2019 Mazda3 AWD Review A Step Above The Competition
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
An impressive offering, Id say. Far more impressive compared to its competition, in fact, than the CX-9, CX-5, and even the Mazda6. Its very stylish, as Alex says, as a result of its long, long hood, a design it shares with its stablemates. What it doesnt share with those other vehicles is a major sacrifice in terms of interior passenger space versus the competition. And thats a big plus. Add to that the significantly upgraded overall interior including much needed improvements in the infotainment system and the much better integration into the dash. Well done. AWD is another advantage over its rivals. One can argue its unnecessary in a vehicle as small and light as the Mazda3; a good set of winter tires with the engine sitting over the drive wheels will accomplish what AWD manages about 90% of the time. And with a weight savings equivalent to an NFL corner back sitting in the back seat is worth taking into account. Drivers in less than extreme climates may want to save the 1000 it adds to the price of the CX3. But for those who deal with challenging winter conditions, the AWD may mean they can postpone adding winter tires each year by a month or two. For the rest of us allseason tires may suffice with AWD. (Speaking of tires, one the few negatives I see is the 215 width tires. Id upgrade them to at least 225 width immediately)There will, of course, be complaints that the Mazda3 lacks the Skyactive engine architecture and a turbo version of the engine. But I suspect thats why the vehicle is designated as a 2019 model, allowing Mazda to add one or both of those features next year. But if the turbo in the other Mazda models is any guide, those folks may be somewhat disappointed. It does provide good overall HP (especially with premium fuel) and extremely impressive torque at a low rpm but inevitably that means it tends to run out of breath at higher rpms. Just where one might hope a hot compact would excel. All in all, Mazdas turbo4 delivers power more similar to a diesel engine than the punch expected in a turbo 4. Furthermore, in one of its few weaknesses, the Mazda3 already offers mediocre fuel economy. That might be irrelevant to those who want a hot Mazda3 but Mazda may consider what adding a turbo to the model may do to its overall CAFE figures for their fleet. Finally, Im usually inclined to favor hatchbacks over comparable sedans. And I like the shorter length of the hatch version. But that shorter length means sacrificing more utility and versatility than it should(imo. And the sedans styling in the rear looks much, much better. If I were shopping in this segment, Id go for the sedan and save a thousand bucks. All vehicles have flaws. And all design and engineering choices involve costs and benefits. The Mazda3 looks like a vehicle where the pluses significantly outweigh the negatives.
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An impressive offering, Id say. Far more impressive compared to its competition, in fact, than the CX-9, CX-5, and even the Mazda6. Its very stylish, as Alex says, as a result of its long, long hood, a design it shares with its stablemates. What it doesnt share with those other vehicles is a major sacrifice in terms of interior passenger space versus the competition. And thats a big plus. Add to that the significantly upgraded overall interior including much needed improvements in the infotainment system and the much better integration into the dash. Well done. AWD is another advantage over its rivals. One can argue its unnecessary in a vehicle as small and light as the Mazda3; a good set of winter tires with the engine sitting over the drive wheels will accomplish what AWD manages about 90% of the time. And with a weight savings equivalent to an NFL corner back sitting in the back seat is worth taking into account. Drivers in less than extreme climates may want to save the 1000 it adds to the price of the CX3. But for those who deal with challenging winter conditions, the AWD may mean they can postpone adding winter tires each year by a month or two. For the rest of us allseason tires may suffice with AWD. (Speaking of tires, one the few negatives I see is the 215 width tires. Id upgrade them to at least 225 width immediately)There will, of course, be complaints that the Mazda3 lacks the Skyactive engine architecture and a turbo version of the engine. But I suspect thats why the vehicle is designated as a 2019 model, allowing Mazda to add one or both of those features next year. But if the turbo in the other Mazda models is any guide, those folks may be somewhat disappointed. It does provide good overall HP (especially with premium fuel) and extremely impressive torque at a low rpm but inevitably that means it tends to run out of breath at higher rpms. Just where one might hope a hot compact would excel. All in all, Mazdas turbo4 delivers power more similar to a diesel engine than the punch expected in a turbo 4. Furthermore, in one of its few weaknesses, the Mazda3 already offers mediocre fuel economy. That might be irrelevant to those who want a hot Mazda3 but Mazda may consider what adding a turbo to the model may do to its overall CAFE figures for their fleet. Finally, Im usually inclined to favor hatchbacks over comparable sedans. And I like the shorter length of the hatch version. But that shorter length means sacrificing more utility and versatility than it should(imo. And the sedans styling in the rear looks much, much better. If I were shopping in this segment, Id go for the sedan and save a thousand bucks. All vehicles have flaws. And all design and engineering choices involve costs and benefits. The Mazda3 looks like a vehicle where the pluses significantly outweigh the negatives.
