2021 Mazda3 TURBO vs Golf R vs Subaru WRX // DRAG RACE, ROLL RACE & Mazda3 Review
Watch as James and Thomas take 3 of today's best examples of obtainable automatic AWD fun and put them in a head to head shoot out down Throttle House drag strip. The 2020 Subaru WRX Sport-Tech ($36,795) and VW Golf R ($42,390) take on the newest challenger - The 2021 Mazda 3 TURBO (33,900). Will the Mazda’s impressive 250hp & 320lb-ft of torque be enough to take the checkered flag? Watch to find out! SUBSCRIBE!
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Huge thank you to our friends and family that helped on the day, who are our heroes. And thank you to Ross for the WRX and @onta_r_io for his Golf R!
Drone flying by @remotecontrolkev
Post-production by Karston Chong And Thomas Holland
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Music from Epidemicsound.com
#Mazda3turbo #GolfR #WRX
Mazda's designers are killing it on the interiors.
They always had pristine interiors, that's why I've always loved mazda
Yeah, as Mazda owner, no Japanese brand could do better in terms of premium quality of the interior.
If I had to I’d definitely live in that car.
Ugliest car from the outside.
@@amird7949 Clean your glasses son, clean your glasses. Mazda's design language is 🔥🔥
The interior in that Mazda just destroys both of those other cars. It’s just so nice looking.
Exactly. And since I'm looking for a daily driver I can drive without guilt on snowy mountain roads, I want a nice interior. What I want to see is a real comparison of AWD capabilities.
@@thebarkingmouse Just drove a the Mazda. It is such an amazing car. The interior is also top notch. I'm in love with it.
@@WarPigRS I've been holding out in the hopes Subaru would bring back the 5 door impreza wrx. My current awd car is an impreza hatch, but to say it is underpowered is being kind. Great car. But way underpowered. I think I'll hang on ne more year and order a 2022.
But the exterior is good awful! Well the front is ok it’s the rear end i can’t get into, just too rounded
But the exterior is horrible
The Mazda interior in red is really complimented when the exterior is completely blacked out tbh. I just got the Turbo 2.5 hatchback today and I just love it!
Lucky man. Enjoy it! I'm waiting 3-7 years to buy it second hand but one day I will own it too :)
I'm thinking of getting one. I have a 2014 6 spd hatch with over 275k miles. Original clutch still. But the auto transmission is preventing me from biting, but I do want the AWD and the interior looks great.
I just got mine in the poly metal grey in premium plus... so beautiful
@@matthewhoover6154 what’s wrong with an automatic?
@@PapiAndrey It has a 6 speed, not many people want that in there "performance hatch".
As an owner of the Mazda 3 I gotta say I would take one every day no matter what. The thing is beautiful and is so nice inside I couldn't imagine owning any of the other "toys."
Agreed. I traded in my 2017 ND MX-5 for a Select 3 in January and loved it so much I wanted to try out the Premium trim or the AWD Turbo. The Select trim was fine with the leatherette seats, but it didn't have lumbar support. Anywho, the dealership gave me what I owed on the car and I chose the white Pemium with black wheels. Absolutely love this car! And the seats are crazy comfortable. I wish I would have chosen the Premium back in January.
It's been a year. What can you say about reliability? I'm thinking about buying one myself
@@jarosawbaksinski4143 I love the car. It turns heads, just the other day I had a guy walking around it looking at it in a parking lot as I walked out. We had a nice conversation about it. It's super reliable so far. I have 25k miles on her. I drive it in the snow with the summer sports tires on it no problem (it would likely be a problem for some and I'm not suggesting doing it without a lot of snow and winter driving experience) it drives really well sideways when you want it to. I would buy it again without any hesitation if I was asked what car I wanted. The only cars I would like more would be the Alfa Guilia or a Tesla but my wife doesn't like sedans so we ended up with the hatchback and I've got no regrets.
@@Acroanidd also alfas definetely are not reliable and to be honest tesla's quality is just bad
@@jarosawbaksinski4143 Mazda is currently rated as the most reliable car brand.
CVT in a WRX is just criminal. Lol.
🤢🤮
@Rob K. true.🤣🤣🤣
The current WRX will soon be replaced though
@@nonameyet2205 I'm excited to see what they do to compete with the muscle cars.
