2021 Mazda3 Turbo | Two Sides to This Story 

You're saying it'll be hard for people to accept that this is a more comfy ride and not zoom zoom. That is exactly what I want - an upscale hatch that is quiet, comfortable, and a pleasure to drive.

People who are saying this car is overpriced need a reality check. This car is an absolute bargain. $29,900 gets you an AWD sedan, 250HP 320TQ, leather heated seats, LED lighting all around with auto high beams, 7” digital gauges, 8.8” NAV with CarPlay, windshield projected heads up display, sunroof, amazing Bose sound system, extremely nice quiet interior, refined ride, elegant upscale looks inside and out, and safety features like blind spot monitors radar cruise and emergency braking. You have to spend 36k in a GTI, 33K in a WRX, or 40K+ In an A3, A220, or 228i to get these features that come Standard on the Mazda. This car is anything but overpriced.

I am actually glad they didn’t make this a sporty car. Like Jack said 95% of the time you’re stuck behind in traffic anyways. This car was made to be a street weapon not a track monster. If it was made for lap times, you will be complaining about its rough rides and expensive brake pads/dust/noise. Goes back to how James May was complaining how cars tested on the Nurburgring are crap for the street

Mark, you had me at 'no auto start/stop.'

I always love getting goosed before 9am.

Funny how today's levels of performance are so unappreciated. At 14.3 sec (0-100mph) this car is as fast as the Porsche 928 GTS and faster than the Lamborghini Countach LP400S from back in the day. And despite the 'softness' I'd wager it will beat either of those two cars on the track too! It's a comfortable, fuel efficient family hatchback...not sure what there is to complain about!

A quick update. My wife drove one as we are still looking for something to replace her Golf R. Her commentary was that it felt like a "Japanese Volvo". To my mind, that's pretty high praise because she really liked the V60. Mazda, give us the damn Mazda 6 wagon. Are you listening? Canadians, we buy wagons!

This review was actually what sold me on this car. Love the look, the way it drives, and the way it feels. I'm a guy in his mid 20's no kids, and a dog, perfect car to suite my needs. I've driven BMW's and Mercedes before honestly it drives like my older 3 series with a refined interior. Everything feels nice to the touch and enough power, great mileage, and mazda reliability is only increasing.

With this interior and engine I feel like this is the most German Japanese car you can buy

i love this. i love that a manufacturer is still developing high quality cars when financially there is very little to gain. Mazda going up market is a great move in my opinion.

I’m the target demographic. I’m an engineer in my mid twenties who could get the smaller/lower level luxury cars if I wanted to. I want something nice, comfortable, and fun to drive but don’t give a shit about a badge. Mazda’s cars fit right in for me. I drive a CX-30, and to me it handles and drives amazing. I don’t understand this obsession with Mazdaspeed. There is a fellow in my complex who has a Mazdaspeed3. He doesn’t take his shit to track, and I probably drive more aggressive and at faster speeds than he does. I see no reason for Mazda to waste their time on sacrificing comfort and luxury when at most you’re going be smoking some asshole in a pick up truck every so often and putt putt at speed limit 99% of the time.

I just bought this car. Coming from an 08 Lexus IS250 I have to say I’m very happy. It checked off all the boxes for me with the interior/exterior, slighter better performance, and the price!

wish geese reviewed every car. seriously the best.

I've had my Mazda 3 Turbo for a little over a week now. I'm a big dude that loves little cars, and a pretend "enthusiast" that likes to pretend I'm a racecar driver. I'm also 40-something with a family. I absolutely love my Mazda 3. It's so fun to drive but is still refined and not clunky. For me and what I was looking for, there was no comparison to the Golf R on fit, finish, and "livability" (if I just invented a word). Thanks for the review. Very good! My sticker was also $32K, not sure where they put an extra $3K in that one?? Anyway, I didn't go in a month or so ago thinking I was getting a Mazda 3. I ended up in love.

As soon as the Mazda 3 Turbo AWD was released, i knew i needed to wait for savagegeese's review on it. All other youtube car channels covered only the surface and addressed only the obvious. Thank you boss! Your video is finally here!

