Mazda3 Skyactiv-X Sedan - Like a Diesel, But Petrol (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

[@OzgunDoganbaloglu]

I had a test drive Mazda 3 Hatchback with Skyactive X, last month. It was beautiful both interior and exterior. This car is a lesson of how an attractive car should be built for other car companies. I really enjoyed the smooth driving experience, its comfort/ride, and the responsive engine. It is a car for a civilized person.

[@fwebe2871]

Skyactiv X is not about delivering torque like a diesel engine. It is about keeping the nature of an N/A engine (a broad rpm range of >90 % of maximum torque) and getting the efficiency (not economy) of an diesel engine especially at low throttle input. As you can tell, the "eco nanny" is about economy and not about high power delivery. 6. gear for 50 km/ h is standard for most gasolin cars today, although the skyactiv x is longer geared than other cars with similiar torque, especially in lower gears. Personally i tend to use a variation of the shifting rules the nedc uses. I accelerate with nedc rules and shift up every 10 km/ h for (near) constant speeds. Just to imagine: In nedc you use 2. gear up to 30 km/ h, 3. up to 50 km/ h, 4. up to 70 km/ h and 5. up to 120 km/ h while 6. is not defined, which means, you can use it at every constant speed over 70 km/ h. My variation keeps this rule for acceleration and alters it for constant speeds, so that 5. gear is used for 50 km/ h and 6. for 60 km/ h. Up to now i tend to get consumption figures below nedc, meaning the x tends to get about 4 l/ 100 km or below at my driving profile.

[@ampm9771]

What is efficiency if it isn't economy?

[@friankiel5267]

Why have I only just found your channel. Literally the only honest reviewer out there. I didn't notice those issues you mentioned until I started driving the ford fiesta meanwhile all other reviewers just keep on bragging about how it's an amazing car. Thank you for being honest so less people will end up like me. I will 100% refer to your videos when I get another car. the issues you mention may not be significant but they really do develop over the period of ownership and becomes annoying!! The fiesta I have I particularly dislike how the boot doesn't lift in cold weathers and also the bad boot and rear space. but other reviews didn't say a thing about those. take carwow for example they said the space in the rear is fine for medium sized people. it is not, it feels dark and dingy and cramped back there.

[@freestick19822000]

I just feel being an expert of a car under review by this channel. Well done Marek👍

[@hsvcommodore4111]

Great looking car, thanks for the sedan review!

[@MarekDrives]

My pleasure!

[@alanh8101]

Great Video Marek👍🏼 Mazda’s not my cup of tea typically but I appreciate what company is trying to do.. Longevity and Quality Lexus & Toyota 👍🏼 Alan H

[@MrKagyal]

Thank you Marek for the review. It helps me for the decision making. I just bought the skyactiv-x hatchback version. It is wonderful to drive! Low fuel emission, excellent driving dynamics, no complains so far.

[@berkabdullahoglu4708]

I heard that engine is louder than skyactiv-G. Do you have significant engine sound in the cabin?

[@MrKagyal]

@@berkabdullahoglu4708 no not all only if you rev high above 4000rpm. But usually u drive around less than 3k rpm and it is relatively quiet.

[@muthamid]

How much does the X spends in real life in city drive? I'm considering the 150cv but the 180cv Skyactiv X could be an option

[@MrKagyal]

@@muthamid i dont drive in the city. I drive mostly in highway and in rural area. Then I get a fuel consumption of 5.8 liter (18 inch winter tyre, FWD manual).

[@williedoran1481]

Just bought the Mazda 3 Skyx Platinum Sport SL Safety, 2020. Wow what a car . I didn't realise cars were that advanced. I just love it and the wife is so happy with it

[@mauriciomoldes7476]

Awesome review and interesting technology. I wonder how will this cope with the years of usage? Cheers from Barcelona, Spain

[@MarekDrives]

Too early to tell, but they worked on it for so long it better be reliable (if it can't be powerful).

[@shadyslick]

Thanks for the great review. Greetings from Saudi Arabia

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks for watching!

[@obibrenbenobi]

Very interesting how you percieve so many problems and knock the car for things that I don't have at all. For example it's by far the quietest car I have driven from this segment, and I tried them all... Goes to show how different perception can be

[@MarekDrives]

Interesting. To me there's literally no saving grace for this car. What competitors did you also try, and in which market? US or Europe?

[@vladmihai306]

that quick response that you don't have with this car is because of emissions. the best examples are the old diesels that when you put your foot down they go like crazy, BUT they leave behind a big cloud of black smoke cause the combustion didn't have enough time to be completed and a lot of fuel was dumped in the cylinder so you would have fast response. With newer standards this ain't possible cause it would fail the emissions test, so...that is it.

