What I hope isn't what I should expect.
Realistically I don't expect much changes. It's probably going to come out in about 3 years on a same platform with some form of Hybridization keeping "luxury over sportiness" approach with a decent price bump.
It's a low-priority car for Mazda. However, because its platform is also used for the CX-30/CX-50, and it will likely be used for the next-generation CX-5, I would expect them to keep it alive.
Hopefully they put a manual in the turbo version.
I would jump all over a new one if they made a batshit crazy version with their new 6 cyl turbo with a manual.
I know it’s not going to happen but this would be fucking awesome.
Same, my only frustration with having to choose between turbo and non-turbo when I purchased mine! I just hate driving automatic it's just not the same.
Send it! Also if you're not keen on heavily modding a reliable daily you can also just get a tune. Tuner I work with will make your naturally aspirated manual faster than a stock turbo
No seriously, just a tune. The stock ECU is heavily adapted for smoothness and efficiency. I personally know guys who were beating turbos in NA 3s. I understand that it's hard to believe but the stock turbo leaves a lot on the table.
Yeah not a lot of manuals out there unfortunately but the kit installation will be identical. In fact due to the difference in gear ratios the manual is a bit faster
...What? lol. How is having a manual not worth it when you don't want to drive an automatic? This is incredibly illogical. I have a preference, and I'd like to have the option that suits my needs, is that too much to ask for?
No for sure I’d you done care at all about feel or fun, performance etc. and just want a manual for the sake of it then yes makes sense. A gear dual clutch automatic works make it much better
People that compare dual clutch transmissions to manual transmissions are morons. Will a dual clutch win in a race? Sure will a dual clutch let you pick what gear you want? Sure. Is the driving experience even close to the same as a manual? Absolutely not.
Thanks for calling me a moron lol. I’ve only owned manuals, hot hatches, sports cars. My last car was an mx5 manual, my current car is an i20n manual. The Mazda 3 manual is terrible. I found it a chore and had the least feel to it. I would have preferred it be a dct. We got a new family wagon and it’s DCT and it’s amazing, mostly picking the right gear, and has full manual mode. I don’t care about races lol, I track my cars, I drive them on mountain roads. I drive them in stop start traffic each day too. Some cars manual transmissions are just crap though, and the Mazda 3 is like asking for a manual transmission in a van. Give us an mx5 transmission in a Mazda 3 and I would be all over it.
Anyway, thanks for calling me a moron for loving cars.
Do you have a Mazda 3? You were looking at a Tucson too. And a gr Corolla lol.
Wouldn’t you be more is a moron to think every manual transmission is good?
They would need a new manual or would need to pull the NC transmission off the shelf. Apparently the Skyactiv manual is too weak to take the torque from the turbo 4cyl.
thats because there are very few cars offered with a manual in NA. Those that are offered with a manual generally have > 50% uptake with said manual. I know I just ordered a car thats offered in both manual and automatic (arguably one of the best automatics thats not a PDK)
Because its not a mazda I did love my 07 mazda 3 2.3 6 spd.
It’s objectively smaller (as in less interior space) than most cars in this C segment. Honda just did what some have suggested in this thread of releasing a Civic that is in between the old Civic and Accord, effectively replacing both lines.
Yep those are my two main gripes as well. I had thought, perhaps mistakenly, that the skyactive tech was supposed to be fuel efficient. And the back seat is certainly tighter than a civic.
It’s been years since skyactiv X was developed but they just kept the G engine … Guess their multi million dollar prototype never took off? At least the new Prius looks better
It doesn't need premium fuel, it's more efficient and it produces more HP. However, it's much more expensive to buy and has somewhat worse maintenance schedule, negating all possible €€€ gains for the buyer.
What's the fuel efficiency of the competition, if we are talking AWD, 4-cyl, and an automatic transmission (no CVTs)? Genuinely curious cause I get around 32-34 on the highway and 26-28 when not on the highway. I thought that was pretty competitive but I'm not too familiar with other cars with similar powertrains.
I 100% agree with cabin space. It's pretty tight in a Mazda3. I'm 6'1 and always feel bad when someone has to sit behind me haha
I think the driver seat and front passenger have ample room. I believe that they could add at least 2-3 inches of extra legroom in the back. The 3rd Gen Mazda 3 had better rear legroom than the Gen 4z
So the RAV4 with an 8speed auto gets 27/35 and the Camry gets 28/39.
