2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Hatchback - POV Review
MSRP: $30,900
MPG: 23 city / 31 highway
Horsepower: 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
Dimensions: 176″ L x 71″ W x 57″ H
Fuel tank capacity: 12.7 gal
Cargo volume: 20.1 ft³, 47.1 ft³ with seat area
0:00 Interior & Exterior Features
5:27 POV Driving Impressions
10:28 Bose Premium Sound Test
12:38 Continued Driving Impressions
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Love the interior. Looks vintage and at the same time modern.
It looks really great and classy.
In 2019 Mazda applied torsion beam to Mazda3 instead of original Multi-link, that's where they cut the cost for "Nicer Interior"
@@lucisleesion8824 like if the reveiwers are not complaining then why are you going on every comment and spamming the same thing like you got something against them or are just biased.
@@lucisleesion8824 I got out of a Stinger GT1 and prefer the ride.
@@eriknephrongfr8847 can’t believe people buy a stinger.... the only thing it got for it that’s nice is the name « stinger »
I worked at mazda in service department btw the skyactive technology and engineers are awesome. The traction control restricts power in wet by knowing the moisture is on the road and wipers, the car is also breaking more when it knows is on a downhill. Very dynamic experience. The awd is so fuel efficient because of lower viscosity simpler smaller rear differential design reducing drivetrain loss. The difference is neglible compared to the fwd version and knows when to apply more traction on the rear when doing a corner aggressively. The steering input relearns itself as its reset is position with g vector in electronic steering. There is so much you won't notice or appreciate or it's secrets until you own it for a long time!
dude holy shit thanks for your comment. I really wish mazda marketing did a better job showing how much engineering goes into these cars.
That's some deep info.
What do you think about the Awd on the speed 6?
？？
Ok I saw a bit of launch control when he did 0-100. Do you know any issues doing so?
I hope people buy this so I can buy it used in like 10 years LOL
Same XD
Mazda3's depreciate like rocks. Got a loaded 2010 for $5k a few years back, great car. This looks like it would be a great buy at $10k in 5 years.
Exactly my plan. After im done with my Civic Si, this would be a fun project. Hopefully they come out with a manual.
I think that with every car like this that comes out lol.
These are going to take ages to depreciate
Damn these new mazdas are beautiful
Ur mom isn’t
@@ihmpall why tho, you’re so off topic get out of here -_-
So are the older ones. My 2005 RX-8 that I bought new in 2006, it was a beautiful and extremely comfortable, great Bose stereo, and extremely good handling car. Now I've got a 2017 CX-3(again w/ Bose), and every time I drive it I enjoy doing so. And that's even just a gas saver crossover SUV, but it drives like a nice suspensioned sports cars, yet has a little more ground clearance to make it an SUV. It only has 150 hp and torque, but the torque peaks at 2800 rpms, and with the light weight of 2800 lbs, it accelerates far better than most vehicles in it's class. In fact, it pulls 0-60 a full second faster than the Subaru Crosstrek. Zoom Zoom FTW, when it comes to my heart...
Also go look at 1995 323f BA Lantis Mazda, specially 2.0 V6. It's a marvel, her green interior was much ahead of her time and exterior also really good. I drove one 1.5 2010-2015, 200k-300k mileage (kilometers), never got a significant problem. Still see them around.
@@ihmpall at least he has one
Damn that Bose sound system. Makes it sound like you edited the music in instead of playing it form the speakers.
It's ok, after ive used aftermarket audio, the Bose sounds lifeless after that
I have this system in my mazda3. Sounds absolutely amazing. It wouldn't be out of place in a $85k luxury car.
@@ibz925 Yeah gotta agree with you dude. Aftermarket can make any sound system sound godlike.
@@ErectileSceptile ya, that's the thing with luxury cars that boast of multiple speakers blah blah, in reality they are glorified 3 inch speakers
@@ibz925 isn’t the better sound in luxury brands only because of better sound proofing?
The interior really surprised me, it looks so much more luxurious than what I would expect from a Mazda
Only at first. I’ve had two Mazdas in the last 6 years and the interiors wear out horribly.
@@afcgeo882 I've been considering ordering a new 3 turbo and I like to keep my cars as long as possible. I've never owned a Mazda so I'm interested in what kind of issues you have experienced with interior wear?
@@user-ix7rh4zz4n The biggest issue has been the pleather that is literally wearing thin at seat sides (from getting in and out) and on doors. It’s discolored and you can pretty much see right through it at those spots. I’m also getting a lot of rattle noises from the glove box, even when empty, and the turn stalk has a crack in it. All things I went to the dealership for, and was told that unless they tear or break off, the warranty won’t cover it. 🤷♂️ It was a 3 year lease, so I just handed the car back in.