[@BSina78]

You’re my favourite car reviewer. Wish you all the best :)

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks! 😃

[@thelittleyellowducks]

He is a pro. No doubts.

[@livolas]

He's right up there with autogefuhl. You watch both reviews of a car and you really know all you need about it.

[@HFStuart]

Odd - I have the Skyactiv X Saloon on the 18" wheels in the UK. I don't get the hesitation when pulling away and I only get understeer in the wet ( and then not much) which I suspect will go when I replace the Toyos with decent tyres.

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

Have you found the car reliable . Would you recommend it. It looks like from this month the car has some small changes and sky activ X power upped from 180 to 186bhp.

[@HFStuart]

@@friendlyhorseuk7220 So far yes, no problems. there are some updates to the latest engines but not sure if you'd notice them. If I'm being super critical I'd say the gearing is a bit long in 6th and the ride (on 18s) a bit firm. The handling is excellent and I spent 10 hours in it one day last week with no backache and not too tired - it's a good place to spend time. The Bose stereo is excellent. As good as some aftermarket setups.

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

@@HFStuart many thanks. I want a saloon car and was considering Audi A3 saloon but have heard about a number of problems with the latest ones especially electronics, and I don't like to follow the herd. I have discovered the Mazda 3 saloon which if I'm honest I didn't really know about. It looks nice, it's rarer in UK and the interior is really good but my only concern was the rather unusual technology engine. I'm more into comfort than high performance so will ask for a test drive as when the garages are open again in England. I see the base model comes with 16" alloys instead of 18s so while it won't look quite as good, that may be one to consider for me. I'll have to crunch the specs.

[@HFStuart]

@@friendlyhorseuk7220 The A3 is competent but so dull! If you're not looking for performance indeed no need to go for the 180 engine, the 120 is more than good enough and can be easily modified if you do decide you need more go (it's restricted to 120 by software only). A dealer looking for a sale may well be prepared to swap the 18s for 16s to give you a high spec model (leather, Bose, more toys) with lower power engine and the better ride.

[@Proudarse]

Hey Stuey, how's your M3 holding up? Any issues or has it been reliable? I'm also having trouble deciding between the Sky G and the Sky X. The X has a bit more oomph. While I mainly drive in the city, I'm not sure if I'll notice much of a difference between 12hp G and the 180hp X, especially as the X requires 4000rpm to get that extra oomph. Also, how easy is it to unlock the 120hp Sky G to its max potential here in the UK? Would appreciate some help here: thank you.

[@MrAshishphilip]

Good Review

[@deurkl]

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mazda brand gets bought by Toyota, I don’t think they can survive for much longer with the current sales numbers and very high R&D costs (which in this case were not well spend).

[@hybrid11111]

You compare Mazda with the rubbish brand volkswagen? And the Mazda brand clients buy Mazda just because it is not hybrid and not have turbocharged coffee grinder engines, but RIGHT SIZE gasoline naturally aspirated engines!

[@converdis449]

hybrid11111 totally agree and we are about to see right sizing engines from many of the German manufacturers

[@TheDavo233]

hahah VW 1.5 tsi drives better and has better consumption, I have no idea why should I buy this unresponsive and not efficient engine. Its not even cheap or simple.

[@converdis449]

TheDavo233 a 1.5 with a turbo charge and supercharger made by Volkswagen creators of diesel gate... what could go wrong ...😱😂

[@TheDavo233]

@@converdis449 actually not much.. It doesnt have supercharger and its predecessor 1.4 TSI is a rather reliable engine. Besides carbon buildup there isnt much.. However this Skyactive X is not as simple as you may think. Diesel gate has nothing to do with TSI engines btw

[@converdis449]

TheDavo233 dieselgate does as we are talking about the same company and their engineers. The other 3 letters which has caused VW a ton of pain DSG - just do some research into what happened to VW in the Chinese market with the DSG. It seems that in Europe you and they may have a love affair with VW however in countries like Australia their reliability record is very poor. Their cars are expensive and sold on badge only.

[@RaduB.]

I cannot afford this engine... Hopefully I won't be disappointed with the 122 Skyactiv-G that I am currently waiting for. Thank you again! I've decided that I could listen to your comments every Friday. :-) Greetings from Romania!

[@Verbindungs]

Much better looking than the hatchback. Prices seem almost reasonable against the current trend.