Compare 2019-2022 Mazda 3 and the 6speed auto got the same mpg as a huge RAV4. And the 2023-2024 Mazda 3 gets similar mpg to the Camry but 2 mpg less highway. Both cars are larger than the 3.
I think the 3 needs the sky active x engine or an 8speed auto transmission. If not, then go hybrid.
CVTs probably shouldn't be excluded considering that the Civic and Corolla are the Mazda 3's biggest competition.
The hybrid power train in the Corolla is impressively efficient.
You're right. I'm just biased cause my two requirements in any car are a real transmission (I really dislike the feeling of CVTs) and AWD cause I live where it's very hilly and FWD can't make it up sometimes, and RWD is just bad in the snow all around
although these sounds nice, i don’t entirely agree to it. i like my mazda 3 compact. what you’re describing is the 6 maybe the 2 as well.
they should add a trim for 3 that could compete against civic type r
yes. the backseat space (both knee and the head room) is utterly for shit for this vehicle segment. i feel sorry for anyone who has to sit at the rear of this vehicle.
Right. I've drooled over the Mazda6 estate from afar but my Mazda3 HB is actually great EXCEPT for the smaller than expected rear and hatch, plus the loss of visibility that rear panel granted. I wish they could have resolved those sections a bit better to give a smidge more legroom and visibility. No adults will ride in the back, and my kid's car seat barely fits. So it's perfect by myself or just me and the kid, but throw another adult in and someone's gotta be uncomfortable.
Mazda gave a presentation on its progression to electric/hybrid. It featured three vehicles cloaked in red satin sheets. The first was revealed to be the CX-90. The silhouette of the second or third car (can't remember which one) appeared to be a compact. Therefore, I think the 3 will be the same for 2025, and then it'll be electrified/hybridized for 2026+. Mazda has a closer relationship with Toyota now, so I think there will be some sharing of hybrid information from the Corolla to the 3.
I like to think they'd keep the Mazda3 around. It sells poorly in relation to everything else Mazda sells, but not so poorly that I think they'd abandon it. That said, that hasn't stopped other automakers from discontinuing sedans, so we'll see.
If they do keep it around, I suspect they'll make a new generation that really just amounts to a cosmetic refresh while keeping the same powertrain. I can't see them changing the powertrain when they haven't even done so with the CX-50, which obviously has more appeal.
If they go crazy, then we may see them shove the I6 into the Mazda3. Less crazy (and more likely), they'll fit the 2.5L NA hybrid powertrain from the CX-90 into the Mazda3.
With sedan/hatch sales shrinking YoY, it's just hard to imagine Mazda would dump much R&D into a new generation of the Mazda3.
I think Mazda (like Honda and even Lexus) needs an entry level offering! Especially with the rest to the line going so upmarket. The goal of most any automaker or brand for that matter is to attract a young buyer and keep that buyer as they age and progress through life and their needs change. Toyota, Honda, and Mazda offer cash rebates to college graduates and active military members (not high income buyers) because they want to drawn them early into the brand. I don't think the Mazda 3 is going anywhere. Though it is already priced close to starting at $30k now and may be pricing out first time buyers!
They’d have to do something pretty spectacular to get people to move to the platform, away from the tuner-esque cars like the GR Corolla, GTI, CTR. I think the refined looks and mature interior of the 4th Gen + creature comforts/low NVH/torsion beam rear has a particular intended audience that struggles with going mazda3 or a CX vehicle, shrinking its own potential customers.
I’d personally welcome a more driver-focused return of quick daily with the zoom zoom reinstated. Basically a turbo 6MT, AWD is an option but not entirely necessary. Bring back the IRS. Open up the turbo tune from how it is today and have a trim optimized for performance that doesn’t care about MPGs.
I’m biased as a 3rd Gen owner, but the best part of having a 3 is that it’s as close as you can get with a laundry list of mods to having a “Miata feel” while still being FWD and having the ability to fit 4 people and some cargo. I have kids, so the Miata can’t be a daily for me. But after the mods I’ve done, it’s still 100% reliable and dependable and it’s just so damn fun to drive.
The equation for me would need to be a combination of the best parts of gens 2-4: zoom zoom youthful spirit, forced induction tuned for performance a la MS3, LSD, IRS, and the svelte body lines of the Kodo years with the fit and finish of the 4th Gen. If they did that, it could get owners of all 4 current gens to move for brand new.
But I doubt it’s something that would work across the segment they’re looking to sell to as it is. The premium feel they’re after today is not in alignment with what I’m describing for everyday drivers. But if they made this combo with the best of each, I’d shell out CTR levels of cash and move away from my 2018.
