I traded my 2016 Audi A3 for the new Mazda 3 Turbo, no regrets whatsoever and it's actually a better car than the Audi, granted the Audi was older but it just speaks volume to how well these Mazdas are made.
Totally agree as my Astina is a manual so the dial is in the right place. Thou I set up my music or wherever on the info screen before heading out. 👍🏻🇦🇺
@@MrAntoniorey they're clearly not. It doesn't handle anywhere near as well a Hyundai N. This car is for people who want to get from A to B in a nice interior and smooth day to day driving it's not a performance car. I'm not knocking it. It's good at what it aims to be good at. I'd still take a Elantra n-line or N anyday
@@mharro88 I leased one for 2 years and it was a very fun car to drive. They’re little torque monsters. Although I can appreciate N Line, the 3 is a more premium vehicle. Oh and by the way I’m an enthusiast as well 👍🏾
I bought a 2021 Mazda3 Turbo sedan for fantastic price. I love the car so much. It blew my mind when I first drove it. Many don't realize how quick this car is - Faster than a Subaru WRX. Not only that it gets great gas mileages and competes at luxury level with the amazing interiors.
To my eyes, Mazda has the best aesthetics of any modern manufacturer. Simple clean organic shapes, so refreshing these days. That said, am I the only one who hates black wheels on anything that isn’t a cop car or a NASCAR?
The Mazda 3 has a clean, no-nonsense styling that's really cool. And black wheels are absolutely fine ... on a BLACK car. I'm not a fan of white cars at all. IMO white makes any car look cheap. But black wheels on a white car are just another way of telling everyone, I got no idea what I'm doing, no idea what's going on.
I have this car and am still watching reviews. Its a big upgrade from my 2019 Civic Hatchback minus the MPG.It drives so nicely and responsive. I opted not to get the premium plus trim because I dislike all the plastic.
I have 19 Civic Sport for my work car. Just got this for my daughter. Let’s just say I’m 100% jealous. Interior is as nice as my wife’s Lexus. Perfect daily driver. Can’t wait until you can plug in an Accesport and bump up power 50-75hp and change transmission shift personality. Little cat back exhaust or turbo back might give it a cool little growl.
@@mezzb I did the same. The interior is so sweet looking with the red. At first I thought the extra trim pieces were a little overkill, but I've actually come to like the look of them, they definitely make it look sportier, though I'm not looking forward to seeing what all the rocks do to the front end of this car.
I won the turbo 3 in poly metal. A different set of tyres change it a lot I’m using Michelin pilot sports and it helps make the car a lot more fun! Spot on review
We own 4 as a family, From a 21' select sedan to the 21' Turbo PP in white with red interior. My son has the manual. All amazing cars! We have owned many Hondas and Acuras over the years. Today's Mazdas are a better value. Now, Lets see how they hold up over the long haul. Our 2003 CL-Type S is still on the road with 250K+ miles
I live in orlando. Their dealerships are so nice. They treat their customers like king. You get this luxury feelings when you in there unlike Honda and Toyota.
A few years back I got a non-turbo model as a rental and it was really a great car. I really liked the luxurious interior and the exterior styling, it feels like a more expensive car than it actually is. It was also fun to drive compared to other economy cars I've driven, especially rentals. They tried to talk me into a free upgrade to a bigger Ford Fusion sedan, but I decided not to as I prefer smaller cars anyway. I'm so glad I didn't upgrade.
I have a 2019 non turbo hatch and it's still a hoot to drive and has plenty of power for me. Again the only drawback is the rear torsion beam suspension instead of the multilink. It's interesting cause Mazda upscaled this car and don't understand why they finally decided to go with it. They fiqured most people won't care or bother, and the saving if weight, sofistication , less costs and added room I think is not enough cause to override their upscale theme.
i have the cx-30 turbo, and while its only 250hp, it just feels fast for some reason. its actually really fun to drive. ill pass someone and when i look back down i went from 30-80. im so glad that mazda focused on the actual driving experience this time.
