Mazda 3 2024 review
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- The Mazda 3 used to be one of Australia's best-selling cars. It isn't anymore.
That's not necessarily the car's fault. The market has shifted rapidly to SUVs, and where the Mazda3 used to be a success story, it's now overlooked by buyers who figure they should just get a small SUV or compact crossover instead.
There's still a choice of sedan or hatchback, and it's a premium looking thing... apparently. I don't like the hatch's styling, but the saloon is a sweet thing, IMO.
Six trim levels, two engines, option packs... there's a whole lot to cover, including fuel economy, power and torque, driving manners (ahem) and much, much more.
Watch the review and tell me if you agree with my findings. It's fine if you don't. We can battle in the comments. :D
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00:00 2024 Mazda3
00:27 Is it the right price?
02:24 What are the best alternatives?
03:56 Is it the right size?
05:33 Interior
11:03 Under the bonnet
12:00 Driving
16:37 Efficiency
17:52 Is it safe?
19:04 Ownership
19:55 Verdict
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#mazda #mazda3 #review 
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You’re crazy if you don’t think this is a beautiful design.
I’m crazy, then.
It looks too bloated in the rear when looking from a side.... They should have added the small window like on CX 30. Front is gorgeous tho
Got the g20 evolve sedan in deep crystal blue last year 2022 plate 12090 kms with sound and vision pack.
Great chassis, communicative steering,lovely interior engine could do with a little more power. The car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Super happy
Glad you're happy!
I have a 2020 G25 GT hatch with the vision pack owned it since new now has 75,000ks on it. Hands down the best car I have ever owned. It has never once let me down. Great fuel economy I can get 6-6.4l per 100k on highway run which for a 2.5 4 banger is dam good if you ask me.
I absolutely love it more people should go back to a small car rather than an SUV. It is so much more efficient & enjoyable too.
Sorry but as a mechanic 12 months or 15k service intervals are too long.
That's great to hear mate. Glad you're loving it!
12 months or 15k service intervals are too long. I agree 100%. I do my oil change/filter every 7000 km and it's been like that for several decades... 😁
While I think the design of the hatch can be divisive, the Mazda 3 is a beauty to drive. The car is really responsive and the ride is so quiet. The 2024 version is touchscreen for Carplay and AA but the rotating dial and shortcuts buttons are super convenient. This is definitely not a car that suits families with small children but reviewers keep insisting in roasting the backseat space. It suits really well singles and couples that don’t want to move around carrying tons of metal and burning litres of fuel. It’s a shame that reviews like this contribute to push people towards big SUVs. We need smaller and safer cars in our cities.
The rotary dial is one of the best things in the car. You can easily navigate while driving and still keep eye on the road, without crashing the car. It's still has a touchscreen just not enabled by default.
Got a G25 Astina (hatch) a couple weeks ago. Couldn’t be happier for a daily - decent amount of power, great interior. Much more fun to drive than the CX-30 which we also tested.
Sunroof in the astina makes the interior much more open and airy - to me that’s an essential with this car. My spec also had a wireless phone charger and USB C rather than A
Also still not a fan of the dry DCT in the Cerato / i30.
That's great - so long as you're happy with it, that's all that really matters, right?
DCT in cerato is awesome and feels really nice. I have a brand new one, I get under 6 seconds to 100 way under the stated times. And I can still get 6l per 100 in eco. Not sure how a g25 can be compared to cerato gt or i30n line when one is semi quick and has proper adjustable dampening suspension that changes in driving modes, and the other is just a normal car made by Mazda🤷♂️ I’ve had Mazdas before and the gearboxes are sluggish and they aren’t really great handling cars.
dude its the most beautiful car in my eyes wtf haha
Despite what Mazda has been saying, sales figures for the 3 have been in decline.
Yeah they've slumped, but the segment has, too. CX-30 sales have stolen Mazda 3 registrations.
Wow….actually am total polar opposite of nearly all of your review….subjective, I know.
I’ve had a 2020 hatchback, 2.5, 6 sp manual, FWD…GT, top spec.
