Mazda 3 2019 review

[@chasingcars]

Re-uploaded to solve a glitch in the KZbin upload process that was causing flickering frames. Thanks to those who pointed it out. If you left a comment, feel free to contribute again and I'll make sure to answer! -Tom

[@stevethea5250]

Hello, Tom?

[@b.p.r.]

Is the steering wheel in the base model car good

[@TomHiel]

I'm a big Mercedes and BMW fan but this really is THE most beautiful hatch on the market. Also the interior design and used materials are just amazing. Well done Mazda.

[@TheRorymcloughlin]

The rear end looks like a 1970s Alpha Sud. Beautiful

[@chasingcars]

It does! The taillights are really cool.

[@bill7481]

This hatchback has definitely grown on me. The more I see it, the more I like it, especially with the new red interior. Great work as usual, Tom. Thanks!

[@chasingcars]

It's grown on me too, Bill, while it's been in my garage this week. I still think it's a bit too susceptible to light changes (given there are no hard lines to break up reflections) but I praise Mazda for being brave and unique! It certainly doesn't look like any other car.

[@bill7481]

@@chasingcars It certainly is unique. I hope it does well in Australia.

[@khweziphillips7735]

Lol I hated the hatch but suddenly, I like it! It looks awesome

[@TheDiecastFanatic]

I was amazed how good it looked at the dealership i drove by today, so had to check it out. Mazda definitely stepped up their game with this simple and aggresive design! Very good job.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed!

[@jjoriordan2670]

Video doesn't do the looks justice. One passed me yesterday and I can't explain how stunning it looks in the metal.

[@Markuden]

A red one? Those are the most beautiful in my opinion and normally I dont like red paint on a car.

[@jr800w]

Physical appeals are all subjective. As for the interior, the golfs were already doing good interiors 8 years ago that actually lasted. After 5 years of driving my golf everyday and parked in the sun half of the time, a work colleague stepped into my car for the first time and asked if it was new. I looked at him and thought for a moment and said Yes. That is how I measure the interior and fit/finish of a car.

[@iwonder2c]

Love the new design. I have the 2017 that I bought in Dec 2018. Unfortunately I couldn't hold off buying until this design came out but in the future I know what my next car will be.

[@HypaxBE]

Absolutely love the external and internal design! I wish they made the car longer for more space in the second row and bootcapacity.

[@chasingcars]

A little extra length would have done good things for the proportions, I think.

[@haydenferencz4889]

This new Mazda 3 looks incredible and you got some great shots of it! I have the current model and if this ride set up is a bit softer it will be perfect! Can not wait to hear all about Mazda’s “hyper” hatch!

[@chasingcars]

On 16 inch wheels the ride would be super plush, but even on these 18s it is pretty refined. You should take it for a test drive!

[@nobody1194]

2019 Mazda 3speed GT 2.5T AWD. Now it's perfect and fixed.

[@chasingcars]

That would be a beast - 420Nm!

[@Tigerex966]

Mazda just announced they are discussing the possibility for a Mazda Speed 3 hatchback with AWD and the 250HO 310lbs torque and both six speed manual and six speed automatic.

[@chasingcars]

Now that would be great.

[@bill7481]

Tigerex966 Are you serious? That would be awesome!

[@zachmo9587]

I'd definitely go for one of these with a proper turbo engine and a manual transmission, whether it's FWD or AWD.

[@Alpsgotswag]

test drived this 1 week ago, absolutely loved it! sad that i bought a mazda 3 hatch optimum 2018 - 8 months ago😂 ( don’t get me wrong i love my 2018 )

[@AshleyOSNAP]

Thank you for your review. I appreciate the effort you’ve put into this video. I have the 2018 Mazda 3 and while I love the look of this interior I prefer the overall outer shape of the 2018 model. 😊

[@chasingcars]

No problem, Ashley - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnnytampocao7671]

Soul red crystal paint is the soul of Mazda Kodo Design that's why I'm amazed by some people giving negative comments about red paint on Mazda cars. Australia is so lucky to have aircon vents at the second row. I don't see anything bad in this new 3, it's a level above the competition. Great review Tom, I always watch everything you do in this channel.👏👏👏🏎🏎🏎

[@chasingcars]

Thank you, Johnny. I agree that SRC (Soul Red Crystal) is still one of the great colours of the car making industry - though I can understand people thinking it is a bit common now! Not only is it extremely popular here in Australia but other brands have copied it extensively. I’m interested to see how many people switch over to Machine Grey or Polymetal Grey.

