Hyundai i30 v Mazda 3 v Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Best Small Car | Drive Car of the Year 2021

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00:00 Introduction
01:15 Pricing & Specification
03:55 Interiors
06:33 Handling & Performance
07:59 Conclusion
#Drive #Caroftheyear2021 #SmallCar
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[@lamborghini0610]

The Corolla infotainment system, is truly horrific.

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Mazda wins for me, stunning design and interior!

[@mikuelable]

Mazda all day no cvt

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

Right? In person it makes a Mercedes a class feel like a Mazda 3

[@mharro88]

@@mikuelable it's the slowest

[@mikuelable]

@@mharro88 no one is buying a eco car for speed

[@mharro88]

@@mikuelable the other two just have more guts. The Mazda 3 we get in Australia is weak for what they call sporty?

[@TheDude50447]

As a Mazda 3 owner I can say that the infotainment system is just very different from others today. Biggest difference is no touchscreen and the positioning more in the drivers field of view. Its not overloaded with options and graphics. Its purely designed to not distract the driver as much as possible. The rotary control and the few buttons around it never change position unlike in touchscreens and become muscle memory and easy to use without looking at what youre doing very quickly. Its just a different take than what other manufacturers do. The only thing thats annoying is typing into the navigation with the rotary controls :/

[@brendantaylor2623]

Do you find your aircon sometimes pumps out non air-conditioned air? It'll work perfectly then for say 10-15 seconds, it's just normal temp air

[@TheDude50447]

@@brendantaylor2623 last summer i had to turn it off during a long Trip cause my throat had completely dried out. I think mine is working. But what i know from other Devices is that they just know on and off. So the aircon might work until it reaches your settings. Then turns off until it gets hotter again then turns back on and on and on. Thats what my fridge does for example

[@mharro88]

@@brendantaylor2623 it's crap

[@brendantaylor2623]

@@mharro88 Yeah, I ended up trading the car because of this issue.

[@mharro88]

@@brendantaylor2623 you traded it just because of the aircon.

[@johnceragioli9671]

I tested all three of these and the decision was quite easy here in America. Voting with my money, I purchased a Mazda 3 5 Door hatchback, AWD Premium Package.

[@danielrenault]

Excellent choice

[@johnceragioli9671]

@@danielrenault Thanks, Yes it was. I’m averaging over 31 mpg, the car is as comfortable as any I’ve ever driven and has all the amenities I could want.

[@parnpichate]

I just bought a 2024 Mazda 3 HB 6-speed manual and I love it! The exterior design is beautiful and the interior feels like a luxury vehicle. Nicest car I've owned.

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

That pathetic boot should be an instant fail for the Corolla

[@basecamper7504]

Can’t believe the judges thought the Corolla interior was the benchmark and overall better car. What are their daily drivers? A horse and cart?

[@owenharm1524]

I agree corolla interior was crap

[@brickmissing8295]

Agree - Toyota interiors look and feel cheap and nasty. From the plastics to the switchgear - cheap cheap cheap. The Mazda walks this on interior build quality.

[@rapfan97]

So.. the i30 is the most practical.. the mazda the best driving one and the most premium and the corolla wins because… ah it‘s a hybrid good choice

[@rowanmckeever7347]

I mean you literally said it has a tiny boot, a cramped back seat and was okay to drive, but the Corolla wins the segment because it has a hybrid option? The 3 has a hybrid option but that didn't help IT!? You also told us the i30 has a great interior (save for some hard plastics, which BTW all small cars have to a greater or lesser extent), drives really well and has the best boot, but somehow that doesn't add up to beat the Corolla. I'm sorry, but as far as this category and the large car where the Camry won because of its hybrid option, you just seem far too blinded by that one factor and can't see the broader value equation...

[@alfreddeneumann]

Corolla? Really? For me it's the Mazda with the i30 a very close second. Love the Mazda looks and interior

[@bobberry1463]

I feel like the hybrid is kinda cheating the only reason it won cause it get way better almost double mpg than the other 2 since it a hybrid.

[@69memnon69]

These guys must have been paid to make the gutless Toyota the winner. The most insulting part is that they actually expect people to believe that the Toyota has the best interior. Talk about being out of touch, I can see why all of the original car advice people left.

[@limelight777]

🤣 jab money in car advice...could be true!👍

[@sequentialgear]

I stopped watching the video when they said the corolla's interior was the benchmark in the class. Get out of the mazda 3 and every other car will feel like any other rental car special inside.

[@somabalogh5135]

Mazda in and out is in a different league.

[@pillred5974]

Surprised they even compared it to the other two cars, as you say it's a different class altogether.

