Being an owner of the new corolla and mazda3 I was shocked how they came up with this conclusion??? I got these cars as my company cars and using both as my daily driver but I have the total opposite feedback. Mazda wins this one hands down over the corolla. You guys must be paid by toyota or something?
So wait, the Kia was still several thousand less even with the extra safety pack and you're still slinging it off? Gorram Toyota's cheques must clear quick this days.
Sorry but your conclusions comparing the Corolla to the 3 are pretty much the exact opposite of everyone that sat in both. The Corolla is undoubtedly not a worse car than the 3 overall but the points you gave it are unquestionably weird compared to popular opinion.
Mazda3 look better in and out.This is the first time I hear that corolla drives better. Only thing I agree is the situation on the back of the Mazda3, but thats why the sedan is better...not as dark as the hatch. One more thing,forget Mazda in auto transmission....Mazda is manual...end of story
Like many others, I'm on a budget. Boot space is a priority for us. My kids are both going to be tall like me so rear seat leg room is important. I don't give a damn about hard plastic trim when all I'm touching is the steering wheel, shifter and radio. And we don't do a huge amount of kms a year, so the higher fuel use won't kill the budget either. Looks like it's the Cerato for us!
The Cerato Sport has the safty pack as standard i think, it still comes to $24990, why not compare the Sport or even the Sport Plus to those other 2 over priced cars?
I don't get how so many people can prefer the Mazda 3 on objective criteria alone, it rides harsh, isn't practical and is expensive. The only thing good about it is a more upmarket interior... Not worth it imo
@@danlugo4365 I don't mind the overall design but yea that C pillar is a joke and a safety hazard. Looks are subjective tho so that's why I didn't mention it
I just got my first Mazda (3 2017 Touring) after I had to say goodbye to my Toyota Corolla SE 2017. No offense to my old car and all the other cars i test drove but the Mazda 3 surprised the heck out of me in a very exciting way. It feels so sporty (kinda like the car asking you to step on and make a quick turn) and luxurious inside. It has a moon/sunroof and Bose sound system. It's so smooth and a lot lot funner to drive!
I test drove both, the Mazda today. The Corolla was disappointing, it even had some crazy noises when I tried to floor it. Mazda hands down wins for me. The price is cheaper, technology on base model far superior then Corolla, looks of interior and exterior more stylish, drives smoother and more responsive and no weird noises when I floored it. Toyota weren’t willing to give me much of a discount and aren’t having a sale whilst Mazda is having a sale and stock of cars in the yard. I did try the sedan in both so maybe that’s a difference.
The boot space in 1.8 Corolla hybrid is more than 2.0 hybrid. Bigger battery in boot eats into available space in 2.0 l hybrid. The trade off between the two versions is 3s longer acceleration to 62mph in 1.8.
Why have a winner when each of these cars suits and appeals for specific reasons? eg. Alphabetically. Cerato:- FOR Space & Warranty AGAINST fuel & ride round town. Corolla:- FOR Nippy good drive AGAINST poor rear seat room & lousy boot. Mazda 3:- FOR 'Sexy looks' AGAINST:- rear claustrophobic unresolved drive (& NVH?) tiny boot.
Could get alot better version of the cerato for the same as the other 2’s base model. Plus all the things the corolla doesn’t have it only wins because of driving feel? Right..
For straight up value for money you can't beat a Kia I think.I bought the 2015 cerato after comparing to corolla, golf,focus,mazda, etc.Brand new drive away for $17500.The closest one was $21000
You guys continue to come up with surprising conclusions in these comparison tests - last time (for me) it was the poor steering in the Focus, now similar for the Mazda 3. Surprising as every other test I’ve seen praises these two cars for that aspect of their dynamics. Just daring to be different, or others being lazy and/or drinking the kool-aid? As I haven’t driven either I can’t comment. I have however spent plenty of time in the new Corolla and agree it handles and rides beautifully - imo better than a cooking Golf 7.5. If only it was more practical...
I've driven the corolla, mazda 3 and the focus. They are all extremely similar in terms of the way they drive. The corolla has that old mazda 3 fun factor but I reckon the focus is still better, and possibly best in class for driving dynamics.
Yeah i agree with you i have driven the Ford Focus and i loved it..great steering, handling and gee its quick. .but saying that i haven't driven any of the others. .
