We (my wife and I) have had this car for nearly 5 years now, and it's a gem. Drives really well (it always wants you to go faster). The only annoying thing is that the Apple CarPlay is wired, and it doesn't show in the HUD. Other than that, it's a perfect little car for us.

@rboapaudfs8SkE2h

Жыл бұрын

My grandma still has the 2008 Mazda 3 with 180K odo. She can't fault it. It's still going strong.

@DVST3

Жыл бұрын

Both mentioned complaints have been corrected in the 2024 version available in the 2nd half of 2023

@jsz2619

6 ай бұрын

Do you still have the car? There are adapters like Dongle or others too.

Hi Tom I was a little star struck this morning on the Qantas flight from Sydney to Sunshine Coast . I wanted to say hello but when we landed you were with many motoring journalists

I've owned a 2.5lt manual Astina hatch for 3.5 years and I'm happy that I waited for the manual. The Polymetal grey with the burgundy red interior works so well and the interior has a lighter feel than the black. I'm glad it doesn't have a touch screen as my left hand sits nicely on the centre armrest and I can navigate the infotainment screen perfectly. The 2.5ltr is reasonably fuel efficient as I just drove from Orange (home) to Sydney Airport with my average was 6.5L/100km but on that trip it dropped to an impressive 5.1L/100km. The return trip was 5.9L/100km and both ways it only took me an average 3.5hrs, 263km. The tech is amazing, the interior is superb, and the ride does kick a little bit on second class roads but then not all mid-size cars are perfect. Lastly my reason for the purchase was the whole package ticked all boxes, manual, looks, power was good. I nearly bought an i30N but the driver's seat was horrible, and that info screen was just shoved on top of the dash with no thought.

@aw3215

Жыл бұрын

I'm with you David, though I have a the manual Astina sedan in Machine Gray metallic. It is amazingly comfortable and agile with a delightfully sweet short throw manual gearbox. In my 30 months of ownership, I am averaging 5.8l/100km, admittedly all county and highway driving; brilliant all round.

@davidrome6066

Жыл бұрын

@@aw3215 thanks AW i totally agree. In the beginning the hatch got red leather the sedan white 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ Mazda can be strange. I also added the full Kuroi kit all well.

@eyecontrol4900

Жыл бұрын

I've got the g25 evolve sedan2022 in the manual and its been a lot of fun using it as a daily driver the last 12months. Only small issues I had were some rattles over bumpy roads, the firm ride quality and the 1>2 gear shift can be a bit hit or miss. Such a shame only around 5% of new mazda3's sold here are with the manual transmission.

Mazda offers a lot of car for the price 👍👍👍well done Mazda 👏

Coming up on 3 years (already!) with my manual Astina and still loving it

Been driving Mazda 3s in various specs for 15yrs now. Stoked to see this model still going strong. Would gladly buy another one

Traded my 2019 Astina Hatch (Crystal Blue Mica) at the end of last year. Brilliant car, practicality wise, I managed to fit 16 rolls of Turf from Bunnings in the rear, believe me, the car had a bit of a squat, but made it nonetheless! Such a beautiful car to drive and sit in.

I have a 2020 G25 GT hatch in machine grey. With the vision package. Everything you touch in inside is top quality very much Audi like. The ride is firm but compliant making it an absolute hoot to fang around on a back road. Best car I have ever owned hands down. Well done Mazda

i got my Mazda 3 in august last year, and the touch screen was one my main issues when doing research. After owning it for 6 months now, its not even an issue, so if you're thinking about buying one and that's a gripe, it wont be after a month or so.

We just bought a manual Astina hatchback a few weeks ago and it has been fantastic thus far. The Astina isn’t so much a Corolla or i30 hatch competitor as it is a BMW 1-series alternative, it feels that good. If you get an Astina, go for the coloured leather option (burgundy in the hatch, cream in the sedan) - it really elevates the interior feel beyond the Death Star colour scheme. We don’t carry rear seat passengers or big loads in the boot that often, so the rear packaging compromises are worth it for those looks. As for rear visibility and blind spots: honestly, it’s not an issue. Set your mirrors up well and use your reversing camera when backing up, and the issue goes away. On the downside, the ride is firm but not harsh, and the engine falls a little shy of that sledgehammer in the Cerato GT. But that said, the manual really brings out the best in the 2.5 - revving it really brings out the power.