@@afcgeo882was it the leatherette? Or real leather?
@@pazicjr Pleather is leatherette.
I'm a massive fan of low- mid-range torque and you can see how effortless this car just launches forward in the lower RPMs. Great daily driver
gets in the car, hits boots together. damn it, winter habit.
kzhead.info/tools/0AvTf9rqY0R_UaOr8qzdeA.html
Its not a winter habit, its a good habit to keep your car clean
@@MrZombiedude567 well sure, but what do you step on, other than snow, that’ll come off with a quick hit. If my boots are muddy, there’s no way in hell I’m getting in the car. I’ll find some way way to clean them. Snow on the other hand is just water that’ll get the carpet wet, at most some salt. So just hit them together to get rid of big chunks.
@@some_nebula Exactly you hit them together to get rid of any salt or any small rocks that get stuck in your shoe or even dry leaves or any other debris, its just a 1 sec action that can help keep the car clean. Its just a good habit, similar to wiping down on the mat before entering your house.
It’s a polite thing to do when it’s not your car, and if it is yours, it cuts down on the vacuuming.
I just upgraded to a 2022 Mazda3 hatch from a 2018 Mazda3 hatch and all I can say is WOW. Mazda has definitely upped their game in 4 years time. The improvements they made to the interior design, road noise and exterior are fantastic. They made the driver's car even better.
They updated the SPORT mode so it does that fancy break vectoring and engine torqueing more so you turn in/rotate better around the twisty turns and it down shifts faster in auto and holds gears in the corners to make it more sporty.
Really like these! Feel like they’d be a great all-weather daily driver with just enough sport to have fun, just enough comfort for daily drudgeries and just enough safety and economy to be the perfect daily driver!
Truth! Couldn’t agree more!
@@mezzb Hey Mike, did you end up getting one?! I haven't stepped up to the plate yet, but hopefully by the Spring!!
@@mezzb Congrats, that's awesome! Keep me posted how you like it! I'm still a good 6 months out, sadly! :( Ha ha
It’s an IIHS TopSafetyPick+… gets 28mpg… AWD… 320lb of torque (what you need for daily driving)… plenty of space… good looking… great quality (I own one)… quick and stylish. Mazda is No.1 for reliability and consumer satisfaction on ConsumerReports and the 3 is recommended by them too. If you can swallow paying $36,000 for this vs. a Golf GTI or Veloster N, go for it, they’re great cars.
@@ryangromoll9329 that last part. That $36k is killing me 😭 Not because it’s not worth that much but the overlap in cars in that area are crazy. I could likely get a Kia Stinger GT Line for that money with a bit of back and forth with a dealer. Hard pressed to make a decision
Mazda make such good cars. I've bought three new Mazdas in the past decade, they're a pleasure to drive, totally bulletproof reliable and look much more expensive than they are.
Binaural audio is always so weird, but it really works so well to give the sense that I'm actually there driving the car. Especially noticeable during the audio test, so awesome!
I loved my test drive so much of one I traded my Boxster in for one back in December :) Love seeing positive reviews of it w/ people that understand the balance between sportiness, luxury, practicality, and reliability!
Oh gosh I just traded my boxster in for this too! 😂 Sad day but better days ahead!
@@shanetan2073 why sad
@@tomorrowcomestoday1621 cause he traded a porsche for a goddamn mazda
@@poppachoppa8956 Porsches are really good for 2 things: 1) showing off your money 1) having fun on track. If you are only using the car on public roads, especially in the city, and you don't care about impressing strangers, Porsches are a humongous waste of money.
@@user-bs1wx1tb7e well said.
Your reviews are absolutely the best. You are not talking trash. Just all the important content and nothing more. Lifetime follower here. Good job. Best regards MX-5 ND owner
Just got my 2022 hatch turbo for about 2wks now after watching your car review and just wanted to drop by and say thank you. Agreed with every single comment you made, it's such a comfortable and fun daily car to drive and I absolutely love it.
Been waiting for you to review this, Topher! Just bought the sedan version a month ago. I absolutely love it. The performance is fantastic.
This is like the smoothest way to do a review I have ever seen! Keep up the good work man!
I like how you patiently waited until the seatbelt chime stopped
Subscribed 👍 it's nice to see a review video where the guy isn't rushing through everything because he thinks we don't have the attention span to cruise alongside the experience. Nicely done.
