2025 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback (Manual) Review - Perfect Non-Enthusiast Car For Enthusiasts

[@TenaciousTentacruel]

I'd say this is a car focused on brightening your daily commute rather than focusing on limit performance. It's the enthusiast car for guys who drive the speed limit.

[@liudxdx]

Yup except these guys wouldn’t buy them….

[@goosmdoosm4755]

If i don't marry and make some kids within 5 years after graduating college, im gonna get one of these or a miata just so i can learn to drive a manual.

[@ebmk96]

I love my 2024 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback 6spd MT. Bang for your buck best out there. SI has 7k OVER MSRP. Nope. Best shifter out there. Shifts like butter.

[@dre32pitt]

​@@liudxdxyep.. we're buying used Fiesta STs/VA WRXs/Focus STs/Mk7 GTIs.. for what this costs, you can get a used Fiesta ST and a used Miata lol

[@dre32pitt]

​@@goosmdoosm4755 get the Miata.. buy once, cry once

[@slimsloth243]

The fun of a manual transmission is not necessarily all out performance. It allows you, over time, to optimize your driving experience - finding the right gear in a situation, finding that rev point where there is optimal power available, or even maximizing efficiency to make the most of that last drop of gas. With a good manual and engine, you become one with the car each time you drive. Kudos to Mazda for making this car an option. Now let's see how many dealers make it available.

[@perrry_ho]

Yes, not only that but I feel like with a manual the engine sound is much more satisfying to listen to. You can almost play it like an instrument. In addition, the throttle response is just miles better in a manual, giving the driver 10x more control. And once you get into a rhythm, it becomes addictive.

[@kevinmartinez2548]

They're not exceedingly rare in my area. I found several new ones with relative ease and got 2k off MSRP for it. Had the opposite experience when I was looking for an SI.

[@emissarygw2264]

You're not going to make the most of every last drop of gas in a manual, period, and with "manumatic" you get the same benefits of being in the right gear at the right time. What you get with manual is just the fun/satisfaction of shifting well. (having owned a manumatic Mazda 3, manual wrx and manual Mx5)

[@jbm0866]

@@perrry_ho The only downside to the Mazda 2.5 is it doesn't particularly like to rev and doesn't sound that great when you do. I have the turbo version so there's no need to wring it out, but I do think the current Mazda 3 would be epic if it had an old Honda V-Tech engine...like the 1.6l in the late 90's Acura Integra type R.

[@perrry_ho]

@@jbm0866 Oh yeah. Naturally aspirated engines that like to be revved out are the best. It’s a shame to hear that the Mazda 2.5L doesn’t have that characteristic, as it can take away some of the fun from driving a manual if you’re not really encouraged to shift at redline or at high RPM.

[@silveriojohan]

Amazing what you do highlighting MANUAL cars, don't let them die...

[@jayespi37]

Finally a manual review of the mazda 3 👏

[@roastbeefy0weefy]

We find ourselves at a loss for words when describing the appeal of newer Mazdas, but none of these selling points would be off in a review of a Lexus. A lot of Lexuses also have whiny, strung out 4 cylinders, but its the understated classiness, the reliability, attention to little things, and - to borrow a SavageGeese phrase - "marriage material"-ness of those cars that appeal to people. I think Mazda's heading in the same direction. This is an "if you know you know" type of enthusiast car.

[@atsawinthongsumak57]

I have owned this car for 4 years. I love it, very reliable and what I was looking for. Manual with moonroof, no turbo.

[@dcleong5693]

Ditto. Mine is my daily driver and I regularly get up to 39.5 MPG without any highway miles on my commutes.

[@enrique967]

@@dcleong5693 That's crazy mileage on that engine. The 2.5 skyactive is not rated anywhere near that.

[@dcleong5693]

@@enrique967 I recently installed new tires @ 59k miles. My mpg dropped by ~4 mpg.