@@slipknotron1626 4 bangers been competing with 8s for years now. Its WRXs out there nowadays pushing ZL1, Hellcats numbers. Granted, you'd have to go the built motor route but still...
I can't imagine buying a wrx with an auto, let alone with a cvt.
There must be manual option
@@atarvhegde5210 yeah there is
TBH i never thought that there was a cvt option
@@sabyasachiroy7482 Well is it not available in Canada? Why can't they just use that version? Anyways the WRX does need some more power.
CVT? I thought he said DSG! That's sacrilegious 🤦🏾♂️
Absolutely love my 3 Turbo, the exterior and interior is gorgeous, AWD, plenty of HP and TQ with aftermarket growing already. So happy I bought it
Where are you finding aftemarket parts? I can't really find any.
Question I’m in a dilemma right now I have a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 rebuilt title should I trade in and get the new Mazda or waste money for parts on a rebuilt title?
@@ThePandaboi9 new one 100%. Faster, AWD, luxury interior.
@@ThePandaboi9 newer for sure, the tech and luxury you’ll get is dope compared to a 2010, the turbo is awesome and def has potential for more power
@@deaddeeg Sold lol so excited!
"So what exactly happened" Oh wait wrong channel.
Hahahahah
LOL
😂😂😂😂
Yeah. Some blatant copying going on here
LMAO
I kept waiting for the brake test Only to realize that it is a Carwow only thing.
Right!!!!
Not only that, what gear was the cars in the the rolling race?? I know the WRX would take the Mazda
@@ryan42161 it’s a CVT no gears
Sarah-N-Tuned does them when she reviews cars. And a bolster test. And there are penguins. It's strange but fun. I watch her chanel with my wife for a laugh and to see how the builds are going.
Carwow is just so cringe. I don't get why people watch them, especially if you're not from UK.
I know the R is the fastest but there's just something about the Mazda's Japanese hotel room interior with it's attention to exterior styling details that has me love their cars. The added power is definitely a nice bonus.👍
I've see a few tracks where the STI got much faster times, why they went wrx vs R is beyond me. They aren't in the same price point.
It really is a fantastic looking car. The golf is very nice as well. The wrx, not so much.
And it's MUCH cheaper!
@@rvh4034 agreed, worth it
@@sirliftsalot9246 because the sti will blow a mazda 3 turbo, the wrx obviously doesnt, better comparison
Kudos to these guys for arranging THE BEST comparisons and drag race selections! Real car guy channel!
Currently have a 2015 Focus Hatchback SE sport package. Absolutely love the hatchback design as a whole, and when it’s time to eventually upgrade, the Mazda 3 with the turbo and the nice interior seems like a pretty sweet deal!
"That WRX seems slower than normal..." *realizes they're using a CVT* "Ah"
You would also expect that against an R though.
@@andresmiguel2573 the dsg in the golf r is actually faster than the manual. But the cvt in the wrx is a half second slower than the manual. Also it can't do highway pulls worth a shit.
why the f*ck wpuld they put a CVT in a WRX STI in the first place... that's what I'm trying to figure out
@@fivespeed42 Subaru should've added DSG trans on the WRX.
@@fivespeed42 it’s not an STI, it’s only a WRX
That Mazda3 Turbo is pretty quick off the line. 170kw and 420nm. Those specs make it sound like a Turbo Diesel.
Well I think the 2.5t is the skyactive x engine slapped with a turbo. I'm not going into detail on what the sky skyactive x is but its essentially the closest that a gas engine can get to a diesel engine without having the diesel.
@@99-Zulu well its a skyactive G slapped with a turbo, not an X yet.
The Mazda 2.5T was developed for the CX-9 as a V6 replacement. It's a truck engine, so no surprise here. Gobs of torque, decent power It makes for effortless everyday driving, but not necessarily a track car.
What kind of Mickey mouse specs is that? Use HP and lbs/ft
In short: larger displacement and a smaller turbo, plus maybe the taller fist gear(s) of the 6 speed auto.
That was "Top Gear" level stuff! Well done guys! Needless to say The Mazda is absolute eye candy..
Hey i would love to see you guys run the Taurus SHO and hear your thoughts on it. Love these type of videos man not too long and exactly what we want to see
CVT WRX is advertised as almost a second slower to 60 than the manual.