[@ArshadAli-gh4wu]

Mazda makes reliable cars. A non turbo is less problems. I've had several cars 2/3 year olds(30k on clock) and turbo goes , crappy french cars in particular. Find two reviews where they agree on any one bloody thing. VW,BMW, mercs, Audi are gone down the toilet as far as reliability is concerned.Always in the top 15 worst reliable cars. Why don't these stupid reviewers mention reliability for once.

[@gogich777]

You are not very happy with it .. I have CX5 with 2 cylinder off and I was 30 times to the car dealer for shocks in the car .. the gearbox was also changed but same issue again.. You stop and between 3 and 2 gear the car jumps forward or make mechanical noises as a hammer 3 hits .. What a pure pleasure ..

[@kevinn1158]

You can buy a 2.5l AWD version of this car for 28k CAD. That’s 18k euro. You guys get taken to the cleaners in Europe. Always enjoy your reviews though! I think the design of this exterior looks great but I’ve never driven one.

[@MarekDrives]

I've just recorded a review of the face-lifted Suzuki Ignis, and that costs 18k on the Old Continent. Prices here include VAT (usually 20+ %).

[@kevinn1158]

@@MarekDrives Ah yes the VAT is included. Suzuki couldn't make it here so they said goodbye.

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

Sedan ( saloon) is only available with skyactiv-x 180ps in UK. Although seems car has been revised a little as power now up to 186. Nice looking car but I don't know about maintenance costs and reliability of this new technology

[@MarekDrives]

Bhp vs hp. Same power.

[@TheSpoovy]

@@MarekDrives No, power was Increased due to engine tweaks. Efficiency also went up, and a new moniker to celebrate - e-Skyactiv-x.

[@baltvdb]

My 2020 Ford Galaxy runs google maps & keeps the road sign recognition running as well. Nice review ❤️🇬🇧

[@gionibegood6950]

which vw ? those with hacked software ?

[@strezification]

The perfect car. I love it😍

[@HouseDivine]

Hi Marek. I think you are wrong regarding TSR and Android Auto (Google Maps). I bought CX-30, and I think that I get TSR even when using Google Maps. I believe this was sorted out with the infotainment update. Unfortunately, due to the whole situation regarding the pandemic I am not driving much recently, but I will check when I can and update this comment, if it is something you'd prefer to know. As for the G122 engine, I get your points, it is under-powered in some cases, but, it is surprisingly economical (except for the city traffic driving, but the car weights 1.5 tons, so...) and for most regular daily driving I find it OK. I did not notice cylinder deactivation vibrations, and the car steers rather well, pretty solid on tight bends, at least IMHO. And you are right, manual is a joy to use! Downside of this Japanese design is the very thin paint which gets chipped rather easily. It is a problem if the color of your choice is darker, which mine was (Machine Grey). Cheers!

[@TheFullMetalGun]

I have a 2018 Kadjar which can use traffic sign recognition as well as running google maps or waze in android auto/apple carplay, at the same time

[@balazshorvath898]

Hi Marek, how does it feel on bumpy road compared to a Focus/Golf? Thx

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I'm sorry, this was to long ago. Whatever I said in the test, and that's it.

[@lucluppens8692]

compare skyactive X versus hybride 2.0 184 hp Corolla

[@muthamid]

You should make comparison videos... Mazda 3 vs Ford Focus vs Skoda Scala for example

[@MrAndrei4777]

Hey, Marek! Hope you are doing fine. I was wondering if you are planning to do some bike/scooter reviews. BEcause I saw a fragment in your intro of you chilling on a bike'?', was just wondering. Could be fun tho!

[@MarekDrives]

There's not much interest from viewers, but I want to test drive BMW bike with active cruise control. They'll start making one soon.

[@MrAndrei4777]

@@MarekDrives bmw on electricity? Last time I visited the car show in Brussels last year, I was very surprised by their new bikes. There was only one problem, HIGH price...

[@robertwilliam9558]

Please bring the Skyactiv X to the United States. I want 50 MPG on the highway.

[@rocketdreamer]

Great Marek , as usual comments are beyond politically correct. Honestly I love Mazda braveness, and I think they have room left to develop this tech. To my experience they are reliable and sensible, and say s/thing different as in the old good days when ur purchase was a statement. But I see a Saab risk into that.... By the way, is Poland immune from global warming?;)

[@MarekDrives]

April was rather chilly :)

[@arneshkadun2130]

How to identify the 122hp skyactiv G vs 150hp skyactiv G

[@andreicranga14]

The sedan looks way better than the hatchback, too bad it is not very practical. I think the 150 hp engine is the best choice.