Have owned a Mazda 3 skyactiv x for 8 months, visibility is fine with blind spot monitoring and front/rear AEB keeps the car clear of collision. I am 185 cm and have no problems getting in or out. Fuel economy is 5.5 litres/100km on any trip and 6 litres/100 km locally. With very few exceptions all suitable fuel is over $2 a litre. When your fuel expenses are that high, all other considerations of value for money on the skyactiv x option or depreciation are irrelevant. You will always pay for servicing (the price of running a car) so minimising your biggest expense. Only the manual option with the 2.5 litre skyactiv G engine may come close though that will no longer be available from July or the skyactiv x engine. But as configured in x20 Astina format, a very comfortable, well equipped and overall very nice car to drive and be in. Not a single issue has arisen in 11000 kilometres and noise levels have improved out of sight since previous generations. As for lack of independent rear suspension, the torsion beam is far more durable, less componentry to wear and replace and more able to handle loads. And the Mazda3 really doesn’t look anything else on the market so the styling is spot on.

We have a 3 sedan 2.5 soul red coming, it is on the ship not to long to wait now👍

I absolutely love Mazda, but I would not buy the hatch. Considering how small the boot is now, I would probably go with the sedan I think it's a great idea for safety that these cars do not have a touch screen and you have the rotary dial. Just my opinion though

Yeah, I got a G25 GT manual in may 2022 (all black), loving it, fully loaded. Better than the ASX I had before, lol.

@sunilmartin2805

Жыл бұрын

Good stuff mate, keep the manual alive!!

@oggyoggy1299

Жыл бұрын

Haha! A skateboard would be better than the ASX.

I’d like to have both touch display and the current system. It’s sometimes good to be able to just tap on a map, for example, or move it. But the current system is so good for using infotainment while driving.

@davidliang7855

Жыл бұрын

Ture, They should make the screen like the older generation mazda3 or 2, the touch screen can be active when the car is stopped. to make it easier setup the navigation. Even the latest cx60,cx90 have these kind of touch screen. no idea why they removed it on mazda3

@PiriakaTrackwrecker

Жыл бұрын

Fair point, using the inbuilt navigation sucks on the whole. I just use Google maps with voice control most of the time, occasionally the inbuilt for my saved locations ie home, as it is nice to have the arrows on the heads up. But overall I have no complaints about no touch screen, the ergonomics to touch it are crap anyway. The back, home, nav and entertainment buttons allow you to get around far faster than you typically on my XV with a touch screen.

Another great review of the Mazda specs and design. But one major reason why I like this company is the integration of Japanese philosophy in it's design; Jinba Itaia, Yohaku, Kansei engineering and of course Kodo design. I have a 2023 Mazda 3 and from experience it's sporty, but also classy. Don't have a problem with visibility (the mirrors and warning system fix that) and no problems with the infotainment system (after 5 days of use I started preferring it to touch screens, at least no smudges). Mazda 3 to me is the perfect car for anyone who loves driving but can't get a roadster and needs 4 doors. It's where feeling and engineering meet!

@earlchico3719

Жыл бұрын

I want relibality, screw the rest.

@pechi22

Жыл бұрын

@@earlchico3719 Well, it's Japanes and most importantly a Mazda. From what I've heard reliability shouldn't be a problem

I got mine in a 2023 hatchback Carbon Edition AWD and so far with just over 7400 miles I’ve had no complaints. Compared to my previous 2023 Altima which the dealer bought back cuz it was a lemon… yeah it’s 10 times better and I’m loving it. I love the traditional, no hassle, 6 speed auto, and the dial to control the screen. I don’t even care that it’s not a touchscreen because let’s all be honest, the center screen isn’t a freaking ipad. It’s there for your radio, answer a call and gps.l and MAYBE to see information about the cars safety/technology features. It’s not there to touch while you’re driving and mess with. Not long ago we didn’t have screens in cars and everyone did justttt fine 😂! Anyways my car has been good treating me well, the Bose sound system is punchy and loud

Like the shape, however would probably go for the CX30 for more space

How about the torsion beam ? Is is better than independent suspension ? Cause Mazda said it slightly better in usual driving

Considering this car. Never thought I'd like a Mazda, but hey, zoom, zoom, it's caught my attention. Wish it had a 7-yr warranty like KIA. Will check out the CX3 and CX30 reviews too.