The car is a blast to drive . Super fun. And fast not only that but the auto has auto shift which he did not say. But you get best of both worlds plus paddle shifters if you so choice price is good for all you get. Interior is a knock out you know you are driving something special. You want get that feeling from a wrx. A Honda , or even your GTI! Why cause Mazda is just that good. I test drove them all. And I wanted a MT. While guess what I bought?? Yep a 2021 Mazda 3 HB TURBO. It checks every box. Not just a few like everyone else. Stand out in a crowd and go test drive it. And you will see just how damn good that car is. Plus the feel of being rich even know most of us are not but damn sure feel like it driving it. Not for kids. This car is made for adult with a kids Spirit!
I have a non-turbo 2.5 hatch and I’m happy with the way it handles. I took it on a trip up to the smokies and the tail of the dragon and all of my friend group (including one with a 323 GTX) agreed it punches above its weight.
I had a 323 GTX in college and had it 2 weeks.Guy lost control on the HWY and bounced off the center wall then hit me and totaled it.I have a stinger with AWD now.But this mazda for what it is--is great.I think i might get some type of sporty SUV or CUV like this next time.I love the stingers performance--but it sits too low--I came from a honda crosstour and like cars that sit up a little high like this mazda does--makes the car much much easier to drive--and makes them good in bad weather.I would take this over a q3 or MB or bimmers entry level cuv.
@@moonsapling I will not be looking till at least 2025 at the earliest.I saved a lot of money on my Stinger and can afford to rent cars if need be if I need to go offroad or up to the mountains.What happened is I bought an ebike a few months ago--well after i bought my stinger is what happened and why a CUV would fit me better.
Great review, I’m thinking about getting one for my wife, so I can have some fun when she’ll ask me to drive it. I own a 92 Miata, and 2005 MPV, also had 2001 MPV. All been great. I’d consider one for myself only if they’ll make it in manual.
The response of the Turbo with a good automatic is astounding - there's no gap or falling off of revs so it stays in boost under hard acceleration through the gears. While I've always had manuals, and still have 3- 323GTX AWD Turbos, the torque of the Mazda3 Turbo is much better and doesn't drop during gear changes with the auto..
@@mezzb yea honestly no complaints but, I’m with u on the turn signal indicator on the HUD really wish they woulda added that feature on the 2021 Mazda3
@@mezzb For the slow AC issue, does your 3 come with free connectivity? They activated my 2019 hatchback to work with the MyMazda app and I can use remote start which also starts up the climate control like normal.
@@JeLifeCoachIt has tight body control, natural-feeling steering, and a firm ride that manages not to punish occupants when going over rough roads. Also when driving on the backroads and twisty turns the steering feels composed and gives a really refined driving quality.
Sorry Ethan, my base model 1988 Mazda 323/Mercury Tracer had an independent rear suspension. I cannot believe a new 'luxury' Mazda in 2021 has a torsion beam rear suspension.
That’s the biggest thing holding me back from one of these. $35k for a Stone Age suspension setup. It’s “fine” for a torsion beam, but the rest of the car is so good that being “fine” just isn’t good enough.
I've been driving the torsion beam for a year & a half. It's fine. Everyone who's ridden in the my 3 and now the 30 has been fine with the ride. Mazda put their money where the market dictates. Putting an IRS on the vehicle wouldn't have sold many new cars. It's like not offering a manual. Yes, there's a few of us who would be all in on it but not enough to make a dent in sales.
@@cusebike5391 - I get what you’re saying, but regardless sales of the 3 have dropped dramatically compared to the previous gen, so appeasing the market isn’t really a valid argument. Most of the market probably doesn’t know or even want to know the difference between an IRS and torsion beam, but for me, in a $35k car, it’s a border line deal-breaker.
