Luxury-spec Mazda 3: better than a BMW? (Mazda 3 G25 Astina 2023 review)

[@TheEntelexia]

I love my Mazda 3. It definitely punches above it's weight. The real leather seats really make it feel so much more special. Would recommend this car to everyone.

[@User-cb4jm]

The seats are great, though the “leather” is average (we have an Astina sedan). Short of optioned Nappa or aniline seats in a Porsche, “leather” seats in a mainstream car are plastic coated for easy maintenance and won’t be as nice as what you can get for home furniture/bags/shoes. And the bolsters and headrests are pure synthetic “Maztex” as it states in the brochure. They’re great perforated seats (would like to see seat ventilation like a Cerato/i30) but I’m under no illusions about the material.

[@alisonodonnell7832]

I have owned this model car for almost 2 years now and I still love it as much as I did when I took it out of the showroom. I bought the sedan as it has a large boot. The G25 engine is economical but punchy. My husband still comments that "it is a beautiful car" and he does not compliment cars very often! My Mazda 3 is a pleasure to drive and I actually feel like this will still be a beautiful car in another 5 years. I highly recommend it - well worth the money.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

I bought almost this exact car, but with the manual transmission and the red interior. Agree with absolutely everything you point out about this car. A couple of key points that I've found over time: - Absolutely get the manual if you can. It's a beauty - and it pairs really, really well with the naturally aspirated engine, which needs to rev to get the most out of it. You can change gears with just a finger - it's fantastic. The only pain in the arse with the manual is that the iStop engine turn-off feature can make you stall a few times until you get wary of it. - Mazda also offers the manual with the full suite of driver safety features, including adaptive cruise. Take note, Subaru. - It's a great car, but it's not as comfortable or as plush as others - either in ride or seat comfort. If you're after the sharp looks and great equipment levels, but with a more comfortable driving experience, seriously consider an i30 sedan. - Heads up display is a really underrated feature. I barely look at the dials now. - The interior is just a knockout. So, so good. Feels special on every drive. - That high beltline looks fantastic, but you need to be extremely careful to set your mirrors up well every drive, and if you have carsick kids, it's probably a no-go - consider the sedan. - The car does corner well - really controlled, sits beautifully flat and it takes a fair bit of speed to scrub the tyres wide. - The engine is good. It's not the iron-fist-velvet-glove of Kia/Hyundai's 1.6L turbocharged pocket rocket, but it's still fast enough and loves to rev. - The lack of a touchscreen can be painful when using Apple Carplay, but I have to admit it's nice to have buttons/knobs for safety. I find touchscreens incredibly fiddly over less than stellar roads. - It is reasonably cozy inside, but I quite like that feeling and as I’m 5’7 I don’t particularly need the space.

[@User-cb4jm]

Good notes, in reference to the i30 sedan, if I’m not mistaken, all the Mazdas fall in between the cushiness of the base i30 and the firmness of the N Lines. If anything, I appreciate how Mazda has given us the warm 2.5L option over the past decade without pairing it to an overly firm sports suspension that doesn’t fare well on our rough roads. I think they’ve picked a good middle ground IMO. I have to agree, the clarity of the head up display, to the metal buttons on the (heated) steering wheel. Material quality is excellent. I have a previous gen SP25 GT and my dad a G25 Astina. Both automatic sedans. Some things I miss from the old generation are the airiness of the cabin, better visibility + larger mirrors, more headroom (not helped by the Astina’s sunroof I guess) and being able to get in easily without bashing my knee on the steering wheel. Cozy becomes cramped pretty quickly and I’m just under 6ft. I wonder if the i30 N Line sedan would be a better upgrade path for me. On one hand it’s roomier, more techy and with a punchier turbo engine. But I think the current Mazda looks more elegant, has better NVH, better interior fit and finish, a comfier ride, a smoother TC auto plus I’m not entirely sold on the engineering issues with many Hyundai/Kia engines that aren’t exactly a thing of the past and still apply to new models being sold today. The SkyActiv G series petrol engines though have basically been faultless as a Corolla engine.

[@khelgarironfist3301]

Small windows are really my biggest gripe with the 3 and the CX-30 by a wide margin.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@khelgarironfist3301 totally fair. If you like a big, airy glasshouse, this is not your car.

[@csjrogerson2377]

@@khelgarironfist3301 I agree. I don't like the arse end of the 3. Looks like Quasimodo and the rear seats feel like a prison.

