2014 Mazda3 vs 2014 Ford Focus 

Excellent comparison. I think the Mazda carries a more premium look and the Ford tries to wear a sporty look. Mazda seem to have proven they can move forward without the backing of a larger company unlike Mitsubishi. It will be interesting to see what the MS3 would be like. I still have my eye on the Focus ST. Overall I think both cars are great and offer a lot of choises and will come down to individual preference.

I love how this "dated" Focus, which has been around since 2011(we're in the 2nd quarter of 2014) leaves so much to be desired. I get it, the Mazda3 is all new and better, but by their own admission, the cars are VERY similar. Instead of nit-picking the Focus for very minimal short comings; one might just say that the Mazda3 is more so a step up, from what was a benchmark that was set for the compact class, by the Ford Focus.

This less a comparison and more a how much I love the mazda and dont like the ford, anything they didn't like about the mazda was a small complaint and coild be over looked or lived with the ford never got that treatment but I knew how this review was going in the first few secounds with how they talked about the mazda and first mention of the focus was followed with admittedly dated

I own a 2012 focus SEL and after 10 years it is still running very well. The Mazda didn't match up when I drove it which is why Ford got the sale.

Thanks for the useful information. You point out all the thing's of great importance. It make's looking for a new car much easier.

Why in the world would they compare the Mazda with the optional 2.5L engine vs the standard 2.0L engine in the Ford?

My mom just got the Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Hatchback and its a really great car!! Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and it looks awesome!!

His lisp is noticeable, but not unbearable. The voice recognition in the Ford understood him instantly...

now i want that next gen mazdaspeed3 to hit the dealers.

The Focus is okay, but the Mazda is definitely more stylish and fuel efficient.

Biggest difference? The fully-loaded Focus(titanium hatch w/ moon roof, navi, park assist, & red metallic paint) I take delivery of next month will cost me $22K($5K rebate), whereas I couldn't price a similarly equipped Mazda 3 after rebate for less than $29K(i GrandTouring auto w/tech package and a few a`la carte options). I would have chosen the 3 if not for that massive price disparity; $7K+ is far too much of a gap.

Nice video! Having been a previous Ford owner, I rented the Focus hatch and truly disliked it. I bought the 2014 Mazda3 instead and it was the best purchase I've ever made! It is a 5 star IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The Mazda3 has also won so many awards. I am amazed by this car and the constant recognition it receives; it seems to be awarded a new title weekly. I could've bought any car, and I bought the MZ3.

I can't speak for the mazda 3, but the ford focus MPG numbers are understated. On crappy no name brand lowest octane unleaded I average over 40 on the freeway. I usually am within the 42-43 mark doing 75. I can stay constant at 39 at 85 with cruise on. Around the city I get 36. My average tank usually ends up at 37 or so.

I'll take the Focus. I'm doing 40.5 mpg, cornering on rails, and very quick when it needs to be. The hatch holds all my outdoor gear, and my bike rack fits great on the lid. Styling over previous generations is hot. A+ to Ford. ALL GOOD HERE.

Mazda 3 is a great car for countries with great roads but I still think the world's best selling car is a legend on its own and has weight that makes it shine even in the phase of tuff competition

I have a 2014 5-speed focus se with the sports package, and I can pull on my friends 2012 mk6 gti until he hits boost. It really shines in the mid range for what it is, not slow as you would imagine.

I have a 2014 focus se. Love love the car. The clutch works as a manual even though it's automatic. It gets annoying sometimes. They have the tcm software update for it. Waiting for the dealership to get it in cause they're so backed up. But it's a quick car looks sporty. Despite the shudder it is a good car to drive

I would buy the Mazda 3 just for the looks. The Ford needs a major update to catch up in exterior design. What are the 0-60 times for both cars by the way?

Very nice review, Autoguide!

I ordered my 2014 Focus SE with a 5-speed manual and the Sport package (16 inch alloy wheels and rear disc brakes); best bang-for-the-buck. I don't need all the complicated electronic crap, or 17or 18 inch wheels that break over Spring pot-holes. Btw 160 hp is lots of power in a small car with a 5-speed; I have a Triumph Street Triple for high performance on the road.

What they fail to mention is you can buy a Focus ST 2015 for LESS then a 2015 Mazda 3 Grand Touring with the 2.5. So really which is more bang for your buck?

I don wanna be mean but that guy promoting the Ford has got a pretty annoying speaking method

Also the Mazda 3 is a top safety pick from the IIHS & is on Car and Drivers top 10 best cars. Zoom Zoom

I love how every 2014 mazda3 comes standard with nav and backup camera.

Unless they did a mid year change that I am not aware of on the Ford Focus, the one they are using in this review is a 2013. The 2014 does not have the voice control paddle under the steering wheel on the right side, for 2014 it was put on the steering wheel eliminating the voice control paddle.

I like the Mazda 3 sedan better. The hatchback looks ugly on the back

The bang for your dollar on the Mazda 3 is just ridiculous. Waiting for our current commuter to break one more time and we'll be getting a new 3.

