I pick Mazda 3. It looks better with no plastic cladding, it's lighter so less body roll, don't go off roading so don't need the extra height, don't have passengers so don't need extra space either.
I didn't think I needed a crossover until I tore the meniscus in my knee last fall. Doctor said It would take 6-9 months to heal. After struggling for several months getting in and out of my Subaru Legacy I traded it in on 2023 Hyundai Tucson. My knee thanked me immediately! After two months of ownership I totally get the crossover/SUV craze now. They're just easier to live with in many ways. My knee is much better, but I'm still very happy I traded that sedan in for a crossover.
The CX-30 is a clear choice for many and recent sales numbers reflect that. I would much prefer the Mazda 3 but once you start to go up the trims and opt for the AWD option, it prices itself out quickly. The CX-30 is just far more price aggressive for what you’re getting. The only real knock I have against it is the rear leg room space which I hope is something that gets addressed with future models.
I was between the Sedan and the CX-30. Rejected the hatchback. Very happy with the CX-30. Love the extra height. I am short and this was the one that worked best for me.
Cheers folks. This was by far a more human & natural day to day feedback review, than any of the other comparison of the Mazda's. You've convinced me of my decision what is SUITABLE to my NEEDS and desires for daily and long term use of the car. :) Great review!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this feedback! This is exactly what we aim to do, so we’re so delighted to learn this review was helpful for you. Which did you choose?
I like the added hight for the city. It helps the door clear the curb when opening the door when parked. And also, if you do smack the door into a curb, that black plastic cladding is cheap and easy to replace rather than having to have you door repainted.
I've owned small hatchbacks my entire life and hitting the door on a curb litterally never happened, nor to anyone I know. Crossovers are pointless. They have nearly the same interior space as a hatchback, but consume more fuel, are less fun to drive and more likely to crash and rollover in case of an accident.
I drive for a living, 50-60 hours a week. And it is a snow day where I live... the whole weekend, actually. And more coming next week. So I found this video quite interesting. I compared the Cx-30 to the 3 and ended up buying the 3, but the sedan as opposed to the hatch in the second from bottom trim Sport Select in front wheel drive. I don't use winter tires, just all-seasons. As much as I drive, I'm buying a new set every year. I just make sure I'm buying them at the beginning of winter so I'm on new tread when the snow falls. And I've never had any problems. In my experience, snow driving is more about skill and experience and careful confidence than vehicle equipment. We got 8" of snow on Friday and another 8" on Saturday, and I was delivering to people who had full-on off-road 4x4s parked in their driveway. I was picking up people who asked "how did you get here?", with AWD SUVs in their driveways. I'm in a front wheel drive Mazda 3 sedan. It was fresh powder on Friday, so ground clearance didn't matter. On Saturday, it was just a matter of avoiding any piles that might have hard-frozen overnight. Traction? No worries in 90% of situations. Stop-to-start momentum on a hill on snow pack can be challenging; stopping on a hard decline also. But not much else. If I'm spinning the front wheels going in forward, I can just back out. I can gain necessary momentum by rocking. Mostly the challenge of driving in the snow is avoiding the people who don't know how to. Around here, people buy AWD because of the snow, and then proceed to think that their equipment is going to save them from not knowing what they are doing... I passed a hundred of those people in the last two days, spun out and stuck or banged up AWD or 4x4s. And I picked up half a hundred of them in my front wheel drive low clearance Mazda sedan with just quality all-season tires and drove them to where they needed to go. If were to ever buy winter tires, I'd only ever buy two for the drive wheels and run them maybe 3 months out of the year.
even I like sedans especially Mazda 3 select sport where I am getting it around 25000$ while cx30 select sport cost 28000$ with AWD. I feel it is unnecessary to spend 3000$ more.
I just ordered a CX30 over a 3. Live north of Toronto and wanted AWD and higher ground clearance. The fuel consumption between AWD CX30 and FWD 3 is minimal. Finance rates on CX30 is 1.9% @ 36mths compared to 3 @ 2.9%
I drive my Mazda3 after the 50cm T.O snowstorm a couple years back. (more like plowed the road). However....I didn't get stuck! And that was an extreme event. There's no doubt all wheel drive would be better in that situation, but the front wheel drive, even with low clearance, came through. In a normal year here in Southern Ontario, there may be a day or two (maybe even three!) when it is advantageous to have all wheel drive in the snow, but for me that doesn't warrant the extra purchase expense/maintenance & increased fuel cost. So far this winter, there hasn't been a single day when all wheel drive was needed.
