2019 Mazda3 AWD Review | A Step Above The Competition
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- Опубликовано: 19 дек 2024
- The more I drove the all-new Mazda3, the more I came to the conclusion that Mazda's new compact sedan should be seen as an alternative to the Acura ILX, the defunct Buick Verano and perhaps an Audi A3 rather than just a Corolla or Civic competitor. The new 3 handles impeccably, but the real win here is the cabin where we find materials that are simply more premium than any other mainstream competitor and a style that is elegant and refined, something lacking in the latest Japanese competition. By adding AWD to their compact sedan, Mazda didn't make a Subaru Impreza alternative, instead they created a discount luxury sedan. How was this transformation possible? Part of it is likely connected to the new base price which is significantly higher than the competition, allowing Mazda to use more premium materials for the core of the interior.
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The reason why the Mazda 3 is “easily the most beautiful entry in this segment” is that it doesn't have weird body lines, creases, bumps, dents, fake vents like most other cars do nowadays.
You are absolutely right. 👍
The Mazda is easily the most elegant looking compact sedan. Mazda is giving us upscale vehicles at a reasonable prices. 😊
The sedan has a huge crease in the front fender. Why is that??
Why don't they add some eyelashes and lipstick to complete the design?
Indeed, it is very nice.
0:30 "[2019 Mazda even though it is launching after 2020 Toyota Corolla. No idea why Mazda decided to play it that way]" - Perhaps Mazda still has employees who can read the calendar?
mountainhobo I'm guessing 2020 will get a refresh/an additional model?
Edit: Yup, it might be something to do with the possibilty of Skyactiv X coming after this initial launch.
Yeah but it hurts the resale for noob customers who don't look at the actual production date.
I think the next step is placing that turbo in a “select” Mazda 3 in 2020. Game changer baby! I would trade my 2017 WRX if that Mazda gets that Skyactiv turbo, got damn Mazda makes beautiful vehicles
One point to keep in mind is that by designating a vehicle as a 2020 model rather than a 2019, the impact of average depreciation down the line is reduced by a year. Toyota is typically more conservative in their "upgrades" within a particular generation and slower to introduce a new generation than their competitors. By designating the Corolla as a 2020 model they're in effect saying this will be a "current" model until 2021. Competitors like Mazda will be selling "last year's model" in 2020 unless it is significantly changed. And if it is, those who purchase the Mazda3 in 2019 will be driving "last year's" version by this time next year.
"One point to keep in mind is that by designating a vehicle as a 2020 model rather than a 2019, the impact of average depreciation down the line is reduced by a year. " - Are there still people who are taken in by this? I don't know of anyone who while buying a used car asks, "what model year is this?" Everyone asks "how old is it?"
I’ve owned three Mazda 3’s over the years, and my first vehicle as a kid was a 2004 Mazda 3 back when they were partnered with Ford. Even that vehicle punched above its weight class. I’ve have only ever owned Mazdas and swear by the brand. The brand is the best combination of reliability, interior and exterior quality, price, and driving dynamics you can find on the road today. Awesome review, Alex.
We bought a 2019 Mazda 3 Premium, FWD, as we live in Phoenix, so bad weather is not something we deal with enough to justify the additional money for AWD. We LOVE this car. Ours is the gun metal gray/with the 2 tone lighter interior. I am always amazed at how many compliments we get in this car. The only complaint, and very minor, is we wish that it had ac vents for back seat, and a power or at least more adjustable passenger seat. Gas milage has been excellent, just a smidge below what our 2017 Elantra gives us, but I will loose the 1mpg for the extra power. Handling is great, ride feels very planted. Overall really happy with the choice we made.
Alex, just FYI. I watch your review FIRST over everyone elses. Your attention to detail is #1
You stole the words out of my mouth!
I'm impressed with the diction, tone, pace and volume. And it's always consistent. Cinematography is meh but the audio is superb. No wind noise, no "tired" voice... It's fast as it should be but not too fast
Same. Alex is very objective(mostly- He HATES red turn signals!😂). And he is well informed, whether we are talking a $15k compact or a $200k luxury ride.
most youtubers are just repeating specs. they dont know why a car looks the way it does.