Hands down been theee best car I’ve ever owned….
Styling, fit and finish on interior, ride quality, handling, fuel economy, power, noise, comfort…all spot on….
So much so that I’ve ordered a 2024, same spec as my lease is ending….(Canada specs)
And , again, yes, it’s completely subjective, and, you were reviewing a G20, with smaller power plant, and without wireless charging, touchscreen….which, we do get as well)
One of very few negative reviews I’ve watched….and, I have watched MANY….
…..I’ll give you one …..back seat is cramped! :)
Anyway, just my 2 cents from ownership perspective…
Thx for the review! Cheers!
Hatchbacks like mazda 3 corolla are great little cars but thanks to the stupid suv and utes trend are the cause of sales of these cars declining
If it has the vision pack/bigger 10.25" screen it is a touch screen when stationary. I remember there being some sort of toggle to turn the touchscreen on.
I prefer the sedan
Same here!
I bought a g25 pure manual sedan. Its fun to drive, pretty good on fuel. The auto sucks the fun out of anything. The ride is firm but i like it that way. Much better rear seat room in the sedan too. Vale Mazda 3 manuals 😢
its a shame they killed off the manual. I got a 2022 one, and the dealership told me Mazda Aus only sold ~5% manuals.
@@kiz5562 driving has become too much of a chore for most people. Its a shame, its a fun car to drive
Concur. Manual was the best Mazda3.
The 2.5 is the best option for the Mazda3. So much more available torque and only slightly more fuel used compared to the 2.0 litre
100 per cent agree.
i have G25 Astina sedan 2024. love it.
my previous car was mazda 3 sedan 2012 model and over 170,000km very reliable car . no problem affecting driving 12 years. btw you can touch the screen. not sure for android. i only have apple.
Can't touch the screen in this.
Is it true the touch screen only works when you are stopped?
How would you rate the Subaru Impreza compared to the cerato, i30 and scala?
I haven't tested the new one yet (review coming soon!) but I already know I'd prefer it to a base model Cerato or i30 with the 2.0L and 6-spd auto.
I'm considering a new kia cerato non turbo as my next car. Would you recommend that over a mazda 3. Also its a few thousand dollars cheaper?
If you need a larger hatchback with more interior space and a longer warranty but you're okay with underwhelming engine performance (which you'd also get in a 2.0L Mazda3) then yes, it's a goer.
@@therightcarwe have a 2019 Kia Creator Sport plus hatch and it's a fantastic car and ultra reliable.
This is the 2023, not the 2024 version. The 2024 version has USB C and touchscreen Apple CarPlay.
Hyundai i30 Elite is a good alternative - well appointed and has a now-rare full sized spare wheel.
Thanks for the review. As an owner of the previous model Mazda 3 sp25 Astana for 5 years I was due for a new car. I was tempted by this but having a mazda previously the servicing costs started to frustrate me. I also found the real world fuel efficiency in the mid 8s which is okay for a 2.5l but at the same time it adds to the running costs.
In the end I went really left of field and leased a model 3. Due to the government incentives with leasing and electricity being so cheap on over night tarrifs it made the overall cost of ownership about on par… which I still can’t rap my head around.
I would love to buy Mazda 3 sedan in manual option but one thing putting me off is the lack of touchscreen for applecarplay and radio control among others.
So is it one thing, or more? :D
In europe they have touch screen now, since the last update for the 2024 model
This guy hates this car😂 i absolutely love his honesty. It's so refreshing. Exactly what we need in a car review.
Ha, thanks. Good to see you got the vibe.
nice based review. subbed.
Thanks for the sub!
‘A’ pillar is really big too… sometimes you miss stuff in shopping centre car parks.
I agree with you about the sedan beeing better option. I wonder why most tests are for the hatchback version -?
In Europe sedan costs the same, has bright interior, better visibility to the back, better space on the back seats, much bigger and longer boot, and looks like more serious car. I got one with manual and i am very happy, i also like te suspension, it is firm, but handling is good and it is stable and comfortable on the highway.
