You can't buy this Mazda 3...anymore | 2023 Mazda 3 Manual Review

Mazda have quietly dropped the manual transmission from their 2023 Mazda 3 line-up. So that makes this one of the rarest new Mazda 3s you can buy...if you can find one.

Don't have time for the full review?
0:00 What is a Mazda 3?
0:33 Exterior Features
1:59 Interior Features
7:09 Boot Space
7:53 Warranty, Service Costs and Reliability
8:41 Is it Safe?
9:30 3 Bad Things
10:36 5 Good Things
14:08 Buy it?

[kennethmarion]

Got the 2023 in white with red interior. Manual! In the USA. Daily driver and I smile every time I’m in it or just looking at it! So fun to drive even as a non turbo. I get compliments all the time. Skyactive G as no X in the US. Not for everyone but I like the infotainment system with CarPlay. Native one is not as user friendly. Just get one! My last Mazda 3 (2015) had 365k miles and still going strong. 2023 is much quieter. Piano no black at the center console is my only gripe. Please never again with that scratch magnet. It would be nice to have hydraulics for the hatch but really not necessary at this price point. Get one now! Get one now! You will love it!

[oceanlover]

I got a 2024 3 sedan in this color last week. Got the windows tinted a few days ago. It looks soooo nice! I never really thought much about steering wheels, but you’re right, the Mazda steering wheel is really nice and feels really good in your hands. My first Mazda and I couldn’t be happier! Thanks for the review!
✌🏻👍🏻✌🏻

[kennethmarion]

I’m on the highway a lot. Almost got a mx5 (love them!!!) but in the land of giant SUVs I felt safer in the 3.

[gordonforrest]

Still available in the US with the manual for 2024.

[RodneyW]

I own a 2022 manual Astina. It's a brilliant car. I think it has more than sufficient power - with excellent gearing for strong acceleration to overtake on a highway. At 80 km/h, drop it back to 3rd, nail the accelerator and it will complete the overtake with no gear change required until you pull back in (theoretically, 3rd can go past 150 km/h). It takes 5.1 seconds to accelerate from 80-120 km/h - nearly identical to an Audi A3 40 Turbo (S-line plus).

Roadholding is very good on the Bridgestone Turanza tyres (I've noticed that the Toyo's on some 3's have a lot less grip). Nevertheless, I'm considering upgrading to Michelin Pilot Sport's when the tyres need to be changed.

The Mazda 3 also has a strong reputation for cost effective motoring over the long haul. The engines are proven to last. The transmission is reliable. The body has a 6 year corrosion warranty.

Downsides? Back seats are too enclosed/cosy for anyone over 6', especially for headroom. (opening the sunroof blind makes it a bit brighter). CarPlay isn't wireless in mine. (This doesn't faze me, iPhones batteries drain quite quickly when navigating). The built-in sat-nav is ok, but it can be fiddly to enter an address.

[kienfung]

I own now a '17 Mazda 2 manual in Soul red. My next car wil be a Mazda 3 SkyActiv X, Soul Red Manual. Best looking car in his class by far. And luckily no downsize engine. Greetings greetings from The Netherlands.

[brandonkennylz]

I love my 23 madza3 manual!! Easily my favorite car ive ever owned!

[tritonefreeze]

I got a Mazda3 manual hatchback yesterday. After driving this and its competitors back to back, it wasn’t a very tough decision.

[leefranklin]

I have plans to pick one of these up in the next year or so... When I finish paying off my MX5 Roadster, and in addition to it, not a replacement.

[srdvizions]

4:35 You can order a carbon cover online

[Dan-qzdo]

In the US, we only get the manual in the 2.5. The turbo is only available in automatic.

[jeanvaljean]

Merry Christmas from Romania! It is available here with the 2.5 and manual from €24, 000 but with only 140 hp

[srdvizions]

5:00 You do can touch the screen..i saw a video on YouTube showing how..

[thomashassall]

Collect mine in ceramic with black leather in two weeks, i can't wait

[haroldm]

The magnifying mirror on the driver's side in Au. seems like it might be a holdover from vehicles made for the USA market where it's common to have such a mirror on the passenger side. Not sure if that applies to the current USA market models. Could it have been an oversight when converting the car to right-driving position? If not, it may be an attempt to compensate for the poor side-rear visibility.

[fp]

The manual was never available with anything other than the standard 191hp engine and FWD only. You can't get the turbo, or AWD with the manual.
And the manual only comes in one set-up, starting out at about $31, 500 US.

[srdvizions]

7:06 The leg and head room isn't for everyone though...your height must be about 6ft max.

[REgamesplayer]

Your critique is wrong or not properly argued. Mazda offer three engine choices depending on trim level. An engine with a little bit more punch is Skyactive-X. It is strange for me to hear you complaining about lack of engine choice, wanting just a little more power when it has that offer.

[Ndumiso]

I’m so confused, I’ve seen so many reviews of this 2023 version and they are all different, some have air events at the back for passengers some don’t, some have wireless charging some don’t, im so lost

[Enforcer_WJDE]

Who needs Emmanuelle nowadays.
Jokes aside. It was on my shortlist in 2019 along with the RF but i got a Hyundai i30 Fastback N instead.
The allround vision on the 3 just was not good. Now i got an i20 N-Line DCT, depending on how i get my fitness back thx to herniated discs and facet joints i might get an RF or just a SUV.