Mazda3 Sedan 1.5 Deluxe (A) vs Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A)
16 Apr 2014|186,817 views
Mid-sized sedans have evolved over the past few years, casting off their composed appearance and miserly disposition for something much more appealing, including better interiors and more features.
Quite recently, the Toyota Corolla Altis went bumper to bumper with the Kia Forte K3 and the Volkswagen Jetta in a hard fought match.
Since then, a new contender to the throne has arrived. The third generation Mazda3 brings along a slew of SkyActiv technologies and new features that place it right among the big boys in the mid-size sedan segment.
This warranted another battle. But this time, Japanese only.
Exterior
Measuring 4,580mm by 1,795mm by 1,450mm (L x W x H), the Mazda3 is 40mm shorter, 20mm slimmer and sits 10mm lower than the Altis, allowing the latter to have a slight edge in terms of road presence.
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But in the looks department, the Mazda3 is the more appealing one with its funky sheet metal inspired by the signature 'KODO: Soul Of Motion' design language.
Beautifully sculpted lines sweep across the Mazda3's body with lots of flair, allowing the car to look like a piece of art on four wheels.
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On the other hand, the Altis opts for a safer approach and brings across a more sophisticated look. This is contributed by the new LED headlamps with daytime running lights that also assist in providing excellent visibility.
The new design for the Altis is indeed one that is worthy of praises, helping the Japanese shed the old and boring image of its predecessors and allowing it to bear some European traits.
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Interior
The Mazda3's cabin boasts solid materials with excellent fit and finish and garners a more upmarket feeling.
Although the basic colour inside is black, a sunroof helps to brighten up the otherwise dark interior. Switchgear arrangement is neat and there's even a premium touch to some of the buttons and knobs.
Sophisticated features reminiscent of a particular German carmaker include the Commander Control knob as well as the new MZD Connect touchscreen system in the centre console.
Red trimming running along leather seats, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake help to provide a racy feel. The sporty feeling is also enhanced by the slightly low-slung driving position.
Despite the Mazda3's smaller dimensions, rear occupants are still able to sit comfortably without much of a squeeze. Boot space is also decent at 414 litres that is commodious enough for a mid-sized family sedan.
In comparison, the Altis's interior has more hard plastics around but it gives you the feeling that it will last for a really long time.
Brighter colours are used here and the dash also features a fuss-free layout.
 |  |
But more importantly, the biggest advantage of the Altis' cabin is the amount of space it offers. Being the bigger car, headroom and especially legroom, thanks to its flat floor design, are abundant for rear passengers.
The Altis also triumphs its opponent here in cargo capacity - offering 56 litres more than the Mazda3.
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The Drive
Powered by a 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine, the Mazda3 does well on the go. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine does feel a little harsh when accelerating. But once up to speed, the Mazda3 is composed.
Equipped with the i-Stop idling stop system and the i-Eloop regenerative braking system that assist in fuel economy, the Mazda3 returned 12km/L over our test run, which is quite commendable, considering the fact that we didn't go 'light' on the car.
 |  |
Where the Mazda3 really shines is in its handling. You can feel the sturdy chassis when you chuck this car around and it remains stable and grippy - making it really easy to have fun in this car.
Over on the other side, the Altis is the perkier one, thanks to a bigger 1.6-litre engine. Mated to a new seven-speed Super CVT-i transmission, power is delivered in a more linear manner and is also the one with better refinement.
Another highlight of the Altis is its lack of thirst for fuel. Although it doesn't feature any additional fuel saving technology, we managed to achieve a rather impressive 14km/L.
Round corners, the Altis is less nimble, but is still relatively planted. Nonetheless, the ride in the Altis is more comfortable for passengers, soaking up road undulations without a hitch.
Conclusion
The Mazda3 charms with its spanking good looks, a very sophisticated interior and its sublime handling.
At $135,988 (as at 11th April 2014), the Mazda3 may be one of the higher priced cars, but it boasts an extensive range of features, which justifies its value.
The Altis, on the other hand, may not be as exciting to drive, but it still gets the job done effortlessly and efficiently. At $134,988 (as at 10th April 2014), it is $1,000 cheaper than the Mazda3.
The Mazda3 may get our vote this time round, but the Altis' gap towards its segment throne is as close as it can get.
Mid-sized sedans have evolved over the past few years, casting off their composed appearance and miserly disposition for something much more appealing, including better interiors and more features.
Quite recently, the Toyota Corolla Altis went bumper to bumper with the Kia Forte K3 and the Volkswagen Jetta in a hard fought match.
Since then, a new contender to the throne has arrived. The third generation Mazda3 brings along a slew of SkyActiv technologies and new features that place it right among the big boys in the mid-size sedan segment.
This warranted another battle. But this time, Japanese only.
Exterior
Measuring 4,580mm by 1,795mm by 1,450mm (L x W x H), the Mazda3 is 40mm shorter, 20mm slimmer and sits 10mm lower than the Altis, allowing the latter to have a slight edge in terms of road presence.