And last - the 2024 year model has touchscreen as standard, you need to set this option in the menu. But really, I dont see the need to use it, control with dial and buttons is quick and easy once you get used to it. It is big advantage for me over cars with big touch screens and few buttons.
I have got the 2.0 skyactive G sedan and I like it, for the look, the interior style and the way it drives, engine is strong enough for me, even for faster driving. But myself I also would not get the hatch, too small, too dark, it makes claustrophobic sensation
We crossed shopped this and a few others and we ended up with a just superseded top of the range 2.0is impreza hatch. This 3 felt so much smaller and impreza heaps easier to use with a smartphone. Yes the impreza is no power house but our model which you can actually feel when having a proper red hot crack
Thanks for that, Brian. I agree.
I drove them all except Cerato GT, and I nearly pulled the trigger on the i30 N line hatch. But stock was almost non-existent according to local dealer due to a new model coming in September 24. So then I drove the Polo GTI, and I was sold. For driver engagement and fun factor, was miles ahead. Must admit the Mazda 3 hatch is very sexy and had the best interior, I just didn’t like the feel of the motor, I prefer torque low in the rev range like the small turbo hatchbacks.
As Always Matt, Good Balanced Review ! I've driven a 2010 Maxx Sport Sedan occasionally over it's time and found it competent, comfortable, and yes, firm.
Agree that the sedan has always had the better look.
#therightcar
Thanks Tony!
Cheers for your thoughts.
Same here in the States. You will see mainly the various SUV models, and if you see a 3 it's more often than not it will be the sedan. Own a 2012 hatchback by the way.
Wow you must be a rare one in the US with a 2012 hatchback! :D
Ahhhh...I think I'll pass on ALL those alternative recommendations and suggest others to do the same. Just bought the Mazda 3 sedan...love the car! VW Jetta came in as a close second for me.
(Canada) I have a 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT 2.5l manual (only available on the GT), I love it. Presently averaging 6.3l/100 km (still winter time with mild condition) going 10-15 km/h above the posted speed limit. 😁 Ps. I was doing the same average (winter) with my 2022 Corolla L 1.8l manual with less power. 😎
We’ve had a G25 sedan for over 3 years and love it except as you mentioned the suspension is just too firm.
Yep, it really doesn't need to be so unforgiving.
Great car that is different, really well put togther, and the dynamics of the drive for me were actually very nice. A family member swears by them and has one with over 150K miles though it is the older version.
Matt, in 1982 mum bought, a then second-hand, 1980 Mazda 323.
Me thinks this current design is a back-to-the-future ode to the 1980 Mazda 323.
If you look at it through coke-bottle glasses, maybe.
Thank you for your honest review. Keep them coming! Drove this car a few months ago, and instantly thought, the ride in this is simply too hard. Why do most motoring journalists praise Mazda. I don't get it. On top of that is the cheap and thin paint which chips easily.
All new cars paint are thin these days they don't make them like they did in the old days .
@@delinnafranks Most European cars are still pretty good imo
Had the previous two generation Mazda 3s, and was sold on this one but I also test drove the CX-30 which is the 3s twin just taller. Was such a hard call but I went the Cx-30 for that slightly higher ride.
The Evolve is pretty much 2nd from the bottom and still quite pov spec. Maybe jump into an Astina and you’ll change your mind.
My experience people cross shop it with Corolla. Not so much those Korean and European vehicles mentioned.
Thanks mate. I can totally see the appeal of a higher spec Astina - but it still rides harder and is noisier than rivals, and not as fun in my opinion.
Yep, it is cross-shopped against Corolla for sure. I just told the viewers my best alternatives based on the Mazda and Toyota being a bit too cramped.
I have the current model Mazda 3 Evolve G25 sedan which I find is plenty of power for our road conditions. I have a friend looking at getting the BN model series hatch which she likes more than the sedan (there is no accounting for taste) I prefer the sedan as like your comment, I don't think the rear end is cohesive. To me it makes it look like a bloated bum.
Haha! Thanks for your thoughts.