I really hope this is true in practice too because I’ve seen the wrx get walked by too many cars on this channel and it’s breaking my heart
@@NormEatsRice raced a CVT in my stock WRX (same year) and completely dogged the car. Year or so later tuned (only no engine mods) both and dogged it even harder than before. CVT is HOT trash
@@NormEatsRice I'm really not just speaking out my ass here, the CVT and the manual are WORLDS apart. I have a 17' WRX in manual and my friend has a CVT 2020, he can not keep up with me, not off the line and definitely not from a roll. The CVT torque converter is also garbage when it comes to modding, it can't handle much more than stock wtq, so it really limits what you can do with it. Obviously the WRX is not the fastest car in the world and I think stock for stock the Golf R would still narrowly take the win cause it does have a higher top end. But it would be much much closer if we saw the manuals raced.
And autos are supposed to be the future lol
@@Goyxrd3 they should compare comparable models. 268PS WRX against 310PS is not fair. Compare the 310PS STI against the Golf R. They could race the WRX against a Golf GTI.
Anyone else forget the WRX comes in a CVT? I wish I could.
Big mistake for Subaru throwing in a CVT in a classic rally thoroughbred, sacrilege. Went for the R.
Mazda 3 🤤
A WRX with a CVT? Horror! 🙄😱😱
They've been that way for 5 years now. They are CVTs and they fake the gear changes, so not a lot of people know it is a CVT. It pretends to be a 6-speed auto when it obviously isn't, lol
Yes to more hatchbacks, big NO to Crossovers/SUVs.
A crossover and hatch back are exactly the same. Like all crossovers and hatch backs are marked as cuvs. Their a suv built on a car chassis. A suv is built on a truck chassis
@@kingkota2302 no. You can't maneuver with Crossovers that's why WRC uses hatchbacks. You can't look sporty with Crossovers. A Golf is a million more beautiful than any Crossover on this planet. You're automatically look old driving Crossovers. And by your math, wagons are the same! Dunno what are you trying to "create"!
Tell that to Americans, hahaha
Yeee! Excited to be upgrading to the 3 Turbo. Waiting on the 2018 3 GT Hatch lease to end next year and it's on ⚡
Torque gets you off the line HP keeps you going. It looks like the results are not too surprising.
Their problem is they used to old adage of push the engine till it redlines and that severely handicaps the Mazda 6, even the Autoshift function which forces shifts at 5700 rpm robs the car of peak performance. The best shift points are between 4000 - 5000 RPM based on preference of Torque v Horsepower, but 5000 RPM is where its at for Max HP without losing any more Torque.
@@Spartan536 yeah but what to expect of these guys
The 3 really is a hell of a car. I sell them new, and its absolutely a more reasonably priced 2 series, as, cla car. Instead of being in the high 40ks for loaded its 10k cheaper at 35k
@Stephen j Please mention Audi and Mercedes costs :) What are they, please?
@Stephen j Aussie pricing is always strange :( if you look in the desc of this video though the Golf R is a full 10k more expensive than the Mazda they tested - for that price differential its hard to argue, and the low tier germans are even more expensive if similarly speced
How much do you think the all New mazda 6 with the straight 6 is going to cost? No more than a signature cx9 im guessing?
@@HeavyMetalorRockfan9 we get a lot more tech features in Australia than they get elsewhere.
It is but like anything in life brand snobbery is a thing and I don’t think people shopping Audis, Mercs and Beemers will cross shop these unless their only objective was to save money. It’s why people de-badge their cars 🤣
I feel you. I once won a drag race against a Nissan GTR in my Mazda3 after I convinced the GTR's owner to slice his tyres.
And disconnect his fuel injection, smash the intake manifold with a hammer, all in all a fair fight
They'd sell way more if they moved to a 6 or 7-speed DCT
@@coreyfreeman6226 i feel like it needs a 6 spd manual with a little more horsepower
Mazda is so underrated. Their interiors are exquisite. I got the cx-50 turbo cuz I wanted more space than what’s offered in the 3, and I rather like the looks of the cx-50 quite a bit better on the exterior, but now I’m wondering if I should have gotten the 3 anyways because of the tuning aftermarket! I hope Mazda builds a speed 3.
