Mazda 3 2024 review: Evolve SP G25 hatch | Testing the updated Toyota Corolla and Kia Cerato rival

The 2024 Mazda3 has quietly made its way into Australian showrooms, offering small-car buyers hatchback and sedan alternatives to the sales-hogging SUV. As such, the Japanese model continues to find itself going head to head with the Toyota Corolla and Kia Cerato.
So, what's changed with the Mazda3? Well, it's no longer available with a manual transmission nor a mild-hybrid powertrain, including the brand's SkyActiv-X flagship. That said, multimedia has received a big update, with certain variants getting a larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among other new features.
In this expert review, CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis gets behind the wheel of the updated Mazda3's Evolve SP G25 to see if it's really considering over that SUV. After all, while it might not look like it, the current-generation model is getting older.
#Mazda #Mazda3 #Review
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00:00 Intro
01:01 Pricing and features
03:11 Design
03:38 Practicality
06:37 Under the bonnet
07:31 Driving
11:56 Efficiency
12:21 Safety
12:49 Ownership
13:23 Verdict
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Read Byron's full review: bit.ly/3uDmqiJ
Check out our Mazda 3 hub: bit.ly/3Ruxk3n
Find more Hatchbacks: bit.ly/49ZmzNk
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[@niventhamanna5563]

Kudos - You are one of the only reviewers to actually understand what a 'drivers' car is and this small Mazda 3 is exactly that....great and honest review, with real quirks pointed out!!!! Can't say the same for the other Australian reviewer who's name starts with a "M.a.t.t".....and get's his reviews done more as a wining critic with heaps of complaints and dislikes about just every thing he features on that channel....Keep up the good work!

[@RodneyW]

Well said. This is an excellent review. Too many Mazda 3 reviewers complain about the lack of a turbocharger on the Mazda, and the need to rev it out to get to the power/torque band. For me, it works well. Relax when you want to cruise. Downshift and rev it when you want to press on! The other factor is reliability and longevity. Turbo's add complexity (and heat), and issues can be very expensive.

[@burns0100]

A little lesser known fact is Mazda put a lot of time and effort into the default sound system of the Mazda 3, spent a lot of time tuning it and making sure they used quality speakers. It was also specifically tuned with the floor mats installed and the speaker placement was changed to allow the bass of the music to hit you more in the chest then down at your legs. So anyone serious about music isn't missing out just because they can't afford the Bose Sound System. The standard system can still shake the car with its bass output and sound levels, while remaining undistorted. Goes to show the level of detail Mazda put into their cars. Japanese just do it better.

[@Greggie_D]

After owning a manual 3 for 6 years I updated to the CX-30 auto this year. Addresses the Mazda 3 shortcomings mentioned here. Haggle a bit and you’ll get one for the close to the same price as the 3. Evolve with vision pack is the sweet spot. Amazing car compared to what I had…and that was good.

[@richierich087]

I bought the Mazda 3 G25 GT 2023 auto hatchback white in late May 2023. It is such a fantastic car and has quite good performance with the 2.5L engine. I’d definitely buy another one if anything happens to mine 👍

[@_Murky_]

Love the minimalist streamline look of Mazdas, stands out amongst the cut copy pointy sharp suvs

[@otter2183]

Give us back our manuals!

[@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz9]

I just got the evolve sp in deep crystal blue (hatch). Love it. Deep crystal blue with black wheels and tinted windows is hot

[@Melissa-he6zz]

I’m stuck between Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black & Polymetal Grey lol

[@chrishong800]

Same car owner. Just love that colour so much

[@DEATHSTARER]

Bring the 2.5 litre turbo version of the 3 out to Australia. It would no doubt sell like hotcakes.

[@Frikkietube]

No it won't.

[@burns0100]

Doesn't need a turbo. 2.5 is a good enough engine as is and feels great, turbo just causes more problems for what is otherwise an amazingly simple and well built engine.

[@tp8404]

I have the 2016 mazda 3 in manual, meteor grey astina! Loved it. Currently in the market for a new hatch, mosy probably will go for the 2025 mazda 3 astina again (sadly minus the manual)

[@burns0100]

The semi automatic transmission they use these days offers a very fun manual experience and feel of a manual transmission minus having to actually use a clutch. The car has a nice positive shift and gears feel well placed.

[@christhomas2060]

😂Nice review... But! Not sure why so many reviewers review the hatch over the sedan. I just bought the astina sedan, Roomier back seats More boot space Larger rear window Better vision through the back window.. And I think it looks better

[@andrewmihaleff]

My wife has the 2018 Astina sedan, it's a phenomenal car, absolute beauty to drive

[@zaamuro8408]

And deals with the hatches small boot issue

[@MikeyyPham]

People like me who has 2 cars, a Prado as primary and 3 as a small car around town for the 3 I dont need big boot or lots of space I just need something small. If I ever need to carry stuffs and passenger I would use my Prado instead. And also the sedan has the most boring tail design ever. Hatch looking much better

[@unclelive6918]

Do this model have wireless charging for phones

[@carsguide]

Yes, this model has wireless phone charging.

