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http://cnet.co/1b3eJTS
The first rule of producing small affordable cars is don’t make them look like small affordable cars. Does the new Mazda3 succeed?
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30 comments
I am glad Mazda staid clear from the CVT trend, guess they learned from the mistakes of Nissan. Think the M3 also has a timing chain, so you technically never have to deal with a belt replacement.
He looks to cheap to put gas in his car lol did you see how low it was
"I do this for a living and I have no idea what it is…". Somebody needs to upskill ЁЯЩВ
You forgot to mention rear cross traffic alert, & the Adaptive Front-lighting system
Can you do a review on the cx5?!!?
Hi, I have a question you may be able to answer. I own a 2014 Mazda 3 in Titanium Flash Mica. Is this color the same as Titanium Flash Pearl? I ask because I can't find RH passenger side view mirror in Titanium Flash Mica; I've only found Pearl.
In China they don't have 2.5L version. it's 1.5 and 2.0. 2.0L has two options, one with two color seats, this shitty head-display, and bose sound system, another one in one color seats and normal dashboard without head-display and bose. I bought the second one and here is at 155 HP. Runs amazingly. It has the iStop function which cuts the engine when you wait for the green light to turn on, but the biggest downside of this car is bad GPS. It is difficult to find things, and difficult to use. It's ok when you go from one city to another when you have the straight line, but other than this, it is an amazing car. BTW: love two exhaust pipes, and those 18" wheels…
I own this car. Bought it new 3 months ago. It's my third Mazda 3 (I've owned two generation Speed3's before this). I dig the car a lot but I have some gripes (mostly with the tech). Regarding what Brian said in his review about the head up display (Active Display) screen — I recently had a problem w/ the visibility until I took it to the dealership and they basically disconnected the battery and plugged it back up…the system automatically re-calibrated and now visibility is perfect and right down my line of sight.
Top Three Things I Love:
1) Design (both interior and exterior are in a WHOLE other class compared to what Mazda is traditionally known for). The fit and finish is perfect. No rattle, vibrations, harshness…I've gotten compliments on the exterior design as well (I chose the Soul Red color – same as the one in this video)
2) MPG. Though, Mazda claims you'll get nearly 31 combined AVG MPG…I drive 18 miles to work and that includes both hwy and city travel…I never seem to get anywhere CLOSE to 31 MPG..I think on average I've seen consistent numbers closer to 23-25 MPG which is WAY more desirable than my previous Speed3 that I was getting 19 in the city. I still love how it only cost me $17-19 to fill my tank up. The fuel efficiency is great for sure.
3) Never judge numbers on paper: Coming from a very turned Speed3 with over 300 WHP, This car can still move (In Sport Mode). I bought the auto and with Sport Mode, it definitely behaves almost like a V6 (and mostly due to the low weight). I used to think something around 185HP/185TQ would not be fun to drive. I was wrong. Bravo Mazda.
Things I hate:
1) No light in the glovebox (no way of knowing what you're reaching for at night). Also no lock on the glovebox AND you can't even put an 8.5×11" paper in there without folding it into oragami. Seriously, the storage compartments are terrible in this generation. No cubby holes in the doors either.
2) The handsfree bluetooth is absolutely terrible and inconsistent in this year model compared to the outgoing 2010-2013 3's. My last speed3 had impeccable constant connection to my iPhone 6…..
3) The infotainment is cool, but needs work. It's slow on 'start-up' (especially when paired with a phone), and also the "apps" … it's a joke. There are no apps you can download for the car and the ones that come integrated are useless. You get a traffic alert, but it's not integrated w/ nav like Brian said.
Overall awesome car. I love mine. Only 8500 miles so far (yes I drive a lot).
How long-term reliable is the Mazda 3 compared to say Toyota/Honda?
The fact that he's comparing the navigation and the infotainment to the BMW Audi or Mercedes is in itself impressive. Like cmon shouldnt you be comparing the lack of an internet-based navigation to the ones on Toyota Honda or Nissan?
The complaint Brian had regarding the car hunting unbearably higher gears I've found can be easily remedied by going into the sport mode. Press the sport mode and I find this is one of the few cars on the market where the "sport" mode actually does something. Instantly the car holds higher gears and the throttle response ad torque delivery becomes instantaneous, that button turns it into a sporty car!
The mazda connect is build on HTML5 and JavaScript. the system is essentially a modified browser running on linux. This makes it easy to implement new features and user interactions. Also easy to fix any issues and release upgrades.
