We review the priciest Mazda 3 on sale! 2020 Mazda 3 G25 Astina detailed expert review 4K
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- Опубліковано 4 чер 2024
- Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:54
Interior: 02:50
Infotainment: 04:58
Features: 10:03
Practicality: 12:33
On the Road: 17:10
Verdict: 25:03
Read the full review: www.carexpert.com.au/review/2...
Paul reviews the 2020 Mazda 3 G25 Astina. If you have $40,000 to spend on a small hatch, this is about as expensive as you can get before you reach the German brands. Is it enough to win cashed up buyers over? Watch and find out!
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@MazdaOfficial @mazdaaustralia - Авто та транспорт
So happy to see that Seth MacFarlane is finally doing Australian car reviews!
COVID means there are production breaks between Family Guy and The Orville.
@@CarExpertAus haha, that's what I figured ... that said, please do your next car review as either Stewie or Brian. Standing by ...
Ha ha, trust me - if I had one creative bone in my body I'd love to!!
Lol!!
Hey Paul, greetings from Scotland, I really like your style of reviews, presentation and the card you review are quite good. This is one beautiful car, I don't see a nicer looking hatchback anywhere else in the world
I got the new astina in February and cannot fault it. It's absolutely amazing to drive. I drive 2 hours each day for work and it's so comfortable.
Dude, you are the best car reviewer on UA-cam. Your insights and reactions are natural. I watch all your reviews before I put my decision to buying a certain car.
Fantastic review Paul, I've been considering picking up a G25 Astina and have been binging on reviews on UA-cam. I stumbled across this video and you've got a new fan and subscriber!
Did you end up purchasing one? Also considering it .. just tossing up a few different options ... this review was great & also a big fan of the channel and Paul. Good luck with your exciting purchase.
I'm looking forward to your Mazda CX-30 review. I like the level of detail you go into with your reviews.
We're looking forward to having a steer of it soon!
that interior shot when he's driving looks like he's in an Aston or some other premium sporty car.
007? 😁
Looks like a Mercedes
@@CarExpertAus 006.5?
We've had this for just over a year now and it has been terrific. It's a car that asking you to drive it more, in more ways than one. We love it.
Test drove this today. This is by far the most comfortable ride comparing to the Kia, Hyundai and Toyota. The seat hugs you in and with the lumbar support, it just makes it a tireless drive. It is super quiet as well, and the throttle is super responsive. One thing that was weird though is how low the throttle was to the ground. The sight out the B pillar windows from the drivers seat is great, you can actually see! However one crappy thing is the side mirrors are way too zoomed in, more so on the RHS for some reason?
The interior is super soft. The controls for the media is very responsive with no lag at all, and the steering is on point. No sliding around corners. Its great value if u want luxury but not spend 30k more for a Benz. The stereo sound...YEH. its awesome! And mixed with the also silent cabin makes it feel like a cinema. From $39k drive away for the base lux pack, with a GFV as well, why wouldn't you buy this.
I agree, if you haven't driven a Mazda before, pretty much every other car (Toyota, Honda, VW) has a convex mirror on both sides. The one on the Mazda is flat glass on the driver's side hence why it looks zoomed in. I can't stand it on the new Mazda3 but I am ok with it on my previous gen one as the mirrors were bigger on the older Mazdas. The visibility seems to get worse with every future generation as they make smaller mirrors and slap on blind-spot monitoring and smaller rear window and make a 360 camera. I am fine with having those driver aids, especially a crisp reverse camera to gauge distance or have a view if cars are approaching in a shopping centre carpark while being sandwiched between SUVs. I'd take the sedan over the hatch on this new model.
Hi, how firm are the suspensions? Although i love the car, every reviewer says it is firm and you feel every potholes on the road. So i am considering to buy the mazda6 instead.
@@arad907Try the Pure model with 16 inch wheels
With every new review I see, I learn something more about Mazda3. But with this one I've learned a lot more!
Thank you. "Hotel California" seems a good choice! 👍🙂
I own one , couldn’t be happier . GREAT JOB MAZDA 😊
Im just about to order mine - very excited!!
Great, comprehensive video. Thanks 👍🏻
Thanks for your review. I've ordered one of these. This colour is so matching with the red too. And great technology. I practically live in my car because of two jobs so this will be like driving in a comfy bed.