Honestly, I can't justify paying $30k for a compact hatch/sedan. I might as well extend by budget for a small SUV. The fuel consumption on the Kia is perhaps one of the most glaring weaknesses of the car which Kia needs to work our in the next model but with a price difference so big it almost evens out. The space in the rear and boot really swayed me over because it matches the space in the more medium sized cars like your mazda 6 or camry.
The tiny boot immediately took the Corolla off my list. Couldn't go past the value and spec sheet of the Kia. We just want reliable safe family transport. Car reviewers like exciting cars as they test to so many vehicles, but for us average suburbanites, we just want a sensible family vehicle that doesn't cost the earth.
You guys got this wrong. I have 2019 Mazda 3 hatch base. Though it is different than yours with 2.5L 4 cylinder. It is lightyears better than the other two in every way!! ZOOM ZOOM!!
I can’t understand why no one compare the auto cruise and self driving tech of the cars. It is a very important feature in new vehicles and can provide comfort in our crowded cities and bumper to bumper traffics.
Complains about Mazda infotainment bc it dosen't operate by touch while moving which comes with apple car play and android auto, he is completely fine that the toyota is missing those infotainment options WTF lol
I watch 100000 other mazda 3 review and it ride comfort and seat was great. Also it was said to be bigger in the back than corolla. And from this video you can see the mazda and kia seats you better than the corolla. For me the kia and mazda is top, but the corolla has its pros too. My only concern is if what i am reading about the mazda 3 reliability issues is true. But for sure car reviewers should let us chose the winner.
Hi CarsGuide this is Jordan here. Can you please do a review on the Kia Cerato GT hatch in red and the Mazda 3 G25 Astina hatchback in Pollymetal grey in manual and with red leather please.
@@JFomo hi there JFomo i actually didn't know that..i drove the STline. yeah that is a bit of a shame can a bit of a deal breaker for some people. .but saying that what model did you drive?
The Focus still rides on the 1st/2nd gen Mazda 3 platform, along with the Ford C-Maxx, and Volvo S-40 and C-30. It was a joint design when Ford had a stake in both Mazda and Volvo.
Sorry, but Toyota needs to load alot more as standard. They seem to be just sitting on their hands not caring what people need as standard. Blind spot monitoring and AEB needs to be standard in this day and age.
Other car reviews on RUclips have said similar about the Mazda 3, where the reviewer puts it second place to the Civic, Focus, Corolla or Golf/Jetta. The sedan in 2.5 manual is a better car than the hatch with the slow recycled engine, auto and cramped in every way interior. The sales for the Corolla will be notably higher but that would be due to rental fleet sales. I have yet to see a Kia Cerato in my country. I’m deciding on buying the Mazda or Corolla but not sure.
That was the best Corolla review I've seen . Having all three models to practically demonstrate the differences was perfect. Very well done . I'll be buying the SX Petrol.
I was concerned about the 7.4L/100km fuel average of the Cerato. I'm a reasonably economical driver and have averaged 6.7L/100km over 40000km in my '19 Cerato. The reviewers must have been giving it some jandal to average 10.9L/100km!
I have the mazda. Newer models... and the corolla 2023. Mazda with touch screen and the rotary dial. And let me tell you i never use the touch screen... once you get used to it the rotary thing is much much better. Also mazda is much more fun to drive.. sporty.. luxurious... This guy is paid by toyota
i really think that touchscreen on a car is not really good.. you can't use the touchscreen simultaneously while driving, it is quite hazardous.. you can't even use your phone's touchscreen while looking without taking your eyes off the road..
Bloody hell I get my 2015 SP 25 GT with Safety pack for 29900 Drive away, not to mention the accessory freebies they give me . Now you get base model for that price? I love my Mazda but this is crazy, I have high hope for new 3 but when I check it last week , I am not that impress , my Madza 3 is already cramp, the new one is even smaller. Clearly alot of budget go to design team than engineering team, Mazda is trying to hard to become premium brand, and really Halogen day time running light unless is Astina? Please update 6 not just give them plastic surgery.
All cars touchscreens should be illegal and should use the same type of system BMW use and just like the new Mazda 3. Soon with the way our backwards nation is becoming it will be an automatic loss of license if you touch a screen in a car lol....