[@bobfrombrisbane1831]

Johnny Tampocao I spoke to a couple of sales people at Mazda dealerships recently and they said here in Australia red is one of their most popular colours across the range. It is their “hero colour” and is used in most brochures.

[@nica1639]

Tom, any thoughts on the all black interior (including black hood lining)? Do you find it a bit dark inside? They have dropped the option of white leather on the Astina hatch, now only offering the burgundy option which I'm not sure I could tolerate long-term. I guess the sunroof in your test car would have helped with the lack of lighting?

[@Dekar_00]

at first i wanted the sedan but after seeing a lot of reivews with the hatchback i think ill be getting that

[@GregTyson]

Thanks Tom. Excellent review as always.

[@chasingcars]

Many thanks, Greg!

[@neelon2007]

Massive C pillar reminds me of the 1977 Mazda Familia/GLC

[@simonmiller5118]

or the AMC Gremlin.

[@AdamPayne]

Great review. Nice seeing the Ballarat and surrounding areas featured in a high quality production.

[@chasingcars]

Thank you, Adam!

[@rumnahal]

It is a great car. Bought a G25 GT manual...Loving it. zoom zoom

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy! Great car.

[@edwink1467]

I find the hatch really beautiful until you look flat at its side profile, then the rear looks a bit odd. I feel like it would look a lot better if they extended the rear window lines further back to create a more streamline profile.

[@bartjoboy]

Really considering this one, but I am definitely going to wait for the SkyActiv X engine. Should be the best of both worlds of diesel and petrol!

[@brandoni8748]

This new Mazda 3 looks way better

[@club1fan552]

Does anyone know where the beginning of this was filmed? Looks lovely and peaceful.

[@costibatrinu]

Back with my comment about the cocky seagull. Still funny as hell, even without the strange glitches. :))) The car looks amazing too.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Costi! Not pictured - our blooper real chasing away the birds…

[@Aussieglenn89]

It looks beautiful!

[@Krenisphia]

The burgundy seats in my opinion is a nice splash of colour rather than the drab dark interior.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed. The pure white on the sedan is also pretty smart.

[@benp8136]

Great car. We've got the 3 GT in 2.5L in sedan. Great location of review too. Can you tell me where that is please?

[@simonmiller5118]

Why does the dash seem to obscure the bottom right hand edge of the centre screen?

[@vladsaghin7644]

The rear air vents are an Australian exclusive I believe. Lucky you! But then again, we get a heated steering wheel in Canada and a manual transmission on almost every trim (unlike the US) so I guess it's give and take :)

[@chasingcars]

Pretty cool, hey. Australian motoring journalists have been pretty firm on the air vents (and I've done my bit) - it gets very hot here! Sounds like Mazda listened. We also get the heated wheel here, plus manual across the range - Australians have lucked out on this one.

[@vladsaghin7644]

@@chasingcars Automakers seem to take your market quite seriously! If I'm not mistaken, Hyundai, Kia and a bunch of other makers tune their suspensions specifically for down under? I wish Canada had a bigger say in the models we get to have here :/ Our tastes are more in line with the European market, especially where I live in Quebec where we have tons of small hatchbacks everywhere

[@chasingcars]

Yes, unique suspension tuning is relatively common. We still don't get to dictate specific models, but adjustments for Australian tastes are always appreciated. I'd note that our tastes are generally more European than American too, with the exception of our interest in pick-up truck style utes.

[@somabalogh5135]

Great review, great camerawork!!!

[@chasingcars]

Much appreciated, Soma! I’ll pass that on to Alek, our cameraman.

[@NANGSGARAGE]

Was waiting for this episode for a while 😜

[@chasingcars]

Hope it was worth the wait! Us Australians weren’t allowed to report on the driving dynamics until this morning.

[@scottstephens2995]

Filmography is top notch... stayed for the video quality even though I'm in NA

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Scott! I'm sure most of the commentary is equally relevant regardless of geography.

[@tuanlinhbui7507]

Still waiting for the SkyActiveX though. If it does come I will probably get one next year

[@chasingcars]

Yep, still waiting … looking forward to driving the Skyactiv-X on Australian roads in late 2020.