[@csjrogerson2377]

@@jeremybean-hodges6397 A big airy glasshouse would be a bus. The rear in the 3 is awful. The sloping roof and the tiny windows make it claustrophobic. That and the lack of a turbo diesel made by buy the Mazda 2 D.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

I have 2020 G25 GT with the vision pack. It’s done 56k. It is the best car I have ever owned hands down. I would say it is better finished than my parents Mercedes Benz A class.

[@nobass_stub1394]

That's a glowing & comforting thought.

[@doctordryan]

Love what Mazda does, our Mazda 3 has been going strong for a long time and never misses beat. Great review.

[@sanjaysivarajasingam5639]

My wife needed a sedan back in 2021 and I did some research and found the Mazda 3. We got the G20 Touring and have never looked back since. Its such a solid car, beautiful design, interior probably the best in its class and my personal favourite the SkyActive G engine: it feels and sounds so good!

[@aygeeninty771]

I've got one of these in 2019 when car got released. Perfect in terms of reliability and no rattles. It has 72k on dial now and a pleasure to drive. Negatives are weak paint, keyless entry is crap, piano black near shifter scratches easy and the radar cruise which is frankly a hazard on the busy M5.

[@alanperrego4720]

I bought a 2023 in November and your comments are spot on. I can only use the radar cruise on long straightaways. And the key fob is still crap. But these are minor grievances. I’m glad to hear your car is holding up well. I love mine and plan to have it a long time

[@michaelostertag3424]

Where are the current problems with the Mazda3 Keyless Entry System?

[@digitaldoc100]

The paint is weak across the Mazda line. I would also like to see the piano black for the interior replaced with something textured, like a fake carbon fiber. It is impossible to clean!

[@alanperrego4720]

@@michaelostertag3424 You have to be pretty close to the car for it to work. Closer than any other car I have had. And the car is supposed to lock automatically when you walk away but sometimes it doesn’t which makes the feature kind of worthless. Not a big to me. The important stuff works great so far

[@alanperrego4720]

@@digitaldoc100 agreed

[@raveracer_9740]

Coming up on three years with my manual Polymetal over Burgundy and still feeling it like the day I got it

[@nealmonteko491]

Same exact car, hatch, 60 K miles of smiles. Great car.

[@raveracer_9740]

@@nealmonteko491 And now irreplaceable with manuals no longer being an option

[@stevenswann2835]

We have an identical Astina and agree with everything you say. Easily competes with the Germans on refinement and beats them on price, value and reliability/durability. Such an enjoyable drive, too.

[@bun5320]

Cope - I’ve owned a Mazda and BMW and the BMW is vastly superior in almost every single factor

[@phillippereira6468]

​@@bun5320correct superior, failures, superior cost of maintenance, superior price Mark up and superior failures rates with long term ownership

[@davidrome6066]

I’ve owned my manual Astina hatch since Aug 2019 and still love. The infotainment using the dial is so easy and the heads up display is great. The 2.5 mated to the silky smooth 6spd manual is awesome. I can return on highway economy down to 5.8-6.1L/100km. As I use the car just for me it has plenty of room. Those c-pillars for some might be intrusive but use your mirrors know what it’s in your blind spots and also you get blind spot monitoring. I purchased Polymetal Grey with the red leather as I felt the black was a bit dark and a touch claustrophobic. Great review

[@garyk8285]

How's the paint going? no stone chips? (has been an issue on some) I like that grey colour... I wish I could get it in manual...

[@davidrome6066]

@@garyk8285 I have a few as I live in Orange so a lot of my ks are around the Central West.

[@mr.knight1359]

i love mazda 3 cause it gives you some luxury daily driver stuff but in a hatchback and small size form. which is exactly what i want. cause most of times you have to step up to bigger size cars if you want those interior stuff

[@jeremypearson6852]

I’m still driving my 2005 Mazda 3 and loving it. It doesn’t have Bluetooth or any cameras, but I still get to enjoy the leather seats and sunroof. Probably the best car I’ve ever owned. An expat watching in Florida.

[@Bmontepeque11]

As the normal man that I am, this is my dream daily car ❤️ I don't know if it's better than every BMW but I prefer this Mazda over most BMWs, and on top of that you tell me this is cheaper and realiable? (Unlike BMWs), it's a no brainer in my mind ❤️

[@blessedbutmiserable]

just bought an astina hatch and have been driving it around today! loving it so far. to my surprise the screen is actually a touchscreen, but by default it is only accessible when the car is parked. there is an option in the settings to make the screen a touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay (probably Android Auto as well) when you are driving. have fun!