[@mharro88]

@@pillred5974 it drives worse than the other two. It's weak

[@pillred5974]

@@mharro88 Have you ever actually driven one yourself? I have an 2021 e skyactiv x 186hp version and believe me you would not say it drove weak, 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds weak? every test compliments it on it's blend of comfort and good handling not sure where you get your information from. What are you a Toyota owner? and by the way I have also owned an i 30 Hyundai as well so am in a very good position to comment the Mazda is in a different class the other two are ok but the interiors are vastly inferior in every way oh and did I mention I average over 50mpg try getting that in an I 30. and the more powerful Toyota corolla will certainly not average that either I have seen 63mpg after a 40 mile motorway run, figures the other two could only dream of.

[@mharro88]

@@pillred5974 I live in australia , we dont get the turbo here. i literally owned the 2.5L non turbo. i sold my 2019 astina for a hyundai n-line premium sedan this year which although not as refined is a hell of a lot quicker and fun to drive. I'd buy a mazda 3 turbo AWD in minutes if they brought them here. I prefer the i30 nline premium sedan interior over the mazda 3 as well, its more modern and more tech.

[@pillred5974]

@@mharro88 More tech what would that be? mine has just about everything you could ever want Apple car play Android auto just about every safety feature that has ever been invented I have looked online at the performance figures for your car and unless you have the I30n fastback it's figures on performance are very similar to mine so I'm not sure where you get the slower from. each to their own but just about every test online or on you tube says the Mazda 3 s interior is at least on a par with Mercedes or VW. the new I30 sedan Is a nice looking car I will give you that. my engine is very different to the one found in your old 2.5L Astina the same power but vastly better on fuel as it is a revolutionary design petrol smoothness with diesel like economy. I'm not sure whether you get that engine in Australia and yes it's a shame we don't get the Turbo here either.

[@Alpha_7227]

Would love to have seen a comment on comparing their aeb, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist capabilities. Also wondering how the Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza stacked up or weren't they assessed at all.

[@scottedwards948]

Rubbish decision , boring car and hybrid isn’t everything that you are trying to sell to everyone ..

[@MLife1972]

I appreciate the video, but you didn't really say why you picked the Corolla (other than the fact it's a hybrid). I'm sorry but the Corolla interior is dire. I went to go for a test drive, but the dark roof lining, and enormous front seats made the car feel claustrophic. The infotainment screen is a big, thick slab from ten years ago. The i30, on the other hand, felt like a much higher quality car and felt spacious inside.

[@topcat9852]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I thought sitting in the a Toyota in all respects was streets ahead. More from the outside

[@MLife1972]

@@topcat9852 you are correct. looks are definitely subjective. i'm sure the corolla is impressively made, and if i didn't need the back seat regularly, it would be an ok choice. But i like a lot of glass, so the i30 and VW Golf get the tick because of their larger windows.

[@barrymiscampbell6547]

I agree with other comments that Toyota must have paid for the review. I own a Mazda 3 sedan and have driven the Corolla many times. The only thing in common is both have 4 wheels. Cannot comment on the I30.

[@babisotonggg]

Corolla seriously? That boot is darn rubbish

[@autorelations3357]

I've driven both the corolla hybrid and the Mazda3 and the Mazda is in a totally different league. It's right up there with the A Class, but the corolla is stuck in 2015.

[@yakidin63]

Rubbish. The Corolla from 2015 is a different build entirely with far less safety and handling features.

[@robbawden9855]

And might I say the implementation of the CVT (apparently using a system called "d stepping") is much better in 2021 as well. Although still not perfect the 2021 CVT system is streets ahead without that annoying engine rev when accelerating with even a little vigor. Obvious things like the info/entertainment system and safety features are a vast improvement in 2021 but the harsh plastics of the interior make it the same undesirable place to sit in on long trips.

[@modiespace5617]

😂😂😂

[@leemace9638]

Why people buy SUVs I will never understand id rather an estate car or a hatchback any day of the week

[@leewe2015]

people are marketing victims

[@jaspreetsidhu5708]

Pay more, get worse mileage, worse driving experience. Only benefits would be higher ride height and slightly safer.

[@douglasyong6939]

A hybrid should be a different category perhaps, such as plug-in/non plug-in, petrol/diesel, ev, etc. Imo

[@familyTran-wf2eu]

Picking up the corolla hatchback GR Sport, 2.0L hybrid, bi-tone

[@Peter-vn8ue]

Car Advice/ Drive, You do realize Toyota makes a non-hybrid version of the Corolla, perhaps this would have given the whole review a different outcome?

