Random bit of info I learned in a test drive: the auto shifts much faster if you use the gear selector instead of paddles. The paddles have a pretty long delay that does that amazing transmission no justice. Notice how fast it shifts just based on throttle input! PLUS the gear selector is FORWARD to shift DOWN and BACK to shift UP, LIKE GOD INTENDED!
No, he's right. Power is not required for fun. Such a requirement is childish. Steering feedback and feel, alongside good handling are most important in an enthusiast's car. Also, give me a break with VW. They're abandoning the ICE engine, while Mazda is the lone wolf innovating to save it.
Jonathan A that’s really not correct, it’s a very similar belt, a chain would not work In that operation as it is not flexible for the changing of the ratios
Yeah, I feel you. It doesn't feel that long ago when I bought a brand new one in 2018. Now, over 80,000 miles and 6 years later, I can't believe I've had it for so long. The car still feels brand new to me; those 6 years passed by like it was nothing. There's no reason to get rid of it, though; those cars last forever.
@@Tatura. Exactly man. Time flies by its nuts. Mine didn’t quite feel brand new when I bought it. It had been wrecked 3 times, needed control arms and a good detail. Now it looks and drives just like it’s brand new. Love that thing
My wife's cousin was shopping for a new car the other week and she asked me about the Mitsubishi Mirage and Kia Forte. I suggested she look at the Mazda 3 based on all the great things I've heard about it. Well, she ended up buying the Mazda and she loves it! Haven't had a chance to drive it myself yet, but hopefully will get to soon.
Just bought this car, the 2.5L feel completely different than the 2.0L, the reason I sold my first 2.0L mazda 3, was just the power deficiency reason, the 2.5L is literally fees like the car has 200hp.... drives so well, and feels amazing
This is by far, my favorite video of driving a Mazda3 3gen POV. I have 6 months with mine, 2018, Touring, hatchback. 6 months of fun and love! But thanks to this video I just realized I can get even more of the car!
I bought one, not long after seeing this review just before the pandemic hit and I 💯 percent agree about the transmission it shifts like a manual and is always in the right gear.
I own this car. I bought it this year before I saw this video. I completely agree with everything TheTopher said. I drove every single car in the class, aside from the Civic SI and Golf GTI as they were about $10K more Canadian. This, from a driving perspective, is absolutely in a class of it's own. So much fun to drive and faster than what you might think. The only thing that is not up to par is the infotainment system. I recommend, if you are buying, to negotiate the new Apple Carplay and Android Auto upgrade into your purchase. If driving matters, this is your car.
My friend rented one of these and let me drive it back home after our short trip and I could instantly tell it felt so much more premium in terms of handling compared to the current 2.0L NA civic
@Anton Zuykov the 2.3T that is in my 2013 speed3 doesnt create that much wheel spin, mainly only in first and beginning of second if i power shift when my tyres are cold, and i have just cheap tyres on atm, the 2.3T makes 256hp and 280tq, a little more hp and a little less tq than the 2.5T (on 93octane) but im sure the platform, the trans and diff ect, have gotten better than there might be a little slip if you launch it or on slightly dusty road, if i upgraded mounts and sways, and got proper okay all seasons (as it is my daily) im sure all of the wheel spin will go away
I drove 2019 2.5T mazda6 and the front wheels always slipped whenever i turned the steering wheel just a little bit @3k rpm. But mazda's G vector? System did good job eliminating torque steer. If mazda tune their turbo and software to give less torque and more hp, it will be just fine...how about 280hp & 265tq rather than 250hp & 310tq? Modern automakers are able to tune it for more hp less tq unlike old aftermarket turbo systems....
I had a 2010 hatchback with a 6 speed manual. Your review is making me miss my Mazda! My wife is car shopping and looking at an '18 tomorrow and I really hope it works out.
Chris, I did not know that one of the last 6 speed automatics still available on the market was also the best automatic available! In fact, I assumed it was an outdated unit because it has only 6 speed. You always do a great job providing a fresh, objective stance on key elements in the cars you review so thanks for that. I wouldn't be opposed to buying a Yaris iA (Mazda2) Preferably with a 6 speed manual but now that you mention it, I bet it has the same 6 speed automatic as this which would make that a great choice aswell. Do you have any plans reviewing that car? It's definitely one of the best value propositions available in the American new car market, having driven one before it was a manual and seemed to have just enough power to feel fun.
Cop city on I-275 ! Be careful out there! Anyway, I just bought a used 2018 Grand Touring (missing the tech package, but its got enough) with 14K miles. What a cream puff this thing is! We also have a 2012 GT with similar equipment. Nice review!
Why is this video uploaded as unlisted? I’ve been waiting for this review. I want to buy this car in the exact spec you have it in. Excellent Review Sir!!