I same. I got the cx-50 meridian with blue gray color. However I just moved 2 weeks ago and that space came in handy. So the cx-50 is more practical
I own a cx 50 turbo and before that a cx 30 turbo which is very similar to the 3. I got the cx 50 purely based on looks and honestly i regret it. The cx 30 felt way faster and more fun to drive.
I have a plain 2017 Mazda3. I went from a 240hp V6 to the 155hp 4-Cylinder. I feel it. Granted the other car was a really old minivan, but I feel that lack of horsepower. Still though, for a 4-Cylinder it’s a decently quick car, and putting it in sport mode helps. I like the steering too. I’ve taken it on multiple road trips in the time I’ve had it and I don’t really have any complaints, though once up to highway speeds going even faster is a struggle for the little thing. Interior though I love. It’s also a good looking car in general. I have no doubt the new turbo version is a fun car to drive
This content so satiates the void of quality, entertaining auto content that has been left vacant in my life for so many years. Cheers to you Thomas and James, so glad I found this channel!
does it piss anyone else ff that they don't post the times they cross the line from a standstill...
@@jj-fk9ez yes, disappointing.
@@jj-fk9ez they’ve said in previous videos that it’s because they don’t have a prepped drag surface and they are providing more of a real world test
I didn’t understand this but HELL YEAH
@willy wonka carwow provides good reviews for people that know nothing about cars and want to buy one. However their videos are just full of constant “click on the pop out banner to see me ......” “google help me carwow to get a deal on your next new car” “be sure to follow me on Instagram @matwatsoncars” , it just gets a bit draining watching their vids
Great video as always. As we’ve seen in other drag races the 2.5 SkyActive turbo is not tuned for top end power but relying on its huge amount of torque delivered in a big dollop low in the rev range. Great car and love the interior.
I love my 2022 Mazda 3 Turbo. It's a perfect daily driver for work. Future plans are to get cold air intake and a tune that hopefully brings it close to the 300hp mark and it will be perfect for a daily. ATM JB4 only tune option with impressive gains but holding out for an actual ECU flash.
This video demonstrates horsepower, torque and power-to-weight ratios excellently! Ignoring gearing for simplicity, torque gets the dig. Then once in the powerband these very similarly weighted cars (3300-3400lbs all) began sorting themselves by HP figures. 288hp, 268hp and 250hp in that order given enough time for the torque deficit to be overcome. Kinda cool in a nerdy way. Also for the rolling race (aside the CVT) do a quick study on stock WRX tuning, dynos show that the stock tune is miserable and varies up to 40whp on pulls. It’s why so many WRX owners opt for at least an OTS Cobb or similar tune. Not necessarily for large gains, but to help with consistency and to eliminate a crazy dead spot in the middle of the car’s stock powerband. Seems like the CVT remarkably keeps the WRX mainly in said dead spot. And no I’m not a Subie owner, no vapes here. Just a car lover. Audi S4 personally.
DSG on Golf : 😁 CVT on WRX : 🤢
TC on 3 : 🙂
DSG is shit at daily driving, even new vw's with DSG isn't smooth and snappy at all.
@@danieljakobsen1289 nah bro the new DSG are quick
@@user-vq4xl4ze8s I tried a t-roc from 2020 and it was slow even in competition mode or what it was called.
@@danieljakobsen1289 I drove the new 2021 SE GTI it got up to 65 on streets like it was nun
Thank you Thomas and James...watching all the way from Nairobi Kenya. Keep up the excellent work. Cheers
wonder what the tuners will be able to do to this mazda 3. been a while since they had a turbo to work with
What a complete review ....nice job Sir.
Drop one more video of a WRX coming in last & i'm going to sell mine and bike everywhere from now on.
Just get a manual WRX and an accessport and it's not even close. And it's still 10 grand or more less than a golf r.
Yeah just get rid of it. Get German performance anything, or get an STI.
@@lukekaspar1313 get a mk7 gti with a cobb accessport and an ots tune like eqt and its not even close against an equally tuned wrx from a roll..