[@mfratino1567]

I’ve owned this car since 2021. For me, one of the best and most comfortable minimalistic interiors I have ever had. If you know how to drive well, you can have fun with this car. Quiet, fun, and something very different from the rest of the cars out there. A+ Mazda for keeping the manual!!! ❤

[@ac_motorsports]

Great review and very well-spoken! I have a manual 2nd gen and it's so peppy and fun to drive. Eventually I want this one due to its devilishly good looks

[@Gurka84]

Manual is always fun, always adds engagement and connection, even in a non enthusiast car it will make it at least decently fun because it has a manual and your daily drives will always be more interesting because of it. Thank you Mazda for making this car

[@Apex_MZ3]

Owning a 21 with the 6MT I can say that springs and a tune completely change the car

[@ryanc87]

What do you think of the tune, how does it compare to stock?

[@Apex_MZ3]

@ night and day difference compared to stock. Throttle response is greatly improved, entire rpm range is more useable. Redline is also raised to 6500rpm

[@nealmonteko491]

What happens to the gas mileage after a tune? Thanks.

[@Apex_MZ3]

@ MPG’s stayed the same for me

[@haroldm4600]

Would you please explain what you mean by "a tune"? What specifically was done to the car to improve engine performance? Thanks.

[@DR_BustA1515]

Had a 2015 2.5 liter manual, bought it new and had it until I traded it in 2 years ago. Still regret trading it in, awesome, fun to drive, reliable car.

[@TT92348]

Chose this over Civic Si and competitors solely because of the NA motor. Don't have high hopes for these low displacement turbo motors long term.

[@AlumarsX]

Yeah me neither. I got the 2.5T Mazda 3 and I might just ditch it for an ev. The engine gets crazy hot after even short drives, it heats up my garage by 2-3c. I'm not sure I want to deal with potential headaches a decade from now.

[@Apex_MZ3]

A tune wakes the NA right up

[@jstoli996c4s]

VW GTI’s and Golf R’s have proven to be pretty robust. Just let them idle for 1-2 minutes before shutting off, to let the turbo cool down a bit.

[@jayespi37]

​@@AlumarsX EV🙄

[@TheDiameter]

@@AlumarsXLol what are you talking about? The car runs right at 215 degrees and even when I thrashed it on a 110 degree day it didn’t get any warmer than 230. So either your car is defective or you simply have never looked at real engine temperatures on this car verses other vehicles.

[@gargamela4017]

I have a 24 manual Mazda 3 hatchback and I love it. Mixed driving I get 36mpg usually. It definitely feels sporty enough for me for my daily driver. It gets up and goes enough to do what it needs to do. The cabin feels as luxurious as my Acuras I also own. I have an Acura TLX type S, and while that car is amazing and so much fun... it gets 23-24mpg on premium fuel, but also has 355hp. I wouldn't trade either one. I test drove a Corolla and it felt cheap compared to the Mazda, and didn't offer a manual transmission.

[@spookazz]

we have mazdaspeed3 at home lol - there's a pretty reliable aftermarket supercharger available for these skyactiv engines brings it from 190ish to 250 hp or so with good tuning. I have a 2018 3 hatch and may go that route in the future. the previous gen also has a better suspension setup from factory (imo) and are really good value for money on the used market rn!

[@ShaiyanHossain]

objectively true- previous gen had irs, this has a torsion beam

[@gangatalishis]

How much is the supercharger?

[@spookazz]

@@gangatalishis last time i checked it was ~5k CAD

[@gangatalishis]

@@spookazz not too bad, plus install and tune I’m guessing 5k usd all in.

[@spookazz]

@@gangatalishis bunch of people on the fb groups for these skyactiv engines running the supercharger. Lots of good info there if ur curious

[@karacha]

Excellent review, I really enjoyed this! Subscribed!

[@PositiveParakeet]

mazda needs to give us the turbo awd with a manual dammit

[@jayespi37]

Couldn't agree more! They gave the 🖕 to the enthusiasts

[@MuniTechnology]

I came here to say AWD. I'll be happy with a turbo, too. I'll buy two and store one for the future.

[@AlumarsX]

The turbo lag would suck with a manual tbh. Current turbo owner here

[@future62]

Nobody would buy it

[@MuniTechnology]

@future62 Unfortunately.

[@TTBOn00bKiLleR]

well i had the e-skyactive x mild hybrid 186 hp for a year now and yes, this is exactly the daily car for an enthusiast with some expectations from the interior and exterior desing and materials. i would buy it again

[@RaiseHull]

Note to Mazda - make an S version - no turbo but retune the engine to rev a bit, put a real rear susension on it. skip the autorev match. Make it a nice lightweight fun driver.