Enjoy the new wheels!
What’s the name of this colour please ?
He said that you shouldnt trust lane assist. Aight. Thats it. Im sold. Im subscribing great review.
Hi Im looking at getting the Astina G25. Loving the reviews. What are your thoughts on the nav system? Does the screen split when theres a turn off you're coming too. As I have had a Garmin GPS which does that? Thanks Trina
Admittedly, this is not my type of car, but from a design point of view, Mazda certainly deserve a round of applause - the 3 is gorgeous (both inside and out). No, it's not perfect (no wireless charging, questionable build quality etc) but from a value proposition, you're getting plenty of kit to (somewhat) justify the price increase. Great review, Paul!
Questionable build quality? I found the mazda3 to have amazing build quality
Questionable build quality? It’s on par with the A-Class and A3 in build.
I just traded out of an A class. Build quality is on par.
Questionable build quality?!!😂obviously you are a stranger to the world of cars. You Bimmers, (and I love Bimmers) Audi's and Mercs will break down before a Mazda does -
Ahahaha the bmw in the same class looks junky compared yo this, the build quallity is actually on par with mercedes and audi(same class), and on some parts even better
I dumped all my music from my iPod onto a 16Gb USB micro thumb drive and plugged it into one of the USB ports... All my music is now built into the car and directly available! (UK version, GT Sport Tech with 2 ltr Skyactive X engine!) Good review, great car!
hey Paul have you done a road test on the Mg3 i was thinking about buying one but i need your thoughts on it
And you can get it in a manual! Easily the highest spec C class/small car you can get with a manual. Should be commended and supported! Definitely on my list as a result.
I've just bought the astina in a 6-speed manual. Yet to be delivered. I Can't wait to test it out. I was a bit disappointed the front passenger seat wasn't electric like the driver's seat, plus I thought it needed a bit of a sporty kit on it. (a couple of spoilers) All in all though, super excited to get my hands on it.
Hope you enjoy it, Debbie. It should be great fun in a manual! Keep us posted on how it goes :-D
Hi Debbie I have a manual Astina hatch in Polymetal/Red and I ordered the Kurio sports kit. The black spoilers wing mirrors and the different rims just sets it off....enjoy
Debbie Lehmann Props on the manual!
Agreed at this price just chuck an electric passenger seat in.
just about to purchase the GT25 variant for the wifey, such a gorgeous little car she absolutely loved the test drive :)
Great informative review on the Mazda 3 Paul. Refreshing approach compared to a lot of posers and know all's! Thanks Will stay tunned for future reviews!👌
Thanks Richard, really appreciate it!
Thanks for your user-manual-like description of the new MZD system, which is what I need as a new Mazda 3 owner.
Great review, you earned a new sub
Thanks, @nikchris69! We appreciate it!
You do a very good review. Thanks.
I have a 2019 G25 evolve, not quite as fancy as no Bose sound system, no sunroof and no fancy colours on the interior. Black paint, full black interior, it’s a nice car to be in and a fun car to drive. I highly recommend.
I purchased this Astina in Soul Red after my Volvo V40 was written off in January. I was drawn to the advanced safety features (very similar to those in the Volvo) as well as the premium look & feel Mazda have aimed for in this MY, and the price was on point for all of these features etc.. It also helped that Volvo didn’t have a revamped or 2020 model that replaced the V40, I had to go to an XC40 or a much bigger car (XC60, S60 or V60 etc.).
The Mazda 3 Astina is beautiful and lives up to my expectations. I would say though, that the safety features are a tad ‘panicky’ compared to those of the Volvo - if a car changes lanes into the right lane in front of you on the highway to overtake a car it was behind in the left, the Mazda SLAMS the brakes on rather than taking into account the speed at which the other car is travelling (and accelerating as it typically does when overtaking) because it’s first priority seems to be maintaining the radar-cruise distance than using another microsecond to make those calculations and calm the heck down... Volvo seemed to have factor in those possibilities and wouldn’t ‘slam’ the brakes on, but would “take the foot off the accelerator” whilst making those calculations - thus, not pissing off the car behind me, or causing a chain of braking that was completely unnecessary.. The result... If I see this situation playing out before me, I now intervene and disable adaptive cruise to prevent the embarrassing brake-slam it’s about to perform.