In the US, the prices are much closer at least for the 2023 models. Love them both, have a 2017 3 but bought the CX-30. New 3 felt a bit too claustrophobic and the visibility was worse. All wheel drive in all trims was plus. Could do with less cladding, but got used to it. Ground clearance was not something I cared about, but it's nice to not have to worry about scraping the bottom of the front bumper. Easier to get in and out of as well. Compared to the 2017 3, he CX 30 doesn't handle quite as well and the 2017 seats were more comfortable, but the CX 30 is much more luxurious inside and much much quieter. The engine is almost too quiet.
I choose Mazda 3 sedan - best option out of these three in my opinion. Big boot, bright interior, good handling. But CX-30 is also very nice. 3 hatch in my opinion feels to small and too dark inside
Two cars totally changes the equation for me. Formerly Honda CR-V and Civic Sedan. I dislike the CVT feel and don't want or need the turbo. Going with the 3 sedan. We have the CR-V if I ever need AWD or to haul anything large-ish.
I had a 2023 Mazda3 sedan until last week. Loved the car but was at a Mazda dealership last week getting an oil change done. When I got into that car interest rates were high (6.9) and they had 1.9 financing on the 2024 Mazda3’s and 2.9 on Cx30’s now. Long story short, I took the Cx30 and the Mazda 3 hatch out for good test rides. I knew with in a couple miles out in the Cx30 that it wasn’t for me. The Mazda3 is much more engaging and it felt like it had a good more amount of power even though they have exact same motor. That probably came down to weight and aerodynamics of the 2 vehicles. The Cx30 also had more body roll in the corners. I’m a 67 married guy that never has passengers in the back seat and the Mazda3 Hatchback has more than enough capacity for my needs. Icing on the cake was that I walked out of the dealership saving thousands in interest rates over the term of the loan and my payment didn’t go up. I’d rather invest my money than pay cash for a car. It all depends what your needs are in which direction you should go. Also, I’m one of those that loves the look of the Mazda3 Hatch and I’ve always liked hatchbacks over sedans. I’ve had a couple Gti’s but VW has ruined that car with updates. I had nothing but electrical issues in my last one a couple years ago. Anyways, I’m thinking this might be my last car now (only drive about 8000 miles a yr now). In my opinion, I’ve owned over 30 new cars in my life and you can’t go wrong with a Mazda
I’m viewing this in the UK. The Mazda 3 hatchback drives so much better than the CX-30. In the UK very few people need an SUV but all car makers are pushing them. I’ve just ordered a Mazda 3 Takumi Skyactiv X 6 speed manual in Polymetal Grey with a 2 litre naturally aspirated engine. In the UK this is the top of the range with all the features one requires, the only options I’ve added are mats & spare wheel. It’s a very good looking car so much so it’s a replacement for my Alfa Romeo
Hatchback more economical on fuel etc. and cheaper to buy. Saloon same price as hatch, but more slippery so better fuel efficiency than the hatch and less claustrophobic in back and bigger boot. Did you consider saloon?
Sorry...but Mazda Germany named a cargo space of 430 / 1400 liters for the CX-30 and only 351 / 1026 liters vor the Mazda 3 its all about the measurement method. Here in Germany we use die VDA Norm and overseas you got the SAE norm. So I believe you get the more usable boot space in the CX-30 because of it´s higher roof!
I got the CX-30 in manual 2 wheel drive here in Europe. I tested and loved the 3, but I needed the extra cargo space (maybe because they are Mild-hybrid here, but there is a 80 liters difference between the 2 trunks). In the end even the CX-30 cargo space was too short so I had a trailer hitch fitted to my car. If I didn't have children and traveled alone, I probably would have got the 3.
So I am not the target audience for the video. I have a 2016 CX5 FWD and a 2023, CX5 AWD. The all-wheel-drive makes a huge difference to me even though I live in the GTA. I find the most used out of it in wet weather when I’m trying to make a left or right and being able to clear the intersection without any wheel spin like I get on my front wheel drive car. Both cars run Michelin X-ice tires in the winter and Michelin all season tires in the summer. A good comparison would also be the CX 30 versus a CX 5 because I think the price is a little bit closer than the Mazda 3 and the CX 30. I had a CX 30 as a loaner car and just being in my CX 5 felt so much better. The quality of materials was much higher overall and I found the info and gage cluster much better in the CX 5 then the CX 30.