Love those eye damaging headlights. Good job, boys!

I just love this both cars

Great comparison, Shame we can't compare it with more European brands. This is fantastic

You should do a video with the 2014 Dodge Dart and the 2014 chevy cruze

Why doesn't autoguide ever review the manuals? They are still the driver's choice.

We bought a mazda 3 because it's just that good. The quality is just superb. By far the best looking and best quality. And I've had 2 mazdas before and they are bullet proof

I like both of these cars, but I'd have to go with the 3.

Even as a Ford guy I must admit that the new Mazda 3 is a great car,but there are gripes to Mazda 3 as well 1. The focus and Mazda both have almost same platform that's based on mk2 c platform of focus in Europe 2. Mazda 3 has 1 of worst cabin insulation in its class,face it even a Hyundai elantra is quieter than Mazda 3 3. The ride is too stiff for comfort,maybe America has good roads but here in Asia with all those pothole friendly roads Mazda is a pain in the ass specially 4 rear passengers

I like the focus but the jerky dual clutch issues have me looks toward their competitive. I heard that the norm with these dual clutches.

the ford logo just putt me off . i really like the mazda

The infotainment and the 'heads-up' display in the 3 looks very aftermarket.

Own both and i think the focus handles better than the mazda. The mazda's steering feels super light :p

How are those Powershift transmissions doing these days?

I love both cars! The 3 and Focus are super fun on a twisty road. But I have to stick with my trusty 2012 Jetta TDI. I mean it beats most cars off the line and I can still embarass a Prius with my fuel economy. My worst has been 38mpg when I did mainly city driving in the winter. But still. I cannot wait to see what these two offerings are like in 3 years when time comes to replace the Jetta.

The guy with the beard is hot. Woof!

Should I hold off on buying the new mazda3? All sales come with a lifetime 300,000 engine warranty but not sure cause I've heard a lot of electronic issues with it.

I boat the Mazda 3hb and I like it a lot. The design and the driving is ofcourse the best part, but the ride is a bit stiff and noisy. Overall its great! Def zoom zoom

The focus always had heavy steering compared to a 3. I can tell you that mazda light steering because quite annoying after a while because it makes the car feel lose. I'm pretty sure I would personally like the steering better on the focus. I drove a 2012 with the sport package (something that this car should have for a good comparison) and it felt awesome. I own a 2008 mazda3 hatch with the 2.3 right now and before that I had an svt focus and the svt focus was just a blast. The mazda is just light unsettled and annoying.

Another thing is the COMFORT I agree that Mazda handles well but over broken roads Mazda struggles to comfort the passenger like how the focus does,focus has an ability to cut the sharper edge off any jolt getting into cabin,ride quality if focus is way better tha mazdas

Is the Fords transmission really terrible. That's the only thing stopping me from getting the Focus.

OMG whats up with todays head rests... they are so inclined to the front.

Its so crazy when you buy cars now & just last year 2013, the Ford Focus was #1 in interior & exterior looks according to most magazines & car web sites. Now its dated? I drove the mazda 3 to see what the hipe was about & there is not as much to talk about. I own a 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatch & its just as fun in driving & offers more, compared to the entry version Mazda 3. To each there own I guess.

The oversized TomTom on the dash kills the interior. Besides that, it looks fantastic inside and out.

why can't you get a 2.5L mazda 3 with a manual? it's the only thing stopping me from buying one

The one stand out feature that the FORD has over the Mazda is the interior NOISE LEVEL. Every Reviewer has said it's a busy noisy over comparable models which is a shame. Cause the Mazda 3 climbs over $30K and should show signs of quality all over.

I love it

the ford focus gives to me around 25 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles in freeway approx very quiet driving

Dam you can eat bacon and eggs off of that Focus engine!

Doesnt seem like a very fair comparison, comparing two completely different motors... I would like to see them compare the 2.0l motors, of course a 2.5 has more power than a 2.0.... if you want to compare the BEST motors, compare the ford focus ST to the 2.5 mazda... both cars look great, but to me it seems as though both these guys had a preference for mazda to begin with.

Given manual is an option (is for me) and for that much money, I'd take a Ford Focus ST over both of these specific models. Jumping over to Ford's site has it starting at $23,625. Comes fairly loaded at the base price..

What about the dual clutch transmission failures on Ford Focus.I can't stop seeing complains about transmission failures and dual clutch automatic issues with any focus year 2008 and up. Are the same issues present in Mazda?

the mazda's interior looks kinda Audi-ish wich is good the ford's interior just looks like cheapness

Really a two liter against a two point five. I had a two point three 2004 Ford Focus and that thing tore up the road! Come on Ford, When we want sporty we also mean fun to drive as well as responsive handling, and of course get up and go! I don't know why American car makers don't know this yet! -since the late 80's! I'm still waiting for manufactures to get with it!

but i like mazda design since before.

They are cool, but speed3 and ST.

