[TodmordenLad]

I hardly post about cars these days, and particularly not BMWs as I don’t own one any longer and I’m unlikely to any time soon as I’m not keen on the latest designs from Munich. I’ve had my Mazda3 for seven months now and have only covered just under 4,000 miles but thought I’d share a few thoughts about this humble hatchback.

It isn’t a fast or powerful car, producing 186PS/240Nm, with a small supercharger and no turbocharger. It makes up for the lack of outright power by being engaging to drive, with a lovely, mechanical feel to it, enhanced by the nicest manual box I’ve used. The engine technology in this e-Skyactiv X version uses “Spark Controlled Compression Ignition”, which was invented by Mazda, and it squeezes every last drop of petrol out of the system - to date, I’m averaging 49mpg (UK gals) on a pretty representative combined cycle, which is impressive for a 2L 4cyl petrol engine, given that I like to push the revs.

The cabin is a nice place to be, and the ergonomics are spot on. No distracting touch, a good old-fashioned analogue dash and nicely weighted controls. NVH is very good for a car in this price segment, and the ride and handling are excellent, helped by the fact that they didn’t ruin the setup on this GT Sport model by throwing on shorter springs and wider tyres, which other manufacturers tend to do.

So, yes, I’m pleased with it, and next time I’m in the market, I’ll start by looking at the Japanese car makers – which will be a first for me.

[overcoil]

is the Mazda noticeably louder with stuff like wind noise and tire hum than your 440 ?

[Topcarbon]

In my past I have had a Honda Civic and Nissan gtr
They were ridiculously efficient in design and execution and sacrificed emotion in the process. They were great for that time in my life. Would I own another? Probably not.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Caravaggio

is the Mazda noticeably louder with stuff like wind noise and tire hum than your 440 ?

The Mazda is quieter than my 440, which suffered from poor noise insulation generally - plus I had run flat tyres on the 440, which didn't help ride quality or tyre noise, of course.

[chassis]

I appreciate Japanese engineering. Design (aesthetics) to a lesser degree

We have owned Toyotas since their heyday in the early 2000s. Reliable vehicles that run forever and with parts replacement when needed have practically no limit to durability. We have a Honda CR-V which is utterly bland and perfectly reliable. They are very pleasing machines when it comes to reliability.

I owned a first gen Miata MX-5 and it was a super fun and reliable car. Fuel economy was good considering how often I had my right foot on the carpet, which was most of the time.

[Redd]

The Mazda3 Liftback is one of the better looking hatches out there today. It looks lovely in Nardo Grey with red leather two tone interior.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Topcarbon

In my past I have had a Honda Civic and Nissan gtr
They were ridiculously efficient in design and execution and sacrificed emotion in the process. They were great for that time in my life. Would I own another? Probably not.

The point about emotion is an interesting one, Topcarbon.
I’ve owned a good few BMWs, although never an M car regrettably. The one with which I connected the most 'emotionally' was my F36 440i but that was based on its looks alone. The engine was truly lovely but it was never that engaging a car to drive, blunted by a poor suspension set up, numb steering and poor road noise isolation, in my opinion. Driving a smaller, lighter car with manual transmission, a naturally aspirated engine and nimble handling like the Mazda makes me appreciate the pleasure of driving a bit more. I happen to think that it’s a pretty little thing too, which helps

[Murf993]

My preference is German, a different way to get to the same place I guess. I've owned a few Japanese cars, Honda CRX & Prelude, Acura Integra. All excellent cars and who knows maybe I'll own another one someday.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Murf993

My preference is German, a different way to get to the same place I guess. I've owned a few Japanese cars, Honda CRX & Prelude, Acura Integra. All excellent cars and who knows maybe I'll own another one someday.

Driving a Porsche 993, i'm not surprised to hear you say that

[stein_325i]

Great post TodmordenLad, I have to say, Mazda as a brand is just killing it. Unlike the rest of the Japanese they have a beautiful clean sheet design inside and out with no gimmicks, while retaining Japanese quality and reliability. My eldest son has the 6-Signature and NB Miata, and his wife has a CX-9. All excellent cars, and incredibly engaging but also refined and luxurious for a mainstream brand. Sadly here in the states Mazda doesn't have the recognition of brands like Honda or Toyota, but the success of the CX-30 and CX-5 have helped boost that, and I have continuously recommended the brand to friends and family. I am very excited for their upcoming RWD platform and Inline-6 engines that are currently in development.

[SteveinArizona]

Thanks. Excellent points. Mazda is often described as a "near luxury" manufacturer with prices closer to mainline. They make excellent vehicles.

