Mazda3 Turbo vs Golf R - Hatch Recipe | Everyday Driver TV Season 8
The Mazda3 Turbo AWD is now faster and more capable than ever, but can it compete with the VW Golf R, the standard of the segment? We drive them both in search of the best AWD hot-hatch do-it-all.
00:00 - :56 Intro
:56 - 4:02 Styling
4:02 - 9:32 Performance
9:32 - 15:05 Handling
15:05 - Conclusions
This episode from Season 8 first Premiered on MotorTrend cable channel in February of 2021.
#Mazda3Turbo #GolfR #hothatch #comparison
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Mazda right now is top 3 in automotive reliability too. 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
They still have "white supremacy" emojis? 🤣
@@earnestblofeld7905 oh Lord here we go..... Can't I watch a video and read comments and it not about race
@@earnestblofeld7905 I never even thought about that. Shows where your head is...
@@earnestblofeld7905you’re looking at the wrong race
I get Mazda is trying to go more towards the premium genre, but damn they could sure make an insane hot hatch if they wanted.
They really could and it makes me so upset. Just because you want to be an affordable Lexus brand doesn't mean you can't make performance halo versions of your cars.
Unfortunately, they don't have the resources to make one. They barely sell enough Mazda3s to justify the turbo. I'm getting old so I'm looking forward to what they do with the inline six they are developing, more than them putting money into tuning the 3.
That's because Mazda is a little short on cash
The thing that pisses me off about Mazda not making performance cars is how well their "standard" car actually drives. Then again tbh I wouldn't need anything more than the 2.5 manual hatch. Maybe a different in engine mapping & different suspension setup + tires, but as it is it's a very great car.
@@garythecyclingnerd6219 Problem with this thinking is yeah, they can make said performance car, but no one will but it because basically no one is buying hot hatches which is why they stopped making them in the first place.
Most amazing thing I've noticed in the new Mazda 3 is it feels like there is no nose dive under braking. When you brake hard, from the outside it looks like there could be dive. But in the inside it feels as flat as a board. Its quite incredible. I read that they put a lot of effort to tune the suspension to eliminate dive. The fact that they put so much effort into something no one cares about makes me appreciate them more. Of course these small details dont help them sell cars...
I always loved my Mazda’s(all 3 of them, one a Speed3) suspensions. Best handling for the money imo.
the tech is truly amazing!
Have the 2019 and you're right about almost no dive. I get an annoying buzz from the pedal between 2-3k rpm when braking though but everything else is super smooth coming to a stop.
I have bad news. I had a 2017 CX5 and the reason you don’t feel the dive is because of stronger breaks in the back. My CX5 chewed it’s rear breaks in a bit over 20k miles :( Now I drive a 328 wagon
@@TheRealVranesh yeah, my dealer told me that was a thing when I got my 3, but tbh my previous Civic typically got new front pads + resurfacing every 15k, so can't be any worse than that
Still loving my 3 Turbo hatch, literally brings a smile to my face every time I’m in it. I need reasons to drive it more, working at home cause of virus means I’ve only got 1600 miles on it since November.
@@Your-obliques-are-poor It is at somethings for sure, but not all things. I’m not a fan of their interiors, and their reliability is unfortunately questionable. I feel my 3 has a more luxury interior, better tech, and a better daily driver. Golf R is def faster and more performance oriented tho. To each their own right?
@@graemetimmins some VWs are great, but I got tired of my Golf's repair$, very happy with my Mazda now 👍
@@Your-obliques-are-poor - The R is missing lots of luxury features. Sunroof (which I don't care for anyway), memory seats and heated steering wheel to name 3 off the top of my head. Plus it's $5k more than the Mazda. The big one is reliability. I don't trust VW, whereas I've owned at least 5 Mazdas, all trouble free with the exception of normal wear parts.