@@bobbowie9350 So static looks is more important than dynamic performance?
Thank you Mazda for proving that a Tablet style infotainment system can look nicely integrated and not look like an IPad velcroed to the dash! Well done, I hope other manufacturers pay attention.
I think so too. Most of the screens of any brand before this one don’t integrate with the overall design of the dash. You nailed it.
Gosh, the 2019 Mazda3 is BEAUTIFUL. It legit looks like a work of art. I prefer the sedan over the hatchback, but both are definite head turners. I wonder how Acura, Audi, Mercedes, and BMW feel knowing Mazda is slowly but surely encroaching on their premium/luxury territory. It's like Mazda decided to forget about Toyota and Honda and just carve out their own niche while knocking on luxury's door. I think it's a brilliant gamble that's going to pay off for Mazda. I can't wait to see where they are as a company a decade from now.
Ozamataz Buckshank Im a proud owner of a 16 Mazda 3 sedan and im in love with it. Great driving dynamics, great looks, amazing cabin materials and tech. Cant wait to see if they’ll use a skyactiv X engine with a turbo charger, strong possibility. 🔥
I think Mazda today is what people thought of VW's 8-10 years ago: Mainstream Cars that are more premium feeling and better to drive, without costing huge amounts more.
Yes, lots of this reminded me of the mk 4 vws when released.
Great review Alex, it is disheartening to see American car makers abandoning the sedan segment while the Asians and Europeans are not only staying, but are stepping up their game with some truly great cars.
I still think it was a premature move, but that might be why they left. Maybe they thought it was not worth duking it out in small car wars when (at least in the US) the market for this style vehicle is shrinking, while SUV/CUV are exploding.
Well, the Asians and Europeans can get more market share for the sedan segment. Why is that a bad thing?
@@lawrencey0yGM got a huge bailout about 10 years ago and is shutting down plants, not even trying to compete. Also, part of it is pride in American companies that have been around for many years. They may have made bad financial decisions which warranted their closings, but I take little joy in seeing them disappear.
@@medellon GM has tried to compete for over a decade. And unlike Asian and European manufacturers GM depends far more heavily on the US market as a percentage of their total revenue. The results speak for themselves. It was ignoring market trends that got American brands in trouble in the first place. It makes no sense to complain they're paying more attention to those trends now.
Why Ford couldn't design the base Focus to be reliable points to lousy management. Why GM couldn't make the Cruise reliable points to lousy management. Chrysler made the 200 that was obviously released before being debugged and this points to management. The Big three have the worst management in the automotive industry and the proof is that after 50 years of competing with the Asian's they have surrendered the car market. Not the workers - the management were incompetent.
I think this is a wise move by Mazda, going more premium niche, than fighting the mass-market leaders
The hatchback has turned more into a hunchback
I suspect that Mazda has been studying the market and has realized that the people who cannot afford their “premium” push cannot afford to buy a new Mazda anyway. The bottom of the new car market has been pushed out, which has pushed out the bottom of the used car market. This mirrors, somewhat, what has happened to the housing market.
I'm not sure. Mazda does not have a very good reputation with older buyers and they've the ones buying more expensive cars. (Older people seem to remember them as making disposable cars because of reliability problems of the past).
I think they may be making the same mistake as Hyundai; both are losing market share and seem to think more of themselves than consumers so.
@@joa8593 Yet those same older customers buy Ford and FCA products after decades of missteps. The mind truly is an interesting thing. (to be clear, I think Ford and FCA make fine products today)
Oh well. Only time will tell how it goes; Mazda is already used to not being even remotely a sales leader. I know I'd buy the Mazda3 if I were looking right now.
What’s wrong with the hatchback?
@@zynthos9 the hatch is stunning. I saw it in person at the dealership last week and it looks so much better than the 2018.