I have a Mazda 3 Turbo 2021 I put 44,000 miles on it in the last year. And my expectations for the car were to be a reliable all wheel drive car that can handle some snow some ice. And still be fun. My prior car had been a Subaru Impreza hatchback, and I liked that car but the two major flaws were the CVT which I hated, and just no power. I think of my car is the tiniest GT car ever. It's not built to be ultimately quick or fast it's built to be very comfortable and to be able to go quickly when you want it to and still be comfortable. And for that it is awesome. I was looking at some BMWs and some Audis when the Mazda crossed my path. And I was so totally impressed with the little car that I got it. As my daily driver. The biggest weaknesses in the car I've noted are the brakes, they fade disturbingly quick, which I have addressed with mazda. The way the power drops off at the top end. It has great low-end torque and between say 2,000 and 5,000 RPM it makes driving super easy, but anything above 5000 it's just not even worth doing. Might as well short shift. Perhaps a slightly larger turbo or a different turbo architecture, or maybe a hybrid Turbo would completely transform that car. If you could keep making power above 5,000 I think it would go from being sprightly to downright quick. And it would make passing in the mountains, which is something I have to do quite a bit where you have very short passing zones, a bit easier. Also I'm not a huge fan of the low profile tires with 18-in wheels in the mountains. You really have to watch for potholes cuz you will destroy a tire. I absolutely love the non-touch screen infotainment system. It took me a couple of days to adjust to what the controls were and where they were but after that I don't have to look down ever. I can simply flip through modes and control everything that I want with my eyes still on the heads up display. For all the concerns with the rear torsion bar suspension, I haven't found that to hold me back at all. I regularly Drive the Dragon & similar roads with about 300 lb of gear ( I do independent it contracting, and I carry basically everything I need with me in the car). Obviously I never really push it on public roads, but I found it to understeer slightly but other than that to be very predictable and you can settle the understeer with a little bit of throttle. Personally I love the Mazda 3. But I wasn't expecting a mazdaspeed. I wanted a small reasonably quick reasonably efficient well handling car that could carry the gear I have to carry, and this car far exceeded my expectations at the price point.

There is a market for daily drivers.

I don't know. I actually really love the things that are considered a let down here. I have a Mazda 3 (from 2006) and a BMW 3 (from 2007). I love both cars and have them for different purposes. I always have loved the Mazda brand and for some reason it has a special place for me, because to me it always feel like they build things that make sense. And I love a good highway cruiser that has performance and doesn't make me pay ridiculous prices... and it sounds like this Mazda 3 Turbo is going to be that kind of car.

Jack's facial expression: You woke me up for this?

Jack's facial expression says - "I hate this car'

I love the fact that they say its not a GOLF R alternative, but managed to keep up with it in a drag race with 65 less HP, and out run the new WRX. this car has serious potential to be a major contender.

With the turbo model, I think Mazda was taking aim at cars like the Audi A3 and the Mercedes CLA (and perhaps the new A-class). If you equip the german counterparts with the a la carte "premium" features that come standard with the Mazda 3 Turbo (e.g. 360 camera, Connected Services, Traffic Jam Assist, HUD, Heated Steering wheel), the Mazda is at least $10,000 cheaper. Yes, it's a very niche market, but it exists.

*The front looks like it could be part of a super car. Really handsome* 😍

Q: what did the bottle of Mexican sauce say? A: ‘soy sauce’

Have always liked the ‘3’, and I love the engine cover cup holders.

You have to give it to Mazda for not using a CVT especially with the Mazda3 Turbo It would have been worse

I bought an AWD Mazda3 Sedan back in July of 2019. My roundtrip commute is 125 miles daily. I have been COMPLETELY happy with the car on a daily driving basis. It's not an enthusiast car anymore. It is very comfortable, very reliable and provides a sense of security during the winter at a reasonable cost without succumbing to an anonymous blob of an SUV.

I know I'm a minority, but this car seems to hit everything I'd want since I don't drive fast besides on highways. Hope its a bit more affordable though. edit: I don't know why being able to hear a 4-cylinder reved up is important for this car segment. Low end torque aligns with Mazda direction towards "premium". With the awesome sounds system, I'd rather have a quieter cabin and stronger pull as a daily driver.

You know you're old when you hear someone say grandpa and 1980s in the same sentence and you get mildly nauseous.