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BrassThunder
Alex, I was the proud owner of a 1st Generation 2005 Mazda 3 Hatchback new from a local dealer. Having been a performance enthusiast/Muscle Car guy my 1997 Pontiac Trans Am was being sidelined as a daily Driver since at the time my daily 2. 5 - 3 hour round trip commute was not really cost effective for a Fire breathing V8 after mods that was pushing 425 - 450 HP dependent on the fuel you used. The Mazda 3 was a great car then but had its drawbacks. I did stay with a Manual Trans (You still have to have some fun) The handling in that Munchkin Mobile was impeccable the suspension was tight but it could be brutal on these Midwestern Roads. It was not a quiet car by any stretch of the imagination. I think even with the V8 Beast the Trans Am under normal cruise conditions was a quieter car. The Mazda 3 to me was the best looking of the Munchkin Commuters back then and with the new Koto Design its even more so now. I am considering getting another Munchkin car since they have added AWD into the mix on the 3. My GMC Acadia SLT with AWD and our 2010 Mercury Milan V6 Premier have served us well with close to 200, 000 miles on each one but now with it just being the Wife and I at home, I am planning on saving the Acadia for the Long Trips and get a Mazda 3 for my day to day driving in the Central Indiana area. I do 150 - 250 miles a day as an Independent Contractor switching off using the two cars during the week dependent on Weather conditions. Being that I am not quite the Grumpy Old Man cussing at traffic and going 10 MPH under the speed limit I do however, want to continue to enjoy the Driving Experience without having to resort to driving a Luxury Yacht on the land. I know the Mazda has come a long way since my 2005 and I might just be revisiting the Mazda 3 as my daily work vehicle. Like I said I still want to have fun and enjoy the drive. I am somewhat of a Car junkie and came across your videos in Youtubes Recommendations and I havent missed one since. .Quality Production, Clear speaking, and thorough concise information. Keep up the good work. Sorry for the long winded commentary.
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Alex, I was the proud owner of a 1st Generation 2005 Mazda 3 Hatchback new from a local dealer. Having been a performance enthusiast/Muscle Car guy my 1997 Pontiac Trans Am was being sidelined as a daily Driver since at the time my daily 2. 5 - 3 hour round trip commute was not really cost effective for a Fire breathing V8 after mods that was pushing 425 - 450 HP dependent on the fuel you used. The Mazda 3 was a great car then but had its drawbacks. I did stay with a Manual Trans (You still have to have some fun) The handling in that Munchkin Mobile was impeccable the suspension was tight but it could be brutal on these Midwestern Roads. It was not a quiet car by any stretch of the imagination. I think even with the V8 Beast the Trans Am under normal cruise conditions was a quieter car. The Mazda 3 to me was the best looking of the Munchkin Commuters back then and with the new Koto Design its even more so now. I am considering getting another Munchkin car since they have added AWD into the mix on the 3. My GMC Acadia SLT with AWD and our 2010 Mercury Milan V6 Premier have served us well with close to 200, 000 miles on each one but now with it just being the Wife and I at home, I am planning on saving the Acadia for the Long Trips and get a Mazda 3 for my day to day driving in the Central Indiana area. I do 150 - 250 miles a day as an Independent Contractor switching off using the two cars during the week dependent on Weather conditions. Being that I am not quite the Grumpy Old Man cussing at traffic and going 10 MPH under the speed limit I do however, want to continue to enjoy the Driving Experience without having to resort to driving a Luxury Yacht on the land. I know the Mazda has come a long way since my 2005 and I might just be revisiting the Mazda 3 as my daily work vehicle. Like I said I still want to have fun and enjoy the drive. I am somewhat of a Car junkie and came across your videos in Youtubes Recommendations and I havent missed one since. .Quality Production, Clear speaking, and thorough concise information. Keep up the good work. Sorry for the long winded commentary.