For me, the hatchback is a no go - however, that sedan is really sharp looking. It's nice to have an AWD sedan option to compete with the Subaru Impreza.
Why no hatchback?
David Giles I agree, i don’t like the fact that there is a huge blind spot.
Sucks that the Lancer went away. Would of have 3 options.
Double JJ comparing the Lancer to a 3 would be insulting.
@@bvedant I know it would but that's not what I referring to. I was pointing out the AWD options in the segment.
Certainly well designed and final execution is step above anyone in the compact segment
I'm very impressed with the 2019 Mazda 3! My Civic lease is up in 2020 and I'm seriously considering the 3.
Harry Mitchell I am on my 3rd Mazda 3 and they are fun, reliable and efficient and I had a 6 and a CX-7 before as well. No problems with any of them.
You drive a Civic? Gee I am really sorry...
Go for it. The 3 is an awesome car
@@m726_ I did get the 3. It is awesome!
That's awesome! Glad you like it. Welcome to the Mazda Family! #ZoomZoom
Man alive, I want this Mazda 3 for my commuter car so bad but my wife says I have give up one of my other vehicles first. She is mean to me. Lol. I keep watching videos on it in the mean time and driving by the Mazda dealership and looking.
Just bought the hatch. In soul red. With AWD. Obsessed
Looks way better than the Civic or the Corolla. Trading my 16 Civic for next years 3.
This is by far the best review of Mazda 3 2019. Most objective and professional, without "WOW" and overly beautifying each part of the car.
I love this car and is truly amazing - best in class, for my taste.
Keep up the good work guys, you have a new Subscriber!
watching this after i got my mazda3 2019 such a clean looking and feeling car so happy i went with it
My coworker just got one fully loaded. I laughed at him until I sit in and saw the interior, I cried.
Yiu Kitwai I would cry to. I would one so bad.
It is amazing indeed :)
now with the turbo version after and year, the ones bought the car cried
@@LeoTheShortGuy I'm hopefully getting one this wknd!! Going to put 5k down. Want to get a 2019 though (bc think it's silly to get a brand new car, bc it just looses a couple thousand dollars soon as u drive it off the lot) but yeah 2019, sedan, premium, white leather interior & grey exterior. Only thing still confused about is if the sedan can also come in the polymetal grey? Or only the hatchback.
Lmao🤣🤣
Once again Mazda is the top pick by one of the top reviewers. This is happening now on almost all of their vehicles. Amazed I don't see more of them on the road. People just don't take the time to shop this brand.
According to the spec sheets given to Mazda salesmen, the 2019 Mazda3 was scheduled for release in late 2018, but it was delayed until now. That's probably why it's a 2019 despite launching during 2019.
Yup. People have to remember that Mazda is a very small company. Subaru has had the backing of GM and now Toyota for decades. Mazda is all on it's own now that it has been divorced from Ford for quite some time...
HellKitty 101 Mazda has a partnership now with Toyota
Thanks for FINALLY mentioning that hatches can often be less practical due to being significantly shorter, compared to the sedan version. Everyone seems to think hatches are the end-all-be-all in practicality, and it is just not true.
It is true in some circumstances, but like he said, you couldn't fit a grill in the trunk of a sedan, but could with a hatchback. The height constraint of sedan trunk makes it very limiting.
@@fwiler I don't think I'd agree with "very limiting". Who hauls around BBQs? I've fit 7cu ft wheelbarrows in compact sedans, as well as 42 inch televisions, in the box. Even a double-size futon mattress. Try more pragmatic tasks, like stuffing a 8ft long boards of lumber, or 8ft blinds, or an 8ft piece of gutter, or an 8ft piece of piping, etc -- into a compact hatchback that has 8 to 10 inches of length chopped off, compared to the sedan. These things JUST BARELY fit into a compact sedan without gouging the dash -- ain't gonna fit inside a shortened hatch.
@@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow You need a truck.
@@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow I like how you sit there and actually type out that nobody buys BBQ grills and hauls them in a sedan at the same time you write that hauling wheelbarrows in same is something people do all the time.