But otherwise, this car is brilliant, SUPER comfy seating, the heated steering wheel seemed excessive initially, but I use it more than I ever thought I would, especially in those -2° mornings in Canberra Ha-Ha!
Hi, How much did you buy it for? I think this car went up to 43k now in Australia.
@@electrosec I just ordered a 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Astina - polymetal grey premium paint, red interior, kuroi sports body kit (without the chrome satin rims and door mirror caps), welcome illumination, mats, black plates - all for 44.7k dirveaway.
just for reference
Agreed, my dad drives one and says the radar cruise definitely needs tuning. I've driven it and the AEB brakes for no damn reason, from a car entering THE OTHER LANE from a slip road. I'm glad i drive a previous gen SP25 GT, minus all the poorly tuned radar systems but with the sweet 2.5L, heated electric leather seats, xenons, carplay, head up display, Bose audio.
@@electrosec sorry for the delay - I picked mine up in late February 2020, top spec, and tinting included for $38k drive away (however, this was before Covid made it impossible to get Cars in country, they had plenty in the holding yards)
@@ChannelTwentyTwo Automatic or manual!!
With the spare tyre, can a normal size tyre fit? I would prefer all tyres the same.
1 year driving this car. Inlove with it.
Beautiful car. Do you experience any dash rattles/vibrations when driving on bad roads?
Does the HUD work with polarized glasses?
Hi Paul! Question, does the sedan and hatchback have the same headroom in rear cabin?
Great question! From memory (I drove the sedan a while back) it has more head room in the second row.
I've now had a manual G25 Astina hatch for a month and a half. Overall, it's a great car, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
The positives: it looks absolutely fantastic, both inside and out. The gearshift is terrific; genuinely one of the best manual transmissions I have ever seen. The car sits squat while cornering and noses in beautifully; the engine loves to rev.
The downsides: the ride is firm. Not harsh, not bouncy, but firm. So are the seats - they really support well in cornering, but it's not a plush car in any way. It would also be great to see ventilated front seats, and an electric passenger seat for the price.
The upshot is that this is a car I'd only recommend to people who genuinely like driving - if you're after something that's an A-to-B car, you're probably better off in something a tad less driver-focussed, that has a bit more low-down power, and a slightly more forgiving ride and higher driving position. But if you enjoy driving, this is a fantastic vehicle.
Do you think they'll put this infotainment system in the 2022 Mazda 6?
I bought a G25 Astina in Soul Red Crystal pick up next week
Thanks Paul. Another wonderful Program mate
but I think 💭 it cost to much . What can you buy for the same money 💰.
The GTI would be good fun :-D
is the infotainment annoying when driving at night?? is there a way to lower the brightness or have it on night mode???
Do you have a review for the 2022 model?
I was going to Toyota corolla zr which car you choose let me know that would be great
Love 💓 the name Car Expert . You are mate . You don’t miss any thing. I love the ⭐️ wars sound in my car 🚙.
What are the chances of reviewing the manual version of this car? Some of us still like the third pedal.
Mazda 3 or i30? im selling my golf soon and looking to get a new hatch
Really want you to review the manual one. Tossing up manual Mazda 3 and the new fiesta st for my new daily. Any suggestion?
We will try and get our hands on one. A manual transmission would extract a bit more from this engine. It's a genuinely fun car to drive - so if you want that fun driving experience, I'd be erring towards the manual.
I have the new Mazda 3 Astina and love it in auto. I also had the previous Fiesta ST and can say it was the most fun I've had in a car. Fiesta is a lot smaller, but way more sporty.
The manual is awesome as I have Astina hatch the 2.5 matches well with the silky smooth 6spd. I tried the auto with paddles but it's just not the same and I really wanted a manual...kudos to Mazda for offering it
David Rome silky smooth, wow. Glad you are happy with yours.
Michael Liu love it
I own the 2019 model and is a bless!
I currently have a 2014 VW Golf and am looking for a new car. My dad wants me to get a Corolla ZR but I really like the Mazda 3. If it was a choice of those 2, which would you pick and why?