Blake Swan discounting the Mazda because it has torsion beam rear suspension just highlights your ignorance. Multi-link suspension is not necessarily superior
Love to know what these muppets think is 'normal day to day driving' as ive had (new cars since 2008): ford focus cl manual, kia cerato koup 6 spd auto, skoda fabia rs, holden astra sedan ls+. In EVERY CAR ive not had any trouble bettering the 'official' fuel consumption claims. Thats not anally trying to get 'good' consumption, just not driving like a cockwad everywhere I go. Its not that difficult.
I currently drive a 2007 mazda 3 and theres no way I would upgrade to this new one. The very nice dash doesn't take away from the ugly watermelon design. I think that mazda could honestly make the worst possible car and people will still praise it cos its a 'mazda.'
@@hsvcommodore4111 yeah I've owned mazdas my whole life and there is no doubt that they are amazing cars, just disappointed with the design of the current ones. Loved the previous hatch though.
@@jacktibbs4425 I only owned a mazda in the early 90's, a 323. Now I ve got the 2019 hatch. Main reason was the beautiful design. No single today car in this price range can beat the design of the 2019 mazda 3.
Test drive Toyota Corolla road noise is too much kills any enjoyment especially if you setting at the back you can kiss your child hearing good bye. I'll go for Kia
The new Mazda 3 has just had a recall where the rear view mirror can drop out because of poor build quality i would buy the Toyota or even better a vw golf which would be a step up in quality.
You had me laughing when you said the corollas interior felt more sporty then the Mazda and the cerato 😂🤣😭
Also what is with the fuggly looking ipad sitting on the dash. Atleast the mazda entainment display is integrated with the dash. Nothing said there
Being an owner of the new corolla and mazda3 I was shocked how they came up with this conclusion??? I got these cars as my company cars and using both as my daily driver but I have the total opposite feedback. Mazda wins this one hands down over the corolla. You guys must be paid by toyota or something?
you couldn't have said it better.. nice one mate!
Or you may be pay by Mazda. Grow up, asshat.
@@danielmelendez3546 doubt it who in their right mind would say toyota cvt is more fun to drive than mazdas snappy 6 speed automatic
how much did toyota pay you bro?
So wait, the Kia was still several thousand less even with the extra safety pack and you're still slinging it off? Gorram Toyota's cheques must clear quick this days.
That's what I am thinking
I appreciate you reviewing the base models
Seen dozens of mazda3 reviews and it's the very first highlighting mazda's pure driving experience. Majority of the reviewers were praising it. Best.
Yet another review where the availability or otherwise of a spare wheel is overlooked. 🙄
Mazda every time for me.
i would take mazda 3..
Mohamad Izarrul yeah if you want the wheels to fall off
@@thomasyouil4504 😁😁
@@thomasyouil4504 recall has fix it
In chile the version g20 pure is the S version and ....... very poor equipment.......
I’ve driven my new Corolla for almost 10000 km, really happy with it! Been averaging 4.8 L/100 km (I have the hybrid).
Gu Nesnaj Whatever makes you sleep dude, good luck with your Suzuki. I’ll keep driving my boring and overpriced Corolla ;)
@@kf6857 You should because if you sell it now you owe the bank more than the car is worth.
Lol I'd struggle to tell anyone, I drive a corolla hybrid ....
Wooooooopdedoooooooo.
I get 4.5/100 from my 2018 astra sedan.
Sorry but your conclusions comparing the Corolla to the 3 are pretty much the exact opposite of everyone that sat in both. The Corolla is undoubtedly not a worse car than the 3 overall but the points you gave it are unquestionably weird compared to popular opinion.
Mazda3 look better in and out.This is the first time I hear that corolla drives better.
Only thing I agree is the situation on the back of the Mazda3, but thats why the sedan is better...not as dark as the hatch.
One more thing,forget Mazda in auto transmission....Mazda is manual...end of story
Like the format and the clear concise presentation - well done.
#best mazda 3 !!!!!
Awesome...😍😍
Thanks. Good video. 4:30 - almost clipped the pavement! 😅
Like many others, I'm on a budget. Boot space is a priority for us. My kids are both going to be tall like me so rear seat leg room is important. I don't give a damn about hard plastic trim when all I'm touching is the steering wheel, shifter and radio. And we don't do a huge amount of kms a year, so the higher fuel use won't kill the budget either. Looks like it's the Cerato for us!
The Cerato Sport has the safty pack as standard i think, it still comes to $24990, why not compare the Sport or even the Sport Plus to those other 2 over priced cars?