I'm just not a fan of the look of the latest Mazda3 hatch - both the previous gen Mazda3 sedan & hatch had better body styling IMO (& I liked that they were a bit smaller & not as elongated). I also much prefer the elevated ground clearance & seating position of my 2022 CX-30. If I was going to buy another lower ground clearance & seating position vehicle, it would be a 2024+ Mazda MX-5/Miata RF 6-MT.
Greetings from Greece,was going for Mazda 3 Sedan,end up with CX 30 Skyactiv X since the sedan dont comes in Homura edition in Europe...And i havent regreted at all.Both 2 of them are great.
In my country, the CX-30 is priced closely to the CX-50 specially when you go to the mid variant and the higher trims. The base model of CX-30 is priced closed to a base Mazda3 hatch, but the base model of CX-30, you only get fabric seats, no rear aircon vents, no sunroof, no rear parking sensors, you will feel shortchanged. the Mazda3 hatch have those despite being base model. They are both FWD. The only good thing that CX-30 has is the higher ground clearance, the larger engine and the i-stop feature
I just got my wife a 3 hatchback. Every one of my friends says flat out it's fancy, and seems WAY higher end than anything in its class. Mazda really has been putting work into the details. I've been driving it for the last few days and I can't find anything 'bad' about it
Except the tiny rear and side rear windows of the hatch reduce visibility, make the interior too dark and add to the overall cramped feeling rooted in the child-sized rear seats. I'll take the Mazda3 4-door sedan every time.
I can't be the only one who loves the CX-30 primarily for its looks (especially the body cladding). I just wish they offered it in a manual. The Mazda 3 checks every box on paper but looks like a rip in spacetime. Not enough body lines, and the face is too aggressive / serpentine.
I really miss the old interiors of 2010-2013 3 😔 the new ones have short/low dashboards console so low it feels like you’re sitting on top of everything whereas the old ones interior wrapped around you, and you felt like you were part of the car driving. It had tall dash curved center console so your legs could rest against it in turns etc had radio integrated in dash not some silly screen slapped on top the dash with car settings that make it expensive and best impossible to go aftermarket radio. Seats so narrow we are Americans not tiny Asians lol. Cheaper and cheaper materials so companies can squeeze more profit on top of old ones were 20k ish now a fully loaded is like 35k 😂
Totally agree but at the same time, you can have a manual with a lot of features that come with GT trim, compare that to the competition that offers manual, mostly they’re the “racing” oriented ones or the most basic that barely comes with a power window.
My Choice IS the CX 30 equipped with the FOUR As : - Automatic Transmission - All wheel drive - A coupling for Caravans or bicycles - All season wheels THE CAR for every Challenge 😄
Mazda 3 for me. I want a manual transmission. The choices are few. My next car will likely be the Mazda3 with a manual. It's my small way of telling Mazda, and other carmakers, please keep making at least 1 car with a manual transmission option and don't make it something like the Nissan Versa. I wish Nissan had a manual in at least the Altima, if not the Maxima.
Great review 👏👏👏 Both of these Mazdas are amazing vehicles just behind Toyota RAV4 naturally aspirated engine versions. You are not going to miss these awesome offerings from Mazda unless you failed to do your research when buying these sub compact vehicles. The fit and finish, paint quality are excellent on Mazdas last few years. Toyota owning part of Mazda definitely producing nice fruits. Nissan and Honda should merge together to survive the disastrous trends their are under last decade. Overpriced, low quality Turbo engines and CVT transmissions. Great wisdom Jay, it is smarter and wiser by getting front wheel drive with winter tires rather than all wheel drive vehicles…the only exception is Toyota Corolla Cross AWD…this thing going to hold value like a rock.
Mazda 3 is the only right choice. Mazds 3 rides way better, quieter, has a stiffer chassis, more comfortable ride, more agile, lighter, better fuel consumption, better build quality, better aerodynamics. I drove cx-30 after 5 mins and I already knew that I am going to buy Mazda 3.
We have multiple Mazdas in the family, I agree with you on most about what you said about the Mazda3 but the noise. In fact, I found it to be the most noisy and less quiet off their lineup mainly because it was lower and closer to the ground and what I hear the most were road noise that are coming from the fender liner in the front wheels and projected into the cabin even the GT and up trim.
Only if you drive alone. Sticking a small child or elderly relatives into the 3's dark back seat cave, with barely any light thanks to no rear quarter window, is a no go.