[@aliali-ce3yf]

My ideal garage (with unlimited money) would be a mazda3 premium with manual for daily driving to work, an mx5 RF manual for fun, and a Lexus LC500 convertible for fun when I want to hear a V8. Also a Ninja 500 and a Ducati Panigale V4

[@awepossum1059]

first you have to turn 18 years old and get a job

[@simoskater]

underrated car

[@Chubbydippin]

Fantastic review. Thankyou for your thoughts on this vehicle. Love the lines of this car, and it's available with a manual transmission too!!!! Not every manual enthusiast is focused on speed and high level performance. Some just love the extra interaction and driving stimulation of a manual. Hot Hatch? Definitely not. Actually, "Hot Hatch" sounds more like down loading "data" on the toilet the morning after eating too many jalapeños. May just be a southern thing. Thankyou again for the solid deep dive on this vehicle.

[@Saboda53]

This version sounds perfect for me. I'm quite familiar with driving a small FWD car, and I live in a place (NY/NJ/New England) that doesn't get a whole lot of ice and snow. The best part? This weighs about 3,100 lbs - that about 300 pounds LESS than the the AWD/Turbo! That's a huge difference, and I bet your can feel it when driving, particularly on curves. I think Colin Chapman of Lotus may have said it best: "Simplify, then add lightness,” was his philosophy, way before minimalism became a high street term. “Adding power makes you faster on the straights, subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.” I think I'm gonna buy me one of these!😊

[@yohazem1]

Problem is lack of IRS. Cannot deal with that where I live.

[@leighorser4398]

Owned one of these for 5 years. You don't miss the IRS, trust me. I have had exclusively IRS cars in my driveway for 20+ years and it is not a big deal. CX-50 now, and it still doesn't matter. The 6sp Mazda3 is the daily driver car for the enthusiast, not a hot hatch, and that's ok. Very easy to feel what the tires are doing at the limit, good throttle response, that's all that matters. You can steer it with the throtte in fast sweepers, no problem. Volkwagen GTI got along quite well with a torsion beam for many years.

[@freeignition]

I see one of these parked on the street in front of my work building. It's really nice looking! Had to look it up.

[@derpderpington5433]

I want this...don't let it die before I can afford it. I miss my 1997 Mazda protege manual. 40 mpg, light tossable easy to drive, no complicated bullshit.

[@roger3958]

Sticking with my sport hatch 6mt turbo civic!

[@BoomboxMike1]

Everything seems to be great from the six manual natural aspirated engine. We’re close to the horsepower being a hash however, the finishing touch would’ve been nice if we would’ve had AWD bet I guess they can’t make the manual for overdrive only and automatic.

[@mistah_nahamsha]

I want one of these so badly! Right now I have a 2012 Mazda3 Sedan with a manual. There's no point in getting a third gen since it's got the same powertrain (unless I got the 2.5). I love mine and after I drive it into the ground, I'll look for one of these. The EPA rated my car at 27 city 39 highway and something like 32 combined but I've been averaging 36.5. If that carries over to the new model, I'll probably be able to get 34.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Crazy how this car has good pedal position , even more so than GR Corolla

[@ericjohanson806]

I have the same Machine grey with red & black interior. Fun, practical, efficient, beautiful, affordable… etc. Mazda gets it. What more could you need from a daily driver?

[@mdd47]

These are nice cars. I like the 3rd generation better for sporty driving, because the independent rear suspension really gives that feeling of being connected to the car and the road. But these are really, really nice too. Good performing, great reliability, well constructed, nice interior, the only real downside is the back seat is tiny.

[@RobotDCLXVI]

What years are the 3rd gen?

[@briannovak-mcsweeney9109]

2014-2018. I have a 2016. GREAT! Lighter, roomier, and better rear visibility. Sportier ride and feel than the current generation...and a very good looking car. Incredibly reliable!

[@omercarrothers7537]

It weighs as much as an Mk6 GTI, has nearly the same power and torque numbers at the crank. It’s probably cheaper to insure than most hot hatches, and it likely runs on regular. Sign me up

[@lectorj]

2025 mazda 3 sport select for 24k with 10 year 100 000 powertrain warrenty from dealership. Im very happy with it. Still getting a feel for it and the auto transmission but i still wanted it vs a cvt the competition had.