Tucson Dashcam I was waiting until this morning to make it live. Glad you enjoyed the review! I know people have been asking for this one for a while, it's a great car 👍
TheTopher, I agree you with, it´s an awesome car, the space is perfect, the engine it´s great too, the efficiency it´s good also (we all know how improved those engines have become). In general I also love this car.
If I wasn't so much of a BRZ fanboy, I'd get this as a hatchback with the 2.5l, and a manual (even though I heard the transmission feeling sucks) alongside all the sporty accessories A light fwd, naturally aspirated with great gas mileage is a great substitute for the BRZ imo. Great review, hopefully one day you can get your hands on a manual Mazda3
Connecticut Dashcam believe redline reviewer said that, or maybe it was the corolla. But either way, regardless of shifter feel,I'd still buy drive, and lightly modify it
You've been in Mazda's entire current lineup over the course of something like a few months. It would have been helpful to get your thoughts on how everything compares related to driving experience (in broad terms: comfort, steering, noise, power, transmission, interior, seats, which is best value right now, etc.)
That's a good idea - this Mazda3 is up there - also really enjoyed the CX-5 (I could see myself owning one). I have a CX-9 coming in a couple weeks, might do a model lineup overview then. Also, Miata!
I've always owned mazda's because I had family in the business. Never had any real issues with the cars and I'm talking about 10+ and many models. The last one was at leased 3 2.0 manual and I loved it even with road and wind and engine noise. I'm now leasing a Chevy Cruze. Not saying it was a mistake but miss my 3, but got a quiet softer riding car that's made for different way of driving.
Your reviews are the best because you aren't afraid to put cars through the wringer..lol. I'm also glad car companies don't put the press cars on the used market after their time is up. ;) I really like the 3, but sadly it seems Mazda isn't doing a Speed3 for this generation. If they had I might be driving one of those instead of a '16 GTI. I really hope Mazda brings back Mazdaspeed for the upcoming gen...turbo either on the 2.0 or 2.5.
I have a 2000 Mazda 323, 1.5 You won't believe how fun this old 24 yrs car is. It drives very aggressive in mountain turns even though I have 14 inch tires and the engine is 88hp :D . A simple car that will get you out of every corner even on 3 tires and one in the air (however it will be difficult to get it in the air due to the stabilizer bars on the rear suspension). The only things I can think of as big negatives are the noise in the saloon and the rust
Dude... You have a death wish!!! Back when I owned my Mazda3, it was easily the best car I've ever owned. Not a single issue, super fun to drive, great interior, etc. It was a fantastic package. My only complaint was that it felt underpowered. I ended up moving to a Civic with the 1.5t, and it is far more powerful. Definitely scratches that power itch. The Mazda 3 is a fantastically fun car.
LeoZ I did have the 2.0l engine. I also test drove the 2.5L before buying the Civic. Mazda 2.5L is a decent motor, but Honda's 1.5L turbo is a better power plant. It has more power and torque. Don't look at the numbers. Honda underrated the motor, probably to make it seem like the Accord still had more power.
Mad Pistol You do realize the 1.5t civic has less power and torque than the 2.5 in the Mazda? I know I couldn’t sacrifice the handling of the Mazda 3 AND the loss of power, AND the loss of material quality to move to the Civic but to each their own
Connecticut Dashcam Yes I do realize that. 0-60 is faster in the Civic. Steering feel is better in the Mazda 3. Both interiors are very nice. Everything else, the Civic wins.
Connecticut Dashcam - What interior quality in the Mazda? The Civic is more well put together, has lower cost to own and holds its resale value way better than any Mazda out there.
I have the same exact car. The gearing is too tall for the car to feel "zippy". The car could use more gears with shorter gearing. Other than that, the car handles amazing and the manual shifting auto is one of the best I've ever used.
@@pranavmukesh deliberately being ignorant? it's because they're making fun-to-drive, premium cars. all without the terrible reliability and operating costs
@@pranavmukesh Volvo shared the Mazda/Ford designed global C1 platform (Focus, C-Maxx, MZ3, MZ5) for their S40/C30 cars, that was as far as the joint involvement went.
Mazda really needs to integrate Android Auto/Apple Car Play. With the news of their new engine developments should we expect new refreshes within the next 2 years? I'd be looking for a car by then (still in school).
I had the opportunity to drive one for a week in California. I rented one and drove it on the Pacific Coast Highway. What a blast this car was to drive! I would love to see Mazda put the Turbo 2.5L with an Auto into this car... My only negative was the infotainment system. It didn't have Android Auto and I was really missing that. Does this 2018 support Android Auto? Mazda really needs to step up their game in the Infotainment category.