@jamesrather1510 Why would you stick an elderly there? Beside, it's a small hatch, nothing more nothing less. I have sat at the back of 3, no priblem whatsoever, enough light, good visibility and comfort. I don't pay attention to the populat notion that mazda 3's rear seat is bad. CX-30 is basically mazda3 on taller suspension, only worse at everything Mazda3 does.
@ampm9771 I don't concur, but you're entitled to your opinion. The back of the 3 hatch is a dark cave. No window, massive c pillar, dark headliner. The CX-30 is just so much better for loading a kid in a carseat as well given the additional height. Does it handle as well as a 3? No, but it's about 90% as good for normal driving on public roads. I've taken my 30 on dirt fire roads that would rip the airdam right off the front of a 3. The CX-30 is a better 3 hatch than the actual 3 for the majority of people.
Have you guys thought of including US and CDN pricing on vehicle reviews? You might be surprised to attract US viewers. Canada is such a small piece of the North American economy…
Unfortunately, we have different models here in the U.S. Even looking for a new battery for my CR-V at Auto Zone, I immediately saw the larger capacity batteries only fit the Canadian cars, because the battery tray is different. Really? Why, Honda?
@@markdelles5745 They probably made the batteries larger in Canada because of our cold temperatures, and smaller in the US to minimize production costs
I would stress to anyone considering either of these two cars to do a serious test drive. Pay close attention to all around visibility. Both of these cars have extremely poor visibility in their classes. And, in my opinion, these cars are dangerous to drive because of poor visibility, requiring heavy reliance on electronic sensors and cameras.
In the Cx30 there's no headroom. I'm 5'8" and my head almost hits the roof. On the 3 the ground clearance is laughable at 5 inches. I have a 2010 Mazda 3. In the first month of owning it I pulled up in a space with a parking block. It ripped off a big piece under the front of the car. The ground clearance isn't even tall enough to park the car in spaces with the block.
I went back and sat in a cx-30 and did move the seat down. It was a bit better. I do wish there was an inch or two more legroom in the back seat though. It's a bit cramped.
No, you need nothing new. I drive a 21 year old Pontiac Vibe and it's perfectly fine. I do all the maintenance myself, have repaired it myself, and have come to love the car like a part of me. I will never part with it. Still gets 30 miles a gallon. Drive the cheapest thing possible.
Which would you pick between the CX-30 and 3?
Mazda 3 soul red ❤
Mazda 3 Sport GT AWD
Just the 3 with a manual, charming😊
I pick Mazda 3. It looks better with no plastic cladding, it's lighter so less body roll, don't go off roading so don't need the extra height, don't have passengers so don't need extra space either.
I’ve had my CX-30 turbo premium plus for about 6 months now. I love everything about it. I wanted a small SUV and this is perfect.
cx30 for me simply because I prefer the higher ride height … easier for an old guy to get in and out
:)
Exactly !
Easy in ….. easy out.
I didn't think I needed a crossover until I tore the meniscus in my knee last fall. Doctor said It would take 6-9 months to heal. After struggling for several months getting in and out of my Subaru Legacy I traded it in on 2023 Hyundai Tucson. My knee thanked me immediately! After two months of ownership I totally get the crossover/SUV craze now. They're just easier to live with in many ways. My knee is much better, but I'm still very happy I traded that sedan in for a crossover.
The CX-30 is a clear choice for many and recent sales numbers reflect that. I would much prefer the Mazda 3 but once you start to go up the trims and opt for the AWD option, it prices itself out quickly. The CX-30 is just far more price aggressive for what you’re getting. The only real knock I have against it is the rear leg room space which I hope is something that gets addressed with future models.
I was between the Sedan and the CX-30. Rejected the hatchback. Very happy with the CX-30. Love the extra height. I am short and this was the one that worked best for me.
Cx-30 for the ground clearance
wow didnt know the Mazda 3 was so low only 5.5 inch ground clearance
Ground clearance for what, a small pebble? 😂
@@schmausa795 additional 50% ground clearance.
Cheers folks. This was by far a more human & natural day to day feedback review, than any of the other comparison of the Mazda's. You've convinced me of my decision what is SUITABLE to my NEEDS and desires for daily and long term use of the car. :) Great review!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this feedback! This is exactly what we aim to do, so we’re so delighted to learn this review was helpful for you. Which did you choose?