@@Your-obliques-are-poor Performance means nothing if my car needed to go back to the dealership for warranty repairs 4 times in a year and a half (ask me how I know). I now have a 2018 Mazda 3 as a DD and looking at replacing it with a 3 turbo. Just need more power to go with a nice interior. For serious driving and track days, I take my S2000.
@@Your-obliques-are-poor VW's interiors are meh, and their reliability is garbage. 3 VW's (1 beetle, 2 jetta's) - 3 electrical problems - and they all sucked in snow. ...Will never own one again. I loved the 2003 Jetta Turbo - that car was a fun ride. But damn, as soon as the warranty ended, it went to hell fast. We've owned Mazdas going back to 1986, and they've all been outstanding in terms of reliability. The 1993 626 v6 manual is still one of the most fun cars I've ever driven - and it was rock solid reliable - even for a brand new model year/redesign. We just sold our 2013 Mazda CX-5 (rock solid reliability for a brand new model year) to our neighbor's kiddo without batting an eye about car issues causing a neighborly rift, and bought the 2023 CX-30 Carbon Edition. And dammit! That CX-30 is damn fun as well... but with more utility for non-paved road driving.
Mazda nailed the styling
I dunno personally I’m not feeling the styling,.. the R has the more attractive looks to me
@@eklektikTechno the back of the Mazda is average but the front is much better than the golf imo.
The Mazda hatch looks awesome, kinda like a panamara. And the interior is beautiful.
More luxury (interior comparable to an Audi), more affordable, a more consumer friendly warranty, cheaper maintenance and better reliability. Yeah, the Mazda wins this one for me. 0km from factory > a car that could have been thrashed.
My 2019 Golf R came with 72 month/60,000 mi bumper to bumper. Best warranty of any car I’ve ever owned.
I love the Mazda’s appearance(I haven’t actually driven it) but I have driven a 2018 R and it was a blast to drive..I really want to test a 3..
Not even close to Audi and Audi it's the worst "premium" brand, anyways
@@alan1pinon not even close to Audi you say? Audi A3/A4 are basically 2016 interior at best.
@@waszkreslem9306 I have a 2022 A3 S-Line and it's has a MUCH better interior than the mazda 3, its not even close..
That Mazda is really looking sharp!
The very detailed descriptions of the driving experiences make me want to buy either of these cars more than any other car reviews do. Maybe it is their enthusiasm or how they bring up details that no other channels do, but this is a fantastic review. And yes, I am cross-shopping these two cars.
We're thrilled to hear this was helpful to you. Very glad you like what we do. Thanks for watching!
@@EverydayDriver this video was an incredibly helpful!! I am most likely going to decide between a CX-5 Signature or a used Volvo V60 CC Wagon. However I would love to have a hatchback and this 3 Turbo seems to fit the bill...just need to test drive it and see if my bike will fit in it. And yes I watched your CX-5 video. Bravo Gentlemen! and who else helped to make this.
@@rickfrank7934 I have a 2020 mazda 3 and my fatbike (size L) fits in easily if I remove the front wheel. That’s the way I transport my fat bike in winter. Gf has a CX-5 and the same bike fits in without removing the wheel.
I agree, except they fail to mention long-term reliability! Nobody talks about it, is it irrelevant nowadays!? Not to me, I would never consider purchasing 'German Engineering' over Mazda. Especially one this sexy looking!
What did you get??
Sold VWs when the 1st and second generation Golf Rs reigned. Under the radar, and only the lunatic fringe knew what they could do. I met life long friends.
Mazda's future is promising sure is promising and you love to see it... Would be a lot better if they brought back Mazdaspeed though ಥ﹏ಥ
Miss mine. Had to go for a Focus ST.
35k price as tested.. do you know what else is around that price??? Hmm type R.... nuff said
I still lust after a Mazdaspeed6
@@gigi9467 true, although this has a better interior, sound system and much less road noise on top of having a manual for the wife. It'll depreciate like a rock in comparison though.