I think it's fun to rev out a small NA motor in a cheap car, but I can't deny how amazing it is to drive something that has so much torque on tap like this does.
agreed, however driving my buddys alfa (which also had a 5k rpm limit) I hit the rev limiter pretty damn quickly. I do like to shift these autos manually.
This is such an awesome car, I almost cried when I saw it listed...AWD and Turbo...amazing. I'm glad Mazda pretty much made an in-between price division between loaded up sedans and luxury sedans, for those of us whom don't want to buy an audi, bmw, etc.
Indeed , And I love also how they put the information screen a little bit away . So it gives you a good and not to busy interior . Nice picture Btw .
I listened to this yesterday wearing a pair of Google Pixel buds...I have to say, your video is really good....but the audio...was completely out of this world...it was as if I was there with you in the car. This was very impressive and kudoos to your sound tech
Fist pumped the air when I saw this on my feed. Looking forward to your review!
Hey, just a note for the parking brake "lurching forward". You are able to put flip the parking brake off with that switch before you press the gas. This gets rid of the lurch. :)
Amazing review! Great highlights of what the car does/doesn't do...tempted to get myself one of these babies
I've always been a fan of Audis and BMWs from the 80's through the early 2000's but I just don't see the newer versions of them as really all that special for what the MSRP is. This Mazda (and Mazda in general) really hits all of the right cords for me. Just the perfect balance of sportiness, luxury, practicality, and pricing. Really hope I have the opportunity to buy one of these in the near future.
Early 2000s was the best era of BMW
I bought this car 2 months ago with 40 miles on it, I love it so much and it’s very affordable and quick. I put 4,000 miles on it in 2 months because I just can’t stop driving it! Quick and comfortable, mileage is decent and the back seat is very tight. I got the red one.
I love this steering wheel, got a old school JDM slim steer feeling
It looks gay asf and tries using 70s styling
@@JoshuaHooks-ih1hh what are you smoking? it's a simple yet great looking wheel😭no need to be homophobic and dumb
@@ronnypooky what are you going on about?
Man I love the way this car drives man your into cars keep on doing more reviews I love that
Such an amazing review, great job! Detailed and relaxed, for a moment I felt like taking a drive myself and just chilling. :)
That sound system sounds AMAZING
The red inside is absolutely gorgeous! My 2007 mazda 3 is jealous
The exact car I was looking for. Thanks for the awesome video!
Back in January I purchased the 2022 M3 Mica Dark blue, the regular 2.5 engine preferred package, even without the turbo it rides beautiful and great pickup with the 93 octane. Love it !!!
I’ve watched this review probably 3-4 times I can’t wait to get one and start making more content for people
This will be a fantastic daily driver. Low rpm torque, low & high octane options, hatchback practicality.
Huge respect for Mazda for putting 2.5l engine in 2021 compact car 😎👍
I'm glad you drove a lot and tested stereo. Satisfying review.
Great review as always ...will be getting a new car in the summer and this will definitely be on my shortlist
You have a very nice and relaxing voice. Pleasant to hear.
Great review. I had a 2015 S GT manual 3 for a couple years, purchased new, and even back then thought it was a very decent ride for what I paid. Been owning Mazdas since 2006 and i feel like they've matured impressively as an auto maker. I'll be looking at these in a couple years for sure.
I just got this car in january and its been holding up so good!
Audio so clear and i love the interior color 😍
My 2015 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 6 speed hatchback is about the best car I have ever owned. I like everything about it. The interior is very luxurious and way better than you would expect from a car in this segment. The 2.5 liter engine is not super fast, but very smooth and responsive. When you have owned one long enough, you begin to appreciate Mazda's attention to detail. The quality touches are everywhere. Unfortunately, this gem is going to my granddaughter for her 16th birthday as I just ordered my brand new 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF-GT... 6 speed of course
The engine sounds ferocious!
This is an excellent video review of this car! I am totally sold!! Thanks for the in depth review!
Getting mine in the machine metal metallic this weekend. This made me so much more excited because I'm a sucker for a red interior :)
15:56 lmao he was not about to let that semi stop him from passing. i am legitimately considering getting this when my lease on my 2.0t accord is up. used to have a 2014 mazda 3 and i miss that car, this is like the ultimate evolution of the model.
That's what I always liked while driving turbocharged cars. The sort of 60-80 pulls.
Excellent review. Just bought one myself and agree with the points you make about it. Wish the Bozo audio system had better mid punch/body but is otherwise better balanced than I expected from them. This may be the car that changes my mind about leather interiors.
