2021 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Review - Start Up, Revs, Walk Around, and Test Drive

2021 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Review.

If you're in the market for a hot hatch, obviously the VW GTI is probably at the top of the list of considerations. For 2021 we have a new addition to the conversation, and that's the Mazda3 Turbo. There's a lot to love about this car, but there might be some flaws that's keeping Mazda from being the kings of the hatchback market. So let's find out if the Mazda3 has what it takes to be a fun daily driver at $35k.

Huge thank you to Prime Mazda of Norwood for providing the Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus for this review.

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[ntharting]

The Mazda 3 HB Turbo does sit beneath the Germans...Go price an A3 with the options you get in the 3. Its $12K more. The Mazda 3 has just as good performance, tech and I believe that it looks better. Oh yeah, you also won't have to spend $450 on every service. And, of course, Mazda leads all brands in reliability. Zee Germans are all down the list a bit. So I think it is a much better value than an entry Audi, BMW or MB.

[vigneshsubbiah]

The Machine Gray Metallic in the sunlight, just brilliant. Only item missing is rear A/C vents.

[markfoster]

Great review Mike! Honest an I think right on the money when you look at the competition in this price range. Just wish we had a manual!

[charliemendez]

4:39 I would suggest before sign any paper at the dealer take a look on it, when I get mine home it was already scratched and bended.

[upijhaj]

Gotta say, thought it’d be another “grrrr it’s not another MazdaSpeed-3, Me Angry !!” video, but it was more also. Someone (sorta, kinda!) finally understood what Mazda’s been Screaming From The Mountain-Tops, and that’s that they didn’t set out to make another MazdaSpeed-3, they set out to make The Next Gen Turbo -3 !!
All and all, enjoyed it enough to hit that SUBSCRIBE button !
…Now for other ‘Reviewers’ out there, -Yes the Mazda 3 Turbo has 3 Programmable HomeLink buttons, hidden at the bottom of the frameless mirror. -Yes it has rear heat ducts (sorta) underneath both front seats.
And YES - this is the ONLY reviewer that I’ve seen so far, Mention that the Cameras also include TRAJECTORY!!!!
Thanks, and much love, from Toronto, ONTARIO, Canada 🇨🇦 !!

[rembo]

Excellent review and I’m an owner of the 22 model.

[danielwalker]

I have a 2012 Mazda3 hatchback. I can still get 40 mpg on the highway. I will miss that fuel economy when I trade it in for a newer model but I think I will have a damn good time driving one of these.

[legio]

Don’t understand why you keep on saying that the Volkswagen GTI has a more “aggressive acceleration, orbit feels faster”. I just watched several videos in which the Mazda 3 hatchback turbo beats the GTI by 0.4 seconds. So the Mazda may feel more refined, smoother, but is still faster than the GTI...

[corybureau]

i dont think this is a performance car competitor. however i think it competes directly with the Acura Integra, and Audi A3. great review!

[notleks]

When looking at the screen and Apple CarPlay it looks like you can’t see the bottom left corner. Is this due to the dash or just the positioning of your camera?

[jbm]

I think my comments here are relevant since I traded in a 2016 GTI SE for this same exact car in December 2020 and still drive it today. Yes the GTI felt faster even though in reality it wasn't, but that is mostly due to the DSG transmission and fake sound buzzing the dash. And yes the GTI (mine had the LSD) had a bit sharper turn in for tight corners and overall felt "sportier", but in reality I didn't have any more fun in that car vs the Mazda 3 turbo. What the Mazda gives you is better looks outside (subjective) and much better interior. (don't think anyone would dispute that) All that said, the main reason I made the switch is because the GTI was giving me little signs that it was going to be trouble outside of the warranty and it was my only source of transportation. I have no regrets choosing the Mazda and have high hopes for the next gen that is rumored to bring back the multi-link rear suspension. I think if Mazda can do that along with a transmission that can better make use of the HP/TQ, the Mazda 3 truly could beat the GTI in all areas.

[tonymaclin]

Really enjoyed the review. You present intelligently, without the quirkiness and humor that drives far too many other to the point of being annoying. You mentioned another review of the same vehicle, and I’m going to look for that one to see if you go into more detail on features which make the 3 competitive with those marks frequently mentioned. I noticed that was missing.
New subscriber here. Keep it up.

[markturnbull]

Got pretty much same car shown here hopefully arriving next week. Stoked.

[nachomandetailingservices]

It is the best I just bought one. I was trying to hold out for the new Z. But one test drive and look in interior I was sold. It’s like driving a go cart with all types of goodies. Mazda knock it out the park. This is my first Mazda in my life I am 46.

[willig]

You don't get thrown back in the seat because of the all wheel drive.

[SG-szvh]

Can the 8x binging on startup be cancelled? It is beyond annoying. Beautiful car but as one who already has a vehicle with black wheels and piano black accents on the exterior, it is a nightmare to keep clean and scratch free. As mazda kept the bright chrome around the windows, maybe something other than black accents should have been used?,

[jayespi]

Put some bilstein sport shocks on this and u got a speed 3😏

[atsawinthongsumak]

Very impressive on performance, but 2.5 liter NA engine hatchback 6MT needs love.

[jameschase]

The turbo 3 is objectively better performance than a gti.

[hbrhbr]

Finally an amazing car i look forward to buy.... Oh wait, not available in Europe? Well done Mazda ...