@@AlumarsX yup, and type r will out perform both put together.
The editing of this is excellent! Thank you! I really noticed this when describing the Mazda's rear suspension bounce in tight corners.
Great episode. Exciting that Mazda’s AWD system lets you rotate on throttle.
Love Mazda’s and love your videos. I really enjoy your videos. You put a lot of thought and hard work in each video. Very high quality content.
I'm over 40 and I still want full hoon.
So do we!
No shit...Feels like were stuck with getting used cars till we die. Every new car is so boring now. Im keeping my 2nd Gen Speed forever.
I need max hoon, may have to get a used GLA45 AMG
That's why I just purchased a 2021 M 240i at 45!
I want to hoon too and I'm 41.
It’s time to admit Mazda is now in a whole different class of design, features and performance. Nothing sub Audi or BMW comes close.
You guys have really good camera work. I love the footage of the cars in motion. You don't just film yourselves talking the entire time.
Thank you. We’re glad to have you watching!
Great comparo- possibly one of the best you gents have done. Thank you!
Thanks for dropping this to KZhead quickly!
Arguably two different cars, however very good to see them being compared and Mazda should be proud of it!
On paper they are very similar, just the use philosophy differs.
Not arguably, literally two different cars. 🤣
A beautiful production and an excellent comparison. Just keep doing what you’re doing. I’ll keep tuning in!
Great episode gentlemen! That Mazda drivetrain sounds fascinating! I'd love to drive one on a backroad. Excellent as always!
I absolutely love what you guys are doing with the scene transitions, specifically how the sound flows though each channel. It really is a treat and a step above everyone else. 16:08
14:15
I noticed that too. Wish more people took advantage of stereo (obviously I don't mean "using" it because everyone does. Just no one takes true advantage of it.
You mean how it sounds as if the car is driving by if you're wearing headphones? That is pretty rad.
@@VanderJam yea. I didn't even have headphones on. Just the speakers on my phone (galaxy note 20 ultra)
@@Your-obliques-are-poor that's completely beside the point I was making and I don't care what you have to say at all
Following you guys for some years now. Great show!! My son loves it too!! Kudos!!
Glad to have you with us. Thank you!
The current generation Mazda styling is a true sight to see in person. Thank you for not saying "ergonomic-al"
I'll have to take your word for that because I literally haven't seen one in the flesh. I am not a fan of the 3/4 rear styling. It looks great from the front and the back but they screwed the C-pillar big time, IMO.
Thank you so much guys . I enjoyed this episode 👍.
Great video comparison! I love my Mazda 3 Sedan AWD Turbo premium plus, with the auto stick in manual, sport mode and premium its been a thrill to drive. No regrets on my purchase :) I think because I drive the sedan version, many drivers are caught off guard because its not the hatchback that are more common in my area.
I got the sedan in May. Comfort factor for a compact is off the charts. Definitely needs summer tires. I live in Connecticut and can make the all season tires work in winter. Would appreciate stronger brakes but they're adequate. Worst feature is the electronic parking brake. The brake hold option for red lights and traffic jams is welcome option. Didn't know it was there until I had the car for a week. Read those owners manuals. So glad I passed on the GLI.
Excellent video comparison! Love the scenery and those twisty roads you drove with the beautiful scenery! The Mazda looks just a bit like a Jaguar with the longer nose. While the Mazda definatly looks good personally I like the VW older school clean and simple design lines look a bit better than the Mazda. Thanks again for the review and thanks to the private owner and Mazda for letting you drive the cars to review them! 👍😎👍
Great Video mate! Loving this EVERYDAY😎😎
superb review. love the everybody gets a gold star. Always wanted to see these reviewed against each other.
The reason why it’s hard to find an untouched Golf R is because the MK7 R responds well to tuning
I would go vw golf gti clubsport s awesome car
Neither car has enough pedals imo.