[@Clove_Parma]

Is some of this footage mixed in with the Astina? The Evolve SP does not get the Bose sound system but appears in quite a few shots on this video (4:46)

[@825worker]

No idea why there’s still no power adjustable front passenger seat in 2024

[@jimbojumbo-os1np]

Glad that subaru, mazda and toyota still offer good cheap small cars like this. I dont need to haul around kids and im not brain dead enough to enjoy driving a 2 tonne suv that looks like its design inspiration was a cinderblock

[@burns0100]

Still loving my 2022 Mazda 3 Touring Sedan. Leather interior and the awesome drive really make it a solid car. As much as I would love some of the new luxuries like wireless car play and usb C having my model I got now for the price of the current mid range is a deal I can't ignore. Saved like 4k compared to what I'd pay to get leather in this years model.

[@danaiduma]

Love the Common Myna doing a cameo haha

[@leemace9638]

I just bought one but in sedan version In poly metal grey I part exchanged my V8 redline series 2 😢😢 it’s my first Mazda 👍

[@tp8404]

Where's the shark fin antenna? It made the mazda 3 look even cooler!😢😢

[@sjgavenger37]

In the US we have a turbo model of the Mazda 3. It has the 2.5l turbo.so same motor but with a turbo.

[@unclelive6918]

Nah no thanks , made in Mexico 🇲🇽, more expensive, use more fuels , more maintenance, won’t last as long as the 2.5 . 2.5 NA is the sweetest spot for everything

[@TheHayabusa09]

Confusing footage at the start as it shows a manual then automatic, rear air vents, then none..Hmmm. Please just stick to the model you're actually testing, then narrate the differences...

[@pauliepaul6447]

Hi , does a Mazda 3 2.2 diesel skyactiv 2016 have a throttle body? Cheers mate

[@carsguide]

It's best to double check with an authorised Mazda service centre.

[@pauliepaul6447]

@@carsguide ok & thanks for the reply 👍

[@lebraa]

They have touch screens yet?

[@christhomas2060]

Yep, it's touch screen, it's in the options

[@lebraa]

@@christhomas2060 about time

[@aaryanbhardwaj5293]

@@lebraaagreed

[@rthompson938]

Touchscreens will be banned within the next year or two as it has become a safety issue as regards causing accidents. Especially on vehicles where everything is touchscreen operated.

[@stefanrossi4728]

Random but Mazda 3 evolve sp25 versus hyundai kona ??

[@thetrivialone]

My gen 3 15MY Mazda 3 hatch has a far larger rear hatch, with very good viewing angles. Why have they increased the blindspots (decreased viewing angles), with gen4?

[@burns0100]

For a more streamline body, better aero and because built in safety features make up for the lack of vision. 360 camera, cross traffic alert and such means you really don't need to turn your head much to see whats behind you anymore.

[@Pappimbappe]

Is the Australian-spec Mazda3 built in Japan or Thailand?

[@carsguide]

Australian-spec Mazda3 are built in Japan.

[@unclelive6918]

@@carsguide win

[@kienfung3045]

Great car. And Beautiful

[@shelbyfanman]

Does it still have the infotainment knob of doom?

[@richierich087]

Yes it does. But I believe the screen now accepts touch input when the car is stopped.

[@karanaman68]

Hope you enjoyed The Smiths cd. Queen is Dead a better album

[@acde9355]

I really like the UK number plate.

[@RnLAustralia]

Why didn't mention the availability of the sedan version much better looking and solves most of the problems Ps phone thing not funny

[@WilliamVandervleut]

It's absolutely not a premium car, the engine has a rough idle and the metal skin of the car feels very thin and tinny. The Corolla doesn't try to be premium but feels a lot more solid than the Mazda.

[@burns0100]

What are you on about? It's as premium as the A Class is. Solid Japanese built car, no thin metal at all and the engine is one of the best small engines in the market. insanely reliable and has tones of get up and go and enjoys being driven hard and high in the RPMs.

[@WilliamVandervleut]

​@100 Its absolutely no premium vehicle :D Best small engine? The 2.5L engine which is big for a 4cyl struggles to push out 138kw of power haha. There are 1.6L Turbo engines on the market pushing out 150kw with proven reliability. It's overrated, outdated, bit harsh on the road and there are much better alternatives, ie Toyota Corolla, i30, golf etc. The mazda is boring and bland and the infotainment is the worst with that click wheel taking your eyes off the road to find what button does what. Apple CarPlay was designed to be used on a touch screen. I am not saying its a bad car but its no stand out that's for sure and to compare it to a Luxury brand umm no.

[@jmjtv92]

Same design since 2019

[@Frikkietube]

How is it that Mazda just gets uglier and uglier with every gen.

[@tawanakombora_19]

Have you been to an optometrist recently?

[@jmjtv92]

Boring design but nice color for Mazda