Mazda 3 for me
I don't get how so many people can prefer the Mazda 3 on objective criteria alone, it rides harsh, isn't practical and is expensive. The only thing good about it is a more upmarket interior... Not worth it imo
Not to mention it is ugly as hell. That C pillar is a crime against humanity
@@danlugo4365 I don't mind the overall design but yea that C pillar is a joke and a safety hazard. Looks are subjective tho so that's why I didn't mention it
I just got my first Mazda (3 2017 Touring) after I had to say goodbye to my Toyota Corolla SE 2017. No offense to my old car and all the other cars i test drove but the Mazda 3 surprised the heck out of me in a very exciting way. It feels so sporty (kinda like the car asking you to step on and make a quick turn) and luxurious inside. It has a moon/sunroof and Bose sound system. It's so smooth and a lot lot funner to drive!
I test drove both, the Mazda today. The Corolla was disappointing, it even had some crazy noises when I tried to floor it.
Mazda hands down wins for me. The price is cheaper, technology on base model far superior then Corolla, looks of interior and exterior more stylish, drives smoother and more responsive and no weird noises when I floored it. Toyota weren’t willing to give me much of a discount and aren’t having a sale whilst Mazda is having a sale and stock of cars in the yard. I did try the sedan in both so maybe that’s a difference.
The boot space in 1.8 Corolla hybrid is more than 2.0 hybrid. Bigger battery in boot eats into available space in 2.0 l hybrid. The trade off between the two versions is 3s longer acceleration to 62mph in 1.8.
What?!? Toyota is your winner, what a poor review. I am sure Mazda 3 undoubtedly beat those 2 in every aspects. Boooo!!!!!
I have driven 3000 different cars in australia no way Toyota would pass Mazda hadling
Toyota and Kia are gonna age terribly. Mazda looks class and will do so for much longer than the other two.
Sedan looks great, not sold on the look of the hatch though.
Great Comparison! excellent car review. Nice and Objective review.........................
Kia looks like a clear winner already
Why have a winner when each of these cars suits and appeals for specific reasons? eg. Alphabetically. Cerato:- FOR Space & Warranty AGAINST fuel & ride round town. Corolla:- FOR Nippy good drive AGAINST poor rear seat room & lousy boot. Mazda 3:- FOR 'Sexy looks' AGAINST:- rear claustrophobic unresolved drive (& NVH?) tiny boot.
Amazing review, thank you!
Could get alot better version of the cerato for the same as the other 2’s base model. Plus all the things the corolla doesn’t have it only wins because of driving feel? Right..
Great Comparison!
For straight up value for money you can't beat a Kia I think.I bought the 2015 cerato after comparing to corolla, golf,focus,mazda, etc.Brand new drive away for $17500.The closest one was $21000
You guys continue to come up with surprising conclusions in these comparison tests - last time (for me) it was the poor steering in the Focus, now similar for the Mazda 3. Surprising as every other test I’ve seen praises these two cars for that aspect of their dynamics. Just daring to be different, or others being lazy and/or drinking the kool-aid? As I haven’t driven either I can’t comment. I have however spent plenty of time in the new Corolla and agree it handles and rides beautifully - imo better than a cooking Golf 7.5. If only it was more practical...
I've driven the corolla, mazda 3 and the focus. They are all extremely similar in terms of the way they drive. The corolla has that old mazda 3 fun factor but I reckon the focus is still better, and possibly best in class for driving dynamics.
Yeah i agree with you i have driven the Ford Focus and i loved it..great steering, handling and gee its quick. .but saying that i haven't driven any of the others. .
Is tyre pressure checked before test drives? Just curious, ta
Honestly, I can't justify paying $30k for a compact hatch/sedan. I might as well extend by budget for a small SUV. The fuel consumption on the Kia is perhaps one of the most glaring weaknesses of the car which Kia needs to work our in the next model but with a price difference so big it almost evens out. The space in the rear and boot really swayed me over because it matches the space in the more medium sized cars like your mazda 6 or camry.
The tiny boot immediately took the Corolla off my list. Couldn't go past the value and spec sheet of the Kia. We just want reliable safe family transport. Car reviewers like exciting cars as they test to so many vehicles, but for us average suburbanites, we just want a sensible family vehicle that doesn't cost the earth.