@@dannyprincell5563 - I'm tired of shifting so I'm good with either the DSG or the autobox. The DSG would be fun, but probably less reliable, especially coming from VW.
@@dannyprincell5563 But you can get a manual Golf R?
18:03 i love how you guys wore red and blue t-shirts to match the car colors
"Mazda is designing their cars with surface in mind. They're being very deliberate about the lines, how they carry through, and the relationship to surfaces." You should be able to say that about every car on the market, considering they're all the result of a serious design process, but sadly it's just not true about most companies/vehicles (or any other product, for that matter). Good design doesn't cost more to produce than bad design; why aren't more things designed well?
Bcz of market appeal. VW is fir everyone: young, old, men, women of all ages n backgrounds and professions. Thats why its a box so nobody gets offended. Mazda is a smaller company. They dont appeal to everyone. They are way more specific about what they are and how they look like. Thats what makes it special. All VW look like a box whereas Mazdas are somethin special to look at.
But why is the hood shutline so bad? It reminds me of a 3rd gen bugeye Integra. A lot of manufacturers do this, and it's just.. not good.
@@HaseebShafaqat I think that Mazda is ugly af looks like an fd up egg
@@303Adventures its okay. whenever a company really puts an effort into design, people either love it or hate it; there is no in between. Whereas VW cars are just boxes with wheels.
@@reidconti pedestrian safety. Almost all new cars are designed the same way
Subscribed. What an excellent review.
Love Mazda exterior, but love German interior palate/fonts/textures/gauges. Paul, could u do a design video of the love child of these 2 cars? Plus, about 6:30, I love how u mention that! When I've driven a Mazda, it's like ur sculpting a statue, or getting those long curls of wood when ur split wood. Something primal & visural that just feels, RIGHT. I have to agree w/Told, I think, full send mid corner advantage is where the Mazda wins. The only ask I have is, do either car have a 4WD LOCK button that overrides the programming? I think that would b interesting 2 c what the R could do w/all 4 wheels in the game like the Mazda does. Great work guys!
Don't know what you guys are doing but this is quality... yes!
Not going to go wrong with either car. I love the looks of the Mazda. I owned many VW's, including an 04 R32. LOVED that car, and still one of the best cars I have ever owned. And I owned a Speed3 as well. I autocrosed both cars, and enjoyed them both. This would be a touch choice, but the DSG I think would be the deciding factor. If the Mazda had a true manual, then it might be different.
The right rear view mirrors tilt down (so you can see the lines/curbs clearly) when you put the mazda3 in reverse, thats one big selling point for its class. This is a luxury car feature. Mazda has been making updates on the 3s every year , the 2019 lacks a lot of features that a 2021 has. 360 cameras, higher-res backup camera , bigger touchscreen , etc. If I wasn't working from home, I would have boughy the new AWD turbo already, as my daily
The Golf has that in some markets.
my 1.6 diesel Golf 7 has that is it really considered a rarity?
@@turnip5465 yes, because I am talking as a consumer in North America. Your Diesel engine is not available in the Mk7.5 here. But our cars with taxes are much cheaper than yours, so those are different. Hack, the MK.8 golf won't be sold in the US at all..
I wouldn't call that a luxury car feature. That's a .. very old feature.
The 1995 Olds Aurora had the same feature.
Golf r wth the dsg u get launch control which I love on mine
Great review. Is that Mine's Rd in NorCal or SLC/PC area?
Thanks for the comparison! Cheers
Good video as always guys.
Fantastic Episode!! Can you tell me where this is shot? I need some backroad therapy
Great video! I'm all in for the Golf R!
I kind of agree with the one with more hair. Great video guys.
"If you're doing luxury driving, I do t know what luxury driving is" lmfao
The sunroof works.
