Is the 2022 Mazda 3 Turbo a BETTER hot hatch than a VW GTI? 

I actually really like the way they did the infotainment in this car. You have full control over it without ever needing to lean forward or look away from the road in order to utlize it. It also prevents all the dirty looking fingerprints that a touchscreen brings with it.

"I'm here to tell you growing up s✓cks". Had to pause for a self reflective moment after that one. So true.

Hot hatches are pretty freaking cool.

I have a 2018 model and this is by far one of my favourite cars, thanks for the review! I feel like this can smoke any car in its class on a quarter-mile drag race. That all-wheel-drive torque is insane out the gate (provided the competition doesn't use launch control...). I love JDM cars better than the euro market so I have high hopes for what Mazda does in the future, but with competition like the Integra and Elantra N, it's a good time to be a car guy.

This is more a luxury/high end finishes hatch than a performance/hot hatch. Looks great though, the interior quality is amazing and it has a very attractive design.

I bought one of these (in 2021) and I LOVE IT!!! I looked at the VW because I have owned 4 GTIs in the past. The whole interior set up of the VW let me down on the MK8. Counterintuitive for sure. The slide with your fingers climate control was asinine. I looked at the Mazda (i have a 1991 Miata and always liked Mazdas) and was really impressed by the interior. I don't even mind that you can't touch the screen. Stays clean and I have memorized the turn clicks to navigate it and Apple CarPlay apps. While yes I agree the VW did handle a bit better, overall I just feel more at home and luxurious in the Mazda3 Turbo. Not to mention the design is BEAUTIFUL to me! The sleek curvy shape, no needless fake-ventry going on here. I have the Polymetal Gray with Red Interior and wow I just love it. It's a wonderful car and my dealer experience here in Saint Petersburg, FL has been phenomenal. Best service I've ever had (and I have owned BMWs and a Mercedes).

Excellent car and so is the 2022 GTI Autobahn DSG... I would buy either one but I specifically like Moonstone Gray GTI.

Mazda's system is better than a touchscreen. Once you learn how to use it, you never want to touch a screen again.

Hi Joe. thanks for the video. I have always been a fan of the three hatch especially the last two generations. I say that because they remind me of a GLC first-generation I’d spent a lot of time in when I was young. I wish they would just go ahead and give us that manual they used to use in the CX-5. Cheers.

This is by far the best looking hot hatch you can buy today. I absolutely love the styling. If I could buy this with a 6 speed manual, it would 100% be my next car. And honestly, it's still pretty high on my list anyway because it's AWD, perfect for the snowy, mountainous area I live in.

Love the red interior! How can they make a 2022 car without back seat connectivity! Loved the overall stylishness!

I agree with you 100%. ALL Mazda's colors are top notch... Thanks for sharing Team Raiti.

I remember the awesome Mazda speed3s a decade ago and they brought the zoom zoom on that car. Now we got a different zoom zoom a decade a later. This car is still fun to drive and handles like a dream. Hook me up with a manual one and I’ll be set

Anyone who buys a CVT Integra over this is literally nuts.

You forgot to mention that if you press "Info" on the steering wheel, it gives you the digital speedometer and shows you the car in third person and the sensors for the blind spot monitor system. Edit: I wish you also went over the safety and other features of this Mazda3. There's so much to it, and this car was the best car I ever own up to date.

I have this car in Sedan and i love it. I had to upgrade the Tires, suspension and brakes to be on par with the Power, but now it's perfect!

I have a 2010 Mazda 3 ..... and I still love the car..I went to some vw dealerships and drove some gti's and didn't think there was that big of a difference for me... The sales people thought I was nuts...

Had a '15 same color exterior and loved it! Was disappointed at the time that there was no turbo option (think they had stopped the speed 3 in '14?) But it was a great car. Sold it a couple of years later when opportunities allowed me to get an '18 Subie STi. Now that they aren't making these anymore, I was excited to see this review as a possibility to get a 2nd vehicle to keep the miles down on my STi. Love the reviews my man!