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Tranquil_Turtle
It seems like Mazda keeps relying on luxury looks to sell their vehicles. The use of a 6 speed automatic when others have moved on to 8-9-10 is a surprise. Mpg is a bit low though compared to other compact sedans, but I guess most use CVTs. The passenger seat is manual even in the top trim, along with no ventilated seats or USB ports in the back is a bit ridiculous to me. What I absolutely do not approve of is gloss black plastic and for the price and the fact that it is a sedan focusing on styling I feel it was a mistake. The cost cutting rear suspension downgrade is also disappointing, but Ill keep my mind open considering I have not driven it. AWD is a plus, but for the price to me it still doesnt make up for the lack of the previously mentioned missing features that other competitors have. I am glad that they made the heads up display project without a silly plastic piece. The upgraded software/infotainment is a big welcome. However, Mazda didnt let you interact with the infotainment with the vehicle in motion before and I hear they continued that with this generation. Lastly, to answer Alexs question, I believe last generation hatch looked wonky and this one is no better.
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It seems like Mazda keeps relying on luxury looks to sell their vehicles. The use of a 6 speed automatic when others have moved on to 8-9-10 is a surprise. Mpg is a bit low though compared to other compact sedans, but I guess most use CVTs. The passenger seat is manual even in the top trim, along with no ventilated seats or USB ports in the back is a bit ridiculous to me. What I absolutely do not approve of is gloss black plastic and for the price and the fact that it is a sedan focusing on styling I feel it was a mistake. The cost cutting rear suspension downgrade is also disappointing, but Ill keep my mind open considering I have not driven it. AWD is a plus, but for the price to me it still doesnt make up for the lack of the previously mentioned missing features that other competitors have. I am glad that they made the heads up display project without a silly plastic piece. The upgraded software/infotainment is a big welcome. However, Mazda didnt let you interact with the infotainment with the vehicle in motion before and I hear they continued that with this generation. Lastly, to answer Alexs question, I believe last generation hatch looked wonky and this one is no better.
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Mildly Offensive Travel Reviews
I dont think the luxury comparisons make sense. It doesnt beat cars in its own class. Its. 1) Not as fast as a Honda Civic turbo, despite a liter extra displacement. (Civic 0-60 with Turbo is 6. 9 secs)2) Not as fuel efficient as a Honda Civic turbo (32/42/36, vs 25/35/30. 3) Not as much trunk space as a Honda Civic turbo. (16 vs 13 ft2)4) No multi-link suspension, unlike a Honda Civic turbo. 5) 205s standard, which is less wide and grippy than the 215s youd get on a Civic Turbo. (Noise is just an excuse for mediocrity - Audi A4s fit 235s standard and thats as quiet as it gets)6) Two way lumbar on a car for 30k is a big ask, when you can get several full size sedans with four way lumbar at that price point. (Civic weakness too)7) No safety systems standard - unlike the new offerings from Toyota and Honda. 8) Way more expensive than a Corolla, on pairing with mid-high trims of a Civic or even a Camry. Advantages? 1) Quieter? 2) AWD? 3) More stylish and logically laid out interior space? Im not certain how this car is a better value, or better quality, or more luxurious, than a Civic.