The entire IT industry moved to web but the car manufactures are still stuck with propitiatory systems.
Mine was 20k OTD. But it doesn't have the heads up display, 18" wheels, navigation, lane departure warning, dual zone automatic climate controls, or adaptive cruise controls.
What is does have is blind spot monitoring, HD radio (no satellite), 16" alloy wheels, fog lights, Bluetooth streaming, backup camera, and a smaller engine that gets up to 40mpg. Not a bad packaged for a brand new 20k car.
I bought my 2.5 in july of 2014 and absolutely love it. I agree with Brian in the fact that it feels underpowered when just cruising in non-sport mode, but it still accelerates smoothly. When I want more power i put it in sport mode and the torque is immediately there when i want it. It feels more like a turbo car with the low end torque. This is honestly the way it should be if you care at all about MPGs, which I do. Such a great car…not one squeak or rattle after 19,000 miles. tons of power and averaging 35.5mpgs.
I got a 2015 S GT Hatchback with the new 6-speed manual. I wouldn't call it a sports sedan, but I do find myself regularly surprised at the surge of acceleration you can get with a fast clutch and liberal application of throttle. Fuel economy i'm getting on average has been consistently better than EPA estimates. 30 mpg average with a lead foot, 32-33 average if you're more gentle.
It's also a lot smoother over bumps and around corners than I expected given what some reviews have said about suspension. The Leather is very high quality with good perforations, and the cabin feels spacious in both the front AND the back. Not to mention the exterior is sexy as hell. Great lines, and good use of LED accents without being overstated.
Cons? It's loud in there. Quite loud. CDs, Pandora, and MP3's have to be cranked pretty high to be audible, although radio comes through consistently louder. If you're driving over a rough surface, though, it's positively cacophonous in there. Still, for the price-point, I'm not sure there's a better, more well-balanced car for performance, functionality, styling, build quality and refinement.
I have the 2014 2.0L . ┬а Peppy engine, great steering and handling for its weight. ┬аBest drive of the class hands down. ┬а If you are worried about the money, the 2.0 L mid trim is your best bet at about 18 to 20 k. ┬а All trims can be had in manual in 2015. ┬аAnd for those not liking the nav/entertainment screen, most luxury brands have adopted this look. ┬аIt's all a matter of personal preference. ┬а ┬аIf you option out a 3 series or C class for all the features you get in a Mazda3 2.5 GT, you're looking at 48 to 55 K. ┬аYou also cant compare the "base" model of a Verano or a Stang to a fully loaded Mazda simply on the merit of horses/torque. ┬аThis car is like a "premium economy car" that bridges the gap between say a Civic and the premium 3 series. Drive one and see for yourself.
I just got a manual/2.5L Mazda3 S Grand Touring 4-Door yesterday and absolutely love it!! You definitely feel like you're in and driving a premium car for a great price. Mine is fully loaded though without the i-ELOOP and safety package and came in at around $25K!
you can buy a fully loaded buick verano for that kinda money …yeah i wouldnt shop for one of these personally
I have this car and I completely love it! Everything about it is amazing, the look, the interior and especially the mpg. I highly recommend this car!
this has to be the worst review ever for a car. you over emphasize all the issues ┬аlike the HUD. adjust ur damn seat if its in the way of the wiper blade…┬а
he talks way too fast..didnt understand a Fking word this nut ┬аsaid…
I dont like the Stanav , It gives the Impression you forgot your Tomtom┬а
it can take a few windows broken before thief's realize the same is stuck to the car┬а
I really respect this guy — he gives awesome reviews and I respect his honesty. ┬а
You have to choose almost every option possible to get to $32k.┬а The base version is literally half that much at $16k.┬а
Does anyone know in which episode they discuss battery vs. capacitors?
Any particular reason Brian is shown with a left-side steering wheel when going over the car but shown driving on the right side of the vehicle?┬а
this car is not good, its ugly car.
Well okay who cares if this car is slow… It's meant to be economical because our camry hybrid gets 40 miles per gallon & this little mazda gets 41 which is great because it's not a hybrid.
As far as the volume knob goes, it is not hard to operate at all. In fact the entire car is very user friendly
The Mazda 3 as always and has continued to be a piece of shit car they used to rust like crazy a 2 year old Mazda rust is coming down the key hole of the trunk and lots of rust underneath the doors
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