots of value here, get so much for the money. Last car was a 2011 BMW 335I with the turbo N55. This feels more potent than that turbo I6. Good Job Mazda

[@DeepSouthMS3]

I picked up my 2021 Turbo Mazda3 hatch Premium Plus on Monday. I ABSOLUTELY love it. The mid range tq is amazing and I’ve previously owned 3 MazdaSpeed3. This car is quick!

[@Argedis]

What did you pay? Did you upgrade from another Mazda?

[@DeepSouthMS3]

@@Argedis I traded my 2019 mazda3 Hatch Premium. I paid 32k..MSRP was 35k

[@londonoalex]

This new Mazda 3 design is one of the best looking car in the world.

[@jjchockey]

Thank you for being the first reviewer to actually understand this car! Everyone keeps saying this is a hot hatch that competes with the GTI or Veloster just because it has the same power now. They added power to make it compete better with the A3 and A220. Hot cars are about driving dynamics. Like you said it still has the same suspension, steering, and brakes. People are going to be let down because many reviewers are making this out to be some new Mazdaspeed hot hatch but it’s not. You have to think of this car as an Audi A3 for 10k less. It does a damm good job at that too.

[@IReahpZz]

Crazy good looking hatch and huge value for money 👌 so nice inside compared to everything. Really only the golf r comes close

[@swright5690]

Except for the hideous new Golf interior/dash design. Mazda beats VW like a rented mules in that respect. Give me buttons, knobs and dials please.

[@2W3X4YZ5]

The egg shape evokes the original Mazda GLC. Turbo and AWD evokes the 323GTX. It’s endearing and unforgettable. Thanks for another great review.

[@troytruong8246]

This is the best car review channel. Alex deserves 1mil subs!!!! Very details.

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

Can't beat the quality since Mazda is made in Japan.

[@lunasky5635]

Some are made in Malaysia. Most cars these days are made all over the world. Designed in Japan gets my thumbs up. Much cheaper to maintain then German cars

[@raeraelint3061]

I own a 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback and it is absolutely amazing. One of the best vehicles ever. The AWD is crisp 👌🏼

[@bradleystephen3695]

I’ve had my 3 hatch about a year now and my sister has an Audi A3 and she prefers mine as do I. I’m very happy with my Mazda ❤️

[@lancercool1992]

15/10 in the looks department, I wish this was how the civic type r looked mpg seems a bit low for the targeted audience, price seems absurdly high for the targeted audience, why would anyone pick this over mazda 6 for $35k If Acura decides they want to upgrade the ILX drivetrain or whatever they'll call it, they'll have a double clutch type r sedan, sounds not bad for the targeted audience.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

AWD

[@lancercool1992]

@@Mgoblagulkablong damn I totally overlooked that, makes sense now but mazda awd doesn't sound desirable at all

[@keving7940]

@@lancercool1992 desirability is kinda of a weird wording, if you mean strayed from target audience maybe, but if its an insult to Mazdas capability to all wheel drive I believe this does extremely well. I only have one source which is the very popular Savage Geese video on it though, but I trust him to avoid bias and be a reliable source.

[@mpg65]

@@keving7940 I love Savagegeese's reviews. And he gets underneath the vehicle so we can see all the goodies below. No one else does that

[@keving7940]

@@mpg65 haha yes !!

[@DanielBrownOre]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but 235/40/18 tires/wheels fit just fine, zero rubbing on mine, but also, I had to buy wheels 8" wide to fit the bigger tires as the stock wheels are only 7" wide. But well worth it, it clearly gives the car a much better steering and handling feel and even less torsion beam shudder. It's clear this is an area where Mazda simply saved a little money. With as many features they pack in for the price to compete they had to save cost somewhere, just like zero rear passenger features on the back of the center console and zero power passenger seat features.

[@brandonfrost9801]

Miata still better option for sport and fun quality and mazda 6 for more features/luxury. Mazda 3 still overpriced new but a decent option. I like that this and Mazda 6 with turbo take regular fuel unlike the miata and options like the brz/86. Cheaper option with turbo also the fiat spider if you want a little sports car based off mx5

[@thomasmaclaine2992]

The only negative is that Mazda Australia will not bring this beauty 'downunder'.