Great reviews as always, looking to upgrade from 2016 mazda 3 itouring to mazada 3 turb. How would you compare 2022 mazda 3 turbo awd vs 2022 mazda turbo 6 speed. Kind of wanting a 6speed but then I loose the awd! Thanks in advance
It sounds like as a full package, the Mazda3 Turbo AWD is a much better deal. Its cheaper, it has as good (or better) interior than the R and is also a quite a fun car. Personally, I think it is very good looking without being flashy. Putting on a set of performance tires is a very easy upgrade, and doesn't have reliability issues that a tune would have. Also, if you are someone who keeps you car for 5+ years, I think the Mazda is a much better deal. You likely won't have to deal with the dreaded VW reliability issues or repair costs.
Mazdas front look so damn good. Something like mercedes front if you removed the badge.
I’ve been a VW owner for 20 years but I concur. The R is nice in its basic lines but the curves of the Mazda look great.
I agree better tires do make a big difference. I put some ps 4 a/s on my tuned 10th gen civic and it def helps put the power down and helps with the torque steer i have sometimes
The Mazda looks drop dead gorgeous. Yes, I'm being subjective & vain but c'mon. Compared to the box next to it...
Hey mazda just give us what we want. A modern RX-7 FD
not happening. Mazda is moving to more classic style. No more performance cars.
Performance cars don't sell well :(
@@arthurherman1046 SUV sales are ruining everything.
@@havoc7154 while they are the highest selling segment I don’t think they are ruining everything..
@@MissingLinkGTRS i think it is as more than 75% of car sales are from SUVs, crossovers and trucks.
Really hit it on the head with those interiors. I always thought Mazda had the best drivers car. The steering feel is so tight it makes it like you're really connected to the road. All of their cars are like this. Though it's been 3 years since I've driven one.
You guys are my favorite car guys on youtube. Its always a treat watching a head to head or anything you guys do. Thanks for every video you put out! Your effort and attention to detail is excellent and i just wanted to thank you.
SavageGeese and JayEmm on Cars are good channels too. As is AutoCar.
I absolutely love my 2nd gen speed3... but I also understand that at some point I'll mature as an individual and prefer a more comfortable ride. ...but I at least want a manual damn it.
When my 2018 Focus Titanium Hatch dies, im going for the Mazda3 Turbo AWD indeed. It has that middle of the road resume that under-promises but over-delivers.
The fact that they compare this to a golf r is a win
The new 3 Turbo is not a hot hatch. I hate how everyone is comparing them to Golf Rs, STIs, Focus RS etc. This car is a competitor to the A3 not the S3/R. This car starts at $29,900 vs $41,000 for the Golf R. This is not a “HOT” car it’s just simply a Mazda 3 with more power so it can compete better with the A3, A220, and 228i.
Great review guys! Obviously the Golf R is a staple, we all know it's a crazy sleeper, but the Mazda has me intrigued....I just can't come to like the exterior form language tho, just something about it that's too "plain" for my taste....
I love that the Mazda is a AWD. However in Canada, for the $, I'd go a Veloster N even if it's only FWD. In Can $, it's about 35800 for the mazda 3, and it's 37800 for the manual, and 39400 for the DCT Veloster. However no matter what, I've always been impressed with the Mazda 3. The non-turbos Mazdas have been amazing, and I'm sure when I try the Mazda 3 turbo, I'll love that too.
Volkswagen added fun as an option. 6 speed manual. Thanks for the reviews.
Mazda is also way cheaper and more reliable. For a daily with mabye, autocross on the rare ill takes my Mazda 3 turbo in my garage. 5grand can also do a lot for mods also
I'm a Mazda owner and would choose the 2019 Gold R at at that deal (price/mileage) with a manual transmission over the Mazda3 turbo (auto). Locally, a VW Golf R with similar specs to this one either is ~$35-37k or with double the miles at that price, so it's not even remotely realistic to consider. Wish I could have been a 3rd driver along with you guys to break the tie - that looked damn fun to do those twisty roads in these cars.