Car is very nicely designed, but in the interior there are some things that are anoying to me. Lack of rear vents for example...

[@Nick-lm5lz]

I have a Mazda 3 sedan from 2009. It drives better than it looks.

[@millipekmez577]

to me, this engine is just like an introvert organizing an outdoor party for extroverts. it is good on the theory(intentions) but in real life, it is not that much economical or powerful enough. heck, even 1.5 tsi ended up being more efficient and sporty. same with the civic 182hp engine. 1.33 160hp Nissan bore coated Renault-Mercedes engine also better and now it has a hybrid option too as in Mercedes 250e engine. so if we start to consider hybrids too, Mazda aiming to be better than which rivals exactly? this is just another case of Japanese brands not using or can not use the latest tech situation. they just need more money to pour into R&D for the next-gen engines. even the new supposedly fast version of the Mazda 3 2.5t shows that they don't have enough money to spend on the development of the properly good/fast cars anymore. 2.5t and only 220hp and they are marketing it as a rival of the gti? when was the last time a Mazda MPS was rival to a gti? they demolished it at gen 2. that's also why they are not using the name of MPS because it is expensive.

[@BrateTebra123]

Exactly

[@AStick3Pedals]

They should collaborate with other brands like Nissan-Renault-Mercedes.

[@parise35]

When did you film this review, or how long did it took for you to edit it, that you are wearing a winter coat?

[@MarekDrives]

March or April. It's not the hottest car out there, so it kept sliding for later release. I could have kept it until November, but then Mazda would introduce another power variant, and it wouldn't make sense.

[@darkojurak3807]

Hello Marek! Is it 2.0 sky. X better responsive engine than 1.5tsi 150hp from VAG? Tnx!

[@MarekDrives]

IMO no, but I didn't measure it. I will introduce some sort of measurement scale in the coming weeks.

[@natoftw]

My golf 7.5 can display android navigation and traffic sign recognition at the same time

[@MarekDrives]

Yes, but if you have semi-autonomous driving it won't work with Android Auto navigation on (or Android Auto in general - I don't remember). I had this problem in the Passat FL. It still shows speed limits, but won't slow down for them with AA on. Only Mercedes can drive in semi-autonomous mode with AA guidance turned on, and it will even slow down for turns and junctions accordingly.

[@AStick3Pedals]

I'd appreciate it if you changed the language of the infotainment system to English for your reviews in English. It would show me what the infotainment system has to offer as options when your going through them. Thanks

[@MarekDrives]

I do, when it's really relevant. Most of the time it isn't :)

[@TheSynecdoche]

You do realize that that would necessitate filming the review twice? As I understand it, Marek films his reviews in Polish, and then dubs the English text in for the alternative version. That makes sense.

[@adamkok5549]

This or impreza 1.6 or 2l??

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I haven't driven an Impreza since first gen :)

[@g00dfeeling]

Hatchback is much better looking. These sedan versions are usually driven by tourists from former Eastern Block countries. I just know that before I see registration plates :)

[@MarekDrives]

Yes, compact sedans are an Eastern European thing, but this one is too expensive for grandpa colonel to trade in his 1984 Corolla :-)

[@jimbobby629]

IMO not with that ugly c pillar its not. The sedan is the better looking and proportioned car.

[@g00dfeeling]

@@jimbobby629 You're one of those in sandals and socks :-))

[@jimbobby629]

@@g00dfeeling Ha. I drive a previous gen Mazda 3 hatchback. I normally prefer hatchbacks but for this generation I prefer the look of the sedan. It's just has better symmetry to its design.

[@RaduB.]

@@jimbobby629 I agree with you but what is remarkable about the hatchback is the fact that it's so close to the concept car. You should grant it that much.

[@NotAnonymousNo80014]

How cold is it in Poland right now? Also, why not leave the infotainment menus in English for the review? I'm sure your Polish viewers won't care as much as your potential global audience does.

[@MarekDrives]

My potential global audience is (unfortunately) in the minority. If relevant, I switch the language to English. Most of the time it's not.

[@jakubbalog8610]

why is it so important for a car to display traffic signs? are we really that idiotic nowdays?! Not much point of upgrading to 180 hp? How about an option to have AWD. I am sorry, but this really is a half assed review

[@MarekDrivesENG]

If you always know the speed limit you're a better man, than I am.

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

And again, a review that just bashes non-german cars.

[@videodrom1]

Not a car for polish drivers who like to overtake in right lane on a freeway.

[@BenSmith-dp4mh]

New video

[@WorivpuqloDMogh]

But does it run on diesel?

