Proud owner driver of a 2018 Mazda 3 2.0L hatchback. Very fun to drive. Quality interior. Sporty looking exterior.

I have the same exact car and absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Thanks for the great review! Couple of points though... curb weight is only right around 3000 lbs. Everything else is right on! The only problem now with my car is I get pissed off at all the slow drivers for messing up my corner speeds LOL :D

It has a notchy 6 speed transmission - the way gawd intended.

Nice review. I bought this same model in manual and in black a few months ago and I love it. Very practical, just enough power for everyday driving and it's fun to drive. One feature that no one talks about is the "Hill Launch Assist". I live in an area with a lot of hills and this feature works really well. Especially if you're driving a manual and you're worried about rolling back and hitting the guy behind you who happens to be too close.

Nice review. You do a good job of explaining about the car without making it about you the way lots of other reviewers do.

I can't wait to drive one of these. I purchased a Mazda 3 with 13,000 miles back in 2007. I replaced the original clutch last May after ~140,000 miles. My car was totaled the following month by hail. I decided to keep the car and accept less money from insurance. Two weeks ago, my car was hit by a texter and totaled. I would still be driving it otherwise. That car ran like it was brand new. I've only replaced the brakes, clutch, tires and battery. They're solid cars.

Gonna buy this car before the end of the year. I still have a Mazda 6 since 2004. I have run 316.000 km since now and i am extremely satisfied.

I just got the same car in the same color for my wife and I'm enjoying driving it more than my M3. Awesome little car, I can't wait until the break in period is up. Today I just discovered I can down shift even when in auto mode so you can go aggressive in one corner and it will automatically go back to auto shifting as you accelerate out. I also discovered you can accelerate while in auto follow and it doesn't cancel the cruise control. I haven't noticed the lane correction, I'll have to try that out tomorrow.

I actually prefer the road noise. Makes me feel like I'm actually driving and not floating.

What are the chances that you will come back after a year and make a Mazda 3 2017 review after one year of use?

I bought one of these last year. They are great cars, and somehow overlooked against the Civics and Corollas of the world. But the Mazda3 is a cut above. It has the latest features, VW GTI playfulness, and some sophistication, looks, and reliability, all for a great price. The flickability of even the automatic car is something I've never felt in anything I've owned before, including German hatchbacks. The thing feels as if a vertical pole is going thru the middle of the car, and when you turn sharply, it just turns as if it's pivoting on that pole. It really is unique.

Great review. I love my 2010 Mazda3 GT. I haven't had the time to test drive the new model, but I bet it's great. They handle the road very well. It's a car that delivers and its also utilitarian if you opt for the hatch. I heard your negative about road noise; the way I look at it is you feel more connected to the road, but yeah. Bottom line is it is a driver oriented car and for the price, it blows competitors in its class away. Great review! :-)

Great review. I just bought a 2014 Mazda 3 with all the bells and whistles, although it’s an automatic. The slap shift and paddle shifts are fun as hell, though. And you’re right, this car handles like no other in it’s class. An awesome car for the value.

I´m about the get this car, but I´m not sure about the interior. Would you recommend the white leather seats? Is it easy to clean and how it looks after a few months? please, let me know. Nice review by the way.

Smooth intro to the drag race, upvoted!

just got a mazda 3 on order and you're getting me very excited especially about the handling... i agree with you after having test driven one. I'm used to driving a 7 year old mazda 6 and switching into this new mazda3 surprised me that it handles even better... chassis was more steady and compliant, steering and pedal weight feels right and importantly the suspension is stiffer than in the old mazda 6 which was too soft even for a family sedan. and I've always thought the mazda 6 was already one of the best handling family sedans in its price range... goes to show how fast the auto industry's progressing these days. didn't get a chance to throw the new mazda 3 round some corners at a decent speed which makes me more eager to try it out when i get it.

Great car. Amazing in both automatic and manual. One of the nicest autos around.

On your next vid, can you include how the SCBS or SBS work? You can try it on empty boxes or whatever, I just wanna see if it really stops if you're running

I just bought the 2018 gt Hatch on Saturday! Kid in a candy store. Thanks for the great videos! You sold me!