We ended up getting a Mazda 3 sedan bs Corolla sedan. Mazda poops on the Corolla.
Tough choice... Toyota might be more durable but the interior of Mazda is much better.
I went for Mazda...
@@RaduB. Lol my comment was from 8 months ago 😂 I also bought a Mazda 3. Love it 😁
@@FieldOfDaisies2468
Sorry! And thanks. 🙂
I'm still waiting for mine.
@@RaduB. I got mine a month ago. Took 2 weeks :)
There have been complain/issue about the AC on the new Mazda 3 not being powerful enough during the summer due to the design of the vents. I would like a clarification about this.
I'd be keen to hear from any other commenters on this too. We had no issues when we tested it, but it was pretty cold here the week we had the car.
got no issues on mine, but then i bought it in late December 6 months ago, and only had to use it a few times since then. I'll test it more extensively when the summer comes.
Power mirrors started acting up, though (not opening or closing fully), been waiting like 2 months for the dealership to finally fix them since the pandemic crippled staff and parts delivery
there have been a few hotter days by now and i checked it out - I only tested it in like 25 C conditions on a clear day, but i left it in the sun for a while, so it'd get above 30 degrees C inside, to test it more thoroughly.
Gotta say the AC probably doesn't get as cool as my previous cars - but not by much. Definitely not to a point that it becomes any issue for me in my location, though I could potentially see it as one, if you live in a place that gets 30+ degree C heat waves constantly (as the fans do get loud above half speed, and you'd have to get there to cool the car down when it's particularly hot). I'd try it out in these conditions before buying if that is a concern.
that driver attention monitor is a bit privacy risky isnt it? wouldn't hands on steering wheel be a better attention check?
I love this car I lowered mine and put a new mid pipe and rear cat exhaust it sounds amazing; it drives amazingly I can't fault it just Brillant.
Sandstorm is a great song to test a sound system👍🏻
In regards to your voting cards, Mazda did have a turbo version of their Mazda 3. They stopped making them in 2013, but I would totally upgrade from my gen 1 mazdaspeed3 if they brought it back!
Yes that's true. But nothing on this new platform yet unfortunately.
@@CarExpertAus There is in the US, same 2.5 Turbo used on the Mazda6 and CX-5 here in Australia, but with AWD. Seems like an awesome car we never got. For the record I would prefer the urgency of a 2.0 Turbo over a 2.5L, wish Mazda did that for the more powerful engine trim.
My ultimate sound trip on the road is gotta be Born To Run by the Boss! 😄👍🏻
I don't understand, the quality of these videos is easily comparable to channels with over a million subscribers. People are sleeping on this channel!!!
I previously owned a Mazda 3 SP25 ‘ Luxury ‘ trim in a Velocity red, the best paint job that I have ever seen. A bit of road noise but no other criticisms, a great looking, super reliable fun car to drive. This new version looks terrific, and for the money , good value
Converting to dollars, in my country they ask 45,623 dollar for a 2.0 liter hatchback...
2.5 isn't even an option for the 3.
Hey Paul any chance you could review the Passat 140tsi business spec ?
You read our minds! We have one coming through the garage in the coming weeks. It’ll be on the channel shortly after!
CarExpert oh such legends! Looking forward to watching it!!
I really like the colour combo! The entertainment system seems very ‘BMW’!
It definitely does! It just doesn't work as smoothly as iDrive. But it's a great leap forward from MZD-Connect.
Are you happy at Ford?
Cameron M yes thanks, why do you ask?
I switched from a BMW Series 1 to a Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X, and can confirm that! The infotainment, the buttons and this obsession with analog gauges are the same as in my previous BMW. I am delighted by this car!
a soul red '2019 mazda 3 with white leather interior looks good, too
Yes bought an Astina last year. Ive done 17k kms. Cant say im overly impressed what some aspects. Was wandering if you tested the cylinder deactivation on the car and what you thought particularly at lower speeds - 80 kph for example. Mine when it activates gives a very distinctive vibration. Take it to Mazda Australia who tell me its a the way it is for this car, really disappointing aspect. Also hate the Mazda cruise control, very aggressive either to decelerate or accelerate. When someone comes across into your lane, the car jumps on the brakes and any passenger gets whiplash, its terrible. There are a lot of good things about the car, it is wonderful to drive and I do use sports mode a bit to drown out the cylinder deactivation vibration that I get. After having a 2014 Mazda 6 GT must say am disappointed with M3, loved my 6, was a great car.