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I dont think the luxury comparisons make sense. It doesnt beat cars in its own class. Its. 1) Not as fast as a Honda Civic turbo, despite a liter extra displacement. (Civic 0-60 with Turbo is 6. 9 secs)2) Not as fuel efficient as a Honda Civic turbo (32/42/36, vs 25/35/30. 3) Not as much trunk space as a Honda Civic turbo. (16 vs 13 ft2)4) No multi-link suspension, unlike a Honda Civic turbo. 5) 205s standard, which is less wide and grippy than the 215s youd get on a Civic Turbo. (Noise is just an excuse for mediocrity - Audi A4s fit 235s standard and thats as quiet as it gets)6) Two way lumbar on a car for 30k is a big ask, when you can get several full size sedans with four way lumbar at that price point. (Civic weakness too)7) No safety systems standard - unlike the new offerings from Toyota and Honda. 8) Way more expensive than a Corolla, on pairing with mid-high trims of a Civic or even a Camry. Advantages? 1) Quieter? 2) AWD? 3) More stylish and logically laid out interior space? Im not certain how this car is a better value, or better quality, or more luxurious, than a Civic.
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Patrick McMonigle
Alex on AutosYou sir. have lost my faith in your reviews. Why no mention of the inherent fault of the Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) motor that builds carbon on the intake valves after only a few thousand miles. WOW such disrespect to your sheeple viewers like myself who bought the 2015 Mazda 6 2. 5 L engine with GDI only to find out I have junk on my hands that needs constant maintenance to keep the intake valves clear of coke, carbon and other buildup that will destroy my engine. Mazda dealership told me at the time of purchase that the dealership is not making any money on the sale of the car. Management told me they will make money on service. how prophetic. HERE THIS. sheeple. MAZDA still has not addressed this GDI issue nor has any other manufacture except Toyota. Wow and I thought used car salesman and lawyers were low but you automotive reviewers reach a new level of STANK.
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Alex on AutosYou sir. have lost my faith in your reviews. Why no mention of the inherent fault of the Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) motor that builds carbon on the intake valves after only a few thousand miles. WOW such disrespect to your sheeple viewers like myself who bought the 2015 Mazda 6 2. 5 L engine with GDI only to find out I have junk on my hands that needs constant maintenance to keep the intake valves clear of coke, carbon and other buildup that will destroy my engine. Mazda dealership told me at the time of purchase that the dealership is not making any money on the sale of the car. Management told me they will make money on service. how prophetic. HERE THIS. sheeple. MAZDA still has not addressed this GDI issue nor has any other manufacture except Toyota. Wow and I thought used car salesman and lawyers were low but you automotive reviewers reach a new level of STANK.
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Tigerex966
Hope they allow for manual with the sedan and awd and bring back independent rear suspension, although reports say the suspension is good. If they make a sport version they will probably put independent suspension in it. Interior is class leading but needs a touch screen rear vents and rear usb. I guess no touch screen is ok, but I would like a tune knob next to the volume one and 6 hard switches for my memory stations, that would improve safety big time when trying to get to a station quickly. Piano Gloss black is a no no, aluminum, real wood, or almost anything is better, as gloss back makes even mercedes car interior trim look bad after a month or two.
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Hope they allow for manual with the sedan and awd and bring back independent rear suspension, although reports say the suspension is good. If they make a sport version they will probably put independent suspension in it. Interior is class leading but needs a touch screen rear vents and rear usb. I guess no touch screen is ok, but I would like a tune knob next to the volume one and 6 hard switches for my memory stations, that would improve safety big time when trying to get to a station quickly. Piano Gloss black is a no no, aluminum, real wood, or almost anything is better, as gloss back makes even mercedes car interior trim look bad after a month or two.