I like your consistency 🔥🔥 always a pleasure to watch your review. Keep doing what you're doing. 💪🏿 #gang

GTI performance > Mazda 3 hatch. Mazda 3 hatch interior, exterior styling > GTI Mazda 3 hatch value (36k for AWD) > GTI (35k+ for SE and fwd)

I have 18 inch tires on my Mazda 3 but I switched out the rubber to The Pirelli P Zero's which helped tremendously.

I have a secret love for hot hatches…I had a 2003 VW GTI and I loved it…I have since moved on to a 2012 Tundra and I love that!! But seeing these vids makes me want a hatch again… I can fit my whole drum set in the back…it was perfect! I just can’t haul dirt and stuff….maybe I’ll have both one day… 😅

Owned the Mazda3 and the infotainment not being touch screen is actually awesome imo. It’s in the right spot while driving and I don’t have to take my eyes of the rode as much as I do with most infotainments that have a touch screen. Plus the knob feels really nice and is predictable

As someone who lived in Germany most of the time in my life and owned quite a few VWs I can say I'd rather keep my hands on a Japanese car. Not only is the styling of the Mazda more eye catching also quality and reliability is something Japanese car manufacturer know very well. The Golf has more like a conservative look to me it hasn't changed much over the years a few lines here and there were added other than that it remained its boring design. Don't get me started with electrical issues that are expensive to fix .

I always love your shows and on toes waiting for all new vehicles that you bring. I'll always appreciate your work man, this informations helps me have an idea on what vehicle to buy 👌👍👌👍👌. I truly truly appreciate and congratulate your awesome work, this is all coming from the deepest part of my heart. #Raiti'sfun.

Wow!! Excellent review and test driving in my favorite Mazda hatchback car as always Joe.

I have missed the innuendo Joe throws in. Best car channel on RU-vid. Still loving my GMC 3.0 diesel. Thanks Joe.

I’m glad this car is not a cvt either

i kept hearing about how the hatch version was too underpowered for awd, turbo seems like a good way to solve that

Wife has a Mazda “17”CX-5 been a pretty good vehicle overall. Not one issue with 100k on it already. Not the best for cross country driving compared to my Lincoln town car but a great commuter car especially in winter. Great in the snow. I’ll buy this model for myself as a fuel efficient AWD vehicle over a Subaru.

I love my ‘21 3 sedan. It corners beautifully and is really fun to drive. The stiffer steering took a little getting used to but I don’t regret buying ☺️☺️

Hey Joe nice to see you again. I'm really a fun of Mazda new production vehicle.

Perfect match of fun and luxury, interior quality a step up.

If it werent for the non-touch screens on Mazdas, i prob would of bought one over my WRX. I loved my 2009 Mazda 3, lasted forever with zero issues.

Hey Joe me again that dude who was looking at the gt350 HE. Well good buddy I’m going to pick it up in a few hours and I will be looking for a daily and this Mazda could be it. With all that said I just wanted to say thanks Joe thanks for your awesome reviews of all the cars you give us and thanks for all you gave me to help me pull the trigger on my 2020 gt pp1 I got 10 months ago as you helped me understand that it was what I was looking and boy was it such a fun daily I mean I literally hate having to give it up but when I saw the gt350 HE pull up in front of me with only 1001 miles I knew she had to be mine and brother these last two weeks of trying to make it happen have been tough work but I know it’s going add to that sweet feeling once I get to rip on her. Thanks Joe you’re a part of this dream car experience for me and I promise to always make room for the twinkies, take care brother!!

I like the Mazda over the VW for the looks inside and out. I agree with you on the tire size. Thanks for the great review Joe and nice job Steven! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

This is one of the best looking/performing and qualitative car in the industry. You just have to live in a place where Mazda is established.

I love this Mazda hatch .. I called the Mazda dealership looking for one because I love the styling inside and out.. Awd is a huge plus . Sadly the dealership told me I couldn’t even order one 😞… at least I got to see what it’s like joe thanks for the great review raitis rides fam

That gloss black front splitter makes a massive difference for the design, Mazda outdid themselves as they do with all their recent designs!

