Mazda 3 Sedan Mild Hybrid

The Mazda 3 Mild Hybrid continues Mazda's legacy of offering a well-balanced, stylish, and fun-to-drive compact car. While its mild-hybrid system enhances fuel efficiency and smoothens the driving experience, it doesn't significantly boost power output. You really can feel underwhelming when accelerating

However, the handling and driving dynamics make every turn an enjoyable experience, proving that Mazda's philosophy (car and driver as one) is alive and well.

Ask any Mazda 3 1.5 M-hybrid owners around, they'll tell you gearbox fail, gearbox fail, gearbox fail. Yes you can claim warranty, however, you'll be charged $1.2k excluding gst as labour fee.

Most costly car to owe in terms of maintanece and reliability.

Probably the most attractive and luxurious option within the Japanese compact sedan category, this vehicle marks a significant upgrade over its predecessor in terms of design aesthetics. However, the same praise cannot be extended to its driving performance, as it falls short of the dynamic "Punch" That made its predecessor renowned.

With volatility in COE price, the COE rebate for Mazda car is low and higher risk for buyer if COE price dropped a lot.

Got this Mazda 3 M-Hybrid since 2021. I have been driving this car slightly over 2 years with over 100k km as a daily driven car.

So far this car have not gave me any issue other than slight rattling here and there which the AD have fixed. The engine and transmission are pretty reliable. Still driving smoothly with such heavily driven mileage.

I'm very particular about driving ergonomics and dynamics and this car didn't disappoint. Handling is sharp with stock tyres but further improved when I switched to Pilot Sport 5.

After driving Mazda for a period of time, I test drove and feel that the other popular compact cars like the Altis, Civic, Avante, Cerato are so boring cars that doesn't even drive half as well as the Mazda 3.

Here are the pros and cons in my opinion.

Pros:

- Handling is sharp and the car kup corners like a breeze with nice heavy feel like a sports car

- Very stable on any speeds with slight body roll (its fun) which is well controlled by the GVC Plus

- Good conti car built and sound insulation, doesn't feel like a typical tin can jap car

- Pedal positions just right with organ style throttle

- Gear shifts well and the gear selections are well selected. Very nice 6 speed AT, at least Mazda don't use the boring CVT

- Leather cladded interior that feels more premium than the Mercedes A class that have disappointing cheap feeling scratchy plastics at the rear

- Sharp premium looks in and our that doesn't lose out to Mercedes, BMW, etc if parking beside those cars

- Sunroof and rear aircon vents

- Armrest for both elbows are balanced in height. Something so simple that car making giants like toyota and honda fail to do

- Engine sound and exhaust notes sound good even without modifications

Cons:

- The 1.5L engine is too weak, too little juice and the car could definitely handle more power. Could do with at least the 2.5 or 2.5 turbo that other countries have

- No wireless android auto or apple carplay

- Tight rear leg space (not like I care as i'm the driver)

- Brakes could be a little better altho its already and upgrade compared to the previous Mazda 3 BN model

- The aircon fan control. It has 8 levels. Mostly use at level 2. If set at level 2 its too weak and if set at level 3 its too strong. Would be good to have a speed inbetween that 2 levels

- No LTA approved aftermarket exhaust due to the BP6 chassis, what a shame

I had been driving the previous gen (BN model) for 5.5 years and it was one of the best looking & well built Mass Market Sedan on the road until I swoop it for the latest Astina Model. First off, the interior look stunning with soft touch material everywhere reachable. While I consider myself a seasoned driver, its good to try out all the safety features.. And the Astina model has aplenty. The sound insulation is massively improved so the I can truly appreciate the clarity of sound the BOSE 12 speakers produces. Gear shifts are more refined compared to BN model (often drags the gear at up slope). The only downsides are the heavy steering at low speed and the tendency to feel every bumps on the road. If you are looking for a Mass Market sedan with continental feel inside out, Mazda is the best choice out there!

Pros:

- Technologically packed with many safety features with 360 camera

- 12 speakers BOSE system

- Fierce & sporty exterior and upscale interior

- Good sound insulation

Cons:

- Tight space for rear passagers

- Heavy Steering

- bumpy ride compared to BN model

- No wireless Apple carplay/Andriod Auto

What to says? At this price range it has Bose system… again? A Bose system…. Where else can u get?

What i like:

Overall very premium

Sound system not bad on elegance

Overall driving feels is good

Love the interior design and exterior design

Good for 1st time new car buyer

What i don like:

Lack of power

Brake still have room to improve

Awesome car with plenty of safety systems for a new driver like me :)

Soul red is a beautiful colour! No other reds on other cars captured my attention based on first look in the showroom

I must admit car is a little under powered but for me, it's just fine. Interior is absolutely plush and luxurious.

Drive is fantastic and sound insulation is top notch! Been driving for 2 months now and this car certainly makes me a better / more confident driver. Every drive is pleasant! Sound system is superb even on elegance model. For astina model, Bose system is superb.

This is a review based on 2 short test drives. The interior build quality, 7 airbags and the heads up display (available even on the base model) won me over.

The handling of the Mazda 3 is the best in class. The classic is the most value for money small sedan in the market right now. The other small sedans comes only with two airbags for the base model.

Power is adequate for use in Singapore. If you are after a car that launches quickly and has good 0-100km/h times.. Look elsewhere.

Reliability should be good as I have not heard of reliability issue for this generation of Mazda 3 in Australia and Singapore at least not for the 2 years after first launch.

