A Mazda3 With A Turbo! - 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Part 1 

The hatchback is gorgeous. I don’t care what anyone says. When you see one in person, it’s really striking.

I cross shopped the Mazda3 with Audi and Acura and went with the Mazda. You're well above 40K by the time you load any of the luxury models with the options you can get around 30K with the Mazda. I got a fully loaded premium model for 27K. Great deal, great car.

I love the c-pillar on this car. I wasnt sold on it through the pics, but seeing it in person made me a believer. This hatch is hot

This review focused too much on negative aspects. Mazda 3 is a great car!

The "young-professional-who-wants-something-sporty-yet-refined" market is definitely at least populated by one member 🖐️

American's perception of 'luxury' seems to be only directed to the brand and the name and not the actual product. Go sit in the new BMW 2 series and tell me its more luxurious than the Mazda 3. Spoiler alert, its not.

I got a fully loaded Mazda 3 GT premium package, and it has more tech features than our 328xi. Mazda3 has a better ride qualit probably because of the non run flats. Absolutely love and recommend it.

This is the best car review channel. Alex deserves 1mil subs!!!! Very details.

The egg shape evokes the original Mazda GLC. Turbo and AWD evokes the 323GTX. It’s endearing and unforgettable. Thanks for another great review.

I'm a young software engineer and I got a 2019 Mazda 3 hatch in red with the 6 speed manual as soon as it was available in Canada. I did want something sporty and loved the looks, but for sure the market of people like me is tiny. I have no complaints about the performance of the NA engine, but if they put a manual in the turbo, I would immediately take a huge loss and trade in for it.

Even though it’s a minor detail but I love how they changed this to an air to water intercooler. Helps with heat soak and normally a shorter path for the charged air to travel thus reducing lag. I wonder if this change will make its way to all the turbo engines??

I picked up my 2021 Turbo Mazda3 hatch Premium Plus on Monday. I ABSOLUTELY love it. The mid range tq is amazing and I’ve previously owned 3 MazdaSpeed3. This car is quick!

Thank you for being the first reviewer to actually understand this car! Everyone keeps saying this is a hot hatch that competes with the GTI or Veloster just because it has the same power now. They added power to make it compete better with the A3 and A220. Hot cars are about driving dynamics. Like you said it still has the same suspension, steering, and brakes. People are going to be let down because many reviewers are making this out to be some new Mazdaspeed hot hatch but it’s not. You have to think of this car as an Audi A3 for 10k less. It does a damm good job at that too.

I saw this in person and that back is not wierd at all. It was in the grey and black combo, what a looker!

young professional here, I picked mine up on Monday (Hatchback Turbo Premium Plus). I love the way it looks, I love the power from the little turbo. engine. Its sophisticated without being an overpriced luxury car, Lots of value here, get so much for the money. Last car was a 2011 BMW 335I with the turbo N55. This feels more potent than that turbo I6. Good Job Mazda

Gonna test drive this on Saturday, looking forward to it. Doesnt get the love it deserves.

That CX-30 is a real looker! With the turbo it’ll be a mover too. Looking forward to the AoA review of that beauty!

VERY VERY gorgeous shape indeed! I find myself always admiring this every time I pass one!

Hey Alex , great Vlog as usual ! Very clear and detailed. What about the Miata MX5 2021 ? Any rumors about launch date ? Are gonna be differences or any improvements form 2020 model ? ( besides the 100 anniversary model of course ) Looking forward to MX5 2021 Vlog !!

I own a 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback and it is absolutely amazing. One of the best vehicles ever. The AWD is crisp 👌🏼

This new Mazda 3 design is one of the best looking car in the world.

I’ve had my 3 hatch about a year now and my sister has an Audi A3 and she prefers mine as do I. I’m very happy with my Mazda ❤️

Can't beat the quality since Mazda is made in Japan.

Crazy good looking hatch and huge value for money 👌 so nice inside compared to everything. Really only the golf r comes close

I think this is one spot on car. It has the power, the looks and the overall feel to it.

That kind of shopper would be someone like myself so it does exist.

I took the anniversary edition out for a test drive yesterday, and I must say the thing is absolutely fantastic. The power is great, the handling is exactly what you would expect out of a mazda. I look forward to then getting the color combo in stock that I want.. (likely december according to my dealer). While this isn't a speed3, it sure feels like it could have passed for one.

Thank you for finally showing the back up camera

Tech tip, if you want to change stations you just have to turn the large knob and it brings your list on the screen. You can also push the volume knob to the left or right to go through the list.

My one reservation about this car is what the gloss black on the outside will look after some use. Like a car wash or just some harsher weather.

Mazda is out there kicking ass taking names 👍👍👍😎

Not sure if this has been mentioned but 235/40/18 tires/wheels fit just fine, zero rubbing on mine, but also, I had to buy wheels 8" wide to fit the bigger tires as the stock wheels are only 7" wide. But well worth it, it clearly gives the car a much better steering and handling feel and even less torsion beam shudder. It's clear this is an area where Mazda simply saved a little money. With as many features they pack in for the price to compete they had to save cost somewhere, just like zero rear passenger features on the back of the center console and zero power passenger seat features.