I currently own a 2nd gen Mazdaspeed3 and it’s a nice car not even 10 years old yet but I think this new turbo is definitely the way to go next

Awesome video. I used to have a nonspeed 2010 Mazda 3 hatch, loved that thing. Upgraded to a 2018 gti se a few years ago. I love my gti, and am happy I got a 7.5 vs the mk8 due to the touch controls. I also won't get the Mazda because of that horrid infotainment system and lack of the sportier inclusions on the gti. I've still got a few years to go on my car but I hope they both fix their issues

The thing I really like about this car is it is very understated. It doesn’t look like a hot hatch therefore doesn’t drag attention. It’s a moderately powerful hatchback, nothing crazy just nippy. For me the mark 7.5 golf GTI/R is the nicest looking of all with best “overall“ performance.

i have the trim right below the Turbo model and enjoy even that. it definitely does not have the grunt and power or AWD speced on it. but it's still a good bit of fun to drive on curvy roads. have the same rims and paintjob but the rims came with paint that is so damn close to matching the body paint. its very nice.

Really have been a big fan of Mazda’s for awhile now. Currently have a 2020 CX-5 GT-Reserve and a 2018 Mazda 6 Signature. Love my 6. Such a great car for the money. My one zonk on it has been addressed by this 3; that is the cup holders. They put them in front of the shifter bringing forward the arm rest. Wish my 6 had. Have been thinking about a new 3, but can’t bring myself to get rid of the 6…it is just too good.

I've owned both, a 2021 GTI and this Mazda3 hatch.....the GTI wins hands down for driving enjoyment, but I did like the fact that all my infotainment in the Mazda worked in hot weather LOL. I also liked the styling of the Mazda a little more; it's a beautiful car. I had the chrome trim under the windows blacked out.

I got a 2016 3 Hatch. I love the interior, style, bodywork, and engine purr with my cold air intake for a litle more power. I relate to the new gen of the 3, because it looks like they handle really smooth and of course, THEY NEED TO ADD MORE HP! Yeah they're kind of slow, but I get mad on why Mazda doesn't add spicy things on this model, lsd's, upgraded suspension, or a more agressive transmission shifting. Its like you yell at the car "please go faster" and it just can not. However, i love mazda, and will purchase their lineup. But please, please, more power.

Love it. I think I am going non turbo fwd due to maintenance intervals and plus I don't like how the turbo kicks in. Looks I love it, minus the wiper you mentioned.

That's such a clean design. 😮

Great video, this is making me want to give it a look since my MX-5 is getting harder and harder to commute in...

I have this car same color also but 2021. I still have my 08 speed3 and I have to say its way more fun however this car for sure can move out but without much fanfare. I have put a ton of miles on it already and it is wayyyy more comfortable on long trips for sure. The fit and finish is far better than the speed3 and I will say if your not careful you will be going 90+ without much work. So my take... it is a great car for the money and you get all the options for around 35K. Sadly not really any aftermarket products for it. I reached out Cobb and they have no plans on doing any kind of products in the near future. The stereo is fantastic by the way... Oh I replaced the tires right away and that made a huge difference in handling without changing the suspension

Those red seats looks really really good. I've been waiting for mazda to being back the hatch and put awd on it. But Hate that you can't get this in a 6sp manual. Also, hate how the lift gate looks. The 2010 hatch looks so much better.

have a 2021 mazda3 Turbo love it! best value for the money

I'd buy this car JUST on the basis of its looks.. it's frikkin beautiful

I have the Mazda 3 Turbo AWD, love it!

Joe with another fire video

I know it’s apples to oranges, but I love the 10.3 inch system in my CX 50. This just looks like a smaller version of that. Mines touch, but I never use it because the control knobs below the shifter are just so much easier and nicer to use. It’s a pretty snappy unit too. Response time is quick for all kinds of different commands. Also, you review in my area and it’s always fun to see which road or location you’re using! I recognize a lot of them.

Thanks Joe, enjoyed your review as always. So much so that my new 2023 turbo,machine grey, back intreior(don't like the red!) will arrive late oct. Great bang for the buck and in my opinion..probably one of the best looking cars on the road.

i have the premium hatch non turbo mazda 3 and ive had 3 gti's, mk4, mk5, and mk6. cant go wrong with either of them, but i like the mazda for reliability and i prefer the minimalist, more basic tech in the mazda. its tempting to upgrade to the turbo, but i dont feel like i need it.

you are awesome keep up the good work

Nice video 👍

I can recall the days Mazda made the Mazdaspeed3 in the early days. Also, thank gosh there's all-wheel-drive for this Mazda3!