The noise level seems better than my 2014 Civic. Lol! I test drove this a few weeks ago and I fell in love with this car!

I just got one - base Grand Touring version (so I don't have lane assist, heated wheel or radar CC, but I did get tinted windows as a free extra). So far I'm very happy with it, with the exception of a few annoying things about the infotainment system. I'm very much enjoying taking curves at full speed. I hope I'm not overestimating the G-Vectoring Control.

Loved it! Thanks dude! I'm thinking about getting a Mazdaspeed 3 or a new Mazda3 and I've test driven the latter and loved it. Still gotta try out the speed and see if I can live with the aggressive lower gears. I live in Austin too so driving that thing in traffic might be a no go for me.

Downshift so well.....but just a minute, no double clutch heel and toe downshifting?

Nice color man. I am really into the mazda 3. I will do a drive test friday. How is the night driving? The headlights, the visibility?

I have a 15 I touring hatch and this car is just outstanding. Fun to drive, comfortable and makes a great commuter car.

Good review. Thanks. I'm planning to buy one.

Love my '14 Mazda 3. It's only an auto, but everyone's gotta start somewhere with their (technically) first car, right? Loved it so much when I got it, I managed to get a speeding ticket 2 weeks after getting it, lol. Also put the air intake on it and it just sounds so much better. Can't wait to do exhaust on it (just wish I could really do more to upgrade it...). My next new car is definitely gonna be a manual (if they ever come out with a new Speed3), since I fell in love after getting my '04 Miata with it's stick. Only ever had one sketchy time in the snow, but that was from clipping a little mound of snow going 40 mph and was slowly sliding towards the barrier before the car finally caught itself. Beyond that, it's almost as fun to drive as my Miata, but it's obviously much better at going faster.

May be able to lower some road noise by going to a different tire. Some tires are quieter than others.

I have a 2015, 2.5 6 speed as well. The road noise is definitely a thing. I would like to install some Dynamat but at the same time, I like to hear the engine. Think the trick would be to Dynamat the fender wells, on top of the plastic liners. That would help with the tire noise and hopefully you'd still be able to hear it growl and burble at you.

I miss my 17 Mazda 3 so much 😢 It was just a base 2.0 6MT. Just such a high quality, reliable, super fun little car.

I just got this car. I notice some major throttle lag, which makes downshifting smoothly very difficult to do. Did you notice it ?

I actually already own one almost identical to this one. I came to see if yours made the same whining sound as mine does on acceleration and it seems it does! I enjoy the sound, but wanted to be doubly sure it's a normal sound. Great video, watched the whole thing even though I didn't have to.

Learned to drive manual with this car recently, didn’t stall once. Pretty fun and easy to learn on

Cool video. I'm reviewing a few videos on the MZDA3 because I'm about to buy my first since the technology has improved from yeaaaars ago (thank God). Anyway, :) . ...I'm getting a mazda 3 i Sport, w/ trunk. It's really nice. Handles well, will probably trade out the tires for some BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL400-02's or MICHELIN® DEFENDER® T + H's. I definitely have felt the power behind it, and opposed to the manual shift that you demonstrated, I m getting an automatic with optional manual shift. I was pleasantly surprised after driving a rental under 30K miles for a while, because my toyota corolla died at 343,000. I think the Mazda is quite impressive, I know it's not the top but the Mazda 3 sold me. Never thought I'd buy one. The close of your video with a 0-60 challenge was cool! And yeah, it responds just like that...super dope. Reminds me of the Infinity Q50 when you want to move quickly between lanes and vehicles, but I know nothing like the Infinity...but it's in my price range. Actually if they allow me to switch to the Mazda 6 (which will bring my payments up a bit) it might definitely be worth it...but that's just dreamin' . :) Peace.

I have the previous model, bought it brand new 2013 model, still handles like a dream

I have an 2004 Mazda 3 2.3L sedan and I love the car it’s smooth but when you want to move the car really moves

Nice vid! Only three things I do not like about my 2015 Maza3. No CarPlay yet, but it might be coming. Takes forever to warm up in the short Texas winter, would be a real problem up north! And, I failed to get the red one! Every time I see a Mazda in soul red, I kick myself!

Do the lane markings show up in the HUD? you should try to show off what the HUD has to offer!