[@fouadmajzoub9925]

Fantastic review, incredible car, truly a cut above.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Fouad!

[@jamess1997]

They ought to bring back the lift back option, especially for the Mazda 6. Hatch looks amazing but that quarter rear area looks big and naked to me.

[@chasingcars]

Interesting idea James - maybe something like a Fastback?

[@ljp1942]

This car is big money back in OZ.

[@badermo5598]

Hi Tom, thanks for the reviw, which one you prefer evolve G20 or G25 and why ? I'm going to buy one soon, thank you sir

[@chasingcars]

Hi Bader - I'd go the G25 if you can stretch to it. The engine is nice and flexible - it's faster and safer for overtaking and has better low-end torque, too.

[@badermo5598]

@@chasingcars Thank you very much Tom

[@alexanderrbanks6166]

What’s the location of your shoot? It’s epic

[@downcomesthenight]

Great review. Keep up the good work! I picked the i30 SR over the 3 due to the amazing 1.6 turbo. Looking forward to seeing the sky active x hit our market. That's when it'll be at the top of my shopping list.

[@chasingcars]

Thank you! That 1.6T is a great powerplant, as is the 1.4T in the Golf. Would have been nice if Mazda iterated their 2.5T for this car (maybe in smaller displacement) but hopefully the Skyactiv-X fills that void.

[@christianb3409]

No turbo is the way forward!

[@vinr]

Do yo have any information when will new CX-5 available with this new design (interior and exterior). I saw they have CX-30 coming in 2020 with the same changes, but nothing on CX-5 yet?

[@chasingcars]

Not for at least two years.

[@fohx]

It looks so good.

[@arjungupta6]

Waiting for the release of the sedan version and your review on that! While you're at it, please showcase the white/burgundy interior on the Astina model.

[@chasingcars]

Hopefully we both won’t have to wait too long, Arjun! Will do my best to grab a hatch with the burgundy interior at some point in future.

[@arjungupta6]

@@chasingcars - Awesome! Thanks mate!

[@kevinoneifei3498]

I‘m just disappointed to hear that AWD model won't come to Australia. Anyway, nice review

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Kevin. The justification is weather based - only cold countries get the AWD for the 3 and 6. I mean, we do get snow here but 99% of people never see that!

[@kevinoneifei3498]

Chasing Cars hahaha, good point! I just consider that the AWD may lead to better handing. So, I'm really looking forward to the Mazda CX-30, as well as your review about it. 👍

[@RevPerdueJosh]

6:55 - 6:58 Woulda done a soft, quick fade to black then black to you with the voiceover. Very impressive camera direction you got though, great stuff thank you!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for the tip, Josh, I’ve passed it on to our video editor! Glad you like the production!

[@KingCease]

Why would you not put the seats down reviewing a hatchback?

[@AlanRadMethods]

I looked at them in the showroom, the hatchback looks much better then the sedan. The interior looks pretty nice too but not as nice as a Golf. The steering wheel looks a bit big and weird.

[@peternagy7366]

The skyactive-x is not supercharged. It is sparkless (compression) ignition like a diesel, but using petrol. You should correct that.

[@chasingcars]

It’s supercharged.

[@thomsevilla4956]

Beautiful Car.....I actually like the design of their hatchback

[@chasingcars]

Same! It's growing on me.

[@maxhoh]

I'm with you Tom, I prefer the sedan version but not a fan of the back of this version.

[@chasingcars]

Looking forward to sampling the sedan soon!

[@quadcoreQ]

massive blind spot on that C-pillar

[@chasingcars]

It’s bad though not as hard to see out of as I had expected

[@Tigerex966]

Wish America had more than one hatchback trim manual model, and no sedans at all.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, we are lucky in that regard. Want a luxury spec sedan with a manual? No problem!

[@Sajikibara]

why doesnt every region receive the rear air vents???

[@chasingcars]

Cost control I suppose. Us Australian journalists have shouted loudly for them, so I think Mazda wanted to silence those concerns!

[@junlongliao8691]

Does the NVH level improve a lot? Im driving previous version of SP25 GT, and the noise level is terrible.