If only the Mazda had a manual. I'd be lining up to buy one.
isn't the non awd version availalbe in manual?
I just picked up a Mazda3 turbo and I fucking love this little thing. Bout to throw some decent wheels on it, might do lowering springs.. but honestly it's fuckin great. Only complaint I have is that I want some better exhaust options.
Thanks for sharing this video,very nice
As always, great content. I’d pick the Mazda but is it true you can’t get the turbo with a manual transmission? Deal breaker. But I need to be a two-vehicle person. Need a pickup truck for towing and work. And another car for fun (currently an nd Miata)
in some countries, they offer manual on top trim (awd turbo). I think Canada one of them, not sure tho
That’s a beautiful road to drive, this road leads to the top of Mt. Hamilton observatory and is a beautiful place to star gaze. A beautiful drive if you live in the SF Bay Area
I like what Mazda did with the front. Having the grill go inwards rather than flat makes it look a little smaller unlike BMW. Wish Mazda could have improved the c-pillar though
Can you do a Mazda 3 turbo vs WRX video? Does the manual option in the WRX make it the automatic winner(no pun intended)?
Looks like they are they on Mines Rd near Livermore, CA?
Mazda 3 has a such a small gas tank. 13.2 gallons. I'm enjoying my 2020 WRX. 15.9 gal. I enjoyed the video. Thanks
If you're buying cars based on the size of their gas tank, you need to reevaluate your decision making. Glad to hear you're enjoying your WRX though.
@@garrettblack1259 I look at every detail on any car I purchase.
Your WRX probably empties its tank faster tho?
I’m sure the Mazda goes just as far on a tank of gas as the wrx . Our wrx hardly hit 20 mpg .
The turbo AWD 3’s even smaller. I think it’s 12.7 or something. 13.2 is for the FWD models.
I have a 2019 Golf R. I have to say I'd go with the R. It's just nicer inside and an overall better car. Just is. I do like that color on the Mazda. It's kinda red then the sun hits it and it's burnt orange. Very cool!
Dude this comparison doesnt make any sense 😂🤦♂️
Cap
Watching this video I keep saying to myself that everything these two guys are saying is subjective. What they bash the VW for are things I personally like, what they love about the Mazda, I dislike, I mean, that's the thing. Everything is subjective. So buy what you like and enjoy it, and don't have people like these two guys to sway you either way. Buy what you like, enjoy it, and take care of it 😎👍
That’s their whole thing. You can look up the objective stuff yourself, you can’t look up the subjective feel and that’s why they are here.
Good points. Personally, though, I enjoy reviewers’ opinions, especially when I know what they prefer compared to me. For example, I really enjoy Alex on Autos even though I almost always prefer different cars then him, or like cars for different reasons. But like you said ‘buy what you like’.
@@haydenhale1832 that's the thing is it really "objective" or is it "subjective". It's all just an opinion and we know the saying about those🙄
They’ve always had the same opinion about the GTI and Golf R in every review. It’s called an opinion for a reason
The difference is that reviewers drive hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles, and the average person doesn't. So their "subjective" reviews and opinions carry a bit more weight. They were split on this pair of cars but they were very close. If you enjoy hooning and care less about ride comfort and luxury, go with the VW.
A 6-speed stick or AWD if you had to choose between them?
Stick w/rwd Stick w/real awd Auto w/awd Auto w/rwd Auto/or stick idc w/ fwd Auto/or stick idc w/fwd+ (like 4motion shit)
I just hope that Mazda sends the turbo 3 & the CX30 turbo Downunder 🦘🦘. I agree that Mazda needs to work on a new sportier auto to compete against the fast changing DSG's. Lastly what about a manual
I’m about 95% sure where they shot this, if so it’s one of my absolute favorite driving roads in the Bay Area.
Though it looked familiar too lol
I know exactly what you're talking about. Turo'd a GTI on my visit to SF and took it north of the bridge stumbling on this fantastic road on the way to Miur Woods.