I mean that's weird. Heck none of that stuff you listed is normal for a sedan compared to buying a BBQ grill. All that crap EXCEPT the BBQ is why people rent trucks from Uhaul.
@@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow And two bikes don't fit in my Accord. If I'm going to be hauling 8ft of anything all the time, I would get a wagon, van, or truck, not a sedan.
I absolutely love my 2018 Mazda3 touring sedan and I hope to purchase this new Mazda3 when i pay off my current Mazda. They have done an absolute stunning job on this new vehicle it does not compete against a corolla or civic..it is truly a class above.
An impressive offering, I'd say. Far more impressive compared to its competition, in fact, than the CX-9, CX-5, and even the Mazda6. It's very stylish, as Alex says, as a result of its long, long hood, a design it shares with its stablemates. What it doesn't share with those other vehicles is a major sacrifice in terms of interior passenger space versus the competition. And that's a big plus. Add to that the significantly upgraded overall interior including much needed improvements in the infotainment system and the much better integration into the dash. Well done.
AWD is another advantage over its rivals. One can argue it's unnecessary in a vehicle as small and light as the Mazda3; a good set of winter tires with the engine sitting over the drive wheels will accomplish what AWD manages about 90% of the time. And with a weight savings equivalent to an NFL corner back sitting in the back seat is worth taking into account. Drivers in less than extreme climates may want to save the $1000 it adds to the price of the CX3. But for those who deal with challenging winter conditions, the AWD may mean they can postpone adding winter tires each year by a month or two. For the rest of us "allseason" tires may suffice with AWD. (Speaking of tires, one the few negatives I see is the 215 width tires. I'd upgrade them to at least 225 width immediately.)
There will, of course, be complaints that the Mazda3 lacks the Skyactive engine architecture and a turbo version of the engine. But I suspect that's why the vehicle is designated as a 2019 model, allowing Mazda to add one or both of those features next year. But if the turbo in the other Mazda models is any guide, those folks may be somewhat disappointed. It does provide good overall HP (especially with premium fuel) and extremely impressive torque at a low rpm but inevitably that means it tends to run out of breath at higher rpms. Just where one might hope a "hot" compact would excel. All in all, Mazda's turbo4 delivers power more similar to a diesel engine than the punch expected in a turbo 4. Furthermore, in one of its few weaknesses, the Mazda3 already offers mediocre fuel economy. That might be irrelevant to those who want a "hot" Mazda3 but Mazda may consider what adding a turbo to the model may do to its overall CAFE figures for their fleet.
Finally, I'm usually inclined to favor hatchbacks over comparable sedans. And I like the shorter length of the hatch version. But that shorter length means sacrificing more utility and versatility than it should.(imo). And the sedan's styling in the rear looks much, much better. If I were shopping in this segment, I'd go for the sedan and save a thousand bucks.
All vehicles have flaws. And all design and engineering choices involve costs and benefits. The Mazda3 looks like a vehicle where the pluses significantly outweigh the negatives.
Alex, I was the proud owner of a 1st Generation 2005 Mazda 3 Hatchback new from a local dealer. Having been a performance enthusiast/Muscle Car guy my 1997 Pontiac Trans Am was being sidelined as a daily Driver since at the time my daily 2.5 - 3 hour round trip commute was not really cost effective for a Fire breathing V8 after mods that was pushing 425 - 450 HP dependent on the fuel you used. The Mazda 3 was a great car then but had its drawbacks. I did stay with a Manual Trans (You still have to have some fun) The handling in that Munchkin Mobile was impeccable the suspension was tight but it could be brutal on these Midwestern Roads. It was not a quiet car by any stretch of the imagination. I think even with the V8 Beast the Trans Am under normal cruise conditions was a quieter car. The Mazda 3 to me was the best looking of the Munchkin Commuters back then and with the new Koto Design it's even more so now. I am considering getting another Munchkin car since they have added AWD into the mix on the 3. My GMC Acadia SLT with AWD and our 2010 Mercury Milan V6 Premier have served us well with close to 200,000 miles on each one but now with it just being the Wife and I at home, I am planning on saving the Acadia for the Long Trips and get a Mazda 3 for my day to day driving in the Central Indiana area. I do 150 - 250 miles a day as an Independent Contractor switching off using the two cars during the week dependent on Weather conditions. Being that I am not quite the Grumpy Old Man cussing at traffic and going 10 MPH under the speed limit I do however, want to continue to enjoy the Driving Experience without having to resort to driving a Luxury Yacht on the land. I know the Mazda has come a long way since my 2005 and I might just be revisiting the Mazda 3 as my daily work vehicle. Like I said I still want to have fun and enjoy the drive......I am somewhat of a Car junkie and came across your videos in RUclips's Recommendations and I haven't missed one since. ......Quality Production, Clear speaking, and thorough concise information..... Keep up the good work....Sorry for the long winded commentary.