Love the red on the dash and door panels ! Don’t have that on my CX30 Carbon

My gf has a '16 Mazda CX-5 that doesn't have the floating infotainment center and it's glorious, I can not stand that virtually every manufacturer has switched to that floating screen except for VW, which I applaud. I've always loved VW's interiors dating back to early MK1 Golf/Jetta's. I admit the Mazda 3 is pretty damn sexy with the front lip and matching gloss black wheels. It's a contender....no doubt.

I really really like Mazdas new styling. It's like a better more aggressive yet more sleeker Volvo SPA chassis.

I own this exact model in Polymetal Grey, and I agree with you on the tires, they’re bad but once they’re swapped out for something wider and sportier it’s a whole different feel Also, agree on that chrome window trim, I wrapped it gloss black and makes a huge difference 👍

I had a 16 GTI and got a great trade in offer towards a 21 Turbo 3 PP. Love both cars. The GTI is better in agility and what I would call initial punch off the line. The seats with plaid looked amazing and the trunk was easy to load. The negatives were cost of repairs and I found the dash dated quickly. The 3 PP Turbo I haven't had long enough to know repair costs and reliability. The interior is amazing, the fit and finish are at a next class up level. I disagree with Raiti, the non touch screen info means they set it further back in the dash. I prefer using voice control and the wheel to control vs touch screens. Mazda really put in an effort there. The dials for climate control feel great. The blind spot detectors work well, my 16 GTI didn't have them. Negatives would be that the power pulls more in the going at speed and need to pass someone type way. The trunk is not as easy to load with the higher lip. The key is also sporadic in working with locking and locking the car as you approach and or leave like it's supposed to. The Mazda app does detect if that happens and sends a notice if that happens at least, and you can lock remotely from your phone. I also agree with Raiti on the window chrome trim, looks awful. Inexpensive vinyl chrome delete sticker kit from Amazon cleaned that right up. I would drive both and see which calls to you if you are trying to pick between the two. I have noticed with the 3 turbo PP people aren't as willing to pay $36k for a 3. Because of that my dealership dropped the price to the level down turbo trim price to convince me to make the purchase. You won't see that with GTIs now, more likely to see 5k plus in mark ups on them right now. Obviously this should return to a more normal level soon, hopefully.

I have a Hyundai GT Sport and I think they really nailed a great inbetween from what Mazda & VW do with their hatches. It's rated at 201 wheel hp, so ig technically like 226hp or so, 195lbs wheel torque, it's quick enough for daily driving no matter what. 6s 0-60 thru the 7spd DCT models like I have. It does have a fully independent rear suspension, great sounding dual exhausts, 18" wheels, big front and rear disc brakes, sport suspension, etc pretty much all the underpinnings of a hot hatch. But where it really shines is features and quality. Full panoramic sunroof, all leather that's cooled & heated, wireless chargers, 8.3" infotainment, lvl 2 autonomous driving, Infinity sound system with a ported subwoofer, all soft touch materials everywhere, paddle shifters, rear ac vents, just a lot of features that make it a great daily that a lot of other brands skim over and don't include. So it's a great inbetween, and imo a perfect daily. The hatch has like 26' with the seats up & 58' with the seats down which is way bigger than this or the GTi. Only thing I miss from the VW is the ambient lighting. Really wish Hyundai would step their game up with that.

Hi Joe, how do you rate the suspension? Less stiffer than GTi? Given a choice for long distance touring, which one you would go for GTi or this Mazda3?

Would be cool if Mazda would make this beautiful car a two door! Plus offer a 6 speed manual! Great job like always Joe!

Hello Joe I love the Mazda Hatchback Turbocharged engine including the Sedans and I love your videos you expired me to the car world

Going to get one this year can’t wait 🤗

We’ve had one for about a year now and the list of repairs is unbelievable. Definitely regret trading our 2017 3 in for it!