What are the differences between Mazda 3 2017 and 2018? I have tried to find these differences but seems like there´s not exist one ... somebody?

I have driven german and french cars before owning a mazda , the mazda has better gearbox than the others , precise and smooth . Really enjoyable .

I liked the little race at the end lol

I bought the 2018 Maxx sport and picked it up last week, love it but I do have a small vibration sound in the back coming from around the rear passenger side seatbelt area. They are going to check at 4 weeks. Also had an audible click when a passenger first leaned on the passenger door trim apart from that the car is great

Test drove a 2018 3 touring with an automatic and fell in love instantly, signing the deal tomorrow 🙌 such a nice car sheesh.

Incredible driving!

I have a Black 2016 Sedan Model, It’s Automatic and I’m really debating on Swapping it to a 6-Speed Stick Shift ☹️

I notice that the traction control doesn't really work in these cars... if you drop the clutch while turning and taking off it spins the inside front wheel very easily and you can't feel the computer fighting it.. same with the new CX 9 even in a straight line..

how about performance? 0 - 100km/hr how long? can beat civic hatchback? i really want to know...

Hi, i'm just to buy one, but o dont know what to choose, automatic o manual transmission?

I'm looking into getting a 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3 I GRAND TOURING. How does this model compare?

I dunno about the ride being "silky smooth"...I have a 2016 and the suspension was a necessary fault that I was willing to absorb to get the driving dynamics and non-CVT transmission.

have the mazda3 2017 touring and love it.

Can someone help me I bought a 6 speed manual Mazda 3 but it seems the gas pedal is very lazy and I don’t like that any way to help with that

Just got one. Totally love it.

How’s the acceleration in 1st to 3rd gear like if you can feel your wheels spinning like the traction control not holding up

how about the back seat? is it roomy enough for adult with 170 cm ?

If the sun is shining, you get a reflection from the dash on bottom of the window. If you can live with that, there are plenty of pluses, including the suspension.

Wait what??? manual transmission? Here in Mexico, the top option one (the one with the HUD) was only available with automatic transmission :'(

I just bought this model used so this is very useful. Thankyou very much.

Couple of years late, but where’d you get that sick Mazda lanyard?!

Does it turn the wheel or apply the opposite brake? or both?

Nice video I liked the race

As an owner of a 2007 3S Grand Touring since new, I can definitely say they're great cars. They handle and drive like they're on rails and have a very sporty feel. Steering is very direct with awesome road feel. Fit and finish is nice too (which clearly improved even further on the new models). To top it off, it's fairly easy to work on and has been completely reliable. Good vid, makes me want to try a new one.

I have the sedan version and can you explain what's the big black box the rear view mirror go into , as mine vibrate and drives me nuts.

how good is the fuel mileage? I hear some people are not getting decent numbers at all

I also recently purchased a 2017 3, 2.5 6-speed manual. The few things I don't like about the car; no temp gauge, infotainment screen and scroll knob are cool but simple things like switching between AM/FM/Bluetooth/USB, etc., and tuning stations, require a couple more user inputs than I think is necessary (you have to scroll through the menu as opposed to pressing a "Source" button or having a "Tune" knob). Bluetooth connection takes a little longer than other cars. My wife's Camry connects to Bluetooth quickly and responds to my phone inputs instantaneously. Those, however, are minor gripes (aside from the temp gauge - c'mon Mazda). The car is very nimble and has a lot of usable power throughout the rev range. Even in 6th gear, it accelerates fast and typically doesn't require downshifting to get power. The handling is superb. This thing is light on its feet, tossable, and way above most competitors in its class. It feels almost like a premium car. Overall, this is an economy car that gets more things right than some of the near-lux offerings. This is a car that rewards the driver every time you drive it. I'm not big on automatics, but I've heard that even the automatic gets a lot of praise for being extremely responsive, especially in manual mode. Can't go wrong either way.

I have the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring (top of the line trim) Hatchback 6 speed automatic. How do I get the speed limit and stop signs on my heads up display? I only have my speedometer and that is it on my heads up display.

I got over 30,000 miles on mine and still puts a smile on my face every time. Biggest regret was not getting the manual..

