2013 - 2019 Mazda 3 review - better than a Golf?

The Mazda 3 is a VW Golf alternative, should you stick to the well known and adored Golf or try something with a bit more zing?

[TheLTcousins]

The screen is indeed touchscreen but it disables the touch functionality when the car is moving!

[Allanwify]

I get my 2018 Mazda 3 later this week. The model is the hatchback 5 door with BOSE sound. I loved the test drive so I can´t wait to get it from the dealer.

[jacobthompson]

Lovely cars these. My wife has had a couple, a 2004 1.8 Sport in black and a 2012 2.2 diesel Takuya. Both were lovely cars, never gave us any issues and were pretty engaging to drive. Driving positions in these were spot on, and at the time she had the 2012 model I had a 2010 Astra Elite - the Astra “felt” higher quality with soft touch plastics and heavier doors but the Mazda was definitely built better and had more technology.
We haven’t had Mazdas for a good while now, but I quite fancy a new CX-30.

[b_ruby]

My 6 Speed Ford Fusion has 10 way with 3 memory seat adjustments. I love those convenience features! Mazda is amazing! The newly redesigned Mazda3 is jaw dropping. at least here for the USDM, probably the cheapest car available with a manual gearbox car with the most luxury features. It’s miles ahead the golf.

[nurulamin]

Great no nonsense review, thanks for posting

[cyrusm]

I have the 2.5L with the manual and I love it. I would not call it fast but it goes when you need it to. My favorite parts are the handling and the gear box.

[Jakey]

I bought a 2016 Mazda 3, 5spd manual and it's beautiful. I think I've got the barest of the bare features which is more than enough for me, the only real things I'd want to add in is an aftermarket stereo to have the screen

[diegoalvarez]

This car seem like a lot of fun and it looks pretty damn good aswell, my aunt used to have one of these but the generation before it and a auto

[biscuitsalive]

To correct you, we have the identical car. And it is a touch screen as well.
Although most controls are better through the wheel.

[playstak]

Got one this week and already love how it drives and looks. Is the same car as in the video with the only difference that is the saloon model. I don't think you need anymore power for everyday driving specially if you want to respect speed limits lol

[bencoder]

Considering selling up my old mx5 NC for one of these, feeling the need for the extra seats and room. Thanks for the review!

[ILIJA]

I have a similar mazda 3, same engine but it's the restyled version from 2018 and I am very happy with it.
Engine feels stronger than 120hp, whole car is quiet and smooth. Consumtion (mostly city) is around 7, 5l/100km, combined 6, 5-7.
A few bad things I can say about, small fuel tank, only 37-40l from fuel warning light to full so the range is quite low, they could easily put a bugger fuel tank. A few plastic rattles, no temperature gaudge.

[garikgarik]

Really good review! Thanks! Golfs i find way overpriced on the second hand market. In terms of 40litre fuel tank in mazda 3 - in manufacturer specifications it says 50-51, Mazda 3 has a around 10l reserve until the fuel gauge catches it.

[aaronchai]

Hey Richard! Really appreciate all your videos I have watched almost all your videos to learn and sometimes to calm my nerves and if you had been in Cardiff not Colchester would definitely have tried my best to have you as my instructor. Anyway, lo and behold have finally passed my test after ages of waiting and now it’s time to get myself a car but am stuck between the seat Leon and mazda3. I know you rate them both but wanted to know which you preferred if you really had to just pick one. I’m looking at the FR tech for the Leon and sport nav for the mazda3 and my priorities are fuel economy, reliability, and equipment.
Again thanks for all the support you’ve given to the YouTube community and I still to this day learn from watching your videos!

[tsts]

I love it l have 2015 diesel very good to drive

[User-cbjm]

If I’m not mistaken, on these previous gen Mazda3’s have touch capabilities when you’re stationary, but the newer gen is completely controlled by the controller.

[Quettesh]

If I was looking for the most universal and fun car, I would choose Golf GTI/Leon Cupra. It is obviously different in the UK, but as Skoda is a home brand here, almost every privately owned car service is able to work with any "VW" car and the parts are much cheaper than on something like Mazda. I just got Golf 6 2.0TDi (2012) with basically the same trim as the Mazda (except electric seats) and I really love it so far, not great for short runs, but when it heats up, the 103kW pulls really well and overtaking in that is great.

[justahappywelshguy]

I'm considering getting one of these as my second car, the 1.5 diesel. The spec is generous across the range

[Sebby_]

"touch screen" is a touch screen... but touch only works when you stop your car. Stops you from fiddling with it when you should be paying attention to driving.

[Proudarse]

Which is more reliable and cheaper to maintain? Thank you