[@coreyphillip5807]

Ugh this is my dream car. Gorgeous and powerful. Why can’t it be free?!

[@geenogabb]

Haha same thoughts

[@MARTINRIGGSS]

I love how you say right off the bat that it’s NOT a Mazda Speed 3. Because that’s exactly what Mazda said. All the other big reviewers talk about this car as if it is the MS3.

[@Dliu1116]

That kind of shopper would be someone like myself so it does exist.

[@Tigerex966]

Actually in real life the sedan fits more luggage with the seats up or down. Numbers sometimes lie with hatches which assume you are blocking your rear window.

[@geenogabb]

I think this is one spot on car. It has the power, the looks and the overall feel to it.

[@stevemclaren11]

Tech tip, if you want to change stations you just have to turn the large knob and it brings your list on the screen. You can also push the volume knob to the left or right to go through the list.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Nice Hatchback! The one thing that I think sucks is Mazda going with a torsion beam rear suspension. Imagine how great this could be with a Multi-Link or Double Wishbone...

[@mugensamurai]

THIS! Is what the civic type r should have strive to look like. Practical yet extremely sexy. Right now Honda thinks a hunched over dog in heat looks good.

[@elvinburgos3552]

My one reservation about this car is what the gloss black on the outside will look after some use. Like a car wash or just some harsher weather.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Yes! I'm going from a 340i to this. Never liked the lifeless, over boosted BMW steering.

[@billm47645]

Funny you mentioned this. I have a 2018 340 Msport that has its lease is up in January. We had a 2017 CX-5 (we sold it and got an RDX ASPEC), whenever I drove the two back to back, the BMW steering was just awful. Mazda steering is far superior to the BMW steering, except on maybe full M cars. Although, the newer BMWs are better. That being said, I think I’ll swap out the BMW for a GTI Autobahn (I’ve had 2010 and 2015’s and loved them both). This is probably not hardcore enough for me.

[@Mushroomancer]

Mazda does give some steering feel but something to keep in mind is that they changed the steering in the mazda3. It feels more natural when turning. My CX-5 had quick steering ratio than the newer 3 and it’s the only part of the car I do not like, but the steering is in no way bad, I was just used to the quicker steering from their previous cars.

[@sixdonuts]

@@billm47645 I agree - drove a Mazda 3 rental and was blown away by the steering and ride. Will defiantly be checking the turbo out.

[@yes8032]

I’d keep the 340i

[@ChoPi-Eww]

@@billm47645 Interesting. I was lucky enough to rent an M3 for a few days -- it was modded with a distractingly loud exhaust, but the steering was great. I'm looking for a 10 year car; this might be it

[@garluns]

Mazda 3 still turns my head, it’s very eye catching

[@dennnnnismo]

I saw this in person and that back is not wierd at all. It was in the grey and black combo, what a looker!

[@connermorgan9223]

For a new car, Mazda is killing it for how much car you get for the money. That said, there's a few 3 year old compact cars/hatches I'd take over this for the same price point.

[@akombalasau4022]

I am here after the release of civic 11th gen. And this looks way better.

[@bill7481]

This car was on my list until I learned that there’s a near $4k premium for the nicer wheels. At $39k, it’s a no go. No panoramic sunroof, no rear vents, no ventilated front seats, and no heated rear seats. Too many compromises for that price. A 2020 Mini Clubman JCW in Iconic trim with less than 10k miles is looking very appetizing right now.

[@DaddyDan77]

I'm a potential customer. Currently driving a Buick Regal TourX (turbo 2.0 AWD and better acceleration that most expect) My Buick weighs 3800 lbs, the Mazda's curb weight is going to be about 3,300 lbs. The Mazda makes almost the same hp on premium and more torque. I prefer torque converter automatics to DCT or CVT. My kids are small and my car is primarily a commuter. Buick no longer sells sedans or wagons I HATE CUVs with a PASSION. Fast hatchback with a mature slightly upscale interior? Under $40K? I've got to test drive it.

[@kirksmith347]

Gonna test drive this on Saturday, looking forward to it. Doesnt get the love it deserves.

[@michaelhorner4011]

The Miata would be a rocket with this 2.5 turbo !