@@drivedb7 Of course sales have dropped. They dropped across the board regardless of brand. This isn't the class of vehicle that the public is buying. You need to look at industry trends instead of focusing on one brand. The 3 is doing pretty well when compared to much of the competition. The number of sedan models that are exiting the market is pretty telling.
@@cusebike5391 - But if there are less compact cars available on the market, more people who are interested in them would be forced into fewer options - almost guaranteeing some sort of rise despite the popularity of SUVs. Not so with the 3. The 2018 model outsold the redesigned 2019 model by a wide margin. That’s unheard of especially for a brand new model. The new 3 isn’t a bad car, but I’d gladly sacrifice some of the posh interior bits for a more sophisticated suspension. The 3rd gen for example pulled this off perfectly. Great styling, excellent build quality and unmatched driving dynamics in its class. It’s too bad Mazda is moving away from that formula after only one generation because their market appeasement strategy didn’t really work and we ended up with a slight worse car.
Thank you for mentioning your height! I'm 6' 3" also, and was considering the Mazda3, but was leery about going to the dealer to test one if there was no hope I'd fit. Subscribed for that reason alone!
Great video as always! Followed Mazda since the 1980s. They have long been the silent but solid 3rd option in Japanese cars. But favoring "luxury" over affordability worries me that they will lose the way as VW has. The Mazda cars have been reliable & affordable with nothing of which to be ashamed. It was zoom-zoom that finally broke the silence. The have the niche. They should run with it. We don't need or want more BMW, Audi, or even Lexus priced cars.
They are a bit more premium, but that doesnt mean luxury. It means they are a bit more refined than say a Corolla and a bit more expensive but not full-on luxury like Audi, Lexus etc.
Full disclosure: I own a (non turbo) 2020 Mazda3 and love it. There sure is lot of damning with faint praise. In journalistic terms you buried the lead by saving the comment about Mazda's fantastic cars until the very end. That's not to say your review is unfair. My gut reaction is that you're aiming your reviews for people who want to drive like maniacs and you're disappointed that Mazda decided not to indulge that. Time after time you made points that simply weren't relevant to what I care about. I went from a 2012 Mazda3 to the 2020 sedan and it's the nicest car I've ever owned. That's not to say that I think your review was bad. People who want a "high performance" car they can drive like a maniac probably would be better off in a BMW or Audi.
Part of the reason the GTI is king in the HH segment is that you sacrifice a lot of cargo space to get that performance. The 3 hatch has a little less room in the hatch than the Civic Hatch. Its the leg room and low roof in the rear that bother me. I think Mazda is going for fun and luxury with this one. Perfect for my area since cops are always looking to hand out tickets anyway.
@@jamesmedina2062 my thoughts exactly. I would be loading things into the back and would have no room to spare and I'd think "good thing I didn't get the mazda3 it wouldn't have been able to fit"
@@A_guan Well they are sloping in the back and not tall at all but 2-3 inches more in length for my work makes a difference. Now I think Civic is even slightly bigger.
I have one of these and the cabin, especially with the red leather, feels so so so nice and comfy to drive / sit in and the road noise is so so low that when i have my music turned up i cant really hear anything outside the car at all (which i honestly dont like lol, i usually drive with my windows down, i feel like its significantly easier to be aware of your surroundings and traffic with windows down / more road and engine noise, i know thats an uncommon and hot take though but it feels significantly safer imo and you dont get as much reverb / sound isolated inside the vehicle kind of like open back headphones i guess).
As the owner of a 2012 Mazdaspeed 3, this is very appealing. Although the new turbocharged 3 isn’t a total replacement to the Mazdaspeed, it’s a good bit of the way there!
Mazda needs to move that heated steering wheel button to the only blank button left on the steering wheel, and then add ventilated seats. I wish they’d also add power folding mirrors and rear vents that are available in other markets. Lastly, they can steal the power driver seat from the AUS/UK models, to give us a power passenger seat. Then this thing would be the perfect entry level luxury car alternative.
This car is a great cruiser, as well as a fun sports car. I can drive it however I want and enjoy it. I bought the sedan but I was I could’ve found a hatch. That’s my only complaint about mine.