Todd, when is it Rnd. 2 between these 2 great 4 Cylinder Turbo Hot Hatchbacks ....I mean Mazda 3 Turbo vs Mk8 Golf R
Golf for me.. simply because it's a classic.. keep upgrading the Mazda. That's exactly what it needs
I really miss the steering feel from the 2014-2018 mazda3 on this mazda3 turbo. Don't know what they did to make it feel worse. Wonder what you guys thought about that. Thanks!
Mazda dumbed it down because vast majority of American drivers don’t like quick steering. They equate quick steering with twitchiness. Combined with Mazda’s move up market, they made conscious decision to put slower steering rack in the updated 3. I hope they correct that since most people are buying CUV/SUV now. With CX-30 and CX-5 in their line up, I’m hoping they put the fun back in the 3. Fun and premium don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
@@Love2Cruise I'll co-sign this. I love everything about the new 3 Turbo AWD, except for the slower and more numb steering. This new 3 combined with the steering from the previous generation would be the perfect small car.
What y’all should do is compare that car to its “Predecessor” the 2nd gen Mazdaspeed3
While I know the Veloster N is FWD I wanna know how it compares. Because when I think of hot hatches in todays market I think of ether a younger crowd or someone's other fun car. As a daily I can see the Golf R & Speed 3 being a good choice of car, but BUT with the 2020 Veloster N shooting down in price in the low 20's in some cases I think that be my choice in fun car.
The Veloster N is a completely different character to these cars, it's hard, loud, and the interior is terrible. My buddy bought one new and I picked up a mk7.5 Golf R manual shortly after and they were very different beasts. After kicking both of them around some back roads I would say the Veloster is a better driver's car but the Golf is a better overall car. The Veloster steering feels better, the power is more immediate, the car is more "on". The Golf is no slouch and everything you touch and see is just so much nicer, the refinement is leaps and bounds better and the AWD really helps it on a track too. I wish I could drive a CTR because I bet it's better than both of them.
You get what you pay for, Hyundai vs a Mazda or a VW.
Repeat with the same tires on both cars please.
We can't just ignore the reliability aspect of the 2, unless you're leasing and not keeping it for more for 3-5 years
I have a 2019 MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring AWD turbo. With a K&N drop-in air filter and 1/3 tank of 100 octane gas, 2/3 tank of 91 octane ("premium" gas west of the Mississippi) I get VERY good acceleration in "SPORT" mode. Better than with mere 91 octane gas.
You lost me at torsion beam rear suspension! Also, Mazda3 is around $35K and it's not even MazdaSpeed, Golf R is, well Golf R!
Fiesta ST has a torsion beam and its one of the best drivers cars out there.
The Mazda3 Turbo starts at $30k and you can always get a Mazdaspeed badge off eBay and slap it on there.
Want to see a review of 2022 golf r. Reviews from UK are wild on it
Do you not get any of the 4wd turbo hatches in the States? There's like 7 on sale right now. Yaris GR, VW Golf R, Audi S3, Audi RS3, BMW M135, Mercedes A35, Mercedes A45,
He capping
No GR, no Golf R til later this gear, S3/RS3 sedan only in states, no M135, A35/45 sedan only in states. I bought my Turbo 3 hatch in November and love every day with it. If the A35 was offered as a hatch I would have consider that tho.
Until the Mk8 Golf R shows up, the US market gets none of the cars you mentioned. The Audis are available to us in sedan form. Thanks for watching!
@@EverydayDriver Man, they really struggle to sell hatches over there. At least you get some of the sedan versions. Still, plenty of US cars we'd want and don't get! Great episode as usual.
@@graemetimmins At least you get some of the nice sedan versions, though can't beat a hatch for practicality. Good to see Mazda filling the gap with something properly decent.