[@hlim431]

VERY VERY gorgeous shape indeed! I find myself always admiring this every time I pass one!

[@middler5212]

The hatchback is almost perfection.

[@bryanfioriglio9459]

I agree. I just sold my 2012 speed3 and bought a late model year 2019 civic type r. I would have loved to stay with Mazda and if they offered a manual in this I would have. But don’t get me wrong I love my type r lol.

[@middler5212]

I get that. I’m not a manual guy, so I wouldn’t actually shop the Type R. Congrats on the new ride tho! It’s one of the best, I hear! 👍

[@feixas6961]

@@bryanfioriglio9459 this car and the type r have a really different target audience tho

[@CFG-qv7hy]

Almost $40k for a Mazda3, Mazda must really be smoking the good stuff.

[@mpg65]

What country?

[@martingriggs9865]

After driving the sedan version of this car, I would say this car learns how you drive. In my 15 minute test drive, I didn't like the hesitation at initial throttle tip-in at first. At the end of the test drive it seemed to virtually disappear. I was told I should have been in sports mode, it should be much more aggressive. I loved the car. It's smooth to drive, and takes rough roads like a more refined car. Cornering seems about the same as the regular 3, which is to say great. The CX-30 will not handle as well as the 3, or look as good. The Honda, and Hyundai will not have awd. The only car at this price with awd is the Subaru WRX CVT. BMW, and MB everyone should know by now are terrible at reliability on average.

[@coolshariq]

Mazda is out there kicking ass taking names 👍👍👍😎

[@markmiller3279]

I'm impressed they designed it to run competently on regular gas, without a massive performance hit. Most makes could easily do the same, but don't bother and leave the owner having to buy premium. For the first owner that may be OK, but it makes cars less attractive used.

[@ohadparan2853]

That shopper does exist and that person is me. I’ve been holding off on buying a Mazda 3 when I heard there was going to be a turbo. I should be specific: that shopper is my wife. The lease ran out on her Mini Cooper and we are able to squeak by on one car because we work from home during COVID-19. We could not find a BMW 228 or an Audi A3 with all the safety features and style this has for under 45k. Further, these are not selling well and they will sell at MSRP and the lease deals are good. The 3 is for the discerning shopper. It’s an elegant machine that looks far more expensive than the price and 250hp makes it more powerful than a Cooper JCW for a lot less money.

[@ColJonSquall1]

as much as I like Mazda's thinking for vehicle characteristics, I only wish their exterior design for the SUVs/Crossovers weren't a bubble. If we could get a more boxy design with Mazda's drive trains, I'd be happy to buy one. Love their interiors though.

[@2thumbsup247]

I have this car! My dealer said I was the first in my state to get one!

[@caydn2]

How do you like it so far? I’ve been waiting since August but I get my car end of this month

[@2thumbsup247]

@@caydn2 I love it. Nice and comfortable. It's peppy to say the least and handles pretty well for having a torsion beam rear suspension. No drama either when you feel like doing some spirited driving.

[@caydn2]

@@2thumbsup247 I can’t wait to get mine!!

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

In today's market and what many buyers seem to want in a "compact" vehicle, the CX-30 with a turbo is going to be the more popular choice. If you want/need a four-door car with decent back seat room and useful cargo capacity the CX-30 gets you a Mazda3 experience with more all around function. My only complaint is that you can't get the CX without the black plastic cladding. I do expect you will have a positive review about driving the turbo Mazda3 later this month. But if I lived in Europe I'd rather have a Focus RS. Too bad & sad Ford won't sell it here.. 🙂

[@alwaysiyi272]

I dont know if it's only me but I'm a sucker for LED taillights both front and back, I think it really elevates the looks of the car and only the Mazda 3 hatch and corolla hatch have those , not related to the car in particular but I just felt like saying it lol

[@nattga]

Not in love with the look anymore but I love the combination of usability, powertrain, and cost. But I do wish Mazda had more color choices coz I miss the British racing green seen on Miata.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Being a GTI owner I'm partial to hatches like this. And having owned 4 Mazdas over the years I'm inclined to pull for the brand when appropriate. Unfortunately, simply cramming Mazda's ubiquitous 2.5L turbo and long-in-the-tooth six speed transmission into the Mazda3 hatch isn't going to cure the problems Mazda has in selling vehicles. And that includes the Mazda3 where sales have dropped 38% in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to last year.