But in the looks department, the Mazda3 is the more appealing one with its funky sheet metal inspired by the signature 'KODO: Soul Of Motion' design language.
Beautifully sculpted lines sweep across the Mazda3's body with lots of flair, allowing the car to look like a piece of art on four wheels.
On the other hand, the Altis opts for a safer approach and brings across a more sophisticated look. This is contributed by the new LED headlamps with daytime running lights that also assist in providing excellent visibility.
The new design for the Altis is indeed one that is worthy of praises, helping the Japanese shed the old and boring image of its predecessors and allowing it to bear some European traits.
Interior
The Mazda3's cabin boasts solid materials with excellent fit and finish and garners a more upmarket feeling.
Although the basic colour inside is black, a sunroof helps to brighten up the otherwise dark interior. Switchgear arrangement is neat and there's even a premium touch to some of the buttons and knobs.
Sophisticated features reminiscent of a particular German carmaker include the Commander Control knob as well as the new MZD Connect touchscreen system in the centre console.
Red trimming running along leather seats, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake help to provide a racy feel. The sporty feeling is also enhanced by the slightly low-slung driving position.
The Mazda3's cabin boasts solid materials with excellent fit and finish and garners a more upmarket feeling.
Although the basic colour inside is black, a sunroof helps to brighten up the otherwise dark interior. Switchgear arrangement is neat and there's even a premium touch to some of the buttons and knobs.
Sophisticated features reminiscent of a particular German carmaker include the Commander Control knob as well as the new MZD Connect touchscreen system in the centre console.
Red trimming running along leather seats, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake help to provide a racy feel. The sporty feeling is also enhanced by the slightly low-slung driving position.
Despite the Mazda3's smaller dimensions, rear occupants are still able to sit comfortably without much of a squeeze. Boot space is also decent at 414 litres that is commodious enough for a mid-sized family sedan.
In comparison, the Altis's interior has more hard plastics around but it gives you the feeling that it will last for a really long time.
Brighter colours are used here and the dash also features a fuss-free layout.
But more importantly, the biggest advantage of the Altis' cabin is the amount of space it offers. Being the bigger car, headroom and especially legroom, thanks to its flat floor design, are abundant for rear passengers.
The Altis also triumphs its opponent here in cargo capacity - offering 56 litres more than the Mazda3.
The Drive
Powered by a 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine, the Mazda3 does well on the go. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine does feel a little harsh when accelerating. But once up to speed, the Mazda3 is composed.
Equipped with the i-Stop idling stop system and the i-Eloop regenerative braking system that assist in fuel economy, the Mazda3 returned 12km/L over our test run, which is quite commendable, considering the fact that we didn't go 'light' on the car.
Where the Mazda3 really shines is in its handling. You can feel the sturdy chassis when you chuck this car around and it remains stable and grippy - making it really easy to have fun in this car.
Over on the other side, the Altis is the perkier one, thanks to a bigger 1.6-litre engine. Mated to a new seven-speed Super CVT-i transmission, power is delivered in a more linear manner and is also the one with better refinement.
Another highlight of the Altis is its lack of thirst for fuel. Although it doesn't feature any additional fuel saving technology, we managed to achieve a rather impressive 14km/L.
Powered by a 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine, the Mazda3 does well on the go. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine does feel a little harsh when accelerating. But once up to speed, the Mazda3 is composed.
Equipped with the i-Stop idling stop system and the i-Eloop regenerative braking system that assist in fuel economy, the Mazda3 returned 12km/L over our test run, which is quite commendable, considering the fact that we didn't go 'light' on the car.
Where the Mazda3 really shines is in its handling. You can feel the sturdy chassis when you chuck this car around and it remains stable and grippy - making it really easy to have fun in this car.
Over on the other side, the Altis is the perkier one, thanks to a bigger 1.6-litre engine. Mated to a new seven-speed Super CVT-i transmission, power is delivered in a more linear manner and is also the one with better refinement.
Another highlight of the Altis is its lack of thirst for fuel. Although it doesn't feature any additional fuel saving technology, we managed to achieve a rather impressive 14km/L.
Round corners, the Altis is less nimble, but is still relatively planted. Nonetheless, the ride in the Altis is more comfortable for passengers, soaking up road undulations without a hitch.
Conclusion
The Mazda3 charms with its spanking good looks, a very sophisticated interior and its sublime handling.
At $135,988 (as at 11th April 2014), the Mazda3 may be one of the higher priced cars, but it boasts an extensive range of features, which justifies its value.
The Altis, on the other hand, may not be as exciting to drive, but it still gets the job done effortlessly and efficiently. At $134,988 (as at 10th April 2014), it is $1,000 cheaper than the Mazda3.
The Mazda3 may get our vote this time round, but the Altis' gap towards its segment throne is as close as it can get.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5 Deluxe (A)
CAT A|Petrol|17.5km/L
Horsepower
88kW (118 bhp)
Torque
150 Nm
Acceleration
11.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mazda 3 Sedan
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