Went to the showroom to see the Mazda 3 sedan after testing out several other cars in the same price range and I must say that it's quite an impressive car for it's segment. Unless you are an Audiophile who really want the Bose speaker and some other stuff (mainly aesthetic wise except for Adaptive LED headlights, Driver Monitoring & FCTA), otherwise the Elegance variant alrdy has lots of safety tech and features and share a lot in common with the Astina variant so I decided to book it after my test drive.

Exterior: The Mazda 3 Sedan is definitely the most beautiful car right now in it's segment imo (Hyundai Avante is also up there but not because it's beautiful but more of eye catching design). The Kodo design language is certainly an upgrade as compared to before.

Interior: It also has a very nice and minimalistic design in the interior of the Mazda 3. It looks simple yet premium for it's price and not busy which is to my liking. The infotainment screen is also easy to use with the help of the knob control. The centre LCD display of the instrument cluster also looks good and shows relevant info as well. I also like how Mazda uses leather and mainly soft plastic for the dashboard, doors etc since it gives off a more premium feeling to it instead of hard plasticky feel. The rear legroom isn't that spacious even tho the wheelbase has increased. It's more suitable for 4 pax and 5 pax will be slightly cramped. The boot space is enough for me but it's on the smaller side when compared to it's rival.

Ride: The ride was good and seats are comfortable. The handling of the car is pretty good as compared to the other rivals. The engine is refined and the gearbox is pretty smooth. Noise insulation is done pretty good too. One downside is the 1.5L engine is not really powerful.

Overall, the Mazda 3 is a car for you if you value exterior, interior and the safety features for the money. If you value spacious cabin and boot space, there are other options out there.

It's a stable nice looking car. But the the problems are aplenty.

My 2016 December M3 deluxe wiper faulty, Reverse gear Vibration during 1-2 years. At 3 yrs 8 mths after warranty, the speedometer failed. Told replacement needed $3K+.

O m g, servicing very expensive, wanted to replace engine oil and filter need $350. My mileage only 36500km. Have to buy 2 times service package at $700+, No choice.

Poor cabin sound insulation.

Poor Resale value at 45K by sgmart. 16/11/2020.

It's my 7th car I've owned.

Ford escort, Accord, Civic, Bluebird, 120Y, Daihatsu Charade, Lancer (2006-2016)

My 10 years Mitsubishi car service at Pandan only $150-170.

Now my Mazda3 only 3yrs 11 months.

Decided to sell and opt for Altis. (95k)

Civic 99k, City 89k, octavia 99k, Kia 81, avante 97k. All under consideration too.

No wonder, Now M3 only 88k, cheapest in the range,

Test drove the mazda 3 m hybrid and though the interior felt very premium, the engine is not responsive with a slight lag in acceleration. Body roll is also noticeable.

Biggest pro is also the biggest con. The car comes with a stylish design and lots of hi tech features but these are at the expense of reliability. A quick Google search will show you owners complaining about rear view mirrors falling off, black dots on infotainment screen, airbag warning lights activating, and the worst of all, the auto emergency brake engaging even when there is no car in front. The special soul red crystal paintwork has issues of spotting or flaking for many disgruntled users online as well.

It feels like a car that is worth more than it is selling for and is a good buy assuming everything works down the road. For me, I am more risk adverse so I decided against the car.

Actually booked a Korean brand during CB period because of the attractive price during promotion.

Went to Mazda show room, immediately after test drive the Korean car, and before signing agreement, as my wife likes Mazda more.

The sales representative is honest, and gave an moderate price. The price was so moderate, that even a small bargain was refused..... The price was still not as good as that of the Korean car, however being worried that the Korean brand might not be able to get COE as the bidding level was so low, expecting that the COE will raise up about 2 months after CB, so we paid deposit immediately, and signed the agreement 1 weeks later, after a simple and short test drive. As I fresh driver, I dont have much experience, and expectations, however the car is generally satisfactory to me.

Test drove the Mazda 3 sedan recently and I was left with a rather good impression of the car. The first thing you'll notice is its elegant yet sporty exterior body shape with led lamps front and rear. The flowing body lines and sharp front and rear end design finished with its twin talipipes, in my opinion, has to be one of the sleekest looking compact sedans. On the inside, it does not disappoint as well. The modern cabin layout with soft touch materials being used generously provides a premium feel that would not be out of place even in luxury brands like a bmw or audi. It is not the most spacious compact sedan out there with a rear passenger space that is good enough for 2 asian sized adults. 3 across would be a squeeze. The driving position is good and the modern looking semi digital instrument cluster is easy to read and looks good as well. The infotainment system though not touch screen is fast and responsive with support for andriod auto and apple carplay. The car is also loaded with all the latest active safetry features like blind spot warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, active cruise control, active emergency braking, 360 camera etc. One thing that lets the car down though is the engine. The 1.5L mild hybrid engine will get you from point A to B in a relaxed manner. It doesn't like to be pushed and even if you rev it hard, it won't make the car go any faster due to a lack of power. Best is to drive it like your grandfather which is a shame since the car handles well with it's rather firmish ride and responsive steering. The car could definitely do with a more powerful engine. The brakes are up to the task with a progressive feel providing confidence should you need to stop in a hurry. The 3 is priced competitively against class rivals like the corolla, civic and slyphy but feels like a much more premium car than any of them with all the features you could want in a modern day compact sedan.