You guys got this wrong. I have 2019 Mazda 3 hatch base. Though it is different than yours with 2.5L 4 cylinder. It is lightyears better than the other two in every way!! ZOOM ZOOM!!
I can’t understand why no one compare the auto cruise and self driving tech of the cars. It is a very important feature in new vehicles and can provide comfort in our crowded cities and bumper to bumper traffics.
Complains about Mazda infotainment bc it dosen't operate by touch while moving which comes with apple car play and android auto, he is completely fine that the toyota is missing those infotainment options WTF lol
He is paid by toyota to let it win
@@CalleRasmussen1 I get that impression as well, what is the point of a great drive if you aren't as safe. Sorry.
I watch 100000 other mazda 3 review and it ride comfort and seat was great. Also it was said to be bigger in the back than corolla. And from this video you can see the mazda and kia seats you better than the corolla. For me the kia and mazda is top, but the corolla has its pros too. My only concern is if what i am reading about the mazda 3 reliability issues is true. But for sure car reviewers should let us chose the winner.
Same engine and transmission as the 2014 -18 model reliability is not an issue
@@Finestizpro thanks bro
2WIREG lol. Just. Lol.
Hi CarsGuide this is Jordan here. Can you please do a review on the Kia Cerato GT hatch in red and the Mazda 3 G25 Astina hatchback in Pollymetal grey in manual and with red leather please.
And the corolla zr
Mazda car is super 💓💟💚💟💟👌👏
you can drive away in a cerato sport plus for less than 28 grand. That is cheaper than the mazda or toyota. .base models
Plus a better warranty and as reliable if not better than both of these.
Mazda 3 is on a different level. The Kia looks bad in front, the back is goo. Toyota is the safest choice though
A carolla drives better than 3? Biggest joke ever, Toyota must pay you guys so well
Never thought I'd see the day that would happen.
Andrew Liu the new TNGA platform is a very good thing!
i have driven the Ford Focus and loved it. .
@@YZJB it is stiffer, but it is a CVT
Cerato Sport Plus is really good!
How does the Toyota do over bumps? Its ground clearance seems very low.
I had a test drive in the new Ford Focus and i gotta tell you that car was fantastic to drive. .
I was keen on the Focus for a minute untill i read on the spec sheet it takes only premium fuel. 😔
Which one do you have?
@@JFomo hi there JFomo i actually didn't know that..i drove the STline. yeah that is a bit of a shame can a bit of a deal breaker for some people. .but saying that what model did you drive?
The Focus still rides on the 1st/2nd gen Mazda 3 platform, along with the Ford C-Maxx, and Volvo S-40 and C-30. It was a joint design when Ford had a stake in both Mazda and Volvo.
@@fredzeppelin3969 I think your wrong there that Focus is purely designed by Ford..
Thanks for an honest review have owned a Cerato and an i30 not impressed will buy Toyota Corolla next time.
excellent car review.
Sorry, but Toyota needs to load alot more as standard. They seem to be just sitting on their hands not caring what people need as standard. Blind spot monitoring and AEB needs to be standard in this day and age.
I have a cerato5 2019 its a very different at video, but is most fantástic than you seee
Other car reviews on RUclips have said similar about the Mazda 3, where the reviewer puts it second place to the Civic, Focus, Corolla or Golf/Jetta. The sedan in 2.5 manual is a better car than the hatch with the slow recycled engine, auto and cramped in every way interior. The sales for the Corolla will be notably higher but that would be due to rental fleet sales. I have yet to see a Kia Cerato in my country. I’m deciding on buying the Mazda or Corolla but not sure.
That was the best Corolla review I've seen . Having all three models to practically demonstrate the differences was perfect. Very well done . I'll be buying the SX Petrol.
Would have been good to see the i30 as well.
I was concerned about the 7.4L/100km fuel average of the Cerato. I'm a reasonably economical driver and have averaged 6.7L/100km over 40000km in my '19 Cerato.
The reviewers must have been giving it some jandal to average 10.9L/100km!
Mazda 3 is the sexiest of all small cars.
The corolla all day every day.
I have the mazda. Newer models... and the corolla 2023.
Mazda with touch screen and the rotary dial. And let me tell you i never use the touch screen... once you get used to it the rotary thing is much much better.
Also mazda is much more fun to drive.. sporty.. luxurious...
This guy is paid by toyota
i really think that touchscreen on a car is not really good.. you can't use the touchscreen simultaneously while driving, it is quite hazardous.. you can't even use your phone's touchscreen while looking without taking your eyes off the road..