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

And I wish kia didn't replace peoples engines 20 times before that warranty goes up lol you're paying for better quality that's for sure

That's a shame The US customers get the 250hp awd but in Australia we can't have it

Cloth seats are fine, but that is a very drab interior trim for them. They could have used a pattern or some contrasting colours on them and that would have lifted the cabin ambience considerably. You have to wonder if they are deliberately done that way, to want to make you pay extra for the higher trims. Kind of like how Mazda Australia always specifies the smaller diameter alloy wheels these days for their cars in that very unappealing gunmetal grey, which never does anything for the wheel design or the car. It has to be intentional, to try and make the more expensive cars look more visually appealing.

I've got a G25 GT since it was released. Good car if you only use front 2 seats or rear only for small kids. Radar cruise is absolutely frustrating and dangerous. Fuel economy isn't so bad with the 2.5 auto about 7.2 for mixed driving. For normal driving around town it has good torque and your revs are really low. Gearbox is overly eager to downshift unless you make an effort to be sensitive with throttle inputs for comfort. Fine on flat grounds but I switch the manual shifting when going through hills. Tyre life with the Toyo's I'm finding is very good. Car is fairly quiet and cabin plastics still not making creaking noises which is excellent. Paint quality seems crap and the front gets beat up badly possibly because of the shape and low bonnet. Strongly recommend bonnet protector. Overall I like the car and get impression it will last a long time. Beware of expensive servicing via Mazda.

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

Only fools go to the stealship cause they can't do simple things 😂

Mazda 3 and 6 offer a superb balance of attributes: European flair and japanese quality and reliability. Corolla ,civic , vw crowd are positively missing out on a fantastic ownership experience .

Hi, I keep reading reviews that say the 2.0-litre is underpowered. Obviously the 2.5-litre costs more. Is the 2.0-litre ok on the highway?

How come theres a vent in the back seat?

can it drive in hybrid mode?

Vision pack is a default with the g20e.

The rear suspension isn't great as I think Mazda changed from multi link to torsion beam for this series 4. That huge C pillar and the waist line that goes up on the rear doors are a deal breaker for me. Doesn't seem to sell as well as previous generations as I don't see many of these whereas Mazda 3's used to be everywhere.

Hi, I have a 2016 mazda top spec which I bought new, please consider your options carefully before buying. Don't rely on looks. I have had a few issues with my mazda 3 that the dealership refused to fix for free in spite of the warranty. Currently there's my tensioner that needs fixing, mazda fixed it for free about a year and a half ago, but the same issue is happening and now they want $800 to fix it. There's also my starter motor that they say is noisy and reccomend that I change at the "low" price of $550. Last year I changed my serpentine belt at mazda for the "cheap" price of $650. I love my mazda and the way they drive and always drive it very conservatively, but for the sake of my pocket, my next car will be a toyota.

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

One they updated things on the new mazda so don't compare a 2016 to a new one , cause most people haven't seen this issue especially me with 80k on my 2021 cx5 Two the parts you're mentioning are easy as hell to change out , you're paying for the stealship price lol Three the new toyota aren't that great either , you should prob research their new ones before saying that cause reliability tank for them after 2019

Those instrument controls look straight from the Audi A3 playbook . Not a bad idea

@jeremybean-hodges6397

Жыл бұрын

Actually it predates the current A3 by a year or so.

Where’s Ponch and a manual for this review?!,

Love the styling and the manual availability but the packaging + compromised vision probably rules it out of consideration for me. Having said that I really hope we get a mps/turbo awd offering in Aus as I feel this form over function shape makes more sense in a high performance variant.

@oggyoggy1299

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, better to have compromised vision and shoddy packaging in a more expensive high performance variant.

@jeremybean-hodges6397

Жыл бұрын

I own one, and while I wouldn’t put adults or carsick passengers in the back on the regular, I can confirm that the vision isn’t an issue. Mirrors work fine for merging, reversing camera beats old-style reversing regardless of car shape.

@eponymous7910

Жыл бұрын

@@oggyoggy1299 well if it's a weekend car primarily used for spirited driving (with the odd track day) I think practicality becomes less of a consideration. If it's your daily driver the aforementioned issues become more prominent

@mysticangel6529

Жыл бұрын

I owned one, but I don’t find my vision being compromised by the shape at all. U have the reversed camera, 360 camera, front and rear cross traffic alerts.