mazda australia are the most incompitent, rude and dodgy people I have ever come across. The paint, interior are poor qualuty. Electronics intermitantly. The infortainment very laggy and stops working. Their cars are the exact opposite of any modern Hyundai or Kia. I guarantee happily will never need to toss mazda into the list on my next car or an option to recommend to anybody...unless I hate them and want them to suffer pain.
I own a manual Astina and don't have that vibration issue like yours but I hope you get it resolved. The cruise control is quite sensitive but then I drive a Kia Sorento diesel for work and it acts very similar. I don't nanny mine and the fuel economy I receive is amazing , extremely happy with my purchase.
The cylinder deactivation is the reason i got rid of my 19 mazda gt. The dealer told me they rectified the issue with a software update but even i know they lied. I did a straight swap for a 19 Kia cerato gt no money required.
@@Enrico77 hi mate, I am tossing up between the g25 Adrian and cerato gt. Would you recommend the Kia?
@Steve Albert absolutely recommend the kia gt, if you can get one, at least a 6 month wait
The time codes is a nice touch
Thanks - glad you like it!
The only thing I dont like about this thing is the automatic. I really wanted the manual but there was only 1 car between the 2 dealerships in my city with the engine I wanted and that had the auto.
Thanks mate presentation
Rumor has it, there will be a 2.5 Turbo version by the end of the year as a 2021, if it gets AWD, I'll sell my current car (2016 mzd3) and get that one, I am getting tired of the noisy interior bur the car still drives so well and it is so fun to drive that I still can't find the car I like to replace it.
I hope so! Yeah the interior on the new car is a big step forward from the previous generation.
@@CarExpertAus There are two existing models to recieve the 2.5T, and we know that the CX-30 and Mazda3 can fit it... so we can only guess which ones will get it. But it must come with AWD, those skinny 215 tires will not hold the torque very well.
What do you think the price of that will be considering the Astina is already over $45 G and fwd?
Didn't happen though I wish it did. Hold onto your SP25 if you value decently quick performance, the G25 is a heavier car with the same engine and noticeably more sluggish behind the wheel. But yes less road noise is a nice relief in the new car.
Bought one early 2020. Black mica with black interior. Now with 33,000k`s on the clock I can say is is just an amazing car. It is like putting on a glove, it fits nice and offers great comfort. Well done Mazda, worth every cent.
Great review...needs more ads though.
😅 I don’t think anybody has ever said that before!
I bought a G25 GT six weeks ago - it’s basically an Astina without the sunroof or the burgundy dash option. I was so concerned about visibility, after 13 years driving anVW Golf. but I got used to it really quickly. The mirror size and position is perfect once you adjust your driving position and then get used to it; take the rear headrests out and rear visibility is also fine. Even the blind spots at the C pillars isn’t an issue coz there’s so much camera, sensor and other safety tech that it really doesn’t matter. Awesome. So happy with my purchase :)
Nice one matt how are you still getting on with your 3 on a day to day basis
the links lizard love it more and more with each drive!
Couldn't agree more. I had concern about the visibility out the back until I test drove it. Now I don't even look back. Mirrors and rear camera (and sensors) make this car far safer backing up than any car I've ever owned. Besides, % wise just how much time do we spend backing up? About the same amount of time I spend in the back seat - not even sure why they review back seats on this kind of car - maybe on a minivan but not a compact HB.
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it?
I prefer the sedan shape and more traditional levels of visibility but each to their own. I am also a fan of the GT, I have a SP25 GT (the old model), as I have no interest in the sunroof but like the 2.5, heated leather power seats, BOSE audio as well as the head up display and xenon/LED headlights which use to only be for GT and up.
One bugbear is that while on the old cars they gave the GT, LED daytime running lights and halo rear tail lights, they only give it to the G25 Astina, not the G25 GT. My dad has the G25 Astina and another plus aside from pretty lights, is the adaptive matrix-style headlights that blank out other drivers while running high beams everywhere else.