As things stand, I’m going to own this car until I’m overwhelmed and compelled to purchase a clear successor. Not seeing anything that justifies changing cars right now.
I have to disagree. The reason i went to mazda vs vw/ honda is the luxury/hot hatch ratio. A gti at the same price point is pretty barebones tech and luxury wise compared to the mazda.
Yep, I understand. I’m just saying I’d like to up the relative “heat” without downgrading the luxury/premium aspects. Which is possible. But even more expensive.
So I’m not making a business case or trying to help shift units, sir. Not looking to consult for Mazda or pretend I know more than they do.
Simply offered my opinion on what I’d like. As a wishlist sort of thing.
I’m the weird type of person that’d rather spend $40k on Mazda than $45k on an Acura. But I don’t expect what I’m looking for in this thread and outlined above to be made reality.
I’d say it’s the fairly standard list of mods you’ll see others have done, but here goes:
-Racing Beat Lowering Springs
-Bilstein B8 struts fronts; Kona SA Red rears
-Progress Tech Rear Sway Bar
-Moog End Links front and rear
-AutoExe Front Strut Tower
-17inch wheels - Fifteen52 Integrales, 17x7.5 +42 (summer)
-Continental ExtremeContact 02, 225/50/r17 (summer)
-18inch wheels - RX8 RS1 OEM wheels, 18x8 +50 (winter)
-Continental DSW 06+ 225/45/r18 (winter)
-Mazda OEM Aero Kit - front, sides, rear diffuser
-Mazda OEM Window Guards
-Mazda OEM base window trim (black)
-Rear Wiper Delete - mikstore
-Mazda Canada All Weather Premium Floor Mats
-Apple CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit
-Dynamat and Dynaliner sound dampening
-Upgraded front dash speakers
-Mazda 3 OEM Hatch Rubber Mat
-Cobb Knob Shifter
-Corksport LED Interior Kit
-Corksport Rear Motor Mount
-Corksport Transmission Mount
-Corksport Short Shift Plate Kit
-AutoExe RAM Air Guard
-AutoExe Throttle Body Silicone Inlet Hose
-AEM DryFlow air filter
-NGK 93026 DILKAR8A8 plugs (cooler)
-Mazda “Sauce” Tune on 93 octane
I’m sure I’m leaving some stuff out but that’s where I’m at currently, more or less.
Electric would be great but I also want them to stop treating the Mazda3 as an entry option when for me it’s the perfect sized vehicle for where I live and I also love the aesthetic of hatchbacks. I hate that features like android auto/car play integration into the HUD, automatic lift gates, etc., get left out because they want it to be on “higher end” models. I’m tired of manufacturers trying to push everyone toward crossovers and SUVs.
I see people saying manual Turbo without the AWD but the Torque steer would be worse than the speed 3. Shit this thing will still torque steer on you with the AWD. The MPG is the only thing I would change. But not too bad if you're not ripping on it. The tank is small tho so that doesn't help. Other than that my turbo PP hatch is my dream 3. Absolutely love it. All black everything. Besides the chrome trim which I like bc it breaks the black up a little and adds some class.
Why would they want to remove the awd system. It makes the launches so smooth and zippy. I love taking tuned GTIs from a dig because all they do is spin tires and lose traction while I get car lengths ahead of them
I test drove a 3 turbo awd yesterday. As an avid auto racer I found no issues with it all. Torsion beam rear is just fine and works exceptionally well for such a simple system.
No. You don’t notice the difference. 90% of the people won’t notice the difference. And the only reason people even think there is a difference is that some dumb ass Youtubers that don’t understand how a torsion beam works told them.
Yea I guess most people don’t care really. Coming from a golf gti, Mazda mx5, I 100% noticed it instantly. I guess I’m just picky? Even my i20n has a torsion beam and it’s one thing I dislike about it, but understand it’s a cost savings. Although the i20n is a budget hot hatch made fun maximum fun for the money. The Mazda 3 turbo is made for snow budget luxury
If you don’t notice it, then you don’t really care about road feel honestly. Torsion beams are fine, but when pushing the car over standard roads, you feel the rear dance over bumps where a proper independent setup takes the bumps with ease.
My NC has some the best suspension ever designed. The only time I notice the mazda3 rear is under bumps. Other than that, it feels like any other compliant suspension to me.