[@jessekasim9874]

Test drove one when I got my GTI and the steering was by far the best of my of the cars I test drove. The throttle calibration is the worst though…. Rev matching is hard since the engine just doesn’t want to rev

[@Ianochez]

the automatic transmission has a hybrid torque converter and clutch system. look after it, it use the torque converter at low speed.

[@AliasHSW]

Missed opportunity to not offer stick+awd+turbo. Would rather have said trim than a Subie

[@awepossum1059]

What opportunity? To only sell to the 6 people in the country who would buy it after tens of millions in R&D? Then you would just say "$43k is too expensive, i could just get a WRX instead!"

[@TBdaddyOforever]

I’m in a 2023 civic sport 6mt hatch I’d say this car is in the same bracket same as the sport touring except that’s got the turbo 1.5. The slow 2.0 Na in my civic does have some character in a 6spd going through the revs. Suspension is soft but ur set up for a successful suspension upgrade on 235 tires and nice chassis.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

civic hatch so much better than this if you want to drive it like its meant to be also its hilarious how the civic hatch has significantly more space, is larger and still lighter than this thing

[@virag1132]

they should make the manual an option in the sedan for christsake

[@donjohnson2428]

I strongly considered buying one of these. Just didn't have enough zest for me. Civic Si and GTI are a better buy at this price point in terms of performance and driving dynamics.

[@minem23]

Try sitting in the back for the torsion beam feeling is there...

[@tawsonlaw6217]

Love this car except for two things: The MPG is on the low end of the segment. And that "tablet" on the dash is terrible in this day and age. They need to incorporate it into the dash like other auto makers. My 2024 manual Jetta gets nearly 50MPG on the highway. This car can't touch that,even downhill But the interior is far better in this Mazda. Just glad this manual is still in production though. 5 years from now, it probably won't exist.

[@patrickbateman7122]

Would love if Toyota had done that style of interior for my GR86 🙂

[@freedomovereverything1776]

Love mine. Transmission shifts smooth and fun to drive. Found it in soul red 👍

[@parnpichate]

Same! I live in Houston and there was only 1 6-speed manual in Soul Red Crystal in a 40 mile radius. I bought it and have no regrets. Beautiful and upscale with an awesome Bose sound system.

[@JuanLopez-kw9of]

I own a 2016 and was really hoping for an awd turbo manual so I could upgrade. Then Mazda not only doesn't offer it, but replaces the IRS for a beam axle, so I was out. In their quest to move upmarket, they made it too soft" luxurious " and less engaging. What a missed opportunity!

[@Christdeliverme]

The problem with this is when this doesnt sell they will conclude "no one wants manual transmissions." Happens time and time again.

[@freedomovereverything1776]

Sad but true. Those who buy it will tend to keep it.

[@awepossum1059]

because its true. when was the last time you bought a NEW car with a manual transmission?

[@30hours51]

@@awepossum1059 last month, honda civic type r, and all the Los Angele Mazda dealers' miatas are 99% manual, so stop with the fear mongering

[@mattb9748]

This car/generation has been sold in the US since 2019 and is in its 7th model year and continues to be available so-equipped. You can even find them on dealers' lots configured this way and don't need to special order them. The take rate has got to be good enough to keep them coming after 7 years.

[@freedomovereverything1776]

@mattb9748 There was only 2 manuals available in a 200 mile radius.

[@mtshark7]

Nice review Fenton!😊

[@gumbilicious1]

I expect a comfortable car that can have a bit of fun. I’d prefer it over the SI, interior is much nicer and it has a NA engine in it. I prefer the Mazda setup

[@yoshikobayashi7643]

I know this is petty but that lower grill makes it look like it has a severe underbite. If Mazda would clean that up, I would really consider this.

[@ScottSchubel]

This car is aimed towards my wife but Mazda didn't scope their sight correctly to hit the target... My wife owned her 2010 Mazda3 2.5s manual hatchback for 14 years. Base spec, plastic everything inside and zero rattles until it's final day. Very fun chassis for around town driving. After 170k miles (and original clutch) she was ready to buy the same car again but Mazda refused to offer a base Mazda3 with a manual. We asked the same question ourselves.. the premium trim Mazda3 with a manual is not an attractive package for us for what it cost vs the space it offered. $6-7k+ more for the transmission you want is a turnoff. Non enthusiast drivers also like base spec cars.