I am so glad i saw this. Did not realize the sedan is longer than the hatchback. I like the looks of the sedan more than the hatch, but the sedan is a tad too long for my driveway. Concerned about blindspots with the hatchback. Want the turbo. When, oh when will they be available? But it seems like it costs $8k extra. Not sure i will go that high. Will now give the CX 30 another look. Thanks, Alex. Good review

The only negative is that Mazda Australia will not bring this beauty 'downunder'.

Alex: I LOVE your insightful videos! You provide more facts and analysis than any other auto reviewer on RU-vid! I am torn between buying a Mazda 3 or Mazda 6. What are your thoughts?

Hi, Alex. Is the interior different from that of the non-turbo Mazda3?

Nice effort and looking forward to this engine in the CX-30. For some reason, I kind of wish the engine was more of a 2.0T with more HP and ok with less torque. Still, can't wait to see how the 3 with the 2.5T drives.

I test drove the new turbo 3 yesterday when it arrived on the lot. It sounds amazing, definitely more confident than the NA version.It doesn't quite feel like 320 torque but maybe it needs to be broken in first.

Does the heads up display still giggle? And is “tricky” a euphemism?

Mazda 3 still turns my head, it’s very eye catching

You mentioned it reminds you of the Lexus , for me it actually reminds me of the last generation Volvo V60, which I own.

Great video, lot of information. Thanks

I love mine in gray with the red interior turbo wasn’t available when I got it though

Can I combine my 2008 MS3 rear with new front?

Nice Hatchback! The one thing that I think sucks is Mazda going with a torsion beam rear suspension. Imagine how great this could be with a Multi-Link or Double Wishbone...

I love the look of this hatchback! I live in WI and seriously considering trading in my SUV for one of these.

Hmm a do have a 2018 cx9 gt also a 2006 gt mazdaspeed 6 brought in October 2005 maybe I going to add this to my garage in couple month

Are there air vents, USB, or heated seats in the rear ??

For a new car, Mazda is killing it for how much car you get for the money. That said, there's a few 3 year old compact cars/hatches I'd take over this for the same price point.

Really nice hatch!!!! Im sold!!!!!

this thing has some seriously competitive hp and tq numbers

I like this place and glad it has a turbocharged engine now

I dont know if it's only me but I'm a sucker for LED taillights both front and back, I think it really elevates the looks of the car and only the Mazda 3 hatch and corolla hatch have those , not related to the car in particular but I just felt like saying it lol

Not in love with the look anymore but I love the combination of usability, powertrain, and cost. But I do wish Mazda had more color choices coz I miss the British racing green seen on Miata.

Great review!

I love the car but I heard from TFL that the BBS Wheel option is $900/wheel?

I am here after the release of civic 11th gen. And this looks way better.

Alex, please tell me that the non-turbo engine has enough get up and go rather than spend more $$$s for the turbo.

as much as I like Mazda's thinking for vehicle characteristics, I only wish their exterior design for the SUVs/Crossovers weren't a bubble. If we could get a more boxy design with Mazda's drive trains, I'd be happy to buy one. Love their interiors though.

Another great intro video. Great catch on the ILX and UX comparison. Obviously Alex has a slightly better appreciation of consumers at this segment than even Mazda Market Research

Actually in real life the sedan fits more luggage with the seats up or down. Numbers sometimes lie with hatches which assume you are blocking your rear window.

I loved the look of the hatch before they refreshed it for 2019, but I did not like the body line on the sides. It was too disjointed and didn't seem to go anywhere. The new body style may have a thicker C pillar, but I think it looks a lot more solid and planted. The body line running just above the side skirts is better executed and only rises slightly towards the rear and joins up with the rear bumper. I have no issues with it, I think it looks very attractive. It's also not a stretch to say it is aiming at the BMW 228i, because the FWD 2 series is about as far from BMW as you can get, minus the badging.

I forgot to mention I love Mazda’s. I have 3 different models. The sedan 3, hatch 3, and cx5. Very happy with them, but I want the turbo models!

Definitely not fond of the c-pillar in this iteration. Where'd the fog lights go?

I think I might be that shopper you're talking about Alex. I would like to test the AWD Turbo Mazda3 with the WRX and Golf R. Mazda might save me money in long run on brakes, tires, transmission service, etc.

After driving the sedan version of this car, I would say this car learns how you drive. In my 15 minute test drive, I didn't like the hesitation at initial throttle tip-in at first. At the end of the test drive it seemed to virtually disappear. I was told I should have been in sports mode, it should be much more aggressive. I loved the car. It's smooth to drive, and takes rough roads like a more refined car. Cornering seems about the same as the regular 3, which is to say great. The CX-30 will not handle as well as the 3, or look as good. The Honda, and Hyundai will not have awd. The only car at this price with awd is the Subaru WRX CVT. BMW, and MB everyone should know by now are terrible at reliability on average.