[damnitBobby]

I love my wife's '20 CX5 GT. Great looks, great interior, great driving/handling, great features, all for a very reasonable price.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Great post TodmordenLad, I have to say, Mazda as a brand is just killing it. Unlike the rest of the Japanese they have a beautiful clean sheet design inside and out with no gimmicks, while retaining Japanese quality and reliability. My eldest son has the 6-Signature and NB Miata, and his wife has a CX-9. All excellent cars, and incredibly engaging but also refined and luxurious for a mainstream brand. Sadly here in the states Mazda doesn't have the recognition of brands like Honda or Toyota, but the success of the CX-30 and CX-5 have helped boost that, and I have continuously recommended the brand to friends and family. I am very excited for their upcoming RWD platform and Inline-6 engines that are currently in development.

Yes, I read about the plan to develop 6cyl RWD models. Exciting although sadly, i doubt they'll make their way to the UK, given how low demand would be

[BzsBimmer]

I’ve had my fair share of Honda/Acura from my past. Civic Si hatch, CRX, Odyssey, MDX, Integra and in my younger years, they were a blast but the Odyssey’s were a nightmare with engine and transmission issues.

My mom had a rotary RX-7 and she loved it and only chose it over the Miata because of the rear window was glass and the Miata was plastic. She had that for over 20 years I think.

I’ve grown fond of German engineering and “refinement” but I’ll take a current upcoming NSX as I’ve always desired one when I used to have my Integra.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

Thanks. Excellent points. Mazda is often described as a "near luxury" manufacturer with prices closer to mainline. They make excellent vehicles.

I’m honestly not sure how Mazda is perceived as a brand in the UK, Steve, as I’ve never been interested before now. I only bought the Mazda3 hatchback as I was after an inexpensive, well-equipped hatchback as a daily driver with good handling and refinement and having test driven most of the mainstream offerings from Ford, VW etc, the Mazda won by a clear margin. They're still a relatively small player here in the UK, I think, but with a very loyal customer base. The customer service I received from the family-run dealership made my local BMW outfit look like a bunch of amateurs, tbh

PS Have just checked and last year, Mazda only had 1.6% market share in the UK vs BMW's at 7.16%, which is higher than Toyota and Nissan.

[Germanauto]

Mazda 3 hatch is easily one of the best looking vehicles on the market. It looks sporty and expensive.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Mazda 3 hatch is easily one of the best looking vehicles on the market. It looks sporty and expensive.

That’s praise indeed, coming from someone who drives the best-looking compact executive money can buy - the Alfa Giulia

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by damnitBobby

I love my wife's '20 CX5 GT. Great looks, great interior, great driving/handling, great features, all for a very reasonable price.

We have a “mile-eater” ‘20 CX-5 Signature with the 2.5T engine and we both love it. This is our second CX-5, we previously had one with the turboless 2.5 engine.

Highlights: a really interesting engine, tons of low end torque but doesn’t like to be revved up - very turbodiesel like. Very nimble, precise handling for a crossover. A high quality, modern interior with lots of stitching and high quality leather seats. Beautiful KODO exterior design that will age very well imo. Has been very reliable - close to zero problems after 30k miles which include long multiday trips from FL to DC etc.

Complaints: Our car has the old, horrible Mazda infotainment system with the tiny screen (see picture below). The six-gear AT is merely OK, not terrible, but it is somewhat on the slower end. It is well-programmed though, so the car does not constantly search for the right gear. The driver seat cushion is a bit too short and offers little lateral support. The 360 degree view system is pretty bad, with low quality, low res cameras and it goes off every time you switch the gear shifter from forward to reverse or vice versa.

[freakystyly]

Agreed with Mazda being a favourite. I miss my O.G. Mazda3 sometimes.
Re: your 440i road noise likely was the runflats fault. My 240i is quieter than a lot of cars I've been in.

How does the rear torsion beam suspension hold up? is it noticeable?

[swagon]

Todmorden, I've driven by recently!

So how's the rear quarter visibility? Every time I see those 3s, I wonder if you can see a thing from it. But it looks nice indeed.

[dangerus_car]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

I’ve had my fair share of Honda/Acura from my past. Civic Si hatch, CRX, Odyssey, MDX, Integra and in my younger years, they were a blast but the Odyssey’s were a nightmare with engine and transmission issues.

My mom had a rotary RX-7 and she loved it and only chose it over the Miata because of the rear window was glass and the Miata was plastic. She had that for over 20 years I think.

I’ve grown fond of German engineering and “refinement” but I’ll take a current upcoming NSX as I’ve always desired one when I used to have my Integra.

still own that RX-7? how did it run over 20 years with no issue? all stock? my friend had RX-7 and it spent more time in shop than on the road.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

That’s praise indeed, coming from someone who drives the best-looking compact executive money can buy - the Alfa Giulia

Thanks for the kind words. We both have an eye for good design.