Best and funniest reviews from the "Hi guys"-guy :)

"Growing up sucks" A mood, honestly.

Nice car for sure. I owned both gens of the mazdaspeed3. At the time it was fantastic. Wish this car had more adjustability, a special looking exterior that stands out from the standard 3 and the exhaust is weak. I drive the Kona N and love it, checks all those boxes for me. Always a great fair review.

Great review as always, definitely one of my favorite channels! One thing, I think comparing the Mazda 3 to a GTi is off the mark. The 3 Turbo and Civic Sport Touring HB are more comparable. Both are fun, practical, similarly priced and sporty yet comfort focused. The Mazda has more power and AWD, but it and the Civic are really close to each other, while the GTi is more performance over premium. Of course this is just my opinion...

My wife test drove this and loved it…but I didn’t fit too well in the front and lol not a chance in the back. Too bad, was a nice car.

Corksport can add in some of the "zoom zoom" for you if you want. They have a front big brake kit, rear sway bar, front strut bar, exhaust, intake, and a rear wing spoiler available. They are developing a coilover kit right now. Pair that with some wider tires and wheels and you pretty much have a fun sporty luxury hatch which lets face it...will be more reliable than a GTI. Sure it won't be as fast as a Civic Type R, Corolla GR, Golf R, Veloster N, Mini Cooper JCW, but it would make for an awesome daily driver.

the screen size of the infotainment is so compact that it constantly reminds you that this is a compact car.

Raiti is insane and it's hilarious 😂

Nothing like having a 🏁race car driver🏁 doing reviews with a crazy sense of humor 😂

I love it Joe and Lori and keep up the great work real true and I love the video lot real true 👍 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

I say if u looking for a performance car, get the gti. If u just want a cool stock hatch with good power, mazda turbo all day.

3:19 I caught that Joe- you almost did the “Mazzda” pronunciation- Love it! BTW I’m driving the 2017 Mazzda 3 hatchback with 2.0 L for a few years now, very zippy

I had a Golf GTI. Now a Mazda 3. If you look at Car and Driver tests for drivers cars of the year, you see they both end on top. The Mazda for handling and driving pleasure, the Golf for the extra power. The power benefit for the Golf is gone, so... In fact a Golf is no more than the grandson of the Beetle. A car for everyone.

The empanadas and the topo chico joke made my day

Saw a red mazda 3 today and it's 🔥

One of my fav!

This car is on my very short list of possible future cars, but the only thing I'd zonk it on is fuel economy. Luxury hatch competitors like the GTI and Integra may not have this kind of torque and traction, but they have an edge on it when it comes to fuel consumption. I know you can't have your cake and eat it too, but it would be nice to see Mazda try to get this car's economy up a few more miles per gallon especially considering the trend in gas prices.

Just ordered my 2023 premium turbo plus☺️

These car is just so good looking. I want it

I recently bought this in the Platinum Quartz color. My only gripe so far is the gas mileage and the paint quality. Other than that I absolutely love the car 🔥

Hi Joe I love watching your videos

Just got a CX-30 Premium Plus Turbo in the new Quartz Metallica color. Holy crap is it fun.

i own a 2016 and the multi link rear makes all the difference in the world. I'm aslo running 235 40 18 Michelin PS4s. Since Mazda is going up market, they ditched handling fun in favor of ride quality. It's a shame no manual with the turbo. fingers crossed a Mazdaspeed is in the works.

It looks great in that mate grey or black by the way. Personally my favorite Mazda model is the rx7 and RX-8.

You're reviewing the car I drive!! The only real drawback is gas mileage. Easy car to drive and live with.

While I have not driven the Mazda 3 Turbo, I have driven two Mazda 3 sedans (both 2.0NA), own a CX-30 with the 2.5NA, and have driven the CX-30 2.5T. I enjoyed driving all of them, and think at this point an 8 spd transmission would help, with a little of a faster shift. The steering and feedback are a cut above the class, and make up for some of the other shortcomings.

Like 👍🏻 always guys great video’s 🇺🇸👍🏻

The color is so freaking hot damn