[@ac_motorsports]

Totally agree. Im in the same situation where my 2010 is still chugging along but the manual is only offered on the premium trim, which makes zero sense

[@emissarygw2264]

It's probably because the premium trim makes the most money (either most sales or most profit margin) and if they're spending the money making a MT then it better make money

[@ScottSchubel]

@@emissarygw2264 it's certainly profit margin.. how many new gen Mazda3 Hatchbacks do you see on the road today? This model is dying and Mazda appears to be grasping at straws of final profit instead of being the segment leader they used to be.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

offering manuals on higher profit trims is the norm now nobody buying a manual compact these days wants just the base things

[@realnapster1522]

Most people prefer the premium trim and most people have Apple iPhones and they want good tech.

[@deigobams3]

They have a manual, they have AWD, they have a turbo engine. Why can't they put them together? I had an 08 Speed3 and to this day it's my favorite car that I've owned and I've owned 3 WRXs since then. If it had AWD to handle the extra power I gave it, it would have been perfect.

[@realnapster1522]

You don't need AWD up to 300 hp. But it would have been a fun car.

[@daboss8717]

The AWD turbo version is just so much better though. I guess if you live somewhere that it never snows but having 320lbs-ft of torque to all four wheels is incredible

[@Mr1wd]

No rev hang!!!

[@lecoureurdesbois86]

The problem (which is only a problem for us really) is that they're focusing more on the premium aspect than the fun aspect. Even the 2.5T is really slow for some reason, it's not tuned for performance at all even if it's very torquey. But for a non performance cars, the entire Mazda lineup feels better than the competition.

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

Wandering, why mazda doesn't do small changes in the engine to bring rev limit to 7500 as they did to ND2 Miata? It's already done and works greatly, it could change the game completely and add more enthusiast lovers and buyers

[@joeyschmoey9138]

Depends on what you need a car to do. Realistically I would say 95% of driving is based in traffic where there's only so much accelerating you can do. And this NA motor will outlast a small turbo like the civic si. If you can find a discount like I did this is a solid choice.

[@ak2112]

Shame you cant get the stick in the very base trim. This for $25k is compelling. $30k, a lot less so.

[@gangatalishis]

Agreed, I still enjoy mine. But it’s no enthusiast car and it doesn’t need to be.

[@creakid]

Mazda is stupid enough to not offer manual on the price-leader base sedan!

[@emissarygw2264]

​@@creakidI've heard that entry level cars barely make a profit, so it makes sense not to put r&d into making a car that won't make you money even if it sells

[@alexcrowther3326]

This model has been out since 2019, so you'll find a used car for much less than 30k

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

How is this not turbo?

[@benperiod]

kind of a small note, but it would be nice if you included the base or as tested MSRP for cars when you test new/newer cars

[@daishingkwok8716]

y we in Canada don't have the manual so sad...

[@Weather_Nerd]

Mazda makes fantastic vehicles. Bring back the MS3 and MS6!!! All I will say.

[@duncanmclellan5479]

On the short list for the next DD. Had a turbo AWD and it was great for Minnesota winters, but the build quality was meh. The manual is made in Japan (as opposed to Mexico) so here’s to hoping. Also, would be nice if a 2.5 DI 13:1 compression motor made around 225hp instead of 191. C’mon, Mazda!

[@yohazem1]

Lack of irs will definitely be noticed on Michigan roads. And i do expect it for 30k. It comes standard on many cars in the segment. Otherwise i think the Mazda 3 manual is a nice package and has one of better shifters out there.

[@NBSV1]

Unfortunately they got rid of the irs so it could be awd. Had to make space. The solid rear axle and lack of a manual with awd kept me from trading my ‘18 in for one. A turbo manual awd would be nice.

[@nobleman-swerve]

​@@NBSV1But VW and Toyota are both able to package robust AWD systems on Golf R and GR Corolla with having independent rear suspension...

[@NBSV1]

@ Ok, but this is a Mazda. Way smaller company so it would be a lot to redesign a chassis to fit awd and irs. Not ideal, but much easier and cheaper to do it the way they did.