All these races feel staged, even an Auto WRX can rip a line. But im sure you saw 0 rocking of the car when he took off, so he put in very minimal effort into his launch. These guys are staging the race to make the mazda look better then it is, for better promotional payouts
If it was speed u were after, your wrx was a poor choice. The golf r does everything better than even an sti. If awd is not a must than the gti is a bargain in that price range and not hard to make it faster than a stock golf r (although almost all golf r owners tune their cars)
Just imagine how amazing the interior would look light with proper ambient lighting 🤤🤤🤤
Fun race! But I would sure like to see race times and speed. Why haven't they done this yet and with so many awesome videos that they have put out?
Kudos to Mazda! Great looking car, amazing interiors and pretty peppy!
Lol I love the fact that You guys and the Straight Pipes Reviewed the Exact same Mazda 3. They both got the same Plates.
Both are Canadian, both from Ontario. Stands to reason they have access to the same cars and press vehicles. I used to like the Pipes but soured on them. Didn't like how they were trash talking these kind of everyday cars, and by extension, everyone who owns and depends on them. Yeah, they get access to high end and supercars, but not everyone does, so that seemed like a dick thing to do. I'm told they stopped being so elitist, but still haven't gone back yet.
@jS I unsubscribed from straightpipe because of what u mentioned
@@downshiftpedal It sucks, because they did some really good reviews and were fun to watch until they started doing that. I hear they have gotten better about accepting all cars for what they are, but haven't gone back to check. I live in a region where lots of people have Oil money, so they have expensive rides. But there are a lot who don't. Seeing them talk bad about my friends and neighbours just left me put off.
I only started following Straight Pipes last year, still currently doing so. But I could tell their current reviews for everyday cars don't really have the same energy as their earlier ones. They could be incredibly positive towards the cars back then, but now it seems like reactions are neutral at best. Best example, probably look at their Civic vs Corolla comparison earlier this year, and the individual reviews of both cars long before that. (I know the comparison videos involves automatic sedans and the individual reviews were manual hatchbacks, so not exactly the same cars, but I doubt the bodystyle would change the driving experience that significantly to warrant a totally differing opinion.)
@@germaineliew2012 Good observation. I don't mean to demean the Pipes, I don't want to convince anyone not to like something they enjoy, I just noticed their tendency to seem completely disinterested in regular, "bread and butter", "meat and potatoes", cars. I do genuinely find Throttle House to be a far better show.
Omgggg I love y’all for doing this! I lowkey been wondering who would win in a race thank you sooo much!! Much love to y’all!!!
Looks+Best Reliability, What else one can ask for... Its Mazda era now
This is the 1st time I'm actually thinking of getting, a Mazda. will probably go with the VW, however Mazda is doing awesome.
Throttle House is the only automotive channel where I actually enjoy watching drag races! Keep it up guys
Love these vids! I think you should have included another dig but with the Golf R's launch control enabled, just to see the difference it makes.
Awesome review btw!!
Love your guys videos. Really hope you guys compare the new bmw m3 to the old f80 gen bmw m3.
This is the video we've all been waiting for. And by all I mean me.
😆 me too!
Yeah boyyy
I was hoping theyd would use STI instead
Would've been better if they included the new Hyundai Elantra N. Of course it's not out yet but it would've beaten them. :)
Posting the actual 1/4 mile times for each drag race you guys do would be great👍
Though i was the only one
Loved the closing reference -- intentional or not -- to the Mazda being a "great little car" which harkens back to the Mazda 3's forebearer: the Mazda GLC. A sport verision of that car was my first car!
It's been determined since this video was made that the Mazda is ridiculously tall geared, so you don't feel the torque as much but it also helps make up for the slight lack of HP. I own one now and I still don't like there is zero power after 5500 RPM but its beautiful inside and out and very well made!
So happy that I got the Mazda... All around its a freaking awesome car... Performance, luxary, awd, and the looks..
Well since it's the lowest price, i pick mazda3 among these 3 cars. Drag race doesnt mean anything, but for daily use mazda3 is very reliable and suitable for me.
But what if your casual drive finds you on a drag strip. Then what?
@@Clayton.Sackett. did u even read the comment?? Drac racing doesn't mean anything if u want to be fast then go buy a civic and put a turbo
@Ferdinand Legaspi it’s sarcasm
@@legaspiferdinandb.5278 bro do you even sarcasm bro?
@@migborja bro that’s crazy...