Awesome analysis

15/10 in the looks department, I wish this was how the civic type r looked mpg seems a bit low for the targeted audience, price seems absurdly high for the targeted audience, why would anyone pick this over mazda 6 for $35k If Acura decides they want to upgrade the ILX drivetrain or whatever they'll call it, they'll have a double clutch type r sedan, sounds not bad for the targeted audience.

Party time!!!!! 🥳🍾🎉🏎🏎🏎🏎. I love it!!!

Personally I think the hatch looks awesome

This is the only car you can get adaptive cruise on lower trims, so that seals the deal for me

The infographic showing the hp and torque indicates 6 sp at and... AWD? is AWD standard on the turbo Mazda3?

The Miata would be a rocket with this 2.5 turbo !

Once I heard "no ventilated seats" I stopped watching. That is a must for me...Love your Video's Alex

truthfully, i was cross shopping a used gla and a Mazda3 and chose the gla because of the horsepower benefit. this proposition isn't as odd as you think

In today's market and what many buyers seem to want in a "compact" vehicle, the CX-30 with a turbo is going to be the more popular choice. If you want/need a four-door car with decent back seat room and useful cargo capacity the CX-30 gets you a Mazda3 experience with more all around function. My only complaint is that you can't get the CX without the black plastic cladding. I do expect you will have a positive review about driving the turbo Mazda3 later this month. But if I lived in Europe I'd rather have a Focus RS. Too bad & sad Ford won't sell it here.. 🙂

What gives? It has the upgraded front splitter and ( I think ) the larger rear roof spoiler but not the more aggressive side sills. Odd.

just out of curiosity, did Mazda ever offered Mazdaspeed with automatic transmission??

Ugh this is my dream car. Gorgeous and powerful. Why can’t it be free?!

I think that maintenance will also be in the more affordable range than a bmw 228i or lexus.

Great Review

They will be -- as will ALL cars -- be "cross-shopped" -- and I like your thought that an Acura comparison is maybe a closer one -- and I like your thought that maybe Mazda is creating their own "category" -- after all, they produced the Miata (uh, MX-5) !

I agree with all of your points Alex. At this price point, this car is just missing some details. This car's black interior is missing contrasting stitching, for example. They did add a heated steering wheel, which is a plus. However, they should have done a little more to differentiate this from the non-turbo model IMO. Even a 4-way power passenger seat would have been great. I really don't see this as a strong seller.

There's some weirdness going on with the stated cargo volumes (20.1 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, 47.1 cu. ft. with the seats down) of this Mazda. In comparison, the Kia Stinger (a much bigger hatchback) has 23.3 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, 40.9 cu. ft. with the seats down. From this video, it is evident that the Mazda has a MUCH smaller hatch volume (much less than 3 cu. ft.) than the Kia. And to have over 6 cu. ft. more volume with the seats down?

I’m a bit torn on Mazda. I owned a 2005 Mazda6 back in the day and adored everything about that car. Lately I’ve enjoyed their style and interiors but they seem a bit confused on the direction they are trying to go. Are they an entry luxury brand? Sporty brand? They aren’t really either if you look at the details.

Funny they have a Nov 20 embargo for driving impressions when there are already videos on YT of customers driving them haha.

I cross shopped with Mazda 3 and Honda sedans such as Accord and Civic. I personally liked Mazda more on price and refinement, but Mazda 3 were not opted to carry young kids on back seat.

I wish they would refresh the rear of the hatchback.

For the full video, can you get a cameo of Dave Coleman to say "impossibly low" one more time?

I like the sedan more than the hatchback, the sedan reminds me of the MX-5 with its backend.

THIS! Is what the civic type r should have strive to look like. Practical yet extremely sexy. Right now Honda thinks a hunched over dog in heat looks good.

I kinda like the sedan version more. The hatch's look is still growing on me.

This is what VW used to be back in the day...a true drivers focused car lineup...I do like the look of the exterior, could live with some of the quirks of the entertainment center, would really prefer a manual...its the price though...35K per your test car....ouch...I understand that is the price of doing business...however for only (!) 5K more I would rather have a Golf R...although for around 35K would this not be a competitor to the GTI? All in all a great video and I can't wait for the Part Deux.

Whats the price of an Audi A3 with the same features as a top spec version of the Mazda 3 in the US?

Beautiful cars. I would be torn between the sedan and hatch.

Will the Mazda speed ever come back?!? What do y’all think?!?

I didn't know that about gas. I feel dumb, always thought higher octane burned cleaner. Didn't know it could increase hp output. Guess I never put the two together

The hatchback is almost perfection.

Is it me or is the front bumper darker than the rest of the car?

This car was made for me!!!