Great review and video, as always. I can't say however the Mazda3 or frankly any Mazda is on my bucket-list of cars to get someday. I will say that Mazda somehow created the most gorgeous red paint I've ever seen, Soul Red Crystal. It's the red that every other car maker wish they made
I still have a 2010 Mazda 3 Sport hatch as my daily driver. Time to replace it but it has been a fun car to drive and reliable. I might not get a Mazda for my next car with my biggest concern being rear passenger and cargo capacity, really across their product line relative to competitors ... but my experience has turned me into a Mazda fan. I also own a Honda, Toyota and Chevy.
I have the turbo premium plus... I don't have the USB port above the cup holders? I keep seeing reviews and every one has it, is it only available on lower trim levels?
We get rear air vents in Australia 🇦🇺 I have the top spec 2.5 FWD G25 Astina hatch with a 6spd manual which I’ve owned for 2yrs. I’m still enjoy it in the colour combo Polymetal Grey with the red leather. Mazda you need to introduce a manual turbo as .4 of a sec quicker in an auto still doesn’t give u the grin factor like 3 pedals. Bring back the MPS 3
yeah this business about leaving out rear vents for us mates in the US is typical absurdity. Canada also gets those niceties and much better pricing than in the US, in Honda and Mazda.
@@jmacnicholl97 This is with the 1ft roll, I did 5.9s. They do it on a prepped surface, it's impossible to go 0.3s faster, I have Indy 500's and they are supposed to do the times with OEM all-season crappy tires, which spin all 4 wheels!
Great review! I just got the new 2022 Turbo AWD model. So far I love it. My only request for any change would be a Manual option. I would trade mine in for that with possibly even more HP !
We own a 2020 Mazda 3 sedan premium. It’s a very good car, but it can’t compete with the Germans. The sound of the door handle from the outside, for instance, lets you know right away that you are in a non-premium car. There’s also the torsion beam in the rear that makes you feel like an excavator is ripping through the car whenever you go over a sharp bump. For comparison, we also own a 2018 GT, which does a much better job of dealing with those same bumps. Then there are some key options, like ventilated front seats, rear air vents, and heated rear seats, that are missing. A pano roof would have been nice but would have made it way too pricey. Where Mazda represents a good value is in comparison to those used European cars. Would you rather have a brand new Mazda or deal with the potential expenses and frustration associated with owning a used A3, A Class, or 2 series, etc…?
I had an A3 before and the Mazda is the nicer more luxurious car in many ways. Yes the Audi has a more solid door slam (but who cares) that is just perceived quality. The Mazda has way more soft touch materials, more comfortable seats, less road and wind noise, much better sound system, less body roll, better steering feel, and features you can’t even get on the Audi like a heads up display. You can’t get ventilated seats or heated second row seats in an A3. The A3 does have a better ride, powertrain, and the buttons and switches do have a higher quality feel. Thats about the only thing I liked better. Then like you said the price difference. You have to spend 40k+ to get the same features that come standard on the Mazda 3 Turbo for 30k. Then you also have the benefits of the much cheaper maintenance, 87 octane fuel, and better reliability.
Also they did not make this 3 in Japan but in Mexico with a tenth of the labor costs as in Japan and yet they sell it for 5-10k more! Some things don't add up other than being stingy.
I like it a lot, specially since is a car just for me and I could use the excuse that I can’t fit a lot of people in the back except for may two small dachshunds 😁
So I have the premium plus trim after watching many review videos I noticed mine has both usb ports in the arm rest I don’t have one below the AC controls, anyone else have both in the arm rest?
I usually don't watch your New Cars reviews....but since I love Mazda, I watched this one!! LOL ( currently thinking of getting a 2014/15 Mazda6 )... I daily drive a 1993 W124 400E , but I also had a 1999 Mazda Protege that I drove from 2001 to 2016 and sold with 310K miles on it ( for $500 ! ) ( That Mazda never had any major issues...my major issue was a failing fuel pump and a crankshaft position sensor that I replaced in 10 minutes)....I love Mazdas!!!