I like the added hight for the city. It helps the door clear the curb when opening the door when parked. And also, if you do smack the door into a curb, that black plastic cladding is cheap and easy to replace rather than having to have you door repainted.
I've owned small hatchbacks my entire life and hitting the door on a curb litterally never happened, nor to anyone I know.
Crossovers are pointless. They have nearly the same interior space as a hatchback, but consume more fuel, are less fun to drive and more likely to crash and rollover in case of an accident.
I drive for a living, 50-60 hours a week. And it is a snow day where I live... the whole weekend, actually. And more coming next week. So I found this video quite interesting.
I compared the Cx-30 to the 3 and ended up buying the 3, but the sedan as opposed to the hatch in the second from bottom trim Sport Select in front wheel drive. I don't use winter tires, just all-seasons. As much as I drive, I'm buying a new set every year. I just make sure I'm buying them at the beginning of winter so I'm on new tread when the snow falls. And I've never had any problems.
In my experience, snow driving is more about skill and experience and careful confidence than vehicle equipment. We got 8" of snow on Friday and another 8" on Saturday, and I was delivering to people who had full-on off-road 4x4s parked in their driveway. I was picking up people who asked "how did you get here?", with AWD SUVs in their driveways. I'm in a front wheel drive Mazda 3 sedan. It was fresh powder on Friday, so ground clearance didn't matter. On Saturday, it was just a matter of avoiding any piles that might have hard-frozen overnight. Traction? No worries in 90% of situations. Stop-to-start momentum on a hill on snow pack can be challenging; stopping on a hard decline also. But not much else. If I'm spinning the front wheels going in forward, I can just back out. I can gain necessary momentum by rocking.
Mostly the challenge of driving in the snow is avoiding the people who don't know how to. Around here, people buy AWD because of the snow, and then proceed to think that their equipment is going to save them from not knowing what they are doing... I passed a hundred of those people in the last two days, spun out and stuck or banged up AWD or 4x4s. And I picked up half a hundred of them in my front wheel drive low clearance Mazda sedan with just quality all-season tires and drove them to where they needed to go.
If were to ever buy winter tires, I'd only ever buy two for the drive wheels and run them maybe 3 months out of the year.
even I like sedans especially Mazda 3 select sport where I am getting it around 25000$ while cx30 select sport cost 28000$ with AWD. I feel it is unnecessary to spend 3000$ more.
I just ordered a CX30 over a 3.
Live north of Toronto and wanted AWD and higher ground clearance. The fuel consumption between AWD CX30 and FWD 3 is minimal.
Finance rates on CX30 is 1.9% @ 36mths compared to 3 @ 2.9%
@@TONNAGE75 congrats!
I drive my Mazda3 after the 50cm T.O snowstorm a couple years back. (more like plowed the road). However....I didn't get stuck! And that was an extreme event. There's no doubt all wheel drive would be better in that situation, but the front wheel drive, even with low clearance, came through. In a normal year here in Southern Ontario, there may be a day or two (maybe even three!) when it is advantageous to have all wheel drive in the snow, but for me that doesn't warrant the extra purchase expense/maintenance & increased fuel cost. So far this winter, there hasn't been a single day when all wheel drive was needed.
In the US, the prices are much closer at least for the 2023 models. Love them both, have a 2017 3 but bought the CX-30. New 3 felt a bit too claustrophobic and the visibility was worse. All wheel drive in all trims was plus. Could do with less cladding, but got used to it. Ground clearance was not something I cared about, but it's nice to not have to worry about scraping the bottom of the front bumper. Easier to get in and out of as well.
Compared to the 2017 3, he CX 30 doesn't handle quite as well and the 2017 seats were more comfortable, but the CX 30 is much more luxurious inside and much much quieter. The engine is almost too quiet.
i suggest having tables to compare instead of spewing information just out loud. Makes it easier to follow
K
💯
I choose Mazda 3 sedan - best option out of these three in my opinion. Big boot, bright interior, good handling. But CX-30 is also very nice. 3 hatch in my opinion feels to small and too dark inside
Best fuel economy of the trio in UK too.
That's right.
Two cars totally changes the equation for me. Formerly Honda CR-V and Civic Sedan. I dislike the CVT feel and don't want or need the turbo. Going with the 3 sedan. We have the CR-V if I ever need AWD or to haul anything large-ish.
I test drove both and went with the Mazda 3 🙂👍
What made you go with the 3?
I preferred the way it drives. I also liked the clean look of the 3 with no wheel cladding. It’s less money as well which is another plus.