[@lclutchl_bladez2277]

Recently sold my 2019 Mazda 3 Astina (Auto, Blue Mica Metallic). Such a beautiful car. The ride could be a bit harsh on some bumps, but I put that down to the low-profile tires. Practicality was just awesome, I fit 16 Rolls of Turf in the back (the rear was squatting quite a bit). I will say that the rear door-ways were quite low-profile, so many passengers would nearly bump their heads on the way in and out, if they were not familiar.

[@sidjyothi]

The Toyo proxes are strictly ok. Put on a set of Michelin pilot sport 4s and this thing comes alive. And that gearbox is just awesome

[@richierich087]

Some people might call me crazy, but I cancelled my order for a new Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan and instead ordered a new Mazda 3 G25 GT Hatch. A few reasons were the idea that the hybrid battery degrades over time resulting in reduced driving range, the kw output of the Hybrid is a combined figure of both the engine and battery working together, which will no doubt be lacking in power when driving up a continuous steep hill (e.g. driving up the Toowoomba Bypass), price increases on the Toyota and the budget looking interior. The CVT transmission on the Hybrid was also a determining factor. The Mazda feels like a more premium car with a leather interior and more powerful too. I'm looking forward to getting my new Mazda. Zoom Zoom!

[@tacipotti7289]

You wont regret It!

[@sch-corp]

If only Mazda would bring the turbo version here.

[@lukelarrea7605]

Totally agree. I have this model, it drives really very well indeed, but the power is a bit "meh". I am sure the turbo version would bring out the colours nicely.

[@adrianbarber5245]

Just collected my new G25 GT manual hatch six days ago. Loving it. Didn't want a sunroof and you can't have the 360 degree option with a manual for some reason which means you miss out on front parking sensors. A serious omission compared to my Vitara wagon. In regard to a comment below the GT model does not get Bose. Platinum Quartz Metallic paint is attracting lots of comments. Personally I prefer the centre console rotary screen controller. Rear vision is surprisingly good given bulky C panels. Manual 6 speed it a sweet changer. Gear change indicator in the centre speedo panel is a novel idea - similar to a modern motor cycle. Threw the boot cover thingo away - just makes loading a pain. Comprehensive insurance cost was quite reasonable for this crash-free old bloke with the South Oz RAA. Turned lane keeping Off. I hate those jiggly steering wheels - scare the crap out of me - more distracting than safety.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

In the Astina, you do get all those sensors with the manual.

[@ChannelTwentyTwo]

Nice video. I got myself a brand new 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Astina Hatch red interior in Polymetal Grey with the Kuroi Kit and welcome illumination. Legit so happy with it, sickest car. All of the tech is awesome like the adaptive LED headlights, 360 camera, sunroof, etc etc. The list goes on and on. And it feels as luxurious as a Merc/Audi etc. Toyota Honda Hyundai Kia etc have never brought out a car this beautiful. Only thing I hate is iStop - it is utterly useless, I can't even sit still for a minute at the lights before the engine automatically kicks on. So I turn it off routinely before every drive. It was just added as a feature to help Mazda reach some european emissions thingy.

[@beeraiii8449]

Picking my g25 evolve sp end of this week, super excited! I didn't go the leather seats as after a few years they actually tend to look very old and somewhat gross. But if you're someone who changes their car every now and then I guess it's not much of an issue. Good review!

[@glenntankard2534]

You have chosen well, I have a 2022 evolve sp now done 8k without any major issues. I am handicapped so I chose the $ 1.5k vision technology, it's great. One minor issue is the auto rain sensing wipers in heavy rain driving at speeds on M1 in traffic- just be careful as it can be a bit "hairy". I don't know if there is an option to speed them up but I'll probably find out at 10k service. I've also had a bit of Toyo tyre slip " gunning it" off the mark in the wet (trying stupidly to hoon ) Overall it's a real winner with loads of driver comforts and a real turn of speed for passing b-doubles and road trains safely.

[@beeraiii8449]

@@glenntankard2534 Any other issues to note of?