Mazda's i-Stop system is mostly a gimmick that enables them to game the fuel efficiency tests. I would be a lot more skeptical of the supposed "efficiency gains" reported such a system. When you are reporting on Apple CarPlay compatibility, could you please mention whether or not it is a wired or wireless system? Chasing Cars have been doing this for a while, and I find it helpful as it is a key deciding factor for me.
Definitely will! If we haven't mentioned it, it won't have it, but for future reviews we will call it out :-D
Does IRS really have that much advantage or torsion beam in pavement drives? Is it a deal breaker for you?
It wasn't for me. Because Mazda configured the torsion beam really well
I have the '21 model 3 HB manual 6. I haven't noticed any issues with the TB. I have IRS in another car and this handles bumps and cornering far better. It's all about engineering, and they nailed it. Absolutely love the car!
may i know what color is it
We bought a 2020 UK spec Sport Lux 2.0L version and it is a fantastic car, one of those cars you look forward to driving - My only criticism is the Proxes tyres.....they collect every bastard stone you roll over into the tread grooves 😠🤬🤯!
Central arm rest is not a problem….I’m 187 cm and didn’t have problem at all…it’s for resting is doing its job…..no problem with turning car…
Is there a way to permanently turn off stop start? Holy annoying
I don't know how you keep hitting the center armrest - maybe you put your seat/steering wheel too high? or the seat is too close? your arm is constantly floating in the air, and mine always rests comfortably on the armrest in my mazda 3 when I'm driving.
I'm a freak of nature! For reference, I have my seat quite far back most of the time and generally the wheel is pulled out all the way and up. I find a number of the Japanese cars cause conflict with my elbow and the centre console.
My left arm sits comfortably on the armrest as well, and I'm 1.8 metres.
Why is it "bad design" if a self confessed 'freak of nature' chooses to drive differently?
It's almost impossible to design something with 100% customer satisfaction.
This is the first I've heard about this and it would be fascinating to get feedback from Mazda engineers.
A bit more on the engine next time would be good as opposed to just.. its quiet.. but nice covering of features and stuff
Pls review golf 110 tsi with dsg
We don’t have access to a current generation Golf, but will get our hands on the new one as soon as they are released in Australia! 😁
Darude Sandstorm for me too Paul 🤣
Man the US gets shafted again. I have the top of the line “premium” hatchback here in the states and it didn’t come with parking sensors, 360 camera, heated steering wheel, and nav like you aussies get. More expensive too.
It's truly strange! Normally the left-hand drive markets get everything! Crazy.
yeah, our GT goes like for $30K USD. funny how different countries get things other countries want but cannot have...hate it...
Yeah like the aussies don’t get wireless charging. We do but I’ll trade it for a heated steering wheel since I live in the northeast! It’s funny how the top of the line 2018 had it as an option and the 2019+ doesn’t even have it as an option.
You should have got it in Canada! I think the heated wheel and parking sensors appear on the mid trim too
@@hawaiiguy1 very true, no option for AWD here, but at least since there's no driveshaft to the rear, there's room for rear airvents
The dream car I never knew I wanted ❤
this is the front wheel drive version right !
Yes :-D we only get the front-wheel drive version in Australia at the moment.
Car is awesome. Subscribed. Quality review content and image (4K yes!).
Thanks, Pedro! And also glad you can take advantage of our 4K content 😄
Did i just hear you say that you left foot break?
Love heated steering wheel!!! Is very comfy even in Australia
I’m finding driving in the city, during the traffic it’s bit disappointing….suddenly accelerating , auto changing gears feels like big job for mazda
The interior looks soo good.
‘Here Comes A Man From The Council With A Flamethrower’ by A Formal Horse is on infinite repeat in my Mazda NC. #music
Ha ha. Love it!
Sales in North America on this new Mazda 3 have flopped. For the price of a fully loaded 3 in Canada, you can get a GTI! Its a beautiful car but the backseat is too tight and it doesn't have independent rear suspension.
Wow - a GTI!? I know which one I'd be picking 😄 - did they jack the price up of this in Canada too?