Your music choice is always a treat to listen to while watching your car reviews.

I test drove the mazda 3 turbo and was amazed by how fast it was and how engaging it was to drive. This is not a raw feeling speed3 but if you take it without the labels and just drive it for what it is, it is one hell of a car. It felt faster than a q50 or a Guilia with a good weight to the steering, good engine noise and for 33k, Mazda is offering a really good value for a sporty consumer vehicle that wasn't performance oriented.

As a premium feeling compact car I would call the new Turbo 3 a success. It's not trying to be an enthusiast or performance car and that's just fine. I would use it as a daily to go a long with a weekend toy / fun car in a heartbeat. Mazda3 Turbo for the weekday and MX-5 Miata for the weekends would be a usable, fun and relatively cheap to own garage pair.

It's an interesting car that should work for a lot of people. The power is tuned to be useful for the point and shoot of city driving. This is where a slight excess of power helps you hustle the car in and out of lanes and avoid squeeze plays by other drivers. So using turbo power for those city modes sounds kind of smart.

I put a deposit down 2 months ago after driving a non-turbo Mazda3 GT & comparing w/ a CX-5 turbo to see what the motor is like. I took delivery of my turbo sedan 3 days ago...it’s quality, luxury & performance in an affordable mainstream car for people who enjoy driving. It was well worth the wait & my hard earned $$$! The car is fantastic. Period. The turbo models are built in Japan, too. Mazda is aiming for people like myself, middle aged, owned a VW Jetta GLI, like the German engineering but want awd traction for winter weather (I live in Calgary) and want all the options checked in a new vehicle, but not an SUV or a Golf R. Can’t justify $10k more for an A3 Technik, BMW 2 series or Mercedes A class. Not to mention increased maintenance & insurance costs that c/w the brand name. VW is starting to cheap out with their product & the maintenance costs are going up, IMO. Moonroof & heated steering wheel aren’t even available on a Golf R. As much as I enjoy a manual trans, not prepared to spend several grand more for the Golf R.

The styling and interior are fantastic for the segment.

Jack is clearly still upset about the soy sauce rationing instituted by Mark.

2:20 Jack sure does look different here 😏😂

smoothed out is the perfect description for this car. yes the previous generations were more "fun" but I got used to this current generation, and its just as fun, more mature way. i like it.

I love how Jack brought up the context of daily driving at 13:58. We all say we want the fastest, most connected and raw driving experience possible. But the truth is that, unless you got a GT3, fast and raw usually means the car is a shitbox

Found your channel a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it! Love the flow of your reviews and very honest feedback. Super channel here! Cheers, Rich

This is EXACTLY the car I'm looking for. Luxury, comfort, and a little bit of an edge

And this is exactly the car I loved to have. It has everything and it's refined in every way.

Always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for doing what you do and more power to you and your channel.

I picked up one of these 5 days ago. Such a gorgeous car, and as a daily its damn near perfect. It will never see the track, but with all that spec its fun as hell on the common road as long as you're not stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.

This is the review I've been waiting for. The only one I truly trust.

i have owned this as my daily for about 7 months now and am still in love with it. I owned a 2010 3 hatch and this is significantly better in every way. The extra $10k is well justified considering how much more you get. I did install a Magnaflow axle back exhaust simply because i wanted to hear SOMETHING out of the tail pipe, and that has been a worthy upgrade. The enthusiast in me does want a little more edge but that feeling subsides when i really think about what i'm looking for in a daily driver. Aside from the great value this car offers the fact that it looks a little different than your Hondas and Volkswagens keeps me and other people intrigued. Mine is in the soul red metallic and i have had numerous strangers comment on how gorgeous the red/black combo looks on this vehicle, and i have to agree! Keep up the great work SG, your my go-to car guys on RU-vid.

Another incredible review from Mark. Well done. A no bullshit review. Jack’s input is always great too.