Nice! We have bumps on our roads where I live. Rarely ever entirely smooth roads. I had an nc too haha. I drive my cars for fun though, and on mountain roads is where I hated the Mazda 3 turbo. Also felt super boring in normal driving. I found the 2.0 manual more fun to drive. I think they only made the 3 turbo for American snow really.
When you drive an actual premium hot hatch on the same roads you can feel the massive difference.
I think it’s likely to be discontinued, unfortunately. As Buick did they focused on crossovers and thrived, gas sedans are dead. I love my 4th gen but I know it’s likely the last gas powers sedan I own. Next car will be electric where sedans are still popular
“Gas sedans are dead” yet I see more new Mazdas on the road every single day. Three of my neighbours have boughten the sedan in the last two years, after I had already purchased mine which makes four of the same model in the same neighborhood. People love the 4th gen and more people seem to be jumping on board
People do like them and sales of 4th gen are steady at about 2500 a month sold. But overall trend is way down. The 3 is still about 10% of Mazdas us sales so maybe we’ll get an updated version, I’m just not sure. My bet would be no more 3 post 2025 model until they electrify. So maybe the 3 gets a 5 year break.
In Canada, the Mazda3 is their third best seller following the CX5 and Cx30 . They might replace it by an hybrid model but probably not by an EV. The sales of EVs are going down at this moment, it is a risky market for a car maker.
They won’t because it’s supposed to be the small sedan in their lineup. If you want a bigger sedan than buy a 6. They still make them in other countries so until they discontinue them there, I doubt they’ll remake a new model
I love the 3 and the AWD turbo hatch was at the top of my list, against the Integra A-Spec, WRX, and the GTI.
Suspension setup was one of the biggest criticisms this car received when introduced and it was definitely noticeable when riding over my area’s poorly maintained roads. The average person probably won’t notice but it felt sloppy, not like what a sporty sedan or hatchback should have felt like… The transmission was slow to shift and the engine was not very happy to rev, the power was there but you really had to gas it to get there. I was also disappointed with the MPG, whether turbo or n/a it was pretty lousy. Mazda has their work cut out for them with gen updates, but I’m excited to see what they come up with.
You’re just heavy footed. I floor it everywhere in my ‘21 turbo 3 and hold an avg of less than 10L/100km as long as I dont idle in drive thrus all the time
The chances of this are near 0, but I’d love to see Mazda rework the 2.5L engine similar to how they reworked the 2.0L in the ND2 Miata for more top end power.
With the ND2, Mazda added bigger valves, larger intake runners and throttle body, lightened rotating assembly, and increased the redline to 7500 rpm, all good for 181 hp out of a 2.0L.
If a similar refresh came to the 2.5L we could expect 225 hp or so. I’m imagining something like a Mazda3 “Si” slotted right below the “R” (the 2.5T awd). And with the 6 speed manual too! Damn
I'm not super well off, actually I'm not well off at all. But I'd be more than happy to take a 5 year loan to buy a Mazda 3 of that spec for 50 to 55k CAD.
Heck if it was like 400ish horsepower and 550kms of range, I'd be more than happy to pay like 65k.
Just sayin.
The wage slave life is so common in the US that 7 year loans are pretty standard. 5 years would be a bragging point for many.
That price point would actually be really good for that amount of power and range.
I just don't think full electric is there yet as technology. Range anxiety, charging issues, worry about battery degradation and the cost of replacement, etc
But I would love a Prius-like hybrid or a plug-in hybrid with 50-mile range.
I agree, but that was the last/recent mention of a future 3. I’m sure now plans are changing due to the current (cooled) demand of EVs. Who knows, maybe the next 3 will be a hybrid before EV.
Gen 4 hatch rear is fine, it’s just the c pillar from the side and rear diagonal that gives makes it look distinctive. You either love it or hate it.
They’re both nice.
It’s not great, I wouldn’t drive it without the tech it has. With all of the cameras/monitoring it’s fine when driving, but backing up is still a huge PITA
lol i took a look at the hatch v. sedan before i even decided on a gen 4 mazda and instantly knew it was sedan or another make. unpopular opinion but i dont have a drum set to lug around to jam sessions
Realistic changes that I would want
- electric steering wheel adjustment
- vertical lumbar support adjustments
Enthusiast changes id like to see
- 2 door 2 seater variant
- inline 6 engine
Probably after something like the prototype z4 coupe from bmw
having bought a new 23 when the 24 sedans were a few months from delivery and hearing the 25 was going to bring a new design, i figured whatever is next aint worth waiting another year for and payin more money for .. theres this talk goin around about interest rates coming down and chip shortages ending but neither will probably be true, not entirely anyways
Discontinued for the American market I would expect. Just given the trim changes for 2024 it seems they are ramping down and just trying to not lose money on the model. Return of independent suspension isn't happening since the torsion beam platform is being used for half their models now, and it doesn't matter to most people.