@@CarExpertAus No it's the just price of the fully loaded 3 went up. Gti starts in the low 30s
I think you are comparing an AWD loaded Mazda3 to the GTI? That is apples to oranges, unless you want to compare the AWD mazda to a Golf R AWD, but that is also silly, since they are completely different cars and $15k apart.
if you were to compare a FWD Mazda3 to the FWD GTI you will see that the price is lower -- as long as you add in the various features, on a GTI for example safety tech is generally only available on a top trim, so my USA Premium FWD Auto hatch ~$28k is substantially cheaper than a similarly equipped Autobahn GTI (~$36k).
It all depends upon what you value, I personally won't shop cars that don't have the new safety tech, if you don't care about any of it you can buy an Elantra GT N-Line for low to mid $20k.
If you value a premium ride, and are ok with a decent but not hot hatch, you would buy one like I did.
Fully loaded 3 HB 6 sp manual - walked out for under 27K. Can't do a GTI for that (at least not in the states). The GTI stripped down to 27K would be less car than the Mazda 3. I do like the power of the GTI but I'm not street racing anyone. I can accelerate up mountain passes no problem in 6th. Under 7 sec to 60 works for most driving I do. An IRS is unnecessary with proper engineering (have you reviewed how and why they did this?). The car is way better at absorbing bumps, handling and cornering than my Toyota that has IRS. And who sits in the back seat??? Mazda is made for the driver. Minivans are great for backseat passengers.
I have owned my manual G25 Astina for 9mths and beside the two recalls the car has been perfect. I have past 10k's and the best fuel economy I have achieved was a trip from Orange (home) to Port Macquarie were it returned 6.1 on average. It did drop to 5.9 but I may have driven a bit spirited on some of the twisty roads so that lifted it over 6 and I still had about 80ks left in the tank. Backseat space wasn't never a concern for me as I purchased the car for myself and I don't sit in the back, in saying that at 170cm there is plenty of room behind me. Colour choice is exactly what you tested as the Polymetal Grey with the red leather matches extremely well. Oh the heater steering wheel comment isn't exactly correct as the temps in Orange can get pretty cold in Autumn/Winter. Why did I choose the Astina well it ticked the first box manual is available, secondly it looks fantastic. I nearly went with an i30n after testing many cars but the hideous interior which I could live with for the turbo power BUT the driver seat was appalling. After a 2.5hr test I returned with a sore back and if this car was going to take me to Sydney regularly and Port Macquarie that was the deal breaker. The 2.5ltr has plenty of power legally thou fingers crossed that Mazda does drop in the 2.5T with AWD on a hatch only as the sedan is just nice were the hatch has the sporty stance lol (ducks)
From a happy owner
Great review
Thanks for that summary David! Always great to hear owner feedback 😁
I like the sedan more, more headroom, less dark and dingy in the back (back windows are bigger), more cargo space in the trunk, better visibility, and the sloping back of the HB looks kinda weird to me. I bought mine almost half a year ago and aside from minor issues with the mirrors not working correctly, and the car not seeing the USB with my music on startup sometimes, it's been a blast.
Pio Bu Congrats but I find the sedan just doesn’t have that sporty look I was wanting. It just has a nice look. The hatch has plenty of room for me and I went with the red leather as I agree the interior was dark with black. Also as for the back I don’t sit there 😜
@@davidrome6066 I do like the black grill, and other styling bits on the exterior of the HB though - wish Sedans could have that too.
@@piobu5357 The black works well with the Polymetal grey that's why I opted for the Kuroi body kit. Thou I'm old school and like chrome...what get's me I don't understand why the sedan/hatch colour schemes are different.
Great car. I love it. Sporty but no too firm. Beautiful and nimble but not too small and have space for 4 people (average hight 😂) I love it. For someone who wants a sporty reliable and kind of practical car, great choice indeed. I searched a lot for a better car but didn’t find one. The others have some reliability or practicality and affordability issues for me😂
My criteria were:
1. Reliability
2. Auto transmission (since my wife and I drive it)
3. Affordable price tag
4. Safety
5. Sporty hatchback
great review, saloon model looks better, rear of hatchback is bad/lazy (worse inside). Mazda always do good interiors, my old CX-5 looked great in Machine Grey and Stone Leather. Mazda also need to start using turbos (Subaru too!), their engines are not great for power/overtaking, at least you get the 2.5L petrol option, we don't in UK.