[@glenntankard2534]

My wife hit a kerb at 60kmh and damaged the front passenger side tyre .... bugger it had to be replaced at $299, but that can happen in any car I guess. I strongly recommend applying a ceramic wax as soon as you get it home. I researched them and best choice from all reviews was Griots 3 in 1 (USA)

[@bauboni]

The sweet spot is the 2L Touring grade, leather + electric seats plus a lot of tech. Compared to this Astina, it misses the sunroof / Bose system and bigger engine, but costs almost 10k less...

[@nimbera7680]

You are exactly right and hence I went for the g20 evolve coz didn’t need leather seats

[@Shambles7698]

Very underrated car ❤

[@ianteh20]

This has been our daily ride for the past few years and it remains a really fun and reliable car.

[@club1fan552]

I love my decades old 323. It has rear air vents, an air vent for the drivers knee, a lockable glovebox and variable controlled intermittent windscreen wipers. What more is there?

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

As someone who owned a 2001 Laser (the 323 but with a different badge), sweet Jesus... it's so far in front, it's barely visible. Day to day, the six-speed transmission makes a huge difference over the four speed in the Laser. It's far less thrashy, less clunky, and in concert with a far better engine, accelerates better and uses less fuel - particularly on the highway. The car itself is far less noisy and tinny. The body control is light years in front; the old 323 was far too bouncy in comparison, and numb to drive. If you enjoy driving, the new one handles far better. The engine and road noise is significantly decreased. The other non-driving stuff is far better, too. Navigation - having a screen connected to Google Maps is a lifesaver, both literally and figuratively. Having connections to digital radio, podcasts and streaming music beats the crap out of CDs and commercial radio. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist and a heads-up display is such an asset on long drives. The other stuff - sunroof, climate control, leather - is just nice to have. Parking is vastly easier with 360 cameras. The interior quality is light years ahead of the Laser/323's crappy cheapo plastics. The safety - both active and passive - wasn't great at the time, and is a disgrace compared to new cars. So, yes, if you are evaluating both cars by the criteria of "can they carry four people and some stuff from A to B", then they are equivalent. But if you compare them qualitatively, then the new one is miles in front.

[@drwhotardis]

If it was turbocharged for that extra power/torque, (150+Kw/300+Nm), even if it meant a little more costly $45k - $46k DA, with a slick manual, Mazda would be attracting a whole new audience.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

Completely agree, but unfortunately even the LHD car (which is the only one with the turbo) only pairs it with AWD and the auto.

[@nizm0man]

@@jeremybean-hodges6397 I thought USA (LHD) got the turbo AWD version.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@nizm0man Sorry, I meant LHD, not RHD. My bad.

[@nohjh93]

I20N

[@unclelive6918]

You dreaming it would be in the 50s range , 3 people will buy it

[@bachhoang8217]

The sweet spot used to be the GT where you get the leather trim, BOSE stereo etc. I'd go for a used early BP Mazda 3

[@markhamer5112]

Great car if you only have adults in the two front seats. As you go further back, passengers are less impressed with the somewhat claustrophobic back seats and cramped boot. It is a popular model in my part of the world and I regularly hear people complain as they stagger out of the back seats for an office lunch on Friday afternoon.

[@mattp9378]

Nothing in the segment comes close to the 3 when it comes to quality, styling and road presence. This feels like a luxury car. However, the engine and gearbox are severely outdated and for someone shopping for a “warm” hatch with sporty engagement, the 3 probably won’t be the car for them. I would take the i30 N-Line despite it missing rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring based on the fact it’s much more engaging to drive. In saying that, it’s all about individual preferences 😄

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

It depends on how you're using it, IMO. If you're driving a long commute every day, go the 3. If you have the time for 'fun' driving to really enjoy the i30's superior engine, get that.

[@DukeBen316663]

Good review Tom, love the styling of this, inside and out. The insurance graphic said Toyota Corolla rather than Mazda 3 though.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for that. Corrected. The fix will take a couple of hours to appear though!

[@DukeBen316663]

@@chasingcars Thanks.

[@johnaslan-zw9bi]

The red is just ❤❤❤

[@glenntankard2534]

I agree, it's bloody beautiful and awesome if you apply Griots Garage 3 in 1 ceramic wax

[@reitsmaassociates]

It’s a great looker , we have an Astina manual on our work car fleet ( comprising Vw Arteon, Alpine A110, Volvo V60 , Ford Raptor 6 cylinder)It’s not a patch on the VW golf for packaging ,refinement or performance( having owned 5 golfs ). Will ultimately replace Astina with a Golf. Good on Mazda for design though. Great review as always.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

I'll agree on packaging and refinement, but performance? At the same price, the Golf offers a lot less power (110kw vs 139kw).