[@chasingcars]

The NVH improvement is probably the biggest positive change about the new generation - after the interior upgrades

[@junlongliao8691]

@@chasingcars I believe you have tested golf and new civic. How is the NVH performance of new mazda 3 comparing with golf and civic?

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Beautiful looking car, last model was as well. For looks prefer the saloon but hatch is more practicle. I just wish they sold the Mazda 3 in manual transmission in Thailand.

[@lesleydavies2988]

Beautiful car especially in that colour. Makes the new focus look so dull.

[@paulbrown1299]

I might be the only one, but that C-pillar reminds me of a Mk 1 323 4 door hatch.

[@chasingcars]

Good pickup, Paul! I do see that.

[@camdcam]

Great review! Can you add the soon to be announced Subaru Outback on your to-do list? Very keen to find out about that one.

[@chasingcars]

Hey Cam, I’ll be very keen to drive the revised Outback too. At this stage I’m predicting it’ll be in Australia around Christmas.

[@CLJ7696]

Much prefer the body design on previous gen...still undecided on trading in my 2015, AWD is really enticing though. Great review👍

[@chasingcars]

Though the new shape is growing on me, I think the facelift hatch of the last gen was a very handsome car, especially in machine grey. The interior of the new one would probably be enough to convince me to upgrade, however!

[@sarahb2779]

Love the hatch! I want one :D

[@skyepederick1840]

Great review Tom - looking forward to the sedan release, not as keen on the hatch shape 👍

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Skye! You bet, we’ll have a sedan review once it lands in Australia.

[@jennifer592]

It appears quite squishy inside, does it feel small and constricted in driver's seat?

[@chasingcars]

It’s definitely a fairly compact cockpit, and the seats have fairly high bolsters - make sure to try it out for yourself.

[@maximusm1716]

Hi Tom! I was enquiring about the Diesel but you said there's no Diesel in Australia. Thanks for the reply. About the design, I cannot get over the fact that the back wheels look small, because the've been pushed so much to the back and the massive pillar contributes to that impression... Also, black rims contribute to that. Maybe other colors would work better. The sedan does not have this design issue and that's why I think generally it's more well received than the hatch.

[@chasingcars]

Those are some interesting observations, and I tend to agree. On the black wheel front, I think they’re just so played out. The other grades, which use a variety of bright and dark grey finishes, look better to my eyes!

[@William_Lewis]

How in the world do you have rear air vents in your Mazda 3? I guess that feature is only available in your country, what a shame. You, lucky people...

[@chasingcars]

I'd like to think our vocal feedback led to a specification change! It gets really hot here in the summer months and not having air through the second row has put the Mazda 3 on the back foot compared to its chief rival, the Volkswagen Golf (which has standard vents in Australia).

[@aneiln6165]

I hope this comes to NA spec cars!

[@vigneshsubbiah1800]

what a travesty! Texas gets hot too! I hope they make it to NA Mazda 3s as well

[@tonycoz2309]

Form should not compromise function....I suspect visibility isn't the best with that solid rear end

[@liueric1988]

Do not look back ~~ forward always !! =D

[@chasingcars]

Except when changing lanes, Chen!

[@tonycoz2309]

@@liueric1988 I cannot justify design when it compromises function and in this case visibility. Yes the Mazda does have gorgeous lines but a price is payed for this. I own a Subaru Forester....it would not win any design awards.....but when I am negotiating in traffic it has superb visibility which in turn translates to safety.

[@liueric1988]

@@tonycoz2309 Yes same with my 05 Mazda 6. I feel you !

[@liueric1988]

@@tonycoz2309 I saw one on Saturday at out local dealership, it was the hatch in metal grey. It looks fantastic in person. I think mazda will sell heaps of these despite the higher entry price tag. Just because it is nice looking. For the visibility problem i think Honda solved this issue by integrating a camera module into the left side mirror. So perhaps Mazda should just borrow this from Honda? I dont know... i still drive a car made in 2005. :(

[@kristiancasipit6005]

place looks familiar.. it this in asquit?

[@alicecoutts5215]

I’ve always been put off by how the screen is mounted, looks like an afterthought where they superglued on an iPad ... prefer built in as it looks more sleek

[@tamtam171]

This is G25 Astina...and it has an AUTO PILOT cruise. Wow.

[@MrAntonioDP]

airvents?!? lucky that australia gets them. I dont know of any other markets that theyre offered

[@chasingcars]

We are lucky!