Ok im pretty sure the ford is also a 6 spd auto not dual clutch. It has auto shift and optional paddles but that doesnt make it a dct.

Finally Mazda made a small car that doesn't look like a deranged mental patient with a clownish smile. If they can do the same with the Miata, maybe I'd buy one.

Is Mazda a luxury brand or a german car? I rather have a ford but i am not so sure. Please if you know respond.

Mazda 3 for sure !

If you think of it it’s the same car but with different headlights and taillights

Comparing the outgoing model focus (a new much-more- than- a- refresh model that debuts in July in U.K. ) , with the quite-new Mazda 3 , is a bit of a not-so-level playing field don't you think ????

Indie 88.1 FM plug!!!

The 2nd row in the 3 is tight. The slope of the hatch glass eats into the cargo area big time. The HUD is a joke and is generally blocked by the top of the steering wheel.

It's a shame Mazda didn't went overboard with the interior. Specially the horrible looking steering wheel. The outside looks like an Infiniti. Other thing is that it ends up being more expensive than the Corolla because you have to pay extra for things that come standard in almost any other car in the segment. On the other hand, the Focus is a Ford, which means it will suck and become useless in less than 2 years.

why ppl is unHappy with the ford focus.i thank it looks cool

the problem is your using a faster engine vs a base model engine. try the 2.0 skyactive vs the focus 2.0 the focus is faster.

so my titanium has the sync button on the wheel not underneath... is this a 2013? Honestly I don't like how the new Mazda's look... Not sure where they are coming from saying the Focus looks dated...

I own the 2014 Ford Focus and in summer months I average 41 MPG

good review. lol

I disagree on the foucs steering feel. It feels good to me i like the weight of it.

Why is autoguide saying focus is showing it's age,it's not,it still looks modern and funky and European and most importantly it feels solid,unlike tin can feeling Japanese cars of course Mazda is exception

This looks like Toronto or peel

Mazda 3 the best!

Nice Mazda sell, the focus comes in an ST that puts out 250 hp, and a 2.0L naturally aspirated that puts out 160 hp. If you were going to put a newly designed 2014 Mazda 3, against Ford’s old 2011 technology you could’ve at least compared apples to apples. The old 2 L from 2011 in the Ford focus still produces five more horsepower than Mazdas new 2014 2 L.

Even owning the 2014 model of the Ford Docus Trend, I really do not like having to speak like a computer.

The term "pounds-feet" left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Never heard it called "pounds-feet" before...

Mazda 3 Beautiful car

The Mazda style (Kodo)...is more sexy than the Ford...for old drivers.

Mazda 3 all day baby

I can't take Sami's voice

And with a different emblem

I'm not a fan of the Mazda's looks. The cabin looks like it's set too far back on the rest of the car, which is probably where the cargo space went. To me it looks like the car from The Ambiguously Gay Duo.

This automatic love is beyond me. Maybe it's a generation thing, or a geographical one, or both. I wanna decide when to shift gear.

Not sure if this would change the results (probably not) but I previously owned a Focus Titanium Hatch and it came with the Titanium Handling Package which stiffens up the ride and I would be willing to bet it would pull to dead even in terms of handling when compared to the Mazda 3. Maybe the team could do a follow up review with the handling package? ;-)

I'm disappointed that the mileage with these cars is so bad. My old Mazda 323 hatch [back when I had it] did the same thing. Not much changed except cars got fat and heavy.

I'm surprised the ford could understand daffy duck.

I really don't know what these bozos are babbling about. They've taken a very non-objective approach. They're shamelessly clamoring over the Mazda 3 throughout the video while constantly bashing the Ford Focus, basically saying whatever they can to sell the Mazda whether it makes sense or not. They keep saying how the Focus just "can't keep up" with its 2.0L 160 HP engine, as compared to the Mazda's 2.5L 184 HP engine. What these guys neglect to mention is that the 2.0L 160 HP engine on the focus is the BASE engine, available from $19k and up. The "comparative" engine on the Mazda 3 is only available for a mere... $25k! The base Mazda engine, the one that is available at $19k, is also a 2.0L and puts out only 155 HP. That is the base Focus's competition. If you want to dish out the kinda cash the higher end Mazda engine demands, you might as well get the Focus ST (which is an astonishing, full-fledged sport car with 2.0L 252 HP TURBO-CHARGED engine, and legendary handling). And you can get that for 3 thousand dollars cheaper. It's beyond me who would blow so much money on a 184 HP engine. The base v6 mustang is available at $22k with a blistering 302 HP, and the v6 Chevy Camaro available at $23k. Any car buff worth his salt would know all of this already; these fellas aren't fooling anyone.

Both of these cars look like house flies

The transmission on the ford is terrible my dad got that car and got rid of it in a year

Mazdas are so boring now I loved the 2010-2013 Mazda 3s those were nice idk what happened to these.

I drove a Focus rental, I would be ashamed to buy one.

Just so everyone knows, the mazda speed and the ford focus are based off the same engine Xd

i hate that you have to be rich for a car to look good