I had a 2011 WRX with the 5 Speed snd that thing only need one shift from 0-100 Km/H. I was a fuel guzzling rocket!! I now have a 2014 Forester XT with the CVT and it's not bad off the line, but it's surprisingly quick in the 100-200 Km/H...track days only😉
This is why I love Mazda. Never thought I would love my Mazda 6 like I would!
Love watching these two ... pure excitement
I'm impressed by this Mazda 3 and it looks really good.
Thats why im very stumped by why im the only one that has bought one.
@@wilchambers1401 Mazda 3 is the Most Sold Car on the entire planet
@@markuslukas7147 I think Honda would disagree with you.
@@wilchambers1401 Actually it is Toyota carola… guess i read Last Time something wrong 😁
@@wilchambers1401 2 questions if you don't mind. 1.Is it comfortable? 2. Does the heat get hot quick in the winter or does it take 15-20 minutes to get hot while you're freezing on your way to work? Lol
Hey throttle house. You guys should do a comparison of the 1st generation speed3, 2nd generation speed3 and the 2.5T Mazda 😁
i'd like to have seen a race with all cars at their best IE, the R with LC, but cool video all the same
I think the conclusion is a little too obvious. Between DCT and LC the R would walk it in such a ridiculous way. Also, I think its almost more fair to not use LC because lets be honest, these cars are gonna see "drag races" at stop lights, and LC is not the most realistic thing given the nature of the situation. I think this result comfortably shows that if you want the "driver's car" you get the R, if you want something cheaper to maintain/more reliable with good pep but not necessarily that aggressive driving feeling you get the Mazda (also has better interior and is quieter). I know its not really a consideration for the 2-series, CLA, A-class, and A3 buying segment, but you can already tell the Mazda is going to age better, and while its true that you can get into a CLA, A3 or 2 series for only 5k more than the Mazda, that will be base cars with base engines that will be slower/feel cheap in some ways. If you want something with more power and similar specs, then you might as well upgrade to a 3 series etc bc youre looking at 10k difference between the 3 and the upgraded CLAs, and the jump to the next size up is smaller. Basically, I would own a Mazda 3 Turbo Sedan for a long time, I would lease the lux cars.
@@HeavyMetalorRockfan9 That's a really good write up and breakdown. My personal preference is to buy used on the R. At $30,000 CAD ($25,000 USD) it will absolutely walk these cars, and if you throw another $1800 CAD ($1300 USD) onto it, it's at 365hp/380ft-lb torque and it's not even a competition anymore. The R is just so much more a sports car design than the Mazda 3 that they don't really belong in the same grouping. But for people who aren't power chasers, the Mazda 3 is such an excellent vehicle I would persuade anyone to give it a try, at the very least.
@@SniperReady Around $500-$600 CAD will get you a JB4 and you'll make those numbers. Golf R/GTI/GLI are all solid choices for someone looking to tune their car
@@cjjlpsp I didn't want a piggyback though, I wanted a full tune including DSG. That said, if you want to avoid any concerns about warranty and still make great power, a JB4 is an incredible option. The fact that you can make a monster out of the car for $600 is too good to pass up.
@@cjjlpsp Piggybacks are not good for the long term since it falsifies the data going to your ECU, which will cause all sorts of overboost and fueling problems down the line. It's also not as warranty safe as most people believe, since most VW dealerships can figure out if there's anomaly in boost mapping, ignition timings, and fuel consumption for the duration that the piggyback was used in their diagnostics tests. But yes, I do agree the MQB platform is one of the easiest entry-level and cost effective ways for enthusiasts looking for more performance.
"Damn it, it makes sense!!" I love it!!
What a great Drag time for the VW... I love the quality of the mazda
YES THE NEW 3 TURBO IS A DECENT CAR NOW. as an '09 3 hatch owner this makes me happy
It really bothers me that they keep testing with the CVT WRX. Subaru official numbers have the manual being slightly faster, but in practice the CVT is drastically slower than the manual.
1M subs and can't get a manual wrx for drag race. Come on, bro
@Dreeda Exactly, how is this confusing to people lol Mazda3 Turbo only comes auto, why compare to manual offerings
You're hurting 😁😁😁
@@FZ6Lucas So you race the manual WRX and the automatic Mazda 3 together. I ain't a fuckin' science rocket but if you're gonna compare cars then you might as well compare them under the best circumstances.