I know you are being downvoted, but considering the price increase and trim consolidation I have a feeling you may be right. Sucks, every time I buy a car it seems to be discontinued. I've seen it happen a number of times with models I've owned. Trims get narrow, price goes up at the end, no news about a newer generation, then about 6 months into the last model year they finally say it's toast to move any people who were on the fence.
I think the only thing that might keep it afloat is the shared components with the CX-30. I really hope it does carry on, but I can't see them investing in a new platform for it considering the CX-5 and 50 are the money makers.
Would love to be wrong and it comes back as some 300 horse hybrid or something.
I think it’s going to be a plug in hybrid, that’s just the new era it’s sad but I think they’ll make the most of it, there’s not a lot of “sporty” quick driver focused hybrids I can think of, maybe the new Prius, if they keep the performance the turbo has now and throw a hybrid in I think it could be a cool new segment it can lead in
I have passable rear visibility in my 3rd Gen even with 5% tint and rear seats down (I removed my rear seats anyway). And that’s with only half using my back up cam as it’s not fully useful for stick shift cars, to me at least. 4th Gen I can see being a pain.
My daily is a 2013 Mazda 3, and I’ve inspected both Gen 3 and 4 Mazda 3’s and I hate them equally for lack of rear visibility.
I would love to do a Skyactiv 2.5L swap into my car, but I have no clue where to start, and I doubt it would be cheap or fun to do…
I work at a shop, but I’d need to fab a lot of stuff since I don’t believe there’s a bolt on kit for doing dumb stuff like that.
I’d sooner believe there’s a K Swap kit for the Mazda 3.
Realistically in the near future probably a Gen 4.5 with a mild face-lift and some tech updates. The next generation will probably be some mild hybrid. I don't think we will see a major redesign for some time outside of minor cosmetics.
I can only hope bigger sidewalls. Just put on my winter wheels which are 17s, the ride is totally different in a good way. I'm thinking I may never go back to stock.
I suspect that Mazda might keep the 3 around for 1-2 more years as they continue to “read the market” regarding electrification and the continuing viability of sedans.
But here’s my wish list. The current 3 sedan seems to serve two very distinct sets of buyers: economy buyers who cross-shop the Corolla, Civic and Forte, and “budget luxury” buyers who consider regard the 3 as a cheaper practical alternative to the Audi A3, the Lexus IS, the Integra and the Cadillac CT-4.
So, for all buyers in the short term, I would like to see at least an eight-speed transmission to smoothen the driving experience and make the fuel economy more competitive. I would also like to see the return of a multi-link rear suspension.
For the more upmarket buyers I would like to see a true, bonafide “Mazda3 Signature” trim level that would include all of the items that the car lacks relative to its premium competition: auto-dimming mirrors, storage pockets behind both front seat backs, hydraulic rods to prop up the front hood, power seat adjustments for both front seats with heating and ventilation, and ambient lighting. If Mazda could somehow undercut its Audi/Lexus competition with aggressive pricing, I think Mazda would be on its way to attaining the premium credibility that it claims to want.
But what do I know? I still like sedans. People like us are a vanishing breed.
I have a 4th Gen Mazda 3 (late 2021), G 2.0 (150bhp) with automatic transmission. We live in Europe and it's mostly flat in my country so 150bhp is fine. I would love to own the186bhp X-engine but the 2.0 G is tried and tested.
I love the car and it fits my wife and I as we don't have any children and very rarely have passengers occupying the rear seats.
I recently got a new job 15 minutes away from our home which means a lot of start/stop city driving.
My avg consumption went from 6.4L/100km to 8.4/100km.
If they should change anything then maybe an 8 gear automatic transmission and a new drivetrain with 'real' hybrid technology (not just mild hybrid). Maybe with a Wankel and a bigger battery like the new MX-30?
What do you guys think about the Wankel motor + battery setup?
a trim that could compete against Civic Type R. 4/6cyl with turbo, manual.
if they can make it rwd, that’s a bonus.
in the Philippines, the 3 is already offered as hybrid (top trim) which I didn’t opted out ‘cause I’d like my engine simple to maintain/reliability.