This car would really benefit from an 8-speed DCT. It's still a fast car for what it is, & is arguably the best looking car I've seen in awhile. I love mine. They need to give the option for a 6MT, though. Also, 8-speed DCT should be standard. It has great power numbers, but the Mk8 Golf GTI, Mk8 Golf R, rumored 2022 WRX will out-power it. I know this isn't meant for drag-racing, but they need to catch back up with the power. They did an awesome job with this car. I love how small & compact it is, I would looking for a GTI competitor, that was more reliable than the German car.
The people at the top never know what is happening down below. I wanted to buy a 3 a couple of years ago but the shifter required too much effort so I didn't. They can look at all their metrics and made decisions but they are cold decisions missing input from customers. So now its not even offered in lower trims.
Haha, there's a video with a person who has both the Mazda 3 speed and this new turbo. He has them parked next to each other and compared them. Overall, the turbo is meant to be a daily driver to enjoy inside in. Speed is his weekend car lol.
Alright, here we go... 1) Yes! Interior colors other than beige, grey, and black! 2) Entry-level luxury but no cooled seats. Hmm. (Even my Niro has that, and I gladly give up the 360 camera for it) 3) "Can I fit in the back seat?" I was laughing before you ever said that, already knowing the answer. Also ... "Get yourself some shorter friends." (Looks at my 6'0", 14 year old son)... sorry, kid. 4) That fastback-hatchback styling is why there's no rear seat headroom and not great cargo area. Another great review, thanks! :)
Sorry bud, Mazda is not trying to be a LUXURY automaker. Where are people getting this idea from. If you look back.at any older articles about Mazdas transition they are pretty clear they were moving to.a PREMIUM format. There is a huge difference in LUXURY and PREMIUM.
don't understand how they couldnt get more power from a 2.5L turbo engine, when other manufacturers can get up 400hp from the factory with a 2.0l turbo
I think I’m in the minority. This is the only generation where I’d get the hatch over the sedan (even though the sedan is also gorgeous). I always thought the hatch looked awkward in the previous 3 gens.
Looking at the USA sales figures of the Mazda 3 that have been concerning for years due to the notable decline in sales, the Turbo model may have turned the situation around. But to consider it as an entry level luxury car is pushing marketing language. The turbo shares its exterior with the base model which still is in competition with the Toyota Corolla in the economy segment. It’s a nicer car than before, but the competition are also.
i bought white because the guy at the dealership told me: 1. several of the other colors are new (chemical engineers are still figuring out the formula.) and will start to fade/chip in about 3 years 2. white lasts the longest because it reflects the sunlight/ plus not as hot in car during summer 3. it looks clean longer. But yes, soul red is the most amazing color, if you don't care about the list above.
It is literally classed as a compact car, at least in the US. About the same front row interior space as Civic, Elantra, Forte, Golf, all compacts. And actually smaller in the 2nd row than Golf, Civic. The 6 is (was) their mid-size. :)
True, compacts got bigger and more roomy over the years. But they are still compacts. The current Mazda 323 is bigger than one from the early 2000s and certainly a lot bigger than a 323 from way back. But that is true for any compact that has been around for decades. Compare a current Golf to a series IV from around 2000 and then to a Golf II from the late 80ies. But that doesn't make a new Golf a midsize car. The current Ford Fiesta (not sold in the US anymore) offers about as much room as any old Escort. Still a current Focus is no midsize car.
Hello Road: agreed. Mazda's numeric modeling has the smaller numbers for their smaller offerings and the larger numbers for their bigger offerings. But just curious: you mentioned the mazda 6 WAS their midsized sedan? Edit: just found out they're discontinuing the 6 after this year. SMH
![2022/2023 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo - Fast and Not Furious? [Full Review!]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