@mysticangel6529

Жыл бұрын

And it’s my daily car 😊

Has Mazda offered a reason as to why we don’t get the turbo in Australia?

@jeremybean-hodges6397

Жыл бұрын

No, but my rough guess is economics. Mazda can sell basically as many CX-5s and CX-9s as they like with the turbo bolted on for an extra $10k over what they could sell a Mazda 3 for.

Is it the most reliable long term? thats what i'm interested in, 15 years down the line ...............will it cost less to own than a Civic, or Corolla. The short term influence I don't need...please advise Chasing cars..my interest is a 2023 Mazda 3 GX Aut .

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

Yes it will last plenty of people driving older mazdas with the 2.5 and still lasting up and past 200k

S/O to Tom, he is a loyal Apple fan. What a cool Apple Watch Ultra you have there.

Long term use that I found is that the 2.0 engine is thirsty @ 10.3L/100km in the city and also the issues of paint chip in soul red

how you show leg room in second row without showing legs🤦🏻‍♂️😅 camera man probaly fell in love lately

@Tellyawhat4

Жыл бұрын

I missed seeing those sleek, contoured white trainers, but they are a distraction, so I understand the omission. 🙂

Looking forward to a 2023 prius review

@EnShinNoi

Жыл бұрын

We don't get the Prius in Australia.

@suhayl6470

Жыл бұрын

@@EnShinNoi aww that's disappointing.

On this side of the world, we only get the 1.5L variations. So it's funny how everyone complains about getting bigger, more powerful engines, saying it's not powerful enough 😂

Hi, love your channel. You're the carwow of australia. Your intro theme used to be nice, but the latest intro "honest reviews ..... " , not so good. Just saying the word "honest" puts a person off. Anything but that please. Thanks again for the good work.

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! Honestly, we think calling our reviews honest is, well, honest. Because honestly, we don’t take ads from cars manufacturers - and that means we can be honest.

@MrBenHaynes

Жыл бұрын

Maybe Chasing Cars is the “Honest John” of Downunder car reviews!

@Tellyawhat4

Жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars Honestly speaking, integrity is everything in a transparent, unbiased review. Great review yet again, Tom! Honestly!!

Do Mazda 3 vs Peugeot 308

@jeremybean-hodges6397

Жыл бұрын

For $4k more than the top Mazda 3, you get an entry level 308 with 43 fewer kilowatts and a host fewer features. I know who’s winning that.

Can't beat the aesthetics and design as well as the plush interior. However, I am only 5'9" and it is difficult ingressing and egressing. In addition, the seat is too low and I felt that I was in a cockpit of an F-14 fighter jet. No reviewer EVER mentions this. And this is true of the CX-30 as well when I sat in one last week. So, I will wait until 2024 and possibly purchase a newly designed Camry Hybrid. Mazda is also slow hybridizing its vehicles as well.

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

That's a lie and you must have some personal issues lol cause I'm 5'8 , I own a cx30 and love driving it with no problems of getting my fat butt in and out while being engage with the ride , hell I just installed a custom 10' sub for it , but yea disagree on that point of view since I'm the same height and own the car for over a yr now

Better than the Golf 8 ?

@neilstait7459

Жыл бұрын

A Dacia duster is better than the Golf 8

..no turbo...years later ...no AWD....years later And there is an ALL brand new 3 out did you say???

Can we turn off the annoying i-stop feature permanently ?

@steamroller231

Жыл бұрын

Nope my partner has it in her cx5. Every time you turn the car on you gotta turn it off again. Shits me so much

@oggyoggy1299

Жыл бұрын

@@steamroller231 Sounds like every stop/start system.

@yao8

Жыл бұрын

Turn to the max coldness on ur temperature, istop doesn't start at all

@MrBenHaynes

Жыл бұрын

If you reduce brake pedal force as you approach a standstill, then idle stop will not activate. It soon becomes second nature and your passengers will appreciate the smoother travel.

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

Something must be wrong with your braking lol have zero issues with that feature in both my mazdas

small >?

I wish reviewers were more straight to the point. The ride in this car is too firm, period. Been in one recently and it was the first thing I noticed. It was also introducing a multitude of buzz noises in the cabin. Did nothing for me.