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Double JJ
Even though I would love the interior of the Mazda, I would always worry about dirtying it up due to my job. As for the interior of the Impreza, I actually prefer it since its more durable and its easier to clean out due to my job. Exterior is obvious, the Mazda does look better. Im fine with exterior looks on my Impreza. Im just glad it doesnt look as ugly as the Civic, yeah I said. I would love to have this in my drive way but my trustee Impreza hasnt let me down and I cant afford for another trade in. I do have a gripes of my car but its not deal breaking or trading in level but my goodness I want that car in my drive way.
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Even though I would love the interior of the Mazda, I would always worry about dirtying it up due to my job. As for the interior of the Impreza, I actually prefer it since its more durable and its easier to clean out due to my job. Exterior is obvious, the Mazda does look better. Im fine with exterior looks on my Impreza. Im just glad it doesnt look as ugly as the Civic, yeah I said. I would love to have this in my drive way but my trustee Impreza hasnt let me down and I cant afford for another trade in. I do have a gripes of my car but its not deal breaking or trading in level but my goodness I want that car in my drive way.
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nowell ingram
Hi Alex. I like the Hatchback better. I did test drive the prior year and was extreamly impressed. I have been waiting for the RAV4 new design to come out and a review on it. after owning Toyotas and then having an American brand has been dis appointing. Lets just say that since I have retired I no longer have to wear a bow tie. LOL In addition all the forign models I have had, none of the parts have fallen off of them, however my Bow tie has fallen of my grill. and I dont mean my BBQ grill, however nothing is better than a good grill. LOL looking for better quality and the Mazdas have been very impressive to me. .
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Hi Alex. I like the Hatchback better. I did test drive the prior year and was extreamly impressed. I have been waiting for the RAV4 new design to come out and a review on it. after owning Toyotas and then having an American brand has been dis appointing. Lets just say that since I have retired I no longer have to wear a bow tie. LOL In addition all the forign models I have had, none of the parts have fallen off of them, however my Bow tie has fallen of my grill. and I dont mean my BBQ grill, however nothing is better than a good grill. LOL looking for better quality and the Mazdas have been very impressive to me. .
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Packfan
I owned a 2006 Mazda 3 hatch with the 2. 3 engine and its probably the best car I have owned so far. The car just did everything well in all categories especially the ride quality and the zoom zoom factor were there. Great seats with substantial torso and thigh bolstering were the best with a tough stylish fabric that was easy to clean and the room in the rear was great where I could haul big things without much trouble. I paid 19K for that one so I dont know if I am ready for 25K plus. The Elantra GT hatch looks like it has more room and more spunk, exactly what I am looking for.
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I owned a 2006 Mazda 3 hatch with the 2. 3 engine and its probably the best car I have owned so far. The car just did everything well in all categories especially the ride quality and the zoom zoom factor were there. Great seats with substantial torso and thigh bolstering were the best with a tough stylish fabric that was easy to clean and the room in the rear was great where I could haul big things without much trouble. I paid 19K for that one so I dont know if I am ready for 25K plus. The Elantra GT hatch looks like it has more room and more spunk, exactly what I am looking for.
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Matt Clark
This is the 2nd review Ive watched for this car that forgets the Golf Sportwagen 4motion as a potential AWD competitor. ok, its longer than the 3 hatch and errs on the higher end of the 3s price range, but its a competitor, and Mk7s are compelling cars in their own right. Everyones saying only the Impreza has AWD in this segment. nope I also think the hatch is gorgeous everywhere it differs from the sedan (which is handsome, but safe IMO, but the 3s front end is only good to my eyes. grill is a bit too big, and it looks too much like the 6 thats been out for years.
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This is the 2nd review Ive watched for this car that forgets the Golf Sportwagen 4motion as a potential AWD competitor. ok, its longer than the 3 hatch and errs on the higher end of the 3s price range, but its a competitor, and Mk7s are compelling cars in their own right. Everyones saying only the Impreza has AWD in this segment. nope I also think the hatch is gorgeous everywhere it differs from the sedan (which is handsome, but safe IMO, but the 3s front end is only good to my eyes. grill is a bit too big, and it looks too much like the 6 thats been out for years.
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