[@nobleman-swerve]

@NBSV1 I mean sure, mazda runs a tight ship. Still at the end of the day their competitors can offer the combo and they can't.

[@yohazem1]

@@NBSV1 agree, that would be nice. The turbo has good torque numbers, if I'm not mistaken highest in class even. I like Mazdas engines and manual transmissions. Ultimately if weather and family permitted I'd daily a Miata but it is what it is haha

[@silver33]

This car or the Civic Si?

[@ricktrue8441]

Would be seriously interested in this if it had a independent rear suspension.

[@Saboda53]

Except nearly everyone finds that this well-tuned torsion beam rear is just fine. If that’s the case, what’s your point??

[@ouch9326]

honestly whos gonna feel the difference between multi link suspesnion and not anyway , rarely anyone drives as fast as they can especially at turns , far less so on the race track

[@_Vancelvany_]

it's an alternative option enthusiast car for mundane days daily commutes

[@Saboda53]

Wow. Really nice. I’m in!

[@lronSausage]

That stick shift throw looks super mushy.

[@cbotten106]

It ain't a Miata but it ain't bad.

[@terrancemoore496]

Maybe, also, We both forgot the VW GLI with 228hp/258 torque.

[@erikhaynes5506]

I would have bought a manual but they locked it behind too high a trim level.

[@lloydgriffiths1847]

Sucks that in the UK we are stuck with the 2.0 in either skyactive G or X form. The most power we can get is 186. And I’ve seen acceleration videos which are disappointing, extremely long gearing means in the real world, UK cars will average around 9-10 seconds or more in a 0-62mph run

[@dinamicasvisuales]

Waooo!! Con caja manual, genial!! 👏👏

[@Sayu2x]

That's a nice interior at least

[@Aaron-jb7ho]

Mazda needs to throw that 2.5L and 2.5L turbo into the Miata. Maybe one day give the engines the hot rod treatment to match.

[@Saboda53]

With 191 hp, the current, super lightweight Miata is perfect the way it is. So why add a turbo???

[@MrArtemskr]

Going to red rev without warming up engine first?

[@rdhqcpro9751]

I had a '21 Turbo HB for more than 2 years. I absolutely loved the engine and despite what some others may say, the 6 speed auto worked very well with the engine. It's a long story which I will not get into here, but when it came time to trade out of that lease I grudgingly ended up with a '23 Carbon Edition HB which was normally aspirated. It was a pretty car but I HATED it. It was so slow and in addition to the lack of power the drivability of the engine / trans was terrible. Throttle response was terrible at ambient temps above 65 degrees F. The car was totaled by a huge Dodge Ram Pickup and I had NO remorse for its passing. I now have a '23 Subaru WRX Base with a 6 Speed manual and love driving again. The WRX is not as elegant, quiet or smooth as the Turbo 3 was, but it is a LOT more fun to drive than any of the Mazda 3's and even the Turbos. I did test drive the '23 M 3 6 speed but found it no more engaging than the auto simply because the NA 2.5L is just underpowered for anything other than mundane commuting.

[@terencemichel8972]

Does it have ventilated seats?

[@Saboda53]

It does not. Just heated.

[@thecrazyroker69]

This mazda is what a volkswagen gti was 20years ago, the grown up, practical slightly boring hatch,that didnt excell at one thing. But did eveything well.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Are there any aftermarket bilstein dampers for this car?

[@johnnyr25]

Yeah...this isn't for me. The delta between this and an Elantra N equates to about $84 per month over a 48 month term. It's worth it.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Do a reveiw of the bricklin at the oval racetrack

[@ouch9326]

why lol

[@terrancemoore496]

Get out of that 2.5 turbo because it's too expensive and does not have a 6spd manual. 😂 Great Review for the 2.5 6spd just the backseats are small.

[@future62]

I'd rather have the turbo + AWD over the 3rd pedal

[@ryanbrandes9131]

I'll take a practical Civic Hatch over the premium feel of the Mazda. The form over function trade-offs that Mazda made with this car don't make much sense to me.