[@kTSWaynos]

I would of for sure the wheezy 2L and CVT is horrible compared to the other 2

[@Clove_Parma]

The fact that you folks expect ANYONE to buy that the Corrola has the best interior of the three is a total joke. Corrola has a screen straight from 2014 and no rear air vents, something that I find very strange for you to refrain from highlighting in an AUSTRALIAN car comparison considering our summer temperatures. I'd easily choose a Mazda 3, i30 or hell even a pre facelift Cerato, let alone the new model over a Corrola

[@eyecontrol4900]

which is the best in the manual?

[@lodersracing]

The Mazda is on another level

[@mharro88]

It's weak

[@davidrome6066]

Mazda all the way in looks comfort and you can get a proper gearbox 6spd manual that matches well with the 2.5ltr

[@parnpichate]

Just bought the manual and I'm in love with the car.

[@gregamarinic7214]

This decision was made only to promote hybrid cars in Australia. Lets be honest nothing can come close to the inside and outside looks of the mazda 3 and not to forget about the driving experience. i bet people dont buy this types of cars for boot space lol.

[@davidrome6066]

I love my Astina hatch and it's silky smooth 6spd manual that matches so well with the 2.5ltr.

[@barryduff3047]

The Mazda is dated on the inside and dull on the outside. The headlights look ok but by the time they got to designing the rear they obviously lost interest.

[@datguy8296]

*outside looks* mazda 3 hatchback looks ugly af.

[@tonys8243]

All 3 are bulletproof now days just down to personal choice..

[@miguelircontar]

Mazda

[@viraclean]

What about the New 2021 Nissan Sentra ?

[@Bambotb]

Corolla better than 116d bmw1?

[@kTSWaynos]

i30 N-Line range is judges pic yet they show a different model, I haven't driven the 3 but drove the Hybrid Corolla and the N-Line i30 and I know which one wins down. The only thing the Corolla wins in would be the fuel economy, the Corolla infotainment system is horrible, rear leg room and boot space is joke, dynamically it isn't as good as the i30 so I am really trying hard to see how you would pick the Corolla.

[@letsseeif]

This is sponsored. This is therefore one long advertorial

[@limelight777]

Thanks for the video however I do not agreed your pick.🤗

[@somsakulsrisomboorn3344]

Just bought a Corolla hybrid and can't wait to pick it up

[@donutcita4320]

What abt the zr version of Corolla

[@davidmcc6666]

Why not the ZR, mate?

[@jessicamaden707]

❤💚 I love your accent 💚❤

[@lms14]

Love how no one mentions the corolla interior being incredibly intrusive into the passenger's space in the front, especially for tall occupants. That car is an immediate no from me based on that alone.

[@adifferentangle7064]

I'm 6'1 and it's quite comfortable. I can actually sit in the front and fit myself in the back quite comfortably. I can also get exactly the right driving position, which is unusual for a compact. Usually the steering column does not extend enough.

[@camo8768]

I'm 6'3", I agree, I don't fit AT ALL. Couldn't test drive. Very disappointing

[@drjphau1834]

Would pick the Corolla Hybrid But Sedan not the hatch

[@stendecstretcher4983]

Toyota always has the edge especially with longevity.

[@jaspreetsidhu5708]

Mazda is now more reliable than Toyota dethroning them+lexus

[@smok3sho587]

Too bad mazds is right up there with Toyota

[@robbawden9855]

In the last week again I test drove a Hyundai i30 base model hatch, Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport sedan (non-hybrid), the Mazda 3 Evolve sedan and the same Hyundai again. I found none of them particularly horrible to drive in regards to on road feel and none of them exceled over the other. However I not a fan of CVT (all cars are using the same CVT manufacturer from what I am told). The implementation of the technology has improved since it's inception, but it's just not there for me. In this respect I found the i30, on balance the best option, The interior materials of the Corolla are definitely a big turn off compared to Mazda and Hyundai and the Hyundai has rear passenger air venting in the base model which neither of the others do. (Mazda Evolve, The 3's second tier spec does). The better power and torque of the Hyundai motor, (not apparent in the Mazda... and I drive a lot on country roads therefore need assurance that power is in reserve to overtake) and the knowledge that the vehicle has been extensively tuned to Australian conditions got the Hyundai i30 over the line for me.

[@CrunchyTire]

the mazda doesnt use cvt and rear venting is really a non issue imo. We went decades with barely any cars having it yet they all managed to stay hot or cold without any issues. Especially these smaller cars. Its just such a rare occasion of needing backseat vents and if you're putting someone in the back seat, do they really matter that much anyway? Kids? They dont need vents? Granny? She'll be fine. Wife? She can sit up front. I see no problems.