I just did a test drive with Mazda 3 evolve yesterday. That was so bad. Too low, not comfortable seats, very small inside specially for a tall driver like me. I ended up buying a Mg ZST core that will be delivered next week. But it is really worth it and very good value for money.
Thanks for your thoughts, mate. Hope you like the MG!
In the US I will get the 191-hp premium 6spd. We don't actually have a GT trim.
I have the cx30 2.5 (which is very similar to the Mazda 3), most refined car I've ever owned. And no joke I think the handling is on par with my F80 M3!
Have sitten in my friend's Mazda 3 last year. It reminded me a lot of how popular small hatches used to be 20 years ago. Now it's still a very delicate machine in an old fashion with some modern tech. But I won't think young buyers would consider it over others.
It's sad that we don't have the 2.5 turbo version in Australia which will definitely accommodate the chassis tune of this car much better. The rather weak engine + firm ride doesn't quite make sense to me either.
The mazda 3 looks very dated now the one i had suffered from bad road noise my view would be its on thin ice small suv's are the way to go.
The market seems to agree.
Dude, the new 10 inch screen is touchscreen for android auto and carplay
If there was one item I'd mandate in every car, it is a rear cargo net.
That's a nice idea. I'm nominating you for global president.
Damn, that was a harsh review. But I respect you for it haha. As much as I love these and think they’re stunning.
Not harsh. Honest and opinionated.
The fact they’re honest opinions don’t really cancel out the fact it’s a harsh review. But like I said, I respect you for it.
Honestly, apart from the Golf, the rest of the alternatives look awful from the outside.
Mazdas are nice cars good quality, my wife has a CX3 which was mine, however I think Mazda have fallen behind a bit with styling, looking a bit old and little different between models.so if you don’t like Mazda style you won’t like any of them
Ha, fair point!
Touring model has everything you need.
Yep!
I maintain that manufacturers have designed us into SUVs because hatches and sedans hit when entering and exiting driveways, due to unnecessary lack of clearance under the chin.
Did you notice that now 'normal' cars have less clearance than earlier? I think they lowered a bit hatch and sedans, to justify the suvs
38k is crazy. I got a new Mazda SP25 in 2011 for 25k
Times change. Prices, too, seemingly.
feels like a lot of hate in most of the design aspects of the Mazda 3... Have you visited your auto therapist this week Matt? Hmmm?
Ha!!
If I was me, I wouldn't want mayhem in the boot either ;-) . Agree with you the side profile proportions have never looked right. I think Mazda are due for a more pronounced evolution in their design language across their range.
People are choosing the SUV's because they can get a CX-30 for the same price. Mazda should have kept it in a mid size hatch price point.
5:22 Don't know why anyone bothers mentioning shopping hooks, they don't hold bags in place anyway.
You're not using them right, then. You have to hook the 'far' strap of the bag, not the one nearest to the hook.
@@therightcar I've tried that, tried doubling, twisting, whatever. Bags fall off. Hooks are useless.
I visited a dealer and was gobsmacked back in 2019 when I first saw the interior but it's now meh. I don't like the cabin space is cramped with such a long nose. The salesman explained that it is for superior aerodynamics 😮
Thanks for your thoughts!
we dont get the dark headliner here wish we did
Where is here?
Mazdas have been slowly going down hill since the 60's and 70's IMO Matt when they used to build some of the most stylish (1968 1500 SS), fastest in their class (1970 1300 and Capella) and innovative (1970 RX2 and 1972 RX3) cars around. The first 323 (1977), the first RX7 (1979) and first front drive 323 (1980) were also highly original. Now there isn't one Mazda product that has me interested except perhaps the sedan 3 but it's too long IMO, combined with the fact that there is no manual. I'm sure they're still highly competent, reliable products, just now perhaps not so special, and my family has driven Mazda's constantly for 50 years. I very much appreciate how you focus on what a car is actually like to live with.
Hi Mat, nice car, but doesn't stir the soul.
Thanks mate. For some it does. Just not for me, seemingly!
Looks good but small gas tank.