@@ErectileSceptile What. No, you compare cars that people would compare. If you can't drive stick you aren't comparing a stick car, for example. The Mazda has no manual offering, so don't compare it with manuals. Simple.
A notification from throttle house always puts a smile on the face.
Me 3
Great video!
I'm so glad to see the result! It's very subjective of course but I love VW, like Mazda and hate Subaru based on my experience with these makes. And the stupid CVT is one big item...
i think it’s pretty impressive considering the mazda 3 turbo is just a premium option while the other two are sports tuned versions of the regular form
Its safe to say the Mazda 3 Turbo will smoke the VW Gti in a drag race since it came close to the Golf R.
I think that would have been a more fair competition. A Golf R is already $42k+
On a dig it will beat a GTI but I doubt it it'll beat it on a roll
@@chrisgee2616 youre joking right? Stock GTI is a joke and a fartbox, as the Hyundai N has shown and now the Mazda3.
@@fale892 haha do you even know what you're talking about?
I think they chose the R to provide a benchmark. The GTI is Fwd so wouldn’t be a fair comparison. Still woulda liked to see the R with LC though for shits and giggles!
You guys have damn near better chemistry than the Grand Tour Gang. A joy to watch!
Thats a bit of a stretch, but they are definitely a lot better than the current Top Gear crew...Chris...please go back to your own show
I have the 3 turbo hatch with a Jb4 tuner. Bumps the power up to 290ish, and the torque up to 350, of the line its awesome, highway pulls are pretty good to. Its so smooth and linear it doesn't feel nearly as fast as it is. a few of the local STI bros have been dumb struck by a Mazda 3 beating them red light to red light. Now when we get into the higher speeds 60+ i am sure an STI will begin to walk away. but for where you do 90% of your driving the 3's torque advantage is awesome.
Really looking forward to dyno charts with the JB4 vs stock!
The design is cool
You're commenting everywhere
@@Lumiobyte Don't make a scene
@@HAWKREDSPIKE what
@@Lumiobyte Don't start an argument
@@Electronmagneticplutonium the mazda, no it doesnt
mazda3 interior is to die for. Buying Veloster N is not making sense now.
Veloster N is a way better driver's car, way more fun
@@LorenzoClara97 100%. Plus DCT now for anyone who can't drive stick.
You don't buy a Veloster N because of the interior, no sir, that's is a true driver's car
The purpose of those cars is very different.
Never made sense😂
i owe a M3t n lemme tell you so happy, was considering a golf R but that cheap plastic interior is deal killer...plus a couple bolt ons will put it on above the R all day w the awd any condition wet, snow its a reliable operator in this price range, best pick.
I always bought Buicks because of the room, class, and it’s American made. However, last year when I went back to my usual dealership, the salesman brought a Buick and a cherry red Mazda 3 Turbo. I test drove the Buick first because that’s what I planned to buy. He talked me into driving the Mazda and I fell in love. I bought it and I thoroughly enjoy driving my car 🚗. It’s the sedan with all the bells and whistles. I tell my grandkids it’s the sexy grandma car.
Who puts a CVT in a WRX ?? Like ugh 🤢🤮
Subaru..? 👀
People who don't want to replace their transmisssss....nevermind every CVT in history blows up just like the manual in the regular wrx :(
I would have the 3 turbo in Sedan form. The visibility in the hatch is almost Camaro bad. But that Mazda has the best ride and most premium interior. Definitely one of my favorite new cars.
So did only the Maxda have winter tires on?
Stunning interior, covered in leather, insane low end - mid-range grunt which is so usable around town, who cares if it falls off at 5K RPM.
I think that was the most talk time James has had yet. Maybe not but it's definitely gotta be up there
That Mazda looks like it's got some real potential if drivetrain can hold up.
Agree 100%, needs a stick option.
Hey I don't knw whether to hug u for that comment or to fight 🤣... But hey u best leave my MAZDA alone.... Do u see them eyes 🤣🤣🤣.
Do you think we’ll get a proper speed 3?
It's a tried and true drive train. Initially came out on the cx9 then got put in the cx5, mazda 3 and cx30.
I saw no potential in this video not sure what you were watching
That mazda 3 looks fantastic
We really need to wait and see the next gen WRX and R MK8 vs. Mazda 3, performance wise and cost wise.