[@joedu7320]

Agreed, hate Toyota CVT, i30 interior quality is better, and driving feel more stable

[@janicesmith5324]

all the cars should be same configuration when testing take out the hybrid toyota replace with non hybrid and do the test again

[@AUKronos]

This smells like a paid video to promote the Corolla lol The Mazda 3 has a far superior exterior/interior as it is clearly going for entry level luxury, it also offers a hybrid option too, so I don't understand how the Corolla has a competitive edge when the Mazda literally has a hybrid option as well. The infotainment is objectively better from an ergonomical standpoint, as the positioning is mounted to the drivers peripherals, and has the knob to make it quicker and safer to navigate. The UI is very simple and I don't know where the criticsm of it not being logical came from. What's not logical about twisting a knob and clicking it to go through menus? Also most people will be using apple carplay/android auto anyway 80% of the time lol This video didn't even go indepth enough to compare each vehicle. Waste of time lol

[@Drivecomau]

Not a paid video Kronos, good points on the exterior/interior they both look and work great. Here is an excerpt from Justin's Mazda3 review talking about the Hybrid system you can read here: www.drive.com.au/reviews/2020-mazda-3-x20-astina-skyactiv-x-m-hybrid-review-2/ By using the phase 'mild hybrid', you're instantly opening up a comparison to Toyota. Given that Toyota's tech has proliferated throughout its range for quite some time now, you're naturally going to get wised-up ex-Toyota hybrid customers rocking up to your dealership expecting something similar. Maybe looking for an upgrade, or something a little stylish, with the same sorts of benefits they're used to. When they realise this isn't the case on a test drive, they'll walk away disgruntled. Even worse, however, is that they buy the car and not get the result they were expecting, and likely causing a worse headache for the brand.

[@mharro88]

The Mazda drives the worst. Shame they didn't bring a turbo

[@smok3sho587]

Toyota interior is a eye sore especially that infotainment screen it looks like a modern car from 2013

[@tirgod100]

what is this i30 s package and engine ?

[@robbawden9855]

Looks like the base model i30 which is just "i30" (used to be i30 Go) because the seats aren't leather as in the Active and the Elite. Curiously wireless phone connection is only in the i30 base model. I found the "hard plastic" comment about the i30 interior to be BS. Sit in the Corolla after the Hyundai and you will soon work that out for yourself.

[@paulosousa1357]

Mazda ! Beautiful design !

[@suphatrachaiyasit7531]

I wonder how much Toyota paid

[@thelordhumngous]

I not a car man..hate washing or spending on them.i bought a new mazda 2 11 years ago..serviced only 3 times treated harshly carry heavy garden stuff 120 000 km and hasnt missed a beat..it goes well on freeway and city...only complaint is the seats give you a sore backside on long trips

[@Nicko_1]

I can’t believe people would subscribe or stay subscribed to this channel after this obviously paid review

[@mushinaiki]

Why didn’t you post the part where you drove the Corolla around 4 up? Did you use 4 welsh coal miners? Or was the front passenger seat so far forward that if the airbag went off it would rip all the skin of the passengers face. It’s not a 4 door car it’s a coupe pretending to have 5 seats........ that’s ok, Toyota have the cheque in the mail......what a joke....

[@bbabak2]

Toyota touring sport has bigger boot space and more leg room for the back seat.

[@bhill252]

No, no. Mazda3 please. And thank you. Not even close. Cheers. 🇨🇦

[@Luciano-IL]

Thank you for the review,but obviously Toyota pay the video...you can't compare Mazda 3 with i 30 and corolla... let be serious....

[@dornierserctajon8094]

The infotainment alone in the Toyota will make me not consider it.. it is an eyesore specially if you drive it daily

[@mantinyu2733]

how much did Toyota pay you guys?

[@Drivecomau]

You can't buy a win at Car of the Year Mantin.

[@LilDropOut21]

Toyota Wins!!!

[@mogol020]

Corolla's small boot = roof cargo bars, bags etc.. = NOT so efficient ...

[@ddindianis]

Surprised at the review. How can Corolla which loses in all aspects, finally wins the race on totally an irrelevant territory (of comparison) named Hybrid! In my opinion, i30 is far better value for money and CX3 for its legacy. Corolla - Yes, if the price is cheaper considering what it really offers.

[@adifferentangle7064]

Both Mazda and Hyundai have a myriad of possible problems, with Hyundai being particularly difficult if you end up with a fairly common manufacturers fault. Mazdas go great until they don't, and their sensors can be literally buggy. As in, you drive through a locust plague and then have to go straight to the dealership. Toyota's hybrid system has been long well established. You will literally not have to change your brake pads or battery in a Toyota hybrid for at least a decade. The interior is incredibly simple, and will still look acceptable in a decade when you go in to get the brakes changed. And of course the resale value will stay much higher than it's contemporaries. If you're only looking at financial value, it's not a competition. And because so many people do only look at financial value, the corolla is still the most sold car in the entire world.