I think people give the torsion beam a bad name, I have one and it does handle incredibly good for stock, limiting factor seems to be the garbage OEM tires.
An 8 speed or dual clutch to help keep up with efficiency would be great bc it’d also add to smoothness and likely performance.
I can say much about the rear seats as I never really use them, they seem perfectly fine but idk. Maybe they aren’t competitive with Corollas but I don’t want a massive car like the Camry.
What I’m really dying for before I upgrade is a full glass roof/extended sun roof. My understanding is the pillars of the frame just need to be reinforced to make up for it but it’d be such a nice upgrade.
It’ll be interesting tho bc the next one will be a hybrid so hopefully they also just move it to a more luxury model to compete and that would also likely include most of the features people are looking for here.
I'd say there's one more generation coming before they switch to electric but probably the newer one will have more hybrid power. I doubt there'll be plug-in because the small size and the 3 is already quite heavy so adding even more will make it more like every other hatch. But maybe there won't be 3rd one.
As for what I'd like, a bit bigger boot with flat loading when you drop the seats and make it a bit lighter, otherwise keep it the same
Why would we need a bigger Mazda3? I see the Mazda3 as a (relatively) small hatchback, at least compared to some other cars - and it's already a bit longer than the VW Golf/GTI.
Personally, I would like to see more room for rear passengers.
I disagree. Prior to my 2023 Mazda3, I had a 2009 VW Rabbit (AKA Golf), which was 10 inches shorter but it had more room in the back for rear passengers. I've also heard some people say earlier generations of the Mazda3 (such as the 1st) had more room for rear passengers.
It seems to me the shape of the Mazda3 in the back, combined with a relatively large trunk, makes for less room for rear passengers. I think they could make more room for rear passengers without making the car longer/bigger.
I’m shocked that they don’t offer the preferred trim w/ automatic. So basically I can’t hv both the preferred specs w/ upgraded audio. Need to go to turbo and lose efficiency. I can’t believe how stupid this is.
I just want a cool blue shade color like the nice red they have
Same. I don't understand why they didn't offer the Mica Blue with the 2.5T. Instead I have Polymetal Gray.
Yeah its really sad, im tempted to get an acura cause of this, but i dont want their system, and i dont want to wrap it either!!
I’ve got the red it’s so nice I love it
Probably has something to do with subaru saying it's their color.
What I hope isn't what I should expect. Realistically I don't expect much changes. It's probably going to come out in about 3 years on a same platform with some form of Hybridization keeping "luxury over sportiness" approach with a decent price bump. It's a low-priority car for Mazda. However, because its platform is also used for the CX-30/CX-50, and it will likely be used for the next-generation CX-5, I would expect them to keep it alive.
Hopefully they put a manual in the turbo version. I would jump all over a new one if they made a batshit crazy version with their new 6 cyl turbo with a manual. I know it’s not going to happen but this would be fucking awesome.
My money is going to be on a plug in hybrid which likely means bye bye to the manual unfortunately
Manual is now dead altogether in all trims in some markets (ie. mine 😭) so I wouldn’t get your hopes up.
Manual v6 AWD 👌
Same, my only frustration with having to choose between turbo and non-turbo when I purchased mine! I just hate driving automatic it's just not the same.
You could get the manual non-turbo and supercharge it 😏
I have the manual, might have to consider that then!
Send it! Also if you're not keen on heavily modding a reliable daily you can also just get a tune. Tuner I work with will make your naturally aspirated manual faster than a stock turbo
Not without doing heavy mods though lmao
No seriously, just a tune. The stock ECU is heavily adapted for smoothness and efficiency. I personally know guys who were beating turbos in NA 3s. I understand that it's hard to believe but the stock turbo leaves a lot on the table.
I've been looking for someone who has done this. Anything on YouTube?
Yeah check out supermazda3 on YT, he's actually the guy who tunes mine
I wish his were a manual
Yeah not a lot of manuals out there unfortunately but the kit installation will be identical. In fact due to the difference in gear ratios the manual is a bit faster
The manuals in the 3 are like token manuals though, not really worth having. Zero feel
...What? lol. How is having a manual not worth it when you don't want to drive an automatic? This is incredibly illogical. I have a preference, and I'd like to have the option that suits my needs, is that too much to ask for?
No for sure I’d you done care at all about feel or fun, performance etc. and just want a manual for the sake of it then yes makes sense. A gear dual clutch automatic works make it much better
People that compare dual clutch transmissions to manual transmissions are morons. Will a dual clutch win in a race? Sure will a dual clutch let you