[@tehscope9422]

I don't know about Europe but in North America you can get the Mazda 3 hatch with a Turbo which bumps the HP to 250 in AWD. I myself drive a 2010 Hatch with 124,500 kl.

[@nadhifasuwandy7544]

How about the torsion beam suspension in terms of handling ?

[@gwpeoples]

In the US we have this model but also a non-turbo version that's significantly cheaper. IMO the non-turbo is the way to go unless you really care about power going to the wheels in which case go for the turbo. You're gonna pay a huge premium in sticker price and high octane fuel, but it's your money. I would be fine having just the luxe interior and bose system, I don't need the turbo.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

This is the non-turbo version. We have no turbo in Australia.

[@PanzFlyHigh]

Nice watch Tom! What is it?

[@joshuastanbury3166]

If you can drive manual and are looking at a hatch or small sedan, I wouldn't look anywhere else. I've driven a few Mazda 3s with the 6 speed, an absolutely fantastic transmission and feels just like the MX5s manual transmission.

[@kotsiosg2153]

Great review. Not many reviews on the Touring model most seem to be on the evolve.

[@ANDY880130]

Mazda 3 is so good , Audi comes with DSG transmission , which only last 80K, than you need to pay 10k dollars to have it repaired.

[@eponymous7910]

I think the modern wet clutch dsg boxes are pretty reliable (as long as they're serviced on time). Wouldn't touch a dry clutch though

[@TheDude50447]

Just a few days ago I watched a video where the tester said that the base audio system in the mazda is as good as the upgraded systems in toyotas.

[@jsi4064]

Can you please review the 2024 turbo

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

We don't get it in Australia.

[@hoofzy]

I love my 2019 3 hatch so much! The only reason I have not swapped to a new one is that they don't let me get red exterior/red interior again. Mazda really hit a homerun with me and the non-touch screen with dial control. I never want to have a touch screen again because it is too distracting. Mazda wanting to put everything important in the drivers view is awesome. I always get told that the Active driving display is not needed but I disagree. I know I will miss this if I move to another car. If only they had a 3 hybrid or EV coming soon. :(

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

huh? I just bought one with red/red combo.

[@69memnon69]

I leased this car in 2019 and ended up buying it at the end of the lease, don’t need anything more. My friends drive merc’s and BMW’s and it’s laughable that you need to add options to get the same level of kit as the Mazda. The only thing that would convince me to upgrade is if they released the turbo version here.

[@j-al5959]

I just ordered my Mazda 3 Seden gt-25 Evolve yesterday, I just hope it's not a long wait as the estimated date is June 15. Hopefully, no major delays.

[@user-hq9id2ge4w]

Wow. Tats really good. Camry , colora has to wait more then 14months

[@yslee1401]

@@user-hq9id2ge4wlong wait list for Toyota/Lexus vehicles just goes to say which manufacturer is the generally preferred one.

[@xdynamics2561]

Ordered 3 weeks ago, ETA is May 15

[@decoybuilder]

5:20 insurance list Toyota corolla instead of Mazda 3. Most likely typo? Otherwise, a great review.

[@RtB68]

Mazda's styling language is best-in-class and the feel of posh in the cabin is very real. You'd be mad to buy anything Euro unless the money is no issuue - and even then it remains the canny buy.

[@LNasterio]

I personally tried all other cars in the segment, I don't think there is a better car than Mazda 3 for the same price.

[@nosleep1870]

i30 nline , honda civic ?

[@xr6fa]

The gt comes with bose speakers and also leather seats

[@Ben-bs4od]

What about rear visibility in the hatch? Is it a dealbreaker?

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

I own one. For me, it’s no - but you have to set your mirrors very wide and be really careful with lane merges. The rear window is fine as you only use it to see what’s coming, the reversing camera is great.

[@Ben-bs4od]

@@jeremybean-hodges6397 Why do you have to set the mirrors wide? Because of poor rear visibiliity or something with the high side profile?

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@Ben-bs4od because of the large rear three quarter pillar, it looks great but does create quite a blind spot if you aren’t careful. So it’s just an issue when changing lanes

[@nimbera7680]

Are you aware of any updates to the 2023 model as I am looking to order one

[@kamarulamin9]

they started to sell hybrid model here in Japan (e-skyactiv G)

[@991carreras3]

Mazda needs to do something with this car cause it's falling behind fast.