[@steeltwistercoaster]

This is the only car you can get adaptive cruise on lower trims, so that seals the deal for me

[@VPoje]

I bought one, a sedan! They arrive in Quebec in December. Btw i was looking at a Cadillac CT4 or a Genesis G70 with the base engine and imo the 3 turbo has more value.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, Mazda is famous for their manual transmissions yet their top Mazda 3 is automatic only. The torsion beam rear suspension is a terminal defect in a sport compact. #TorsionBeanCounters

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

NO it isn't, there are many great handling cars with rear torsion beam, Peugeot GTi with 27hp comes to mind, and the current FWD champ at the Nürburgring, the Renault Megane RS Trophy (yes, faster than the Civic Type R) has a rear torsion beam, in terms of pure handling a well designed and tuned torsion beam is no drawback.

[@bw6415]

You couldn’t be more wrong. Our Mazda 3 hatchback rode better and handled better than the older 3’s with independent rear suspensions. We’ve owned GTI’s and A Golf R and I felt the Mazda handle just as well as they did. Torsion beams do not mean bad handling.

[@tednugent1100]

Didn't this gen of Mazda 3 have a manual option in the top level trim? Did they axe that for 2021?

[@mpg65]

@@tednugent1100 it still is offered on the premium hatch non turbo

[@panzer_TZ]

@@bw6415 I second this. I went from the IRS 2018 Mazda6 to a 2020 CX-30; it rides and handles noticeably better(especially in terms of NVH) even on rough pavement. I consider the new platform and suspension a substantial upgrade all-around. I went into the CX-30 test drive very skeptical, for what it's worth.

[@yoink7806]

truthfully, i was cross shopping a used gla and a Mazda3 and chose the gla because of the horsepower benefit. this proposition isn't as odd as you think

[@johnmetermaid]

You mentioned it reminds you of the Lexus , for me it actually reminds me of the last generation Volvo V60, which I own.

[@westnash]

Agree Alex, I dont understand why Mazda, Toyota, and others just dont copy the styling of the GTI which is the most perfect hatch there is. If the Japanese took the German GTI looks and performance and Japanese reliability and pricing instead of an oddball Mazda hatch that wont sell or a Toyota Corolla hatch with no performance they would have something to brag about.

[@darrell9616]

I agree with all of your points Alex. At this price point, this car is just missing some details. This car's black interior is missing contrasting stitching, for example. They did add a heated steering wheel, which is a plus. However, they should have done a little more to differentiate this from the non-turbo model IMO. Even a 4-way power passenger seat would have been great. I really don't see this as a strong seller.

[@rdm925]

I'm a fan of Mazda and have in the past and do own several Mazda's. I currently have a 2019 CX-5 Signature. This is a good looking car. The only flaw IMO is the rear quarter panel looks too thick and the rear window is too small and it's beltline should be lower. But Mazda makes great cars. It's the reliable and Japanese alternative to say BMW.

[@Eric-rr3zd]

Personally I think the hatch looks awesome

[@oseriduunsaratram6869]

I took the anniversary edition out for a test drive yesterday, and I must say the thing is absolutely fantastic. The power is great, the handling is exactly what you would expect out of a mazda. I look forward to then getting the color combo in stock that I want.. (likely december according to my dealer). While this isn't a speed3, it sure feels like it could have passed for one.

[@junlee7763]

I cross shopped with Mazda 3 and Honda sedans such as Accord and Civic. I personally liked Mazda more on price and refinement, but Mazda 3 were not opted to carry young kids on back seat.

[@johnleslie9493]

That CX-30 is a real looker! With the turbo it’ll be a mover too. Looking forward to the AoA review of that beauty!