I had a 2023 Mazda3 sedan until last week. Loved the car but was at a Mazda dealership last week getting an oil change done. When I got into that car interest rates were high (6.9) and they had 1.9 financing on the 2024 Mazda3’s and 2.9 on Cx30’s now. Long story short, I took the Cx30 and the Mazda 3 hatch out for good test rides. I knew with in a couple miles out in the Cx30 that it wasn’t for me. The Mazda3 is much more engaging and it felt like it had a good more amount of power even though they have exact same motor. That probably came down to weight and aerodynamics of the 2 vehicles. The Cx30 also had more body roll in the corners. I’m a 67 married guy that never has passengers in the back seat and the Mazda3 Hatchback has more than enough capacity for my needs. Icing on the cake was that I walked out of the dealership saving thousands in interest rates over the term of the loan and my payment didn’t go up. I’d rather invest my money than pay cash for a car. It all depends what your needs are in which direction you should go. Also, I’m one of those that loves the look of the Mazda3 Hatch and I’ve always liked hatchbacks over sedans. I’ve had a couple Gti’s but VW has ruined that car with updates. I had nothing but electrical issues in my last one a couple years ago. Anyways, I’m thinking this might be my last car now (only drive about 8000 miles a yr now). In my opinion, I’ve owned over 30 new cars in my life and you can’t go wrong with a Mazda
@@MP-hi8dp Thank you for sharing your story with us :)
I’m viewing this in the UK. The Mazda 3 hatchback drives so much better than the CX-30. In the UK very few people need an SUV but all car makers are pushing them. I’ve just ordered a Mazda 3 Takumi Skyactiv X 6 speed manual in Polymetal Grey with a 2 litre naturally aspirated engine. In the UK this is the top of the range with all the features one requires, the only options I’ve added are mats & spare wheel. It’s a very good looking car so much so it’s a replacement for my Alfa Romeo
Hatchback more economical on fuel etc. and cheaper to buy. Saloon same price as hatch, but more slippery so better fuel efficiency than the hatch and less claustrophobic in back and bigger boot. Did you consider saloon?
Funny that it apeals to you as well, after a few alfas this is my pick also.
Did you consider the more fuel efficient saloon Chris?
@@davejackson8455 The Saloon & Hatchback are quoted as having the same mpg (approx. 50.2 mpg ) on the Mazda web site
They drive almost the same . Wouldn't say so much better. The cx30 has a better suspension setup
Sorry...but Mazda Germany named a cargo space of 430 / 1400 liters for the CX-30 and only 351 / 1026 liters vor the Mazda 3 its all about the measurement method.
Here in Germany we use die VDA Norm and overseas you got the SAE norm. So I believe you get the more usable boot space in the CX-30 because of it´s higher roof!
I got the CX-30 in manual 2 wheel drive here in Europe.
I tested and loved the 3, but I needed the extra cargo space (maybe because they are Mild-hybrid here, but there is a 80 liters difference between the 2 trunks).
In the end even the CX-30 cargo space was too short so I had a trailer hitch fitted to my car.
If I didn't have children and traveled alone, I probably would have got the 3.
So I am not the target audience for the video. I have a 2016 CX5 FWD and a 2023, CX5 AWD. The all-wheel-drive makes a huge difference to me even though I live in the GTA. I find the most used out of it in wet weather when I’m trying to make a left or right and being able to clear the intersection without any wheel spin like I get on my front wheel drive car. Both cars run Michelin X-ice tires in the winter and Michelin all season tires in the summer.
A good comparison would also be the CX 30 versus a CX 5 because I think the price is a little bit closer than the Mazda 3 and the CX 30. I had a CX 30 as a loaner car and just being in my CX 5 felt so much better. The quality of materials was much higher overall and I found the info and gage cluster much better in the CX 5 then the CX 30.
I'm just not a fan of the look of the latest Mazda3 hatch - both the previous gen Mazda3 sedan & hatch had better body styling IMO (& I liked that they were a bit smaller & not as elongated). I also much prefer the elevated ground clearance & seating position of my 2022 CX-30. If I was going to buy another lower ground clearance & seating position vehicle, it would be a 2024+ Mazda MX-5/Miata RF 6-MT.
Greetings from Greece,was going for Mazda 3 Sedan,end up with CX 30 Skyactiv X since the sedan dont comes in Homura edition in Europe...And i havent regreted at all.Both 2 of them are great.