[@dinodavanzo8536]

Great review as usual. Thanks👌

[@FairladyS130]

Need the turbo version as a sport option which my CX5 has, a bit torque steery at full send though.

[@pauliewalnuts6734]

should reviewed x20 astina can see on the list its even higher up

[@micarsenijevic2313]

Looking for a new car and this is how I narrow it down- I drive on many a highway for a living and I take note on which newish cars have pulled over with a break down. yet to see a Mazda or Toyota- heaps of Subaru's and BMW suv's. It's become a tough choice between Mazda and Toyota- none other are even in consideration

[@yuhboyify]

Test drove the 2.0L and it was gutless. The 2.5L was pretty average. Pdrive timed the 2.5L at 8.28sec 0-100. Pdrive timed the Cerato gt at 6.66 seconds. Plus full torque available from 1500rpm compared to Mazdas peak torque at 4000rpm. Use the paddle shifters and punch through the gears using the torque. Plus the stiffer suspension and michelin PP4 on the cerato gt kills this in the corners. The Mazda has a more premium feel, its quieter, but they need a sports model with more power and a more aggressive suspension set-up. Problem is, that doesn't really appeal translate into meaningful sales.

[@gdayDaniel]

I agree. I also tested the 2.5 and found it underwhelming. Though if quality interior is your thing, this car is hard to beat. For me, I prefer better performance for the money.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

I test drove the Cerato GT before settling on the Mazda 3 - as much as I would absolutely love to have the Cerato GT engine mated to the 3's manual transmission, the ride in the Kia was really, really crashy and would be so hard to live with on a daily commute.

[@nimbera7680]

Only thing I am still not sure of is the steering, just wanna know if it’s heavy on slow speeds or light coz I prefer light weight on low speeds

[@EnShinNoi]

It's about medium. Definitely not as light as a Golf but I prefer the weightier steering. If I were older and with arthritic joints, probably not so much.

[@nimbera7680]

I drive 2016 polo and it’s perfect, never driven golf though

[@nizm0man]

It's great. Zero complaints from the missus (she has a GT sedan).

[@alanclarkeau]

I looked at one, but the poor visibility for back seat passengers killed the idea - the boot was pathetic too. I then looked at the sedan, much better, but found the infotainment not at all intuitive. Went elsewhere.

[@zukarimoto_q]

Since Mazda just axed manual transmission option for the 3, it's lost a major selling point to me. I have a 2018 Mazda 3 Astina with a manual and it might be the last of its kind I will ever get to drive in my life.

[@danielmclintock648]

Got one,love it.

[@leifandersen2756]

It is still not a BMW and that is the point.We have seen so many attempts from Japan to try to match BMW but it has never succeeded !Because it is still not a BMW.A BMW is something special!I have owned one and it was splendid!Never had a failure on it .Mazda is also a splendid brand but it is not a BMW and it’s a problem when it s prestigious to own one !

[@comba06]

The biggest problem with this car is the weakness of the 2.5L engine esp. off stop to start, much too much high revving required and rather unresponsive. Esp. compared to the Golf Mk8. Also very small digital screen, and very petrol-thirsty..

[@gregclark8700]

I’d love to see you do a comparison of a (as close as possible ) equally equiped BMW and Mazda. My guess is the BMW would cost a lot more to buy and service, be no better as to ride and handling and NHV and have less power. Still you’d get some BMW badges for your pile of extra $$$$

[@AndrasMenyo]

For me the small boot space and cramped space in the backseat is a game changer. Otherwise it would be a near perfect car... design over practicality.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

the sedan is your friend :)

[@xEpicturtlesx]

I reckon an upgrade to the infotainment system and driver cockpit will really help the Astina compete with the Germans on the luxury front

[@aksahdev01]

Mazda should really add a real hybrid version of this. It would sell like hotcakes! This car is the luxurious version of the Corolla, but its missing the hybrid fuel-efficiency, and that kinda holds me back on buying one. Great car, just missing one vital thing to key success.

[@kienfung3045]

What a beauty

[@S3r53]

If Mazda could do hybrid cars too or make cars with higher Mpg's 😅

[@raldyjimenez3319]

need improvements on the back end styling, rear visibility and rear suspension

[@chrislim7976]

If you're shopping against Toyota or Honda I think this is simply a better choice. I don't think Mazda is going after BMW.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

I reckon the G25 Astina is going after people who might have considered a 1-series. Lower down the range, yes, it's competing against a Corolla.