I got my Premium Plus Turbo Hatch about 2 weeks ago now. I've really been loving it. I had a '10 Speed3, and this is definitely not that, but it's still a fun, tossable car. I was cross-shopping this against a CLA 35 AMG but couldn't bring myself to pay that much more money for that, and decided to stick with Mazda. I tracked my Speed3 about 4 or 5 times over the 5 years I owned that, so buying a track focused car to daily drive just doesn't make sense. In between the Speed3 and this, I owned a '16 CX-5 GT and '16 CX-9 Signature, so I've also gotten used to an automatic. With the money I've saved instead of going CLA 35, I could look at getting a used Miata as a track car if I want to get back into that. Plus, I love hatchbacks, and really I think this car does a better job of blending luxury, performance, refinement, and technology compared to say a Golf R/GTI, and much more than other hot hatches like a Veloster N or Civic Type-R. To me it's the Goldilocks of hatches right now in the States. (If MB brought the A hatch to the states, this might have been a different story though.)

I DD a Mazda3 and had a 2.5 sedan that I traded in on my M3. I'm a Mazda fan. Not having the option of a manual trans is very disappointing.

I subscribed late one night and by morning this STD was completely cleared up.

I got an exact same model in red interior. It's more than enough for adding a little bit of fun+upscaleness in everyday driving.

My wife owns the100th ann version..it’s as you describe.

Really really down to earth review. I love it.

I actually bought a 2020 Mazda 3 and I love it for what it is. Exceptional review and I really don’t feel like I missed out with not getting this car. But I’m really happy it exists.

My wife has a 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo sedan. It is a SUPERB car for relaxed everyday driving in pretty much any weather. The AWD and good winter tires make easy work of the Canadian winter. It’s relaxing and effortless, which is what it was designed for and which is what we wanted it for. No complaints here.

Been waiting for this review for such a long time. 🥳

The video I have been waiting for!

Thanks for trying to put the controversy over the revamped Mazda3 into context. I replaced my Mazda 3 2012 5 speed with a 2020 Mazda3 and I've been absolutely delighted with the change. It's amazing to me how deep the gap is between lovers and haters is when it comes to this car. Quite frankly, I'm not interested in driving like a frustrated Grand Prix racer. The comfort, quiet, style and features like Apple Car play are exactly what I want. When you ask if Mazda can ever fully bridge the gap between the gearheads and everyday drivers, you might better ask if they should even try. Keep going!

Mazda's evolution and growth amazes me

The interior of this thing( especially the red leather) looks amazing, it really jump out the the group from GTI, R, Si or anything really, simply, sporty, clean, best of all: no piano black, exterior also not bad, srsl hands up for this Mazda 3

I see Savage Geese review. I watch. I love. I hit like button. I comment. Easy.

Mazda was seriously impressive when I checked the dealer out earlier this year.

I’ve had my 2023 Mazda 3 for 2 months and I’m inlove !!

I like what Jack said “95% of time sitting behind some asshole doing 5 mph underneath speed limit and you just don’t want to think about it”. Brilliantly dulled vehicle. But hey this toy got 310 lb-ft torque.

Savagegeese really shat on this car as a performance/enthusiast vehicle...a little unforgiving, but it was obviously not what he was expecting lol. After exactly a year with this 3 Turbo Premium Hatch with the Polymetal Grey and red/black interior, I feel that I got exactly what I wanted and more. Most people in the market for this car are not looking for a brash rocket with stiff suspension and super tight steering. It is is a luxury/high end Hatch with a lot of refined elements and solid performance. For 36k, you can't beat the value proposition...all the competitors with comparable trim are 5 or 10k more. A phenomenal daily driver that can be enjoyed in the canyons and the track as well. I've driven this thing in nearly every situation (with the exception of snow) and VERY hard, and I must say that it handles extremely well and delivers the power necessary to really deliver a thrill. Just not in a way that will blow out your back lol. Sport mode almost makes it feel like a COMPLETELY different car. Was not expecting that. It will never be a Veloster N, Golf R or a Civic Type R, but those cars can't deliver the technology and complete package this 3 Turbo premium does...and that's okay. The Hatch market is in a very good place right now with all the diversity of options. Each car is distinct and offers something different.

The information delivery felt different during the shoppe segment for this video. All very deliberate/declarative. So much great info but so easy to digest. Thanks!