[@pj8761]

Alex, strangely enough I am shopping both the Mazda 3 turbo and the Audi A3. Almost every Mazda 3 review says the interior is "Audi-esque", so I'm thinking, why not just get an Audi. End of the model year, and end of the current model generation means they are currently heavily discounted. As far as the hatchback, it looks weird to me, and I normally like hatchbacks. I haven't driven it myself, but almost all hatchback reviews talk about horrible rear visibility/blind spots. Price/value proposition seems questionable. Any car at this price should have full power seats as well as ventilated seats. When driving impressions are available, I think it will be found that the VW GTI will drive better overall, despite looking underpowered by comparison; at least on paper. Lowest trim turbo Sedan at $29.5 msrp seems like the way to go with this car. Will be test driving one as soon as they arrive at my local dealer.

[@elusivellama]

I loved the look of the hatch before they refreshed it for 2019, but I did not like the body line on the sides. It was too disjointed and didn't seem to go anywhere. The new body style may have a thicker C pillar, but I think it looks a lot more solid and planted. The body line running just above the side skirts is better executed and only rises slightly towards the rear and joins up with the rear bumper. I have no issues with it, I think it looks very attractive. It's also not a stretch to say it is aiming at the BMW 228i, because the FWD 2 series is about as far from BMW as you can get, minus the badging.

[@barrycraig1675]

I forgot to mention I love Mazda’s. I have 3 different models. The sedan 3, hatch 3, and cx5. Very happy with them, but I want the turbo models!

[@stapletonwill]

I test drove the new turbo 3 yesterday when it arrived on the lot. It sounds amazing, definitely more confident than the NA version.It doesn't quite feel like 320 torque but maybe it needs to be broken in first.

[@junlee7763]

just out of curiosity, did Mazda ever offered Mazdaspeed with automatic transmission??

[@martingriggs9865]

No

[@RaduB.]

Artistically the hatchback is more refined but the sedan is more aerodynamic. Moreover in wet conditions you'll have a cleaner rear window on the sedan. I like the hatch but I would choose the sedan.

[@kickerbeat]

I’m a bit torn on Mazda. I owned a 2005 Mazda6 back in the day and adored everything about that car. Lately I’ve enjoyed their style and interiors but they seem a bit confused on the direction they are trying to go. Are they an entry luxury brand? Sporty brand? They aren’t really either if you look at the details.

[@johnferrier2803]

I’d delete the chin spoiler. It detracts from the beautiful front end styling. My guess with the spoiler you’d be repairing it every time your hit a concrete parking lot limiter.

[@Terminator_T-X3]

I like the sedan more than the hatchback, the sedan reminds me of the MX-5 with its backend.

[@qaisbahadur3671]

Thank you for finally showing the back up camera

[@richarddecicco3288]

Once I heard "no ventilated seats" I stopped watching. That is a must for me...Love your Video's Alex

[@Jontae4288]

I love mine in gray with the red interior turbo wasn’t available when I got it though

[@Tigerex966]

Yaris turbo civic r turbo gti turbo. All have independent rear suspension limited slip adjustable dampers zoom zoom. Mazda lacks the zoom zoom.

[@peterjordan2738]

CZ-30 will blow out the hatch....better looking vehicle for sure.

[@felixli5279]

This Mazda3 variant is clearly positioned somewhere between a GTI and a Golf R in the market. U.S. MSRPs for auto equipped base trims of GTI vs 3 Turbo AWD vs Golf R: 29,395 vs 30,900 vs 41,495(MY2019) Torque lb-ft: 258 vs 320(310 on 87 gas) vs 280 hp: 228 vs 250(227 on 87 gas) vs 288 In simple layman terms, this Mazda combines GTI price+horsepower level with Golf R traction+torque level while unlike the VWs, capable to avoid premium gas if desired. If folks here focus their complain on the ridiculously loaded & accessorized Mazda3 trims at 35k or 40k, they must have forgotten about the fully loaded GTI trims do exist beyond MSRP 37,000..

[@AbeYousef]

Yeah people are crazy. I see this as a GTI/R that could actually be owned for a long time. I only wish it came with thicker, stickier tires that would give insane levels of grip to the car

[@TheAdventureAuto]

I would much rather spend $30k on something like this than a bmw, acura, cadillac, or mercedes. It will actually grab attention and stand out on the road.

[@troytruong8246]

Agreed!

[@4uanC]

Would those have the same type of a reliability as the Mazda3 though? 🤔

[@TheAdventureAuto]

@@4uanC I'm sure Mazda will come out ahead of the others, but mainly will be cheaper to fix if something goes wrong.