I love the design of this car. I usually dig hatchbacks, but I'm leaning more towards the sedan this time. And the red interior is fantastic. I may have to swap my '18 mazda3 hatch for one of these...
Adam Roush not sure why they made the red interior only available on the hatch :/
I love both Sedan and Hatch. In my case, I got the sedan due to its larger trunk capacity and also because it is cheaper.
Great review!
I prefer the hatch way more than the sedan. The curves from the rear remind me of Porsche
I think it is Italian-ish in its style, but I totally agree, the Hatch is beautiful.
@@ER-ws2pb I agree. I also like the AMC Pacer!!😁😄 hee hee hee
Fully agreed, the design is outstanding.
Yes! Or an old Datsun 240Z!
I bought a 2017 Impreza new in 2017 and it was repurchased under the lemon law. I had that in hatchback form and I will almost always pick a hatch over a sedan until this. It was a hard day for me to finally admit the hatch is to wonky for me but I just cant get past the looks and the sedan looks very good.
I have owned hatchbacks for yrs and usually go that route but in pictures the sedan is a better looking car.
Droidaimone also, the sedans truck seems more practical. Why would Mazda do that? 🤷🏼♂️
Sedan still has the awkward proportions. Looks stiff
C"om on guys. March 2019, that is far away from 2020. I would pick a regular engine vs turbo because of the long term reliability. Would go for the hatch. What a nice car.
Manual sedan with a turbo and I'm sold. Beautiful classic styling
Alex, I always appreciate your analysis, especially when comparing to competitors.
11:48 Zoom Zoom !! Lol! I find it amusing that you have been selecting screenshot of songs named coincidentally with the car/brand.
I agree, at first I thought the new hatch looked ugly but it has grown on me because it's a little different. Now I prefer the Hatch over the Sedan.
Great review.
Without having seen either the sedan or hatch in person, I prefer the look of the sedan. However, if I were to buy one I would buy the hatch because that’s the only way to get the manual. I would be completely happy with that compromise. Thanks Alex.
The smallest car company in Japan. Mazda has really upped their game. One of the few companies ran by engineers that love driving instead of shit head accountants.
They swapped the multi-link suspension for a torsion beam suspension lol
J. Armand I’ve driven and tossed the new sedan pretty hard on a test drive last week, and I definitely was impressed with the handling despite the new suspension. Btw, I own a standard tranny 2016 hatchback and love it.
I think the key to Mazda’s success will be how they position Skyactiv X. I really hope they err on the side of performance at the same, or only slightly better, mpg rather than going all-in on efficiency.
I'm so glad auto makers aren't keeping AWD an exclusivity to SUVs anymore. This will ramp up the competition in this segment! Now that the Altima has AWD I think the non luxury sedan and hatchback market as whole will start to get a lot more exciting and perhaps start moving towards RWD platforms.
In some markets like Canada, there are many people looking for AWD versions to try to bear the snow. AWD minivans and sedans make sense here at least as an option.
This Mazda 3 body design reminds me of my Lexus IS second generation from 06 to 14 especially from the front and from the side cellulite. Not to forget the rims 💯.
Just from seeing photos and videos, I was totally against the hatch - until I saw it in person last week. Looks better in person. I guess it's just not photogenic. I'm still more interested in the sedan though...
Thanks for the thorough review Alex. I appreciated how well you explained the awd system. The sedan with awd is most likely going to be our next car.
I’m really torn between the red interior in the mazda3 or the Camry XSE.
But I’m loving the Mazda3. They’ve really nailed this new generation. Only issue is that they took out the touchscreen
To distracting according to them. I'd have to agree. Already to many idiots texting among others things while driving.
@@DS..69 Touchscreens aren't about texting. It seems odd to me to add the screen that everyone is used to touching, Android or Apple, and not let you touch it.
I have my Mazda 3 2019 for a month now and I can tell you that it is very comfortable and less distracting to operate the screen through the knobs. I think Mazda is right.
@@davidm5707 Didn't say touch screens were about texting. I included it among other things that ppl do besides messing with the screen.
David M touchscreen infotainment systems is the second leading cause of distracted driving accidents the first is touchscreen phones.
Great looking car, the Civic looks fussy and over styled by comparison. Great review too, nice pace and very comprehensive. Enjoyed . Thanks
BEST review of the new Mazda 3 yet. Fantastic graphics!! Thank you.
I'm probably biased, as a 2011 Mazda 3 sedan owner. The 2019 sedan is gorgeous. I love it.
Mazda, you want my money? Put the turbo in this one and/or put the AWD in the Mazda6 Turbo. Done!
Be honest, you have no money.
MrNightpwner thank you for this comment
Are they done with the turbo engine they have?
@@MrNightpwner Oh shit you got me good! How am I ever going to recover from that epic burn?!
Their compression ignition engine (once released) has a supercharger if that counts? ;-)
I owned a 2006 Mazda 3 hatch with the 2.3 engine and its probably the best car I have owned so far. The car just did everything well in all categories especially the ride quality and the zoom zoom factor were there. Great seats with substantial torso and thigh bolstering were the best with a tough stylish fabric that was easy to clean and the room in the rear was great where I could haul big things without much trouble. I paid 19K for that one so I don't know if I am ready for 25K plus. The Elantra GT hatch looks like it has more room and more spunk, exactly what I am looking for.
I've seen several car review channels, this is not pretending to have amazing cinematographics but I'm impressed with the voice quality. Even when the location changes, the volumen and overall voice seems to be the same. Maybe you have the best mic out there or you really care about sound normalization. Keep up the good work
Daaamn Alex.. I could hear you talk all day...
Cant wait til the 6s get this new infotainment amd other changes
When is that happening? The new 6 is a stunning vehicle all around.
Looks like the 6 is up for a total refresh and not just an update. But we'll see.
the 6 will beat any luxury you throw on it
Buying the sedan for my daughter this weekend, but I love the hatchback shape.
I own this car, just realized I’ll never have to change a bulb. Made me even happier with my purchase.
as long as you don't crash the car
I just test drove a Mazda 3 AWD sedan. The driving experience was fantastic 👌👌👌
David Sandelin Did one as well this past Monday. I currently have a 2015 Mazda3 hatchback and wow. The difference is amazing. Loved the interior and the silence of the extra sound deadening. I am thinking of getting another Mazda3 next year
Kudos to Mazda's designers for building sibling cars that actually appeal to completely different buyers. Those who love a sedan seem to think the new 3 is wonderfully styled and elegant (and think the hatch is awful... and/or hunchback like). Yet those who prefer the hatch think it's taught, fresh, exciting and perfectly proportioned (and the sedan is muted and boring). Wow, for two so similar cars, that's quite a feat!
I really like the sedan. The hatch kind of looks like an egg. I feel like they designed it that way to mimic a small SUV which is kind of disappointing
As much as I am a hatchback person, this Mazda 3 hatch just looks weird and the CX3 or CX30 would be a better choice.
Many brands are going with the panamera curves which I find unnatural. Also, huge blindspots
Yes, I've never been a hatch fan and I've always loved the Mazda3 sedan designs. Disappointing that there is no stick in the sedan now. Maybe the 2020 MY?
DAVID Y the CX-30 is a lifted 3.
2. 2.5l engine is awesome. These small DI turbos are great for max three years. An additional port injection, like in Toyota, would make my sleep better ;)
3. Mazda AT is good. I used it in Norway and it was more than capable enough.
The sedan looks so much better
Been waiting for this review for a while! Finally!
Mazda is a step above the rest...I see NOTHING wrong with this car. Great job Mazda
Amazing review, plaining on getting a used fully loaded one and I cant wait, love this car!
The Hatch is stunning ! Very Italian looking . I saw that haych version with the roof rack and it looks very nice.
I'm four years late!! But I still get one Alex.
Actually love the styling of the sedan over the hatch. Hope the sedan comes with that same gray that you had with hatch.
your 1440p video quality & content is really beautiful, well done
The best car in its class. Period.
Hope they allow for manual with the sedan and awd and bring back independent rear suspension, although reports say the suspension is good.
If they make a sport version they will probably put independent suspension in it.
Interior is class leading but needs a touch screen rear vents and rear usb.
I guess no touch screen is ok, but I would like a tune knob next to the volume one and 6 hard switches for my memory stations, that would improve safety big time when trying to get to a station quickly.
Piano Gloss black is a no no, aluminum, real wood, or almost anything is better, as gloss back makes even mercedes car interior trim look bad after a month or two.
The hatchback has some really nice lines reminds me of an Alfa Romeo Giulia. Really digging that Grey paint finish.
VW tried this slightly upmarket strategy with the Jetta 20 years ago, with a great deal of success. They later backtracked and moved back into direct competition with the Civic, Corolla, etc. Interesting to see Mazda do basically the same thing now with the new 3...essentially move half a step upmarket versus what people cross shop them against.
If I want the best report on a new car I definitely go to you Alex!
this is a really good review man, good job
wow great review. First time seeing your channel and I'm impressed with your work.
Yes, the SkyActive X will make it into these two models later in the year, Alex.
I'm very surprised Alex didn't mention that the hatch bumper had black lower cladding as compare to the sedan.
E M1 You don’t know when the SkyActive X will be bright to America, E! Don’t you think Alex would know? Dave Coleman says the American market doesn’t need them as soon as other world markets due to our affordable gas pricing. That’s coming from Mazda. You are spitting out falsehoods that you are dreaming up. Please don’t mislead the audience.
They won’t be bringing it to the US Market anytime soon. The thing is they currently only have a 2.0 X engine with 190hp and 170 torque. It comes with better fuel economy but is even slower than the G so just isn’t compelling in the US market with cheap gas prices. I’m guessing they are going to have to go back to the drawing board for a 2.5 X version for our market which would come with performance gains and thus be more compelling. For now I’m guessing they will play a wait and see if they can simply make due with this old G engine from 2013 in their pretty package.
I’m a six year Mazda 6 owner 2006-2012. 0-60k mikes. The interior of the brand always look better then competitors . If u r looking for short period 3-5 years. This is the best option of the segment. But for long term 6-10 years , do not buy it.
Very nice re-style. Not too many creases or agree looks of Toyota and Honda. And no awful fake plastic mesh (Honda Civic hatch). They even managed to do the chrome on the front end of the sedan tastefully. Seems like a step above even the tired Acura ILX.
$28,000 for the top end Mazda3 with a 185 bhp engine.. That's pretty bold
Owned a 6 cyl Mazda 6 about 15 years ago, and this Mazda3 definitely looks like a more premium vehicle.
Same price gets you a VW Jetta GLI with a 228HP 258 torque engine. VW offers a 6 yr 72k bumper to bumper warranty also before anyone makes fun of VW reliability.
Oh! I like your conclusion. I can't say anything more than your conclusion.
Looks very italian design... If that is good or bad... Is up to you. Big plus that Mazda didn't go CVT like everyone else.. Mazda and the Germans are the hold outs on a CVT and I give HUGE props to that👍👍👍👍
Jeff Eppenger looks very Japanese too!
@@2004cyrus how so? Looks like a rip-off of some older Italian design like a Maserati or an Alfa Romeo from back in the day especially the hatchback.
Personally, I love the way the hatch looks. It's very distinctive, aggressive, and, date I say, elegant. However, I haven't sat inside one yet, so I'd be worried about visibility issues with those huge C pillars.
With properly positioned side view mirrors, along with blind-spot monitoring, that should not be that much of an issue (hopefully).
Excellent review, professional as always.
That hatch is amazing, it looks like a concept car! Great that it comes in AWD, it absolutely needs the turbo. Thanks for the excellent review as always Alex. Also, they also should put this front end on the on the Miata.
I’d like to see the same changes in the next 6, awd and 2.5t engine will be sweet!
I bought the hatch and love everything about it, inside and out. Well... back window is a bit small.
Hatchback versions are usually built to be more practical; Mazda seems to have done the opposite.
Exactly.
Totally agree. Look at that blind spot with the hideous hatchback !!!
@@davidjym The AMC Gremlin has been reincarnated.
@@davidjym That's all I can think when I look at it. BLIND SPOT!
God damn that's right.
Mazda designed both variants very well, though I think I would take the hatch.
That grey is so nice.. can't wait for next gen Mazda 6 or bt50 💪
The skinnier tires in the Mazda vs. some of the competition looks like a plus to me up here in snow country. On icy roads skinnier tires "bite" better than wider ones, and a nice AWD sedan with skinnyish tires sounds like an excellent winter car.
I don't want cylinder deactivation. Would just break down in a few years.
2:49 the huge trunk cutout just looks old. The bumper cut right below the tail lights was a mistake
WOW!!! That is an extensive vid. Thank you. I will stay with my 18 Subaru Crosstrek. I like the hatchback version of the 3.
New subscriber - top notch review. I am impressed.
Great review! Partial to the hatchback.
I'd guess what Mazda was aiming for with this design was a 4-door hatch with the C-pillar look of a 2-door coupe. I like it, and the greater differentiation it offers from the sedan vs the previous generation.
Folks do not buy this lemon as it is sadly plagued with problems. I bought one and had to get rid of it after 2,500 miles. The car does look fabulous at first blush but after that it is all downhill. My drivers seat panel fell out, the axle nuts were loose, as were the wheel lugs, the rear view mirror fell out, the dash has some very annoying rattles going on, the rear seats will not latch back into place and now there is a recall on the rocker arm and welding requirements. Worst of all I had taken it to the dealer to fix these items and everything they fixed broke again. The actual problem is that the underlying materials are all substandard and no warranty can fix that. Mazda dropped the ball on this one in a big way.
Funny........
I prefer the sedan from every angle other than the rear, the hatch takes that win. Still a beautiful car all around, much better looking than the direct competition. Now bring on the Speed 3 Mazda.
Why do car reviewers always review the top of the line, AWD versions? Most people just buy the FWD 'baser' models.
Is it still made in Mexico?
Right Lane Hog yes. I believe in their Salamanca facility
@@cal2847 nope, all new Mazda 3, are still made in Japan, in a late 19, they will start production in Mexico
All mazdas are made in Japan dumbass
Maurice, my '18 Mazda3 was made in Mexico
Denny 927 the mazda3 also made in japan under a different name - mazdaaxela i think. Production for the US market will take place in Salamanca.
mexico-now.com/index.php/article/4884-next-gen-mazda3-to-be-built-in-guanajuato-the-automaker-confirms
Alex got into his Way Back Machine and gave us an Audi 5000 reference @ 11:30
Funny though I instantly got what he was alluding to.
I think the sedan is beautiful. I had a 2014 Verano, I miss it. A nice plush compact sedan. Perhaps when my lease is over on my Fusion I will look into this. Do wish the gas mileage was more akin to the Corolla or Forte though.
The best looking car to me atm and thank god, no turbo.