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Design is UNIQUE : period. But what let me down is the powertrain ... Bigger engines with no breathtaking figures and no manual trans .... Power train definitely feels like a compromise....

[@chasingcars]

With the available manual, the 2.5L is definitely better as you can row it around a bit. Still, the Skyactiv-X may we’ll be worth the wait.

[@thomroe]

Hi, anyone know what the button next to the grab handle in boot does? Button to auto close boot???

[@chasingcars]

It locks the doors once the hatchback is closed.

[@sw2092]

Thanks for an excellent review, Tom. Just a beautiful car that looks even better in the metal. Photos do not do it justice - you really need to see it for real to judge. I had shortlisted the Mazda and the Golf 7.5 to replace my Golf 7 in July, and was keen to check this out in the showroom yesterday. The interior is definitely class best. I walked down a few doors to the VW showroom afterwards and it was a bit of a ghost town but I was pretty shocked by the like-it or lump-it attitude of the sales staff because I think they are now going to need to work harder to shift those Golfs. I love my Golf, but it suddenly feels old. But the icing on the cake is that I can get a manual on the top line model of the Mazda! Hooray! By offering manuals in every trim level, I think that Mazda are showing their support for all the car enthusiasts and people who love driving out there. And for that reason, I will be ordering a Mazda 3 G25 Astina in June.

[@chasingcars]

No problem, thanks for watching! It was great to read about your rationale for choosing the new 3. I tend to agree that the Golf is now in need of a generational change, although the Mk 7 has aged extremely well. I think this new 3 only just beats it! I also really appreciate some of Mazda's choices, including offering manuals across the whole range. That is a credit to them.

[@m3lowiesvlog715]

The rear kinda looks like the last gen Infiniti G37.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, I see it.

[@mrterrywatkins]

Does it cost extra to have the steering wheel on the left side

[@chasingcars]

Ha ha... depends on the market!

[@kodessa]

Will you be doing a review and comparo of the Skyactiv-X engine to the Skyactiv-G?

[@chasingcars]

Yes, you bet!

[@kodessa]

@@tma1389 Releasing later this year.

[@RezaSeedin]

Can you do a review of Mazda 3 Vs i30?

[@chasingcars]

I think that’s very possible!

[@RezaSeedin]

@@chasingcars Thank you . Also in your vid can you mention how much it cost to service and the duration too (minor point) cos i feel toyota has 140 and 9 months but I30 is like 350 and 12 months ( I own these 2 cars) . Love your channel and your vids.. keep up the good work. Thanks

[@kevinnoche6745]

oh my god it looks like a concept car

[@chasingcars]

OMG - is that good or bad, to you?

[@bonnie308]

Tom when will we see the sedan. Mark.

[@chasingcars]

Hey Mark - my best guess is around June. That’s what Mazda are telling us.

[@bonnie308]

@@chasingcars Thanks Tom.

[@Hboogie182]

You can get it fully loaded for $27,000 in the States.

[@chasingcars]

Amazing! That said, 38k loaded here is good value for Australia.

[@Hboogie182]

@@chasingcars wow $38k in Australia. That's alot for a compact econobox. For $36k I can get a Civic Type R here in California.

[@teddy112ful]

H Boogie well, $38,000 AU is about $28,000 US. So same price.

[@NathanStar-vw3dm]

Ballarat hey ? Dont leave it parked on the street or at the station

[@sturogers2964]

Great looking car. Will you be reviewing the sedan?

[@chasingcars]

Sure will be, Stuart.

[@CaiandtheMoose]

From some angles the side windows look comically small. Otherwise a nice looking car.

[@chasingcars]

The aperture of the windows is very narrow, which is a real Mazda design trait. Some love it, some hate it.

[@lukelawrence6007]

At least its boot is bigger than the corollas

[@chasingcars]

That is very true.

[@vladimircorsair]

Did i saw rear seat vents?

[@chasingcars]

You did.

[@bjcliving386]

so.. the front interior is nice.. still doesn't match the Golf which has a nicer interior, much more room, better amenities and a bigger boot.

[@mikeracicot5003]

BJC LIVING and are known to be unreliable and expensive to fix

[@chasingcars]

Bigger boot and a roomier cabin, sure - but I think this new 3 has the Golf beat on cabin materials and niceness.