[@michaelfranklin7451]

Why do this? Mazda just needs to come out with a Mazdaspeed on all models with exception to CX90. That’s an expensive manual option. The turbo is not bad, but the power band is terrible. Needs to be tuned to utilize power. Tighten up the suspension and add a little flare to exterior. Doesn’t need more power.

[@dandelionboy7820]

I like the idea of this car but I think I'm gonna go for the previous gen. This car is really nice looking and different. This car has mostly improvements to interior and a mild boost in power with a mildly updated trans but it's also significantly heavier. The wheel base is longer. The care is more aero but the blind spots are worse. The suspension is softer. The balance is slightly worse. The fuel economy is worse. It feels kinda like the antithesis of what mazda CARS are about. It feels more like an SUV in ride qaulity than a really fun hatch but it didn't have to. Its like an experiment. I just don't think it has to be luxury/economy vs performance and mazda had the recipe for the middle ground in their hand with this car and they fumbled. I find myself just wishing they incorporated all these improvements into the previous chasis, gave it a higher red line like the miata, and improved rear visibility. Move the back seats back an inch or 2 and voila. A car that is equally an economy as it is a luxury performance car.

[@dandelionboy7820]

Like a 2018 touring was under 2900 bls. By the time some finished putting a lighter battery, wheels, and maybe an exhaust it would be ~2700bls and lighter than a stock gr86. They knew they had a winning recipe when they released the 3rd gen mazda3. I really don't understand the 4th Gen. Yes it's more luxurious but it unnecessarily came at the cost of weight, balance, visibility, and performance which are all the things that make a car fun. We could've had it all...the most well rounded and practical car. The practical miata...

[@dandelionboy7820]

They could've brought back the LSD too which they haven't done since the mazda speed...

[@whatever-s9o]

I think Mazda management all need to be fired. It's sad, they extremely limit every make and model on options. For this car, one external color, one internal color, no turbo, no awd, etc. ALL mazda makes and models have severely limited options. I'd like to get a mazda 3 sedan, but to get the int/ext color options I want, I have to go up to a model I don't need. It's pathetic. What a shame. Cancelling the mazda 6 was the death knell for me. I really want a new one of those. Oh well, maybe they'll wake up some day. I'm not holding my breath.

[@cs2294]

Competing with the Corolla hatch I guess?

[@bazitube390]

just buy a lightly used Elantra N. this is targeted at absolutely no one.

[@entropy11]

Still absolutely tilted that they don't offer the turbo premium in manual.

[@mattb9748]

I'm going to guess it's because all turbos are also all-wheel-drive and they don't have an all-wheel-drive manual box available.

[@joeyschmoey9138]

This or the turbo model? The downside of the turbo no manual shifter is quite a bit more thirsty and potential reliability issues. I test drove 20 cars before deciding on this model. You won't win a drag race but it's actually not slow either. Very smooth everything feels good, great sound system, looks good inside and out, very quiet engine which I prefer, and I average 36 miles per gallon.

[@kmatax9237]

Every car has limitations…go check out your picks and get the one you like driving the most.

[@5150SP]

I had a 2021 Mazda 3 with a stick. It's actually way better with the automatic tbh. It's just not a great sounding engine when it's pushed. I ended up getting a 24 VW GTI with a stick and the engine has way more character. Mazda has lost its way a bit.

[@ouch9326]