@MrBenHaynes

Жыл бұрын

I’m surprised that Mazda do a softer suspension tune for the front of the sedan compared to the hatch (per Tom on the review). If so, it’s another reason to pick the sedan (in addition to the luggage space, improved looks and aerodynamic efficiency). If you source a set of chubby base spec 16 inch rims, the sedan may be supple enough!

@edinger1978

Жыл бұрын

@@MrBenHaynes: Not surprising, really, considering how sedans were always the more conservative choice. Hence, the hatch has more sporty looks and a driving tune to match it.

I would much rather the touch screen then the fiddly dial. It's probably the only thing that puts me off the Mazda 3

@teikken

Жыл бұрын

I’ll take the dial over the competition’s CVT.

@dreaminofthedrive5343

Жыл бұрын

@@teikken Yes. I would agreed I think Mazda are almost the only ones to still using a standard auto. The rest are cvts and dual Clutches. I'm sure I'd get use to the dial. Otherwise the Mazda 3 is a awesome car.

@PiriakaTrackwrecker

Жыл бұрын

You get used to it super quickly. I find it works better than touch in most scenarios, especially if you use android auto/carplay, as the combination of the home, back, nav, audio buttons, and the voice input get you around really quickly.

@nimbera7680

Жыл бұрын

With touchscreen u will need to lean forward but with dial easy access while driving

By the way, the Mazda3 infotainment is safer with the click wheel operation. I have a Toyota with a touchscreen that always requires more than one touch to be sure of the selection and too much time looking at the screen. As for choosing Kia/ Hyundai, I would not give you five cents for anything Korean, poor choice of interior materials, suspect durability over 100,000 kilometres( subject to several ongoing recalls and litigation both here and the USA) so the cheaper price (so called value) will bite you. Irrespective of price, most of what is built in Japan will be better assembled( nameplate won’t matter if it’s built anywhere else).

5 years on and they still develop rattles like a tin can, battery depletion issues and have an instrument cluster that scratches from just looking at it.

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

Wow a little rattle vs a new engine due to carbon build up cause its German lol , I think I rather take that rattle lol then for the cluster you do know you can easily easily polish it , then also if you're having battery problems did u try upgrading the battery to a agm to stop it from the parasitic drain ? No then sounds like you don't know cars at all dude lol

Same as the toyota corolla

No doubt it’s a nice looking car that ticks a lot of motoring journalist boxes like PlUsH iNtErIoR mAtErIaLs, GoOd HaNdLiNg, MaNuAl, FuN tO dRiVe On BaCk RoAdS Back in the real world I’d just rather get an i30 or Cerato. Save some money, get a bigger boot, a longer warranty, and a touchscreen like a normal car

@cormaro13

11 ай бұрын

😂 still be in the shop more looking for warranty work

Hate the dash (still not digital!?), small infotainment, DULL interior and tiny boot space. What am I missing? Soft materials are nice, but as always, car journalists severely overrate Mazda. Not saying it's a bad car and I get a lot of this is subjective.

It’s not even a small car

Why do all Mazdas look the same

@jeremybean-hodges6397

Жыл бұрын

Because they have a tightly controlled design language that defines Mazda styling.

@vsboy2577

Жыл бұрын

@@jeremybean-hodges6397 or because it’s cheaper

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

It is both tightly controlled and cheaper to have a disciplined design language. Both are true.

@jeremybean-hodges6397

Жыл бұрын

@@vsboy2577 it generally doesn’t save much, very very few components can be carried across the whole range.

How is it that Tom fits behind his driving position quite comfortably and all other reviewers complain about the space, even those shorter than Tom?? 🤷🏾‍♂️

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

My driving position is maybe a bit closer to the steering wheel than most - but that’s properly adjusted

@anthonysales535

7 ай бұрын

I just bought a CX-30 pure manual. I am 1.93cm (6ft 3in). Heaps of room in the front. I dont even have the chair fully back.

Interior and dash is now looking dull

@AdamAus85

Жыл бұрын

Lol, best in class.

@shivamarya5225

Жыл бұрын

Its easily the best in this class, and you can get the interior in red or white to make it more exciting, try doing that with the others

@danielmacri4483

Жыл бұрын

Have you seen new Corollas bud?