Sorry, but you’re way off base on the “touchscreen”. Having to lift your arm UP and then reach OUT to hit a tiny spot on the screen with your jittery, vibrating finger in a jiggling car IS distracting! Jeez.
That’s your opinion. And it’s wrong 😂
@@therightcar Have you ever tried navigating a touchscreen while driving? Jeez...
There ain’t no way you’d buy a Kia, Hyundai or Skoda over this.
And now you hate the click wheel.
You are cooked.
Haha okay, no one is forcing you to.
@@therightcar genius reply.
Wrong answer, what I sad is True, and Yes drove lot's of cars too.
We can disagree, you know - that’s okay. And you can buy a Mazda 3 if you like it. I totally made it clear that I personally don’t gel with the car. Doesn’t mean it’s rubbish, and I’m certainly not saying it is.
@therightcar for a review, it's not important if you like it or not! Lots of times, you sad. It's Persoonal. You like it or not. For a single guy, it's a great car and got lots for that price that I paid for
I agree that the sedan looks better than the hatchback
I do like the interior but there’s a lot of piano black in the centre console and the interior as a whole feels a bit cramped. Also the rear passenger room is tiny and I’ve heard that the torsion beam rear suspension makes the ride a little stiff
The Impreza has a lot more room for passengers and the boot looks bigger even though on paper it’s slightly smaller, plus it has an actual touchscreen 😅
Yes, Impreza seems to make a better option. Still gutless, I'm sure. My review of the new-gen model is coming soon :D
@@therightcar 😅true but it’s got double wish bone rear suspension and I’d rather have a car that’s boring with a good ride than a sporty feeling car with stiff suspension
And to be honest why does the Mazda 3 need sporty suspension and heavy steering, it’s a regular hatchback not even turbo charged😅
Seats too far down and bonnet too long for small women to drive this car , a cx3 or cx30 may be better car all round
Not true, will be far better to drive than a CX3 or CX30.
May be? CX-30, I'd say. CX-3? My review of it is coming soon!
@@therightcar I will be waiting for your review
Price increase and so on.
All the cars. Prices up.
Glad I stayed patient and bought the Cerato hatch instead.
Did you get the GT?
@@therightcar no I got a Sport hatch with the Safety Pack. Love my new car!
No thanks, I'd much rather have an SUV.
I think the Civic is the best of the bunch and it’s a beautiful car
I wouldn't disagree.
Its all about personal tast. I don't need a touchscreen. Bigger space in the bag. And the black inside is very nice. You talk lots of rubbish, mister
Ha, thanks. I think your opinions are wrong, too... and I've driven THOUSANDS of cars. Have you?
I’m no fan of the Mazda hatchback’s styling. I’m truly not much of a fan of any Mazda’s styling. The sedan version of this thing looks nicer, but the equipment level on the hatchback looks lousy. The technology isn’t great, quick keys are an absolute nonsense. And I don’t want a car company telling me not to use a touch screen. The dashboard doesn’t impress me. The back seat looks awful for adults and kids, and no back seat usb’s, what? Non turbo engine is trash. Why can’t Mazda understand a car that crawls and doesn’t respond like a turbo can is something to sell in modern times? The engine in this ting sounds awful. Some of the Mazda SUV’s look like their sides have been rammed (to me at least). The Skoda, the Kia both are better. Skoda’s are driver’s cars, and their ride quality and handling is far better than the Mazda 3. They’ve always been noisy cars to drive. A bad design in every way methinks. Buy something else. An excellent, well considered and informative review. I’m no fan of the car, like you.
Thanks Greg. Great minds!
Your vids aren’t that great dude.
No-one is forcing you to watch them.
Bye
Bad review, I don’t need your personal opinion.
You’re not understanding what reviews are, then….
I disagree and I just bought a 3 Sedan (US, we only have the 2.5 engine.) I can live without any turbo and AWD, wanted to avoid the CVT and my wife vetoed a manual. Choices narrow quickly. My kids are grown, and we've got a CR-V if we need to carry people or things. edit, my reply is to kootjai
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