The interior and the drive is zo satisfying to watch👌👍
finally music to test the car audio
you can disable the auto hand brake, hold the button down for 10seconds on start up.
"How do we sum this up?" Well, 85 mph on an off-ramp is a good data point.
I have the hatch 2.5 Select, so smooth as you said. I had to get used to not having a touchscreen, but the infotainment is pretty cool once you get used to it; actually a little more efficient than the touchscreen 😊
thanks for your review!
One of my co-workers bought this same exact car last year. I didn't like the hatchbacks look when these first came out, but has kind of grown on me over time. I would still get the sedan as I've always been much more of a sedan guy having purchased five vehicles so far as they've all been sedans. The Mazda3 has been my favorite of all compact cars. Wish they offered that red interior on the sedan which both my current & previous car have red interiors.
Great review. I'm sold and AWD is on my top list when I downsize from an SUV soon.
I’m owning a ‘98 MX5 and I know, that I’ll love Mazda forever
The interior is so pleasing to the senses. Modern in just the right measure with that classic and serious Mazda touch. Superb and discreet at the same time 🥇
This was an excellent review. Man would I love that car! Maybe in 5 years when its used :)
SHEEEEEEEEESH!!!! That's a beautiful car right there daaamn
I like the knobs because you don’t gunk up the screen. Thank you for explaining the break because i thought i felt it pumped up after i pushed on the gas. I wasn’t sure but felt like a hydraulic lol.
absolutely in love with this thing
Keep it up M8! Love the vids
マツダの車を紹介してくれてありがとう！ Thank you for introducing Mazda's car !
I had a 2005 Mazda3 and it was the best car ever. Since I've had a 2012 GTI which I really liked but went through 3 coolant pumps (warranty) and a 2015 GTI, both good cars but with some of the issues VW's get. I like the level of interior polish you get with the Mazda. I'm getting this car and looking forward to being back in a 3.
Love this car. I had Ford Fusion, BMW, Volks Golf, and recently switched to Mazda 3. Finally found the one
Gotta LOVE that interior...👌🏻
I got the 2020 Astina. Considering maybe trading it in end of the year for this 2021 turbo (hasn't released yet in Australia anyway). I had no idea they were going to release this variant for 2021, otherwise i would've waited lol
They might not be bringing it here unfortunately. I am waiting on further confirmation from Australian dealers before I lock in my purchase for 2021. If they don't bring this here, will probably get the Megane RS instead.
@@nsp2932 Damn, that sucks then lol
@@nsp2932 Yeah, unlikely to get it in Oz sadly.
Yeah others have also said but may as well also cement the comfirmation that this unfortunately isn’t coming to aus
Australia is so insignificant that we don't get to have much of the stuff people can have in every other continent.Also we drive on the wrong side of the road which makes our market even more lackluster for many manufacturers and models.
I think I just found my new favorite channel!
I Always know the newest cars model year and their engine units here. Nice channel and videos quality
bro, ngl this thing sounds ✨good✨
Mazda has done amazing recently. I love they're one of the few companies still willing to have standard transmissions. I really wish they did better on fuel economy and made the 2 in the US (or made something a bit more hot hatchy).
bought this puppy new (first ever new car - third ever car), upgraded from a Mini Cooper 2011 - it's MAGIC.
I have the same exact model and this was a perfect fit. I didn't want to pay for German badges but wanted something a bit more upscale to drive and ride in than typical Toyota, honda mainstreams...agree with Topher. it feels almost luxurious and got that oomph whenever I want a little speed driving. Although it might not be as nimble as GTI or GLI or even Type R, cornering is excellent and it is very sure-footed thanks to AWD.....have the top model with MSRP of a bit more than 35000 but ended up paying a lot less after dealer discount. I am very satisfied with the purchase.
Need a Cx-30 Turbo review !
Nice definitely my pick in the hatchback segment.
In 2019 Mazda applied torsion beam to Mazda3 instead of original Multi-link, that's where they cut the cost for "Nicer Interior"
Lucis Leesion what is torsion beam and multi link
@@lucisleesion8824 guess what so does the competition. the polo gti also uses torsion beam.
@@koenb7829 It's a type of suspension, it's not really bad in my opinion, unless you're used to high-end cars.
@Vq37 hr would be nice to have money for one.
I love my 2015 mazda6 GT, the 2.5L skyactiv sounds amazing for a 4cylinder. Can't wait to get my hands on these new mazdas
That interior is just beautiful
Definitely leading the economy class cars in interior design.