[@garryhopkins]

Problems for me are the external design, I can’t get my head around the blobby C pillar and rear end. It just looks weird and sort of ugly. The front interior is very nice, but the lack of rear leg room for tall passengers and the small luggage capacity as well as no turbo engine are disappointments. The new gen 4 Ford Focus is a much better package imo with a great turbo engine, very generous rear leg room, a bigger cargo area and stylish exterior design.

[@chasingcars]

The Focus is a nice looking car, though I think the 3’s interior is far elevated above the Ford in terms of quality. Smart buyers would test drive both!

[@MrBangijal]

Why is it reuploaded?

[@chasingcars]

The initial upload glitched with some annoying frame flickering! This one should be smooth as silk.

[@MrBangijal]

@@chasingcars I saw some of other videos do flicks. Got it

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, it was probably an issue on the KZbin backend for a short period of time. Fixed now!

[@ffxidrgblu]

Everything looks great until you get to that C pillar...if they had just cut that off a bit this would be sooooo much better

[@chasingcars]

It’s definitely polarising.

[@djolemerc]

Don't need turbo charger when they actually can get away with Atkinson cycle naturally aspirated engine,do your research and educate yourself what does skyactive technology means,new skyactiveX is equipped with Supercharger not for power output boost,they put supercharger to feed more air and run leaner air fuel ratio,skyactiveX is also self igniting petrol engine. Apart of that good review

[@chasingcars]

Okay, a couple of things. First, I’m well and truly across the way the technologies work - but the important thing is for reviewers to translate all of that into real world driving impressions, and the NA Skyactiv-G engines simply don’t feel torquey enough at low engine speeds. Secondly, one of the stated aims of the Skyactiv-X is indeed to bring sportier torque applications into the range along with better fuel consumption. At the end of the day, it isn’t about regurgitating Mazda press releases - it’s about whether or not the engine feels competitive. At present, the 2L and 2.5L do not.

[@dbrxsdgo]

No comment on visibility 👀

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for picking up on that, David. Okay... while over the shoulder visibility is not great, as you’d imagine, it is not as bad as you might think. I’ve driven some shockers in a visibility sense recently (for example the Toyota C-HR) and the Mazda isn’t on that level. Test driving would be a good idea.

[@lingeringsoul]

car is going to look better on 19" or even 20" like on the concept

[@chasingcars]

True that.

[@Kermeliz]

Drove one, i like everything except the seats, too tight fit for me, im 185cm 90kg so not that fat. Too much pressure to my quads. This is with the top of the line model, leather seats. I actually liked the fabric seats better. Shame you cant adjust the pressure.

[@chasingcars]

Fair points, thanks for sharing. I did notice that the seats are very sculpted. Pressurised side bolsters like in BMWs would be a great solution.

[@lkj17]

Sounds like it is still under powered. Will wait for the X

[@chasingcars]

TBH, that’s what I would do too. It could be a seriously good engine. Hopefully it’s offered with the manual.

[@長谷川肝臓-n7c]

カッコいいじゃん！

[@punipuni_shiratamako]

買う

[@paulajones7492]

Magnificent, l will be ordering one, my choice G25 Evolve

[@club1fan552]

The 3 is getting too big...like the Civic. The visibility from anywhere behind the B pillar is a joke. The waistline is nowhere near horizontal sloping up for the rear side windows so they look like port holes. Would not like to sit in the back...particularly if you are short. Actually my 1975 Mazda is better...it is like a fish bowl so visibility is brilliant. It has hash trays front and back AND a cigarette lighter.The turning circle is well over 2 metres LESS than this 3. A 3 point turn? What's that? What more do you want?

[@chasingcars]

I suspect your '75 Mazda may not be quite as good in a crash though, to be fair!

[@club1fan552]

It's passive safety is better Tom as I can see all around it and it is far narrower so I'm less likely to hit a cyclist or scrape another vehicle. If I'm in a lane with a bus on one side and a semi in the other I know I'll get through. Other drivers can also see around me and if behind, can actually see through my rear and front windows to see the traffic ahead. And, being RWD (a novelty these days), I never lose traction in the wet.

[@アルプス工業-y2e]

They have been making good cars over the years. They don't sell well in Japan, though.

[@chasingcars]

True. Mazda Australia is an outlier - over here, they sell a tonne of cars.