i only like sport luxury cars in theory, because why drive things when you can just simulate in imagination... food when hungry is better consumerism. makeing everyday commute less boring , stressful, etc driving funs is escaping perceived danger and driving style for lower emissions to whatever extent you wish emissions driving rules means: exponential accelerator pedal compression pace from around 5 miler per hour , optimal energy level , engine RPM . put down more power than that before uphills and on downhills brake and steer minimally and steadily. (tire wear and weight is bad in emissions too) bike better than car, safety is unlikely to be a issue especially if skilled and quick accelerating. uber eats container, rubber egg crates, silicone bag , etc (micro plastic carcinogenic xeno estrogen emission of plastic wearing off from friction, heat, moisture, , potential partially airborne like in tire wear dust, etc). weight increases road damage, crash damage to all involved, more tire wear. low weight means easily controllable traction loss, tires last longer with more grip . linear addition in weight is exponentially worse in many ways especially in addign battery weight per effiency of battery . if you can get the suspension to be softly sprung with lot of body roll proportionate with max potential Gforces from change in movement direction, itll feel more dramatic fun giving a more accurate idea of when car wil loose grip.also makes it less harsh rideing, not as much need for heavy expensive vibration engineering . gordon murray t50 uses turbine suppedly to do this across big range of gforces , being like a miata lotus elise in everyday speeds and simlar in supecar speeds. turning off power steering also makes it possible to read how close to grip limit car is at a even more precise level while improving battery longveity and efficiency by less high rate energy flow i guess the best way in normie tech is lightweight effceiny , probably small battery electric car with small combustion slow charger, optimized for saveing money long term . nobody will inconvenience theirself to trust "the science" probably largley paid off by money printing joeee biden joeish , also called "greedy captialist". real valued ideas are often business secrets ........... could also just argue to have driving fun with ligthweight combustion mid rear engine 2 liter inline 3 //hybrid rotary limited slip diffrential momentum preservation lotus elise CVT transmission sort of compact 4 that can lift to "suv" car height with forged recycled carbon fiberfor saftey X lightweight. small electric drive at front

[@alexjensen990]

I have owned an 01 Protege ES, an 03 Mazdaspeed Protege, an 08 Mazdaspeed3, an 07 Mazdaspeed6 and a race ready 08 Mazdaspeed3... If I bought this car, which I wont, I would turbo charge it because it would likely get even better gas mileage that is does right now. I remain baffled at Mazda's imbecilic refusal to produce something that brought life to the brand. In my opinion for some sort of attempted move up the class hierarchy they are trading any future enthusiasm about the brand. I suppose that they did mercifully reverse their decision about the rotary, but I have always loved the light, agile, sedans with a turbo... All they would have to do is slap that manual into the AWD turbo version they already sell. Slap a Mazdaspeed3 badge on it and watch people come out of the woodwork. Toyota doesn't seem to have any problems selling Supras and GR Yaris/Carolas. As a matter of fact, they are bringing back the MR2 and the Celica. Honda is bringing back the Prelude, is making Type-R everything, and ran several years of a new NSX (which was bad to the bone). The only cars keeping Nissan's head above water are the GTR, Z, Q50/Q60s. Mitsubishi committed seppuku years ago, ironically the same time they stopped making the EVO. As for Subaru they have seemingly squandered the enthusiasm that they once had around their brand... Again... Around the time they stopped making exciting cars. Mazda has been performing better than Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru in my opinion, but they are a lifeless brand anymore. The exciting cars are never about the current car buyers. They are about lining up car buyers in 10, 20, 30 years down the road when kids have posters on the wall of a GTR, Supra, 3000GT, 300ZX, RX7, etc.

[@Toutvids]

Not every car with a manual needs to be a sports car. We used to have all kinds of grocery getters in manual. We need to pressure car manufacturers to bring back manuals as a standard option. People suck at driving these days (more so than in the past) because everything is done for them (shifting, lights turning on, hell even driving in some vehicles) and they are busy messing with their phones or just not paying attention. Driving a manual means both hands are engaged. NA is a huge win as well. Face it, turbos have more power, obviously and a whole bunch of extra maintenance and downsides for that power. That's why I drive a NA Mustang. I'm done with turbos on my cars. Expensive to fix, expensive to clean when the engine gets carboned up.

[@enmass90]

Torsion beam rear really kills this car for enthusiasts

[@christopherjohnston6343]

Does it? Oh I guess that's true nobody likes the Fiesta ST /s

[@enmass90]

@ unironically yes considering how poorly it sold.

[@ivannachoo]

You should know enthusiasts dont drive sales

[@enmass90]

@@ivannachoo they do for low volume cars

[@creakid]

@@christopherjohnston6343 2007 Focus ST 2.3NA occupies no bigger parking spot than the Fiesta. & no Mazda3 could ever match Focus' ride comfort: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpOpfJp-fb6Wnas

[@nickn815]

Engine lacking performance? Dude…. You clearly never driven a wimpy 1.5 L 4 cylinder making 75 horsepower from the 1980s

[@stevemartegani]

The regular Corolla is auto only now.

[@hankurbancic3495]

Why areyou pushing the vehicle , Enjoy the ride ,

[@phoneuser3569]

Way too expensive for the current market.