[@chrislim7976]

@@jeremybean-hodges6397 Agreed, but as an overall brand I think Mazda is just trying to distinguish itself from Toyota and Honda. There isn't room for 3 Japanese manufacturers at the top all doing the same thing.

[@Nerdificationing]

No touch screen is mental!?

[@Staff7A]

Love this car! Just wish it had a tad more power

[@chrisguynoel]

Astina great value and quality.

[@exhibitD79]

No manual options for any Mazda 3 it seems.

[@Hawks2015]

Test drove Mazda 3 sedan and felt claustrophobic, could imagine how confined hatchback would be... apart from that beautiful car to drive with plenty of power.

[@Mexxx65]

How come they never give you manual demo cars?

[@chasingcars]

They do from time to time, but nobody buys them

[@chasingcars]

Sadly

[@allenjones5525]

@@chasingcars Well Nobody must be my name as i purchased a manual and the box is slick. Of course, not living in the Melbourne and being regionally based means the stop/start traffic is not the issue and besides the manual allows one to exploit the handling even more.

[@craigice9635]

@@chasingcars I did.😁

[@tonycoz2309]

Small Japanese car $40K + what's going on with the price of cars?

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

Inflation :) $45,000 today is worth roughly $26,000 in the year 2000 (inflation factor is 173%). Back then, $26k wasn't even enough to buy a brand-new entry level Commodore (which was $30k). It's certainly comparable to the cost of a top-grade small car of the time, but is a million times better in terms of features, materials, fit and finish.

[@yslee1401]

Mazda cheaped out on this gen of vehicles by using torsion beam suspension setup on the rear. I test drove it in 2019 and immediately was unimpressed by the bumpy ride

[@Sam.Angel.330]

If mazda made a mazda 3 with a 3.0 inline 6 it would bankrupt BMW

[@Gastro_Boy]

Went to the dealer. No more manual ordera. :(

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

Have a look on carsales - there are some in stock and most dealers will deliver free :)

[@derekdalton5658]

A 2.5 L engine that only makes 139kw is a bad joke

[@ironlungthe3rd]

Aesthetically looks great with very nice quality, drive and cabin comfort, but Mazda is unfortunately plagued with issues, everything from uneven break wear to electrical faults caused by the Mazda connect system, handbrake failures due to faulty switches, and that's all from factory on less than 6 month old examples, Used to work at Mazda.

[@miatand1156]

Finally someone who speaks of the pain and disappointment that reflect my experience with mazda. A brand that is highly overrated and one I will not ever consider again. If mazda aust and their dealers think that I wil take my car to them for service and repairs or buy any oem parts from them, they will be waiting an eternity. If anybody wants a mazda, buy it secondhand (warranty claim denial makes buying new a waste of money) take it to an independant mechanic who will do acctual work on your car and return it without breaking or damaging things (parts can be non oem as mazda parts are shit and made in china anyway) and be prepared for undercarridge rust in a year or two, many paimt chips everywhere, soft touch interior bits colapse after a year, panel fit and gaps are way off, head unit blanks out randomly and never give accurate directions. I could give at least another twenty frustrations but five family members recently wanted new cars and they all were advised to loom at Kia and Hyundai and KIA iswhat they all drive now and I can say thay are way better built cars and miles ahead in driving comfort, features price and aftersales support.

[@tahsin28]

Hyundai is always almost the answer.

[@spiro5327]

The question is will we ever see a new MPS ???

[@HS-yz7ui]

It's a good car but definitely not the best in its class and way expensive.

[@dsinghr]

Bmw 3 series G20 is better car . In pretty much every way

[@chasingcars]

Sure, but it’s twice the price? The point of comparison is a 118i

[@garybennett7835]

Sorry but I still prefer my 2015 Ford Focus sport . Not a rattle or a squeak ,goes round corners on rails great Sony stereo it will do for now .

[@ahigham58]

I just got rid of my focus to get a Mazda 3, there’s no comparison, the Mazda 3 blows the focus away hands down

[@lukelawrence6007]

Same cost as a corolla zr drive away

[@w00t777]

$44k diriveaway for a Mazda is alot of coin 😑

[@chasingcars]

It is. At least it has a lot of kit!

[@Thrillhouse911]

“For a Mazda” it’s not a 2000 Magna lol

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

It's a Mazda, not, say, a Ford. They're very different cars to what they were 20 years ago.