I have a 1st gen mazda3 and a cx30 and the interior dimensions are perfect for seating and cargo in the 3 and restrictive in the 30.
Mazda3 for me. Mazda dealer here in US has mazda3 hatch premium manual 2022 with 30k miles they are asking 23k price is it a good buy?
In my country, the CX-30 is priced closely to the CX-50 specially when you go to the mid variant and the higher trims. The base model of CX-30 is priced closed to a base Mazda3 hatch, but the base model of CX-30, you only get fabric seats, no rear aircon vents, no sunroof, no rear parking sensors, you will feel shortchanged. the Mazda3 hatch have those despite being base model. They are both FWD. The only good thing that CX-30 has is the higher ground clearance, the larger engine and the i-stop feature
I just got my wife a 3 hatchback. Every one of my friends says flat out it's fancy, and seems WAY higher end than anything in its class. Mazda really has been putting work into the details. I've been driving it for the last few days and I can't find anything 'bad' about it
@@jeromesweet5047 great choice!
Except the tiny rear and side rear windows of the hatch reduce visibility, make the interior too dark and add to the overall cramped feeling rooted in the child-sized rear seats. I'll take the Mazda3 4-door sedan every time.
I can't be the only one who loves the CX-30 primarily for its looks (especially the body cladding). I just wish they offered it in a manual. The Mazda 3 checks every box on paper but looks like a rip in spacetime. Not enough body lines, and the face is too aggressive / serpentine.
But plastic body cladding is an aesthetic disaster.
@@scottblair3719 idk my brotha i think it tones down Mazda's new snake face aesthetic and make it look like it has a lower center of gravity
I got a Mazda 3 and am happy with my choice
I really miss the old interiors of 2010-2013 3 😔 the new ones have short/low dashboards console so low it feels like you’re sitting on top of everything whereas the old ones interior wrapped around you, and you felt like you were part of the car driving. It had tall dash curved center console so your legs could rest against it in turns etc had radio integrated in dash not some silly screen slapped on top the dash with car settings that make it expensive and best impossible to go aftermarket radio. Seats so narrow we are Americans not tiny Asians lol.
Cheaper and cheaper materials so companies can squeeze more profit on top of old ones were 20k ish now a fully loaded is like 35k 😂
I’ve driven both and went with the 3 sedan
Sadly no more affordable manual transmission offered on Mazda 3 lower trim except for top GT Hatchback variant only in 2024 😢
Totally agree but at the same time, you can have a manual with a lot of features that come with GT trim, compare that to the competition that offers manual, mostly they’re the “racing” oriented ones or the most basic that barely comes with a power window.
I wish Mazda would combine the good qualities of the Cx30 with the 3. Similar to they should combined the good qualities of the Cx5 with the cx50.
My Choice IS the CX 30 equipped with the FOUR As :
- Automatic Transmission
- All wheel drive
- A coupling for Caravans or bicycles
- All season wheels
THE CAR for every Challenge 😄
Nicely done!
Mazda 3 ,I from Australia 🦘
Love the mazda 3
Ease of entry and exit much easier in CX 30
Cx30 absolute relax car.
Mazda 3 for me. I want a manual transmission. The choices are few. My next car will likely be the Mazda3 with a manual. It's my small way of telling Mazda, and other carmakers, please keep making at least 1 car with a manual transmission option and don't make it something like the Nissan Versa. I wish Nissan had a manual in at least the Altima, if not the Maxima.
Great review 👏👏👏
Both of these Mazdas are amazing vehicles just behind Toyota RAV4 naturally aspirated engine versions. You are not going to miss these awesome offerings from Mazda unless you failed to do your research when buying these sub compact vehicles.
The fit and finish, paint quality are excellent on Mazdas last few years. Toyota owning part of Mazda definitely producing nice fruits.
Nissan and Honda should merge together to survive the disastrous trends their are under last decade. Overpriced, low quality Turbo engines and CVT transmissions.
Great wisdom Jay, it is smarter and wiser by getting front wheel drive with winter tires rather than all wheel drive vehicles…the only exception is Toyota Corolla Cross AWD…this thing going to hold value like a rock.
Mazda 3 Made in Japan.
Mazda cx-30 Made in Mexico.
If my next Mazda’s VIN doesn’t start with a J, I’m not buying it.
THIS!!!!
Mazda 3 sedans are assembled in Mexico. Mazda 3 hatchbacks are assembled in Japan.