Bring the manual to the '22 update please!!! I'd buy this in a heartbeat ♥️
AWESOME REVIEW!!!! So good that I'm picking mine up Saturday!!!!! :-D I'm trading in my 2017 GTI. Though it's sad to see her go :( I will miss the power of the GTI. After test driving the 2021 Mazda turbo AWD it was like a custom fit for me. I love that my arm can rest on the console and the seat is like a glove so comfortable. They are very hard to find because of the chip issues. I was lucky enough to find one! CAN'T WAIT!!
I had a 2015 Mazda 6 with all the goodies and I loved it, can't imagine the newer 2020+ models with the turbos, more output, newer tech etc. Prob will be my next car once I get tired of the gas mileage in the 4runner...
Now this is a car!
I love the looks of this, was looking at other cars in the class and this is seems to be the best combo of sportiness, reliability, design, and I just love Mazda. EDIT: I’m picking up my 2022 2.5s preferred package this afternoon after a lot of test driving and comparing between other hatches.
Did you get your car??
Glad to read it. Hope you enjoy it!
I sold my Mazda 3 2019 sedan 2 weeks ago. It wasn't turbo but it was an absolute pleasure to drive
Mazda makes the nicest cars period. I have a 21’ CX5 GT and I LOVE IT
Nothing beats this in terms of style, quality and driving experience for the same amount of money.
Not a bad car at all, this was on my top 5 new cars. But after driving the Skoda Octavia I can’t see myself driving any other than that.
@@PTVohnsen did you try the Mazda?
Hyundai i30N? Kia Stinger? (Okay, they can’t race with that interior, but they give serious power for a relative small amount of money)
@@zsszeli I agree, if power is what you are after
🙎♂️
Just got mine with this exact spec and colors. I absolutely love this car. It’s a winner.
Mine’s in dark grey, but otherwise identical. I keep driving it for no reason.
@@mezzb Mike, I’ve read several of your comments across a number of videos. You’re a true enthusiast, of a certain vintage, and you’ve made a tremendous choice.
@@mezzb how’s the car for you now 8 months later? I’m planning to buy a white one this weekend, I’m 17 and my parents are co signing with me.
I’ve been driving a 2015 Mazda 3i Sudan since 12/26 2015. I’ve been research on cars for a new purchase perhaps in 2024/2025. Been looking everywhere. Probably coming back to Mazda. The hatchback looks awesome.
It seems the road noise problem a previous Mazda 3 had is solved. Great job Mazda.
Great review. Looks like a great car and was impressed by how quick it pulls, but I can FEEL that power curve die at higher rpm through the video lol...looks like it hits a brick wall at a little over 5k. Hopefully the aftermarket tuners figure out a way to “correct” that and get it to pull hard to at least 6-6.5k
Working at an auto auction I always love being able to drive any mazda that's like 17' and newer. The quality of these cars are crazy good things come from taking notes from Toyota
I currently own a 07 Mazda 3 2.3 manual. Might upgrade myself to this in the future 👍
I own a 2021 Mazda 3 Select Sedan and it's been my favorite car. This car just spoke to me when I first bought it at 5k miles used. Unfortunately I should of gotten it at the actual Mazda dealership but it is what it is. I really dig the way the car drives and it's response time! Such a fun car to drive and sexy to look at too !
Great review as always. I'm choosing between this, a CX30 Turbo and a CX5 Carbon Edition Turbo for my next car, and I am very torn. I don't have a family but I do camp a decent amount, so the extra room and ground clearance that the CX30 and CX5 offer are nice. The Mazda 3 driving dynamics seem great and I could still fit a decent amount of equipment in the back with the seats folded down. Not having the ground clearance would be tough though. I'm especially interested in how the 3 Turbo stacks up against the CX30 Turbo. If it's not that big of a difference driving wise, I feel like the CX30 with more visibility and extra ground clearance makes more sense in the long run.
Looks like you'd be in the market for the CX-50.
Enjoy your reviews. Interestingly, the Mazda3 hatchback has almost 2 cu. ft. more cargo room (47.1 vs. 45.2) than the CX-30 with the rear seats down! With the rear seats up the cargo room is about the same (20.1 vs. 20.2).
I would take the 3 over the 30 ANY DAY. The cx-30 has really strange proportions with the large plastic fenders.
Someone in my family just bought one of these in this spec. Unbelievably nice car for the price.
i still have my 2007 mazda 3 2.3lt. Amazing car. Still good as new.