Thank you for your thoughts. I'm really addicted to this car and this video helps to make a better choice of the car's trim

i feeel way safer in the ,mazda then i ever did in my civic the fact that the touch display is gone is awesome i love the controls propbably the most favorite feature of the car everything is at your fingertips literally thank u mazda

After owning my Turbo hatch (premium plus polymetal gray w/ red leather interior) for around two weeks, I absolutely love it over my gen 3 (which I still love)- I was pleasantly suprised at how the shift from "sporty" to "premium" didn't equate to "less fun to drive"- especially with the torsion beam (which, with AWD, surprisingly takes turns as well or better than the 3rd gen multilink setup) My legitimate only nitpicking (2.5 things) that I can honestly point out is that I liked the steering feel and steering response on my gen 3 better (slightly quicker, and almost allows you to "feel" your tires biting and judge if they're at their limits) , and that the brakes have a more definitive bite point in the gen 3. The turbo's brakes aren't bad by any means, but they feel like they came out of some Toyota soccer mom CUV vehicle. Oh, and lastly, I wish the regular transmission programming held gears a little longer under >70% throttle- but then again, that's a non issue with the sport mode (which almost tends to hold higher gears unnecessary when simply cruising.) The transmission is adaptive and should "learn" my driving habits after a few thousand miles, just as it did in the Gen 3- I don't really consider it an issue and just chalk it up to being a brand new transmission from the factory.

Your final thoughts hit the nail on the head is what I feel.

I own a 2016 Mazda6 and man I want one of these as a daily so bad. As an enthusiast I can keep my Corvette or other sportscars for fun when I want it. A super comfortable and beautifully styled hatchback with the thrust of one of these sounds perfect for regular driving.

Drool. What a bad ass looking "regular" car. Also pretty damn peppy.

It's a good looking hatch. Really mature, and classy. I hope it sells well here in the US. I'm still hopeful that, someday, Mazda will release a sports car again.

Drove my 2022 turbo out the lot last week and am loving it. It’s big enough for our family (lady and toddler) but still fun for me to get a thrill. Feels like a baby Benz but still gives the tuner feel if that makes sense. Not the biggest tuner enthusiast but again, the point is I get the best of both worlds while still getting decent fuel efficiency

I purchased a ‘23 turbo hatch a few months ago, partially after watching this review. I am a hardcore FWD sh*tbox enthusiast, having modded, autocrossed and tracked Mazdas and Hondas in the past - including a DC2 Integra Type R. I’ve driven hard and worked on Mazdaspeed Proteges and 3’s in the past, and on some level I did want a slight taste of the old-school Mazdaspeed absurdity. It’s not here, flat out. The car is very, very quick but refined incredibly well and the power is useable everywhere on the street. For my needs today, the Mazda 3 checked more boxes than anything else I could find. Oddly, it specifically beat out the FK8 Type R for me based on usability and driving confidence for my wife. I will still buy a Type R at some point, but maybe it’ll be a few years.

Another great presentation, review & summation, Savage. I’m a avid fan of Mazda’s zoom zoom days of yore. I had a 91 Miata BRG(a wall won the crash), 04 Mazda 6(as good as a BMW 330 in handling but more fun) & now, a 2017 MX 5 (not as fun as the NA). It’s disappointing to see the new direction in comfort & luxury rather than a driver centric dynamic experience 🥴. Living in LA I would purchase this iteration for its gorgeous design & built quality over other comparable offerings. Btw Mark &Jack, I’m not an engineer, I do appreciate your explanation on the engineering portion “In The Shop”. It is well presented without dumbing down on the technical aspects on build involvement. Well done as usual. 👍🏼

Great review! I picked up what is essentially the exact car in this review a few weeks ago-a Hatchback turbo premium plus in the poly metal gray seen here. My previous daily driver was a 2011 335i with a 6MT. This car handles better than my 335i and even though the turbo n55 had better top end grunt, and a more immediate sense of speed, this Mazda feels virtually as quick. Geese is right, things are soft and a bit subdued but this car is extremely fun to drive and very comfortable. I constantly drive it in sport and it really livens it up. The value proposition is immense, The 3 is absolutely loaded with features that would cost 15k on an entry level Audi, bimmer or Mercedes. Further that doesnt even include the extra costs the Germans charge for upgraded engines AND awd. I picked this Mazda up for 33k, Its loaded and I can start the damn car with my iPhone! Very happy with the purchase, I’ve so far throughly enjoyed this new turbo 3. I’m 28, engineer in the Bay Area and was looking for a small crossover or hatch with adequate power and awd for those powder days up in the hills.