...so explain how I get around 7 lts per 100km (combined) in a much larger Kia Optima? 2.4lt... Driven normally with air on most of the time.
Bloody hell I get my 2015 SP 25 GT with Safety pack for 29900 Drive away, not to mention the accessory freebies they give me . Now you get base model for that price? I love my Mazda but this is crazy, I have high hope for new 3 but when I check it last week , I am not that impress , my Madza 3 is already cramp, the new one is even smaller. Clearly alot of budget go to design team than engineering team, Mazda is trying to hard to become premium brand, and really Halogen day time running light unless is Astina? Please update 6 not just give them plastic surgery.
You should have BerryMan do these comparison reviews....
All cars touchscreens should be illegal and should use the same type of system BMW use and just like the new Mazda 3. Soon with the way our backwards nation is becoming it will be an automatic loss of license if you touch a screen in a car lol....
Should have a disclaimer for a payed toyota advert.
If toyota paid you to sell us the corolla. It didnt work on me
the worst reviews mazda out of these for me and for driving ford focus every time
This review does not include Honda Civic...Come on, do another one including civic
What the hell was this guy smoking?
The Golf is old, the Focus used to be a car. P.S. There is NOT a good CVT.
Long live corolla
Baised review 👎
Go KIA
You should buy the most reliable one: Toyota!
Corolla or Civic would be my pick of the class with standard IRS. Mazda is no longer Zoom Zoom
Really??? I suspect you have never driven a Mazda. A keyboard warrior I think you are called. FACT!!
Blake Swan discounting the Mazda because it has torsion beam rear suspension just highlights your ignorance. Multi-link suspension is not necessarily superior
Love to know what these muppets think is 'normal day to day driving' as ive had (new cars since 2008): ford focus cl manual, kia cerato koup 6 spd auto, skoda fabia rs, holden astra sedan ls+. In EVERY CAR ive not had any trouble bettering the 'official' fuel consumption claims. Thats not anally trying to get 'good' consumption, just not driving like a cockwad everywhere I go. Its not that difficult.
WhErS tHe HoNdA CiViC?!??!
Cvt no thanks I like Toyota but I'm going with the Kia
@2WIREG it's actually DSG and it's only on GT turbo version
我觉得这是个恰饭视频
Mazda
Official Toyota review .. 🤗
I’d go with the Corolla hybrid, for no much more.
Mazda have really gone downhill.
what about road noise in kia mate
I agree got rid of my Cerato too noisy.
You should have included a Honda and a Hyundai i30 for a better comparison.
I currently drive a 2007 mazda 3 and theres no way I would upgrade to this new one. The very nice dash doesn't take away from the ugly watermelon design. I think that mazda could honestly make the worst possible car and people will still praise it cos its a 'mazda.'
Mazdas are fantastic cars, you don't like the design, That's it
@@hsvcommodore4111 yeah I've owned mazdas my whole life and there is no doubt that they are amazing cars, just disappointed with the design of the current ones. Loved the previous hatch though.
@@jacktibbs4425 I only owned a mazda in the early 90's, a 323. Now I ve got the 2019 hatch. Main reason was the beautiful design. No single today car in this price range can beat the design of the 2019 mazda 3.
I loved the previous look of mazda 3 before the facelift but now that mazda 3 has hideous head lights I'd choose the cerato.
Kia all the way! The other 2 have utterly low quality interiors!
YO VOY X MAZDA 3 COROLLA NO PASA NADA 😝
This guy is clueless
Test drive Toyota Corolla road noise is too much kills any enjoyment especially if you setting at the back you can kiss your child hearing good bye. I'll go for Kia
Alex on Autos says just the opposite. 71 decibels for Corolla, 73 for Forte. Noise is important to me and I’m trying to choose between these two cars.
hahah now go make a podcast without the spit..
The new Mazda 3 has just had a recall where the rear view mirror can drop out because of poor build quality i would buy the Toyota or even better a vw golf which would be a step up in quality.
VW = chance of DSG issues from a dishonest company... Stick to Ford or Jap/Korean
@2WIREG since when have Toyota and Mazda been built in the same factory? First I've heard of it.
Don't know if it's available in Australia, but the sedan versions of the Mazda 3 and Corolla are much better than the equivalent hatchback.