[@mostafazafari6871]

I drove a 2020 Mazda 3 hatch and I own a VW golf mk8 tsi, I prefer the ride quality of the golf over the Mazda3. The Mazda felt a bit rough compared to the golf and given the Astina is approx 40k, similar to the golf, I was disappointed in the ride quality. Secondly I prefer the touch screen rather than the dials to control the screen which is at arms reach anyways. the radar cruise and lane assist on the Mazda is second to the golf. Golf comes standard with adaptive cruise and lane assist and cantering where the Mazda I drove only had radar cruise and lane assist which beeps when you leave the lane or bop you from lane to lane Occasionally late and abruptly, not proper lane centering. Overall for the price a VW golf Mk8 is a way better car in terms of tech and everyday drive. The Mazda comes with redundant features over the golf such as 360 camera which is not needed in a small car, and some with leather seats which the golf cannot be yet optioned with in Australia.

[@yslee1401]

That’s because Mazda is started cutting corners and cheaped out by using torsion beam setup on the rear

[@ramanjitsingh4340]

10,000kms service interval good for the engine 15000 will destroy as it happened with alloy tech

[@unknown1859]

Sedan looks much better.

[@karanaman68]

I've ordered a 3 evolve sedan in deep crystal blue ..no eta on delivery yet and is a world away from my lancer gsr

[@ektherising]

Totally agreed. I'm a hatchback guy rather than a sedan, but this is exception.

[@69memnon69]

Nah, if you’re old and conservative maybe

[@chris79b]

No way, the hatch looks so much sexier ❤

[@areawen8266]

Oh absolutely not

[@graemecouch5010]

Stop Talking About Manuals !

[@EnShinNoi]

Claimed 8.6L/100km...where did that figure come from? It's way off.

[@aygeeninty771]

That is the city driving figure. Real world Sydney metro driving my average is 7.6 with auto gearbox.

[@EnShinNoi]

@@aygeeninty771 That's not the city driving figure. Still much too high for that. I'd have to drive my Mazda6 in sport mode only to achieve a number that high.

[@LNasterio]

agreed, my personal experience with octane 98 is: highway 4.7L/100km and city road around 7~8L/100km with full acceleration every time I come off a red light.

[@pasimmonds1]

About right for my G25

[@srcllee4115]

Mine is 9.8 with auto… 😢

[@fredwalsh4108]

Yes great car lacking a bloody Turbo

[@conordevery2306]

I've never owned a car like it to rattle. The build quality is so poor.

[@lesklower7281]

The Mazda 3 our daughter has one an older one and our nephew gas one the top spec one leather seats all the kit not a new one but that Mazda metalic red has to be the best colour in any car and Mazdas are reliable were will this Mazda be in 15 years still going down the road as will Hondas Suzukis and of course Toyota we have a 1997 Toyota Hilux 2wd single cab chassis and a 2021 Suzuki Beleno GLX any if these brands are all very reliable better than the European competition they are money pits the only brands you should buy also l don't like the Chinese or South Korean built vehicles thank goodness there are 4 Japanese available to buy in Australia forget the rest l could go on about how good Toyotas are especially from the 1990s to the early 2000s about high kilomatages reached and still going the only thing European brands would ever dream if and British built vehicles exept for Lotus who use Toyota engines and the Ariel Atom that uses a Honda engine the UK can build some good reliable cars

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

Les! Use a full stop for God's sakes!

[@io2251]

Maybe someone can point to the rear phone charger or rear air vents. Wait.. there arent any. Heated rear seats nope, cooled seats in front, nope. Only half the steering wheel is heated...what? The tiny 215 width tires and rear torsion beam suspension are screaming luxury indeed. Did you listen to the sound the doors make when closed ? TIN CAN. Wtf? Nice car but there is absolutely nothing luxury about it.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

There are definitely rear air vents, but the reality is that this is very much a car for front seat people. Doors sound fine though. As for half the steering wheel being heated... look, if you hold it at half-past midnight, you have bigger problems than a cold steering wheel.

[@OfficialMINIm]

What it lacks in is the tech. It needs a digital dash, bigger touch screen and updated infotainment. In terms of performance, they should really put the 2.5l turbo engine in this if they mean to compete with the Europeans Otherwise, it has great looks, supreme build quality and sporty driving dynamics.

[@Bollywoodhollywood2023]

It’s a Mazda and that ends the conversation 😂