Most of us aren't racing for pinks.. we want this style of "one foot in sport, one foot in luxury" car. Mazda nailed it.

I bought the 100th turbo and love it. Fast and comfortable

I’ve been waiting for this one

As someone whos test drove and is going to own this car I do agree that its not performance based but to say its not that fun is a harsh criticism. Mazda gets very little profit from a car like this, you cant have it all as you said. But I've also seen plenty of other reviewers say the same things apart from your "not fun to drive". Yes its more comfort orientated 100% but around corners or just cruising its a great car. Its the middle man of performance and comfort some people may not like that and some do. It isn't full luxury pretty close but it isn't just performance orientated. The turbo option is also only 700 dollar upgrade that's nothing for the power and torque difference (Canada). Also as a canadian your probably going to want the AWD system anyway and yes its a price jump but for safety and the difference in driving its worth it IMO. The option for a Manuel isn't viable either as those who want it cannot afford this car or will say they will by one and don't end up doing so and Mazda knows this. Thank god its not a CVT and you can have the "fake Manuel feeling." I saw someone else say its not a hot hatch but its a toasted hatch. You can have fun it it but it isn't going to go on the track and break records or give loud pops and bangs going up and down gears. Can you still take it to the track or autocross sure you can with any car and most people who do also modify things like suspension etc. Though I know this review is of course from a stock perspective on the vehicle. In the end this isn't and will never be a mazdaspeed and Mazda said its not going to come back, while sad people need to accept that. A lot of companies are going hybrid and EV and taking away the sport aspects of certain vehicles and Mazda doesn't have the funds to make huge changes. This car was created to solve the issue that everyone said the Mazda 3 is feels slower than it should be and it does just that.

outstanding video as always !

I love my 2021 Mazda 3 turbocharged hatchback .. love you dudes! Thank you for the review

ngl i'm dying to buy this car!! Simply the most beautiful car i've ever seen. OMFG

It's basically a cheaper Lexus compact and I really like that.

Excellent review Mark. I am 63, currently driving the Mazda3 5 speed 2.0L sedan that I bought new in 2006. I am going to Stick.... with the 2021 Premium Hatchback NA motor so I can get another Manual to drive! Thanks for your review as always.

I've owned a 23TPP for the last 3 months and this car is a blast to drive and own. Puts a smile on my face every time I drive her. The only thing I don't like about this review is how they talk about it's not a rocketship. To me it's PLENTY FAST and just feels luxurious to drive. The torque is amazing and for every day driving its more than enough.

Wow! A real professional car review chanel. Thank you so much. So tired of the other wannabe reviewers. I wont mention any names. DeMuro would get mad. Oops. Keep 'em coming brother and here's wishing you much more success!

"Still not fast enough" Feel like I'm in the bubble bass episode of SpongeBob

Glad you guys are picking up subs

I am no engineer but I am fascinated by the engineering put into these vehicles.

Hell yeah, video uploaded 58 seconds ago lol. Been looking forward to a video on this car from you guys

my favourite thing to do is to come home from school, heat up some pizza rolls, and watch a new savagegeese upload

I'll never understand people who don't want low rev torque and gobs of it. But I'm just a normal driver who needs to pass people or avoid crazies, not a drag racer. THat said, as always appreciate the really detailed and HONEST reviews here. Great job guys.

I own a 2021 Mazda 3 GX Sport and believe me it is quite a step up for any base model car available on the market right now. It feels as tight and responsive without the AWD and turbo. I just upgraded from a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the handling is just as stiff and responsive for the sports car feel but the suspension soft enough that you don't get the rough ride that comes with track cars. The interior is awesome! Doesn't look like the generic interior other manufacturers made and is VERY ergonomic!

I think it's a great car meant for matured buyers Great review

Amazing intro music

Didn't expect this after that thorough Mazda3 review. But I'll gladly take it.

I got 2020 CX-30 preferred.. love it. Drives nimble and zooms.. I regret not waiting for the turbo option

I drive a lot, and between my girlfriend's car and mine, ones got the speed and stiff suspension and the other has the comfort and quietness, but they can't fill each others roles. This does, and I can't understand how some people don't want that middle ground for a daily driver.