I just got this car. 2017 touring. Automatic. 27000 miles. I love it but find that it is a bit bumpy. Is that normal? I expected a smoother ride. I love the control and responsiveness tho.

Can anyone tell me how the 2.2L Diesel engine stands the test of time ?

You blew that Acura out of the water! I gotta try my Mazda 3 without the traction control on! Lol!

Good review all true got same car, the worst thing is the road tire noise if it was not so fun to drive I sell it.

I like how you blurred the speedometer at 12:00

Hoping to test drive a manual with the 2.5 tonight.

Still waiting for the part 3 & 4 of this review.

You drive like God .

Thanks for the review. Picked up my 2015 Mazda 3 2.0-liter Sport yesterday and took it out on the motorways today. You are right. The word "smooth" really sums this car up. Too polite to throw you back in your seat as soon as you hit the peddle but smooth increase and the power just keeps on coming and coming and coming. Wish they hadn't blurred out your RRPM dial at the end of your video. Would have loved to see your gear change over points. 70/80 mph and you can still hear it yawning at you as if you are boring it. With the sports base, it corners and roundabouts like it is on rails. You push the corner even harder and it still stays glued to the road. Your bottle goes before its bottle goes. Full UK motorway speed, you just have to slightly press the accelerator to just fly by traffic build ups. Best thing is just flying passed the lower spec Audis/BMWs and especially that cheeky 2018 focus that dared come up behind me in lane 3. He did try to keep up but like ended up looking like your friend in the passenger mirror on the last part of your video. Going to have a lot of fun in this car.

@11:07 How can a 2014 Acura TSX be "brand new"?

Bro you’re literally down the street from me lol n I looked this up because I’m currently looking into getting this car

just drove may mazda gt sport 2.5 across Canada well half of it 3500 kilometers , the thing for a non hot hatch was more then competent!!

Better tires would probably help a lot with the road noise.

hello nice vid. why did u turn off the traction control on your drag race? thanks

one of the advantages of living in a 3rd world country in south east asia is that 184hp is a lot of power. We have sedans that barely produce 105hp and it's really enough to carry 5 adults on an uphill. So getting the mazda 3 here is a power move for the few people that owns. Can't wait to get mine this year

2.5 liters?

man after watching this im struggling to decide between 2.0 or 2.5----will be my first manual car lol I do like how that 2.5 sounds

Which trim is this?

Appreciate the video, but I won't necessarily say this video is about "driving hard"

If you want to see this car actually driven hard, watch TheTophers review of it

these kinds of drives are so much better than these specific as fuck "car reviews". i could give a rats ass about whether or not a the civic has .64 cubic feet of cargo space and .35 inches of head room.

For those wondering about the touch screen disabling. I have modded it so it will always work but to be honest, I have never used the touchscreen since the day i got the car. It just feels easier and smoother to enter things and control the menu by the nice buttons and knobs that make you feel like you're driving a Merc or Audi

Is this the hatchback model

what trim is this

Does the 2017 have the glowing tach like the Miata does or is that the 2018?

I think the weight is 3100 lbs. I have a 07 Mazda3 and a 1989 Mazda 323. Both are stick trans. The 89 STILL RUNS GOOD. LOL.

Awesome!

Acura has about 20-ish horsepower more than Mazda3 so I think it's just a matter of driving skill tbh (I suspect your friend was being nice to you... the distance gap was too wide for serious testing imo). Also it's unfair to compare cars that are 3 years apart. Having said that, I own one myself (150 HP 2.0L engine GS so less fancy gadget) when I bought it off used in mint condition 2 months ago and I love it. Might be an unfair comparison as I drove Honda CRV 2004 for 10 years but I can easily drive this for a decade until I'm finally seduced by EV... probably.

Raced one of these in my Abarth from a stop....beat him by about 8 car lengths up to 100 mph. It’s hard to beat a turbo in fun factor but Mazda does it in the twisties.

But but but people have their lights on at night surely?

A little noisy, but looks like a fun drive!

love my mazda 3 gt drove it from central Canada to B.C. , slept in the back, i am 6"2" no prob...two of us actually....it was great on gas, passed like a banshee!!

For the record, People who buy the hatchback model in manual WANT road noise. I don't rely on my tach. Just the engine.