[@troytruong8246]

@@4uanC remember. Cheap entry luxury cars like mb cla or gla or bmw 3series or x1 x2 will not last. It is made of cheap parts. Thats why it is cheap for a reason. The design is ugly as hell too. The mb cla has a traditional halogen headlights. These cars are a joke. A accord or camry is 10x better in every way.

[@Yoomaro]

@@troytruong8246 AGREED

[@peterjordan2738]

Alex, please tell me that the non-turbo engine has enough get up and go rather than spend more $$$s for the turbo.

[@birkof1886]

Hey Alex , great Vlog as usual ! Very clear and detailed. What about the Miata MX5 2021 ? Any rumors about launch date ? Are gonna be differences or any improvements form 2020 model ? ( besides the 100 anniversary model of course ) Looking forward to MX5 2021 Vlog !!

[@dfberry]

They will be -- as will ALL cars -- be "cross-shopped" -- and I like your thought that an Acura comparison is maybe a closer one -- and I like your thought that maybe Mazda is creating their own "category" -- after all, they produced the Miata (uh, MX-5) !

[@B-rad1]

If I were in the market for a compact luxury car I would definitely pick this over an Acura ILX A-Spec, Mercedes A Class, BMW 2 Series GC, or Lexus IS. It'd be a toss up against a Cooper S though...

[@Siggfuggggg2000]

this thing has some seriously competitive hp and tq numbers

[@danielsaucedo5863]

How can this car have so much potential yet fall so flat. A civic SI rival is all we needed, something simple and relatively cheap. A 200hp turbo that is easily tunable in the aftermarket is good enough. And a manual FFS.

[@AbeYousef]

Uhh this was never meant to be a tuner car. Mazdas have never really been tuner cars beyond the miata/rx7. This engine has not been tuned as far as I know, and people couldn't even turbo the engine it's based on.

[@danielsaucedo5863]

@@AbeYousef I’d say they have a good history of making tuner friendly cars, it’s only recently things have gone a different direction. A return to form would of been nice.

[@ShafinRehman]

Mazda has become the most premium mainstream Japanese brand. For the same money, it makes a Toyota feel cheap and old, even some Hondas.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Zoom zoom zoom, indeed

[@Argedis]

I've owned my 2014 Mazda 3 for 5 years now and has been extremely reliable. I love it and made me love the Mazda brand. However, as much as I like Mazda I couldn't justify the $35k price tag. For that amount of money I would rather get a Camry V6. Even their own Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve with the same 2.5T has a MSRP or $33k and I see them listed for $28k. The Mazda 6 Signature with the Nappa Leather and Genuine Wood Trim is only $1k more than the 3 at $36k and I see one selling on Autotrader in my area for $30k. The current gen Mazda 3's on the other hand barely get marked down.

[@MrDefining]

It's a Subaru WRX for grownups--I love it!

[@easternyellowjacket276]

I did not like the look of the Mazda 3 Hatch upon its release. With time, I believe it is absolutely stunning.

[@xchazz86]

This car is claustrophobic.

[@releM15]

You reviewed this car with all your negative feelings in mind. You did not keep an open mind to this and for that I rate this review a 6 out of 10

[@lunasky5635]

I am so glad i saw this. Did not realize the sedan is longer than the hatchback. I like the looks of the sedan more than the hatch, but the sedan is a tad too long for my driveway. Concerned about blindspots with the hatchback. Want the turbo. When, oh when will they be available? But it seems like it costs $8k extra. Not sure i will go that high. Will now give the CX 30 another look. Thanks, Alex. Good review

[@xavierp0nce]

To some this may not be as important, but to me that infotainment is a deal breaker. I don't know why Mazda refused to go the touchscreen route, or at least use both. Especially now with Apple CarPlay, it just works SO much better with a touchscreen. I find it far more distracting having to use a dial or physical buttons.

[@upsbear]

I think the hatchback is beautiful. But I will buy the Corolla hatchback, because I want my car to last 20 years

[@cyrilthomas9730]

According to Mazda's philosophy, Buick is the biggest competitor... They are 'premium', but not full 'luxury'...

[@plightn]

I think that maintenance will also be in the more affordable range than a bmw 228i or lexus.