The mazda3 needs a performance handling package and I'd consider
Cool it's not a performance car. Go buy a civic type r that's like 9 grand more
But you cant replace the rear axle to independent rear wheels
@@ZephyrCalhoon yeah that's the sucky part. It sucks they going in this direction
As an owner of a 2016 GTI I would go with the Mazda 3 because of Reliability. Not only are you going to get it the Mazda cheaper it is also more fuel efficient and reliable and has more gadgets built in.
Mazda did the mazda 3 to compete with audi a3 and mercedes a45. Why every body compare it to the golf r and the wrx?? It’s not intend for that try it as a daily driver instead. Great car👌🏼
The annoying thing about the HP and torque is that I can't freaking find 93 octane anywhere near me. I can find 100 octane (go figure), but then I need to do some calculamations to mix 100 and 91 to get the equivalent of 93. I wonder if the ECM still outputs 227 with 91 octane or if it gives us something in between the 250 and 227. Because that would suck for folks like me who don't have a station nearby with 93 grade fuel.
Golf R right now hard to find under 40k, plus not knowing what prior owner did to it. New model will be low mid 40s I bet. Mazda can be had around 32 brand new. R definitely much more fun car, but having shopped both and just bought Mazda 3, the Mazda seems better in every way but track days. We bought the 3, and I love the R. The refinement of the 3 is just awesome.
Can I put the engine and transmission of my Mazdaspeed 3 on that body?
You can make anything fit as long as you have deep pocket
4:44 : Cup holders in the engine compartment of the Mazda3. Mechanic-friendly car!
All jokes aside, that’s not what those are really designed for are they? Ahaha that might be a dumb question, but I’ve seen this kind of comment before on another video and I’m genuinely curious😂
@@Juhh356 cup holders but not literally for cups lol. More like for mechanic tools
Good one😂
Is the Golf R better for high speed highway driving, at 220 kph + over the Mazda 3 Turbo? I know you are reviewing for American audiences, and the American Interstate system is probably one of the most dangerous road systems you can drive on due to no lane discipline, the reason the speeds must be limited to under 120kph. Driving in the USA is like driving in France. I am looking for a 4 cyl small engine, big boost, as vehicle taxes where I am are dependent on the engine size as one component.
I'm definitely getting one or the other as a daily driver, gonna be a tough choice.
My girlfriend just grabbed a Mazda CX-30 and I’m so in love with how it looks and feels I’m planning on trading in my 2016 Honda Fit EX-L for a Mazda 3 turbo
@@Grimesitty nice, were getting a cx-5 soon, looking forward to it, but will need a daily driver for me aside from that. Mazda has been great.
Did the Focus RS not sell well?
In spite of what Paul said, Mazda did indeed fit a turbo to their trusty 2.5 and called it good. To me that's not a bad thing because the normal 3 (at least in hatch form, no idea about the sedan) is already a relatively flat cornering, stiffly sprung car...and only needs better tires, not an annoying "race car woooo!" suspension tune that shakes your fillings loose and blurs your vision in daily commuting. In spite of the fact Mazda made a mistake going away from independent multilink rear suspension, I've owned a 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch (dark gray with red leather, awesome😎) for just over a year now. As soon as I ditched the stock tires for Pilot Sports, cornering is no longer an issue, and the limits were already pretty high on the crappy rubber. No regrets, and there is no question my overall cost of ownership will be much lower than a Golf R. I really wanted a Hyundai Elantra GT N, but the dealerships around here are abysmal, and the only one who had an N in stock practically wanted me to commit to buying the thing before they would even let me test drive. I faked an emergency back home and blew out of that place and never went back🙄
5:50 says this like the dsg doesn't fade into the background in drive and do fun stuff in sport
I like my Mazda3. It’s good and has good interior/exterior. It’s handles well and overall so safe. One thing I little bit dislike is the ac vent position on the driver side. The passenger side is fantastic but the driver side is literally behind the steering wheel which is kinda a zonk.