Yes! Finally!! How's the road noise in these? I'm considering a 3 or a wrx. Some opinions would be nice. If the 2018 mazda 3 has less road noise then a wrx then I'll get a wrx. I'll sacrifice some handling for more comfort.
Tech Defender 2 different types of vehicles. If you’re going for performance, you’re going to get a WRX. If you’re going for an everyday driver with a balance of handling, performance, and comfort, you’ll go for the 3
I have a 2017 Mazda3 Hatch Auto, and I say that it is still not as good as a manual, and I regret my decision of not going for a manual. At low speeds around 10-20mph, when you step on the throttle, the transmission needs over 1 second, sometimes 2-3 seconds to settle down on a gear, and this is my biggest gripe with this auto.
I’d get that checked out at the dealer because this is the exact reason I chose the Mazda over the rest, because the transmission was so responsive at any speed
I know this years old but basically what your describing is the torque converter will allow quite a bit of slippage at the bottom of 2nd gear to avoid lugging the engine. It is the biggest downside of the driving experience imo but otherwise does a good job of keeping the torque converter locked up 90% of the time. It does rev match down into 1st pretty well but that feels unnecessary at those speeds. The transmission also is much much better warmed up than cold, like it feels disgusting cold and almost perfect warmed up.
Connecticut Dashcam i was trying to do some full throttle pulls on the test drive, and the first few times, it wasnt full throttle. You really have to stomp on it for thekickdown button. Essentially not a linear pedal
I know it's been a while but I'm looking at purchasing one of these currently and have a question. How was the sound system in the vehicle, not a major deciding factor for me, but I am curious! Thank you : )
I just recently purchased and 2018 hatchback touring and even thought I’m not an audio file to me sounds good and mine isn’t the Bose systems. I love it.
Tech Defender... Wouldn't the Mazda6 (touring) be better to up size to from a '3...I like the accord too but if you are going from compact to midsize then go apples to apples - accord/'6 (manual or automatic)...accord sport and '6 touring are in my crosshairs
After putting the front of the car on jack stands or ramps You need to remove the under tray and then on the trans pan there’s is a drain plug you can remove to drain and fill the trans fluid. There is also a dip stick but it’s hidden under the intake and requires you to remove the air box to access it. As for changing the transmission fluid filter you can drop the transmission pan like normal but stock it doesn’t use a transmission pan gasket but you can order a kit online to make it so it does. Mazdas transmission requires that you use their Manufacturer specific fluid. Not doing so will result it slippage, hard shifts, and eventually transmission failure.
He doesn’t mean the shifts it’s self. Of course it won’t be quicker that a DCT at changing gears. What he means is how fast it shifts down and grabs a gear when you stomp on it.
Niru I’m in the same boat. I feel like you get more features with the Hyundai like Blue Link remote services, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Idk about your area, but its hard to find the Elantra GT Sport in my area. There’s only 2 available by me
Christopher Beezer I think the turbo defiantly would make it more lively, it's about a second faster or more to 60 with the auto. Plus similar fuel economy. Up to you though. I think Hyundai Kia stuff has come a long way so giving it a hem a shot wouldn't be bad!
Don't base your purchase decision on some stranger's comments on RU-vid. Go to the dealerships, sit in the cars, drive them and make your decision based on your own personal experience.
I use to be a Hyundai Elantra owner and I wouldn’t buy again. While I loved the car and the performance, and the price. I did not like how the value dropped incredibly low... my 2015 Elantra is only worth $5,000 and that’s with 40,000 Miles.... i was only offered 3,000 for trade in... complete bs
can you please stop going to the highway revving up all the time, half city normal rpm drive (till 3000 rpm e.g.) drive and half halway roaring rpm drives. A mix of both would be good.
I could not drive with the HUD always flashing like that.. thats dumb, and dont see why they'd do that.. other than that looks like an excellent whip for your money!
I have an "i" Grand Touring with leatherette seats and I have to admit that it's rather terrible. The material is soft and feels upscale, but what I hate about it most is it doesn't breathe at all. Your legs and backside get all hot and sweaty even on cool days with the fan running. This is the last car I'll own with leatherette, unless it's perforated.
Never use the word "cheap" in a review. Say, you know, I really love driving a car like this in its class and feels more expensive. You don't need to break the piggy bank to get a fun car to drive,
Except the civic looks terrible from every angle and for anyone that wants an auto, its stuck with a cvt. The mazdas material qualities are better. The mazda gets better real world mpg. Honda and toyota have been relying on there brand reputation for years while making average cars at best.
skunk1955 every video review on a car in this segment there is some arrogant goof who posts a childish comment claiming “ohhhh the civic is better”. No one cares! People requested this car not a Honda Civic for a reason. The Civic is overpriced for what you get compared to its competitors.