I do like the ADD (HUD) and BOSE audio features, you get a lot of tech for your money. New infotainment is a much needed upgrade.
New cx5 has a 2.5 l turbo engine as an option
@@Robert_N unfortunately not in UK, both petrol options are nat-asp.
Great looking car!
I like my 2014 Mazda touring version with white leather seat cost me 23K only(demo sale). 8 years later they are still missing 1 significant feature: ventilated seat and the new price tag will cost you a leg and arm. Heated seats? come on, needless even we are in Melbourne!
The only brand noticed it was Toyota. Although They didn’t put heated seats, they added ventilated seates on Camry SL and above. They understood what we need more.
@@arad907 but that's one size car up
@@MARKINAU8 i30N line premium has both heated and cooling
I much prefer the sedan variant of the Mazda3 over the hatch. The rear styling takes some getting used to. Kinda looks like a modern AMC Pacer!
The sedan actually looks really nice now! Same story with the Mazda 2 sedan. The sedan variants often looked a little stunted, but they have definitely improved.
Why do you say I stop is good. It is detrimental fir your engine, and the battery. Can you do a technical review.
They've actually developed heavy duty components to cope with the rigours of stop/start systems. I don't particularly like them - I always switch it off on my car, but they're technically sound to last the serviceable life of the car.
I don't have a problem with my centre console as I use it to learn on must me be you...lol
Hah, must be!
How is the ride? is it firm?
I’m so tired of people saying the backseat space is tight in this car. I’m 5’11, and there is plenty of space in the back. How far do you need to have the driver seat back?
people are just being picky, since over half the population in Aus buys oversized SUV's and people want heaps of legroom and space. I can still easily fit 3 6ft adults in the back of the mazda3 sedan.
@@eyecontrol4900 Sedan is much more spacious than hatch. 3 6ft people can fit in the back yes sure thing but they cant last long, probably from your house to a cafe but not a medium trip that's the problem
@@MikeyyPham in the 90s and early 2000s, most cars on the roads were sedans or wagons & hatches. Most people dont need that much extra space to get them from A>B, where they need an oversized SUV. I've been happy with my 2022 mazda3 sedan, and had no need to get a cx5 or something similar.
@@eyecontrol4900 yes what I say is the sedan mazda 3 is much much more spacious compared to the hatch. Trust me jump in a mazda 3 hatch in your local dealership and you would not put your 6ft friends in the back. It’s torture for them
@@MikeyyPham ah yea fair enough. all i've ever driven is sedans. All im saying is that the vast majority of people on our roads don't need an SUV. maybe as a car enthusiast myself, im just sick of seeing them all over the place.
The price increase is killing the Mazda 3 sales for sure . Mazda isnt BMW or Mercedes where people are willing to pay way to much for nothing special . Only makes the Kia Cerato pricing even cheaper
Yea enjoy paying out the arse for euros
design wise, I still like the sedan
The new 3 has that Batman in a Cloak look which is in itself is s fantastic look, but, while the 3 impresses greatly on the style front, it looses in practicality. Heaven knows. It's a welcome inclusion to have rear radar peering behind on this huge blind spot. The 'cockpit' is 'right up their', but overall it's a two seat car with poor rear legroom and awful cargo space. The NVH seems improved, but where is that old drivers car that for so log was the strong point here. So impressive but is it a case of style over practicality?
If you're going to see it as a 2 seat car, the cargo space is phenomenal when you fold down the rear seats. That being said, a hatchback should not need to be seen as a 2 seat car.
Paul probably forgot the Bose speakers part...
Haha! I was thinking Darude Sandstorm before you said it 😅
No acceleration test?
You guys are lucky, in North America we don’t have rear vents, other than that, I love that car!!
That's a shame - it gets too hot without vents in the rear on summer days.
When will they be updating the cx3
Hey Candise - the CX-3 was updated not too long ago (mild facelift), and the new one isn't due for at least another year and maybe a little longer. It's likely to get the same interior and infotainment as the new Cx-30.
@@CarExpertAus CX3 I believe are discontinued. CX30 even though a bigger car replaces it..