[@MarekDrives]

There's a diesel Skyactiv-D engine, but this is petrol

[@WorivpuqloDMogh]

@@MarekDrives i know its petrol but theoretically, could it run diesel? Since it has a massive compression ratio?

[@MarekDrives]

If the engine is designed to run on petrol (after all, it has regular spark plugs), diesel will likely damage the engine, as it has much lower octane rating, different viscosity, etc. The higher compression ratio is supposed help achieve better dynamics, while maintaining lower emissions, but not to use different fuel.

[@krizz25]

Too much wind noise on this car.

[@69memnon69]

There’s a lot of German bias that comes across in your reviews. In your vw review, you didn’t mention the regression in interior quality and no mention of the dsg being terrible at lower speeds. Just review German cars because you do everyone a disservice with your bias.

[@MarekDrives]

I didn't notice any issues with DSG in the new Golf. I did notice some issue with the Skoda Superb, which I thought was due to the suspension, but my viewers corrected me it is DSG related. As for quality of the cabin - the jury's still out on the one :)

[@musje83]

I fully agree, Waylon. Almost every other reviewer mentions how the new Mazda's interior quality is superior to just about any competitor in its class, especially when it comes to details. The quality of the buttons, details of the stitching, almost complete lack of hard plastics, etcetera. Volkswagen might build decent cars overall, but can't even begin to touch the Mazda in terms of interior quality. Again, almost all other reviewers call the Mazda's interior 'Audi-esque' and Audi is clearly superior to VW in that regard. Every time I sit in a new(ish) VW, I cannot get over the fact it has so many cheap feeling plastics all around the interior (including the back). I don't mind the plastics per se, but it makes me wonder why so many people in Europe use VW as a benchmark. It's just some weird, Germanophile bias and even good 'ol Marek seems to have some of it.

[@TheSpoovy]

I thought I'd misheard when he said a vw had a better interior! 😆 Hard to take anything he said seriously after that.

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

I agree, it is very noticeable if you just watched 3-4 of his non-german reviews, he just bashes anything non german. I agree that German cars tend to feel more special when brand new, faster, better handling, more gizmos, premium brands also have better interiors, etc. So it is easy for reviewers to be in love with German cars. But that is only because they do not pay to buy them, and to maintain them over the long term. They just test them while brand new, and they tend to test the full equipped test versions the dealerships offer. So i understand that compared to such premium cars, cheaper cars from other manufacturers may seem faulty. But not everyone has top money to buy such cars, and especially to maintain them. German cars tend to age badly, unless you spend too much money on them. Not an issue for car reviewers though, they tend to just use them while brand new, for free.... It seems to me that reviewers that don't take all these things into calculation and just worship german cars, are mediocre reviewers at best.

[@Xzibit9]

hatchback version is disgusting

[@AliHijazi]

Hello Marek I always watch your videos on weekly basis every friday lately you are concentrating on boring japanese cars mazda is complicating things (lean fuel with additional fuel to create pressure etc.. bla bla bla) why not simply add a Turbo kit actually there is nothing impressive please Marek we need something more exciting btw the rear resembles old Honda Accord Euro Mk2 / Honda Integra type r

[@MarekDrives]

Don't worry. Something exciting is coming soon. Not next week, but soon.

[@jdmguy44]

Boring Japanese cars? Far more appealing than the Euro equivalents! This Mazda 3 is beautiful. Compare this to the bland ugly Euro box VW Golf with fake emissions.

[@AliHijazi]

@@jdmguy44 I didn't say the Euro equivalents are better or more appealing the Mazda 3 is boring in terms of performance; my argument is why not add a turbo and make a more exciting car

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

@@AliHijazi Actually, it is not boring. Especially if you are not rich. For the money Mazda asks, the cars perform more than enough for public roads. The Mazda 3 Skyactive X with manual transmission gets 0-100 in 8.1s, with automatic in 8.5s. Not fast, but not slow either. Where in Europe do you need more acceration? Top speeds with both gearboxes are much higher than 200kms/h. Again, why do you need more? These are affordable transportation, not Porsche 911 competitors. Seriously most of the people who can actually afford fast and "non boring cars", don't mind Mazda and are not so critical of them. Most of the people who find Mazdas "slow" probably can only buy 10 year old Yarises at best... As for the turbo, japanese companies do not like turbochargers because : a) they do not really cut down emissions and fuel consumption too much in the real world, and b) they make reliability and life expectacy of the engine far worse. Japanese build cars to buy and last long, not to lease or just test drive.