I'm surprised noone talks about the sound, i test drove the mazda 3 turbo and it sounds amazing
I have one bro (posted an impression vid) and it sounds amazing! Daily driving it sounds like it's purring but you start to hit it and it roars! Even with the music blasting
The SPEAKERS in the cabin sound amazing, you mean.
they talk about it like 2-3 time you just gotta watch the whole video dumb ass
They did mention it sounds like shit
@@lifted_above there’s no fake engine noise in the Mazda speakers.
if the golf R used launch control it would have completely destroyed all of them, even without it the R still beat them.
Yeah but the Mazda and subie will last
@@urabusliberty9258 yeah mazda is reliable but i never had a problem with my GTI and i know people that had to go to the dealer 2 or 3 times for a civic... stop the stereotypes, even hyundais are reliable today... and the Subie's CVT will break at 80 000 km lol
I scratched my head when the R got taken off the line. It is a monster off the line and a GTI and maybe GLI would take the Mazda Turbo.
@@urabusliberty9258 as the owner of a 2017 golf with 40,000kms thats falling apart..... unfortunately your right there... lol
@@lpolaryzd4816 yeah but there very expensive to fix I’d know
Mazda has two trims for the Turbo: base Turbo (which is fairly fully loaded), and the Premium Turbo for about $4,000 more. What if Mazda made a 3rd model that had the same price of the Premium but instead of luxury goodies they upgraded the suspension, gave it grippier tires, and the aero package? Maybe an eLSD? It would be a real competitor to the GTI then rather than just an A3 competitor.
Just got one I got to say boy is it nice. And quick wow!!
The back of that Mazda really makes me remember of the Alfa Brera, cheers to Mazda.
It's all down to the transmission with the Mazda. I have a Mazda 3 with a 2 L and the automatic transmission. When I'm already rolling and I put my foot down it moves a lot faster than you expect it to. It's a great highway car.
Drove a 2l manual gearbox for a couple of days. Not made to be a sport car, but the comfort for commuting, fuel economy , sound isolation and overall interior design amazing! And if you need a punch to overtake, you paid for all the rev's, so they should be used.
The fact that the mazda 3 turbo isnt technically a sports car built for performance yet its beating and keeping up with other sports cars that are more expensive is insane. Its just as quick as those cars, nicer in my opinion, more luxurious, more reliable, and to top it off alot better mpgs as well. Its the whole package in one honestly for a great price. Sorry subie gang I am going with the mazda 3 turbo hb as my next car!
It's the reliability that pushes me towards Mazda
I think it would be a good idea for VW GTI vs Mazda 3 Turbo video (drag race and/or track race)
The WRX with the CVT has a security launch control, and using sport mood is much better than sport sharp mood.
I realize "sport mood" is a typo, but it still works really well. "My car is in a sport mood today"
Been waiting for this! Totally love the Mazda 3 Turbo
I bought a 2021 Mazda 3 turbo sedan in white on 5/1/23 and I love it 💜
I have a 23 cx5 turbo and the only thing I wish was different was perhaps a bigger 6 cylinder engine or something. But the 2.5 4 cylinder is pretty quick for an crossover imo
a bigger engine in 2023, in your dreams with all these garbage regulations
@@aQuestionator this aged poorly. they announced an in-line 6 with 330+ HP and 360lbs-ft+ of torque. 3.3L turbo.
also rear-based AWD. the new Mazda era begins with that engine.
@@marlonmalave7098 well from the current state of the car market, it was a good guess but I stand corrected
Day number 2 of petitioning we go back to "messing about" in the intro
I will always smile seeing James hit his helmeted head on the BMW door 🤣
Not using the launch control on the golf r and saying it was marginally beaten off the line is like disconnecting a sparkplug from it, it is a defining feature
Cvt wrx:🤮
Truly disgusting
Like couldn't they have developed a dual clutch instead of a shitty unreliable cvt?
@@dew62169 there really is no reason for them to choose the CVT option. It doesn't even get better gas mileage, which is what the CVT is mostly for.
What you expect.. Not many buy their manual car
Just bought the 2022 Mazda3 it’s amazing btw, corksport makes performance parts I would honestly recommend the Mazda over the three for the golf r fire ngl, this is my recommendation after 400miles
It makes 300hp and almost 400 of torque with the JB4 tune