[@rayeedalam2956]

Mazda has a mild hybrid

[@spartanconscience2693]

I would like some excitement in what I drive and the Mazda 3 is the one. The others are great if I were in my late 80's

[@stevek7461]

I drove a Corolla and couldn't believe how cramped it was, so with its below par performance, ridiculously tiny boot places it last for me, I30 second, and VW Mk8 golf miles ahead !

[@adifferentangle7064]

You do you. Just got a corolla ZR hybrid with everything for the Mrs. Fixed price servicing for five years, 5L/100km fuel efficiency, cheap as chips for what it is, and it's a Toyota. Batteries won't need to be changed for at least 12 years, brake pads won't need changing for at least 8 years. I'm 6'1 and can comfortably fit myself behind myself in the car and unlike most other vehicles I can sit in the back without wedging my head under the roof. Boot space is a small sacrifice for what is an unbeatable daily roustabout. When every family has at least two cars sacrificing a bit of boot space in the one you drive the kids to school in isn't a deal breaker.

[@apostolisstefanou4376]

Where is Ford Focus?

[@zippygundoo5852]

Sells less in a year than the others sell in a month. Just not on the radar anymore

[@raymondgoymer1622]

Probably in the rubbish tip.

[@yiiheekean]

Don't do it

[@apostolisstefanou4376]

@@zippygundoo5852 what about kia ceed

[@apostolisstefanou4376]

@@raymondgoymer1622 what about kia ceed

[@aryannair2580]

How come no MK8 Golf, that would be a contender too.

[@zippygundoo5852]

It still has yet to launch in Australia

[@slaavichii1129]

Get 2019+ Toyota Corolla touring wagon hybrid. More room.

[@lukelawrence6007]

Hurry up mk8 golf

[@brianhume4743]

I30 classed as a small car 🚗 you need glasses 🥂 and a tape measure

[@phhuynh9881]

Reliabilty gets me to chosse Toyota

[@tour-pak1751]

After reading all the comments It's obvious these motor journalists are paid off Wheels magazine was the worst at making out how good Mercedes was and in fact there one of the worst over priced junk shitboxes on the Australian market Trust no one and educate yourself as best as you can In my opinion the Hyundai I 30 in the base model is the best choice although the Mazda is very close I just don't like the look of the Mazda If you buy the Toyota you have to own it for 5 years to recoup the extra cost over the standard model The Toyota interior is cheap and nasty Also the Toyota is very underpowered overall with a prissy little boot

[@lukuscannon9697]

Mah Toyota is overrated just saying

[@graemel3069]

The Hyundai Front area and grill Grill look poorly designed like a kid's toy from K-Mart....

[@PrinceofPeace2000]

Toyota? It's ok if you drive like a grandma!

[@barryduff3047]

If you're looking for performance these cars are not what you are after.

[@Lindani_Mvano]

Toyota won the interior battle // dodgy judges 😐

[@syazwannaim5097]

🤦🏻

[@james6969]

The hybrids are unbeatable lol

[@lamborghini0610]

MK8 Golf would walk all over these candidates. Pity it wasn't included.

[@MLife1972]

It's not even on sale. I'm sure it will be up there for next year's awards.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

No it wouldn‘t. A interior full of plastic and a software that doesn‘t work

[@lamborghini0610]

@@hsvcommodore4111 Lol hows your commy going?

[@raymondgoymer1622]

Is this the same vein that tried to exterminate the world population with their BS emission readings?

[@MLife1972]

@@raymondgoymer1622 exterminate the world? Good grief, man.

[@alcovitch]

Really, the Corolla? What an ugly car.

[@dallass8665]

well done toyota hyrids are the best car im a hybrid driver

[@barryduff3047]

Mazda 3 is bland in appearance and dated inside. Hyundai would be second and Corolla first. The hybrid gives it a huge advantage.

[@spacewalktraveller1]

Once you've driven a Hybrid, you'll never want to drive a petrol car again,

[@felix_five]

No one wants a Hyundai

[@robbawden9855]

What an ignorant comment. Hyundai outsells Mazda 3 in Australia two to one at the moment. Corolla is still streets ahead of both brands. Go figure. (I have a soft spot for Toyotas btw.. just not a big fan of Corollas)

[@fazerhomer]

Hahaha ! what a stupid comment !!!

[@kienfung3045]

Mazda