@@TinCan3161 Mexico's mag is very recent development, as of June, 2024.
Totally agree
Yes SUV I live in illinois snow ❄️
🌨️
Mazda 3 sedan looks better than these two.
@user-wz6gd1qv4i hatches
Cx30 for old ppl, fat ppl, or short ppl. Need that higher seating position. Most Americans fit in one of those categories.
Mazda should put that into their ads, lol.
😂 DAMN!!!
I pick both.
Mazda 3 is the only right choice. Mazds 3 rides way better, quieter, has a stiffer chassis, more comfortable ride, more agile, lighter, better fuel consumption, better build quality, better aerodynamics. I drove cx-30 after 5 mins and I already knew that I am going to buy Mazda 3.
We have multiple Mazdas in the family, I agree with you on most about what you said about the Mazda3 but the noise. In fact, I found it to be the most noisy and less quiet off their lineup mainly because it was lower and closer to the ground and what I hear the most were road noise that are coming from the fender liner in the front wheels and projected into the cabin even the GT and up trim.
had 3 for 2 years now is second year of owning cx30...cx30 is wining in comfort, is quieter and bigger boot...both drove long journeys numerous times
Only if you drive alone. Sticking a small child or elderly relatives into the 3's dark back seat cave, with barely any light thanks to no rear quarter window, is a no go.
@jamesrather1510 Why would you stick an elderly there? Beside, it's a small hatch, nothing more nothing less. I have sat at the back of 3, no priblem whatsoever, enough light, good visibility and comfort. I don't pay attention to the populat notion that mazda 3's rear seat is bad. CX-30 is basically mazda3 on taller suspension, only worse at everything Mazda3 does.
@ampm9771 I don't concur, but you're entitled to your opinion. The back of the 3 hatch is a dark cave. No window, massive c pillar, dark headliner. The CX-30 is just so much better for loading a kid in a carseat as well given the additional height. Does it handle as well as a 3? No, but it's about 90% as good for normal driving on public roads. I've taken my 30 on dirt fire roads that would rip the airdam right off the front of a 3. The CX-30 is a better 3 hatch than the actual 3 for the majority of people.
Have you guys thought of including US and CDN pricing on vehicle reviews? You might be surprised to attract US viewers. Canada is such a small piece of the North American economy…
Unfortunately, we have different models here in the U.S. Even looking for a new battery for my CR-V at Auto Zone, I immediately saw the larger capacity batteries only fit the Canadian cars, because the battery tray is different. Really? Why, Honda?
@@markdelles5745 They probably made the batteries larger in Canada because of our cold temperatures, and smaller in the US to minimize production costs
In the states the CX-30 is the cheaper one
They will never match the looks of the previous gen hatchs 😢
Mazda 3 sedan all day. The hatchback is for college kids and the cx 30 seems to be a lifted hatch.
I would stress to anyone considering either of these two cars to do a serious test drive. Pay close attention to all around visibility. Both of these cars have extremely poor visibility in their classes. And, in my opinion, these cars are dangerous to drive because of poor visibility, requiring heavy reliance on electronic sensors and cameras.
Sorry don’t agree at all
In the Cx30 there's no headroom. I'm 5'8" and my head almost hits the roof. On the 3 the ground clearance is laughable at 5 inches. I have a 2010 Mazda 3. In the first month of owning it I pulled up in a space with a parking block. It ripped off a big piece under the front of the car. The ground clearance isn't even tall enough to park the car in spaces with the block.
I think you didn´t find the seat adjustment for height...I am 6`,5" (1,94m) and my head has about 2,5 inches (6cm) room to the roof !!!
im 6feet and i have tons of head room lol, how long is ur torso XD
I went back and sat in a cx-30 and did move the seat down. It was a bit better. I do wish there was an inch or two more legroom in the back seat though. It's a bit cramped.
Sounds like you need to be more careful parking
No, you need nothing new. I drive a 21 year old Pontiac Vibe and it's perfectly fine. I do all the maintenance myself, have repaired it myself, and have come to love the car like a part of me. I will never part with it. Still gets 30 miles a gallon. Drive the cheapest thing possible.
Why you here 😂 cheap a
@user-wz6gd1qv4i okay then pay $40k to drive around. Not my problem
No you need the made in japan cx5. Cx3 made in mexico.
I bought a Mazda 3 for my daughter. But, it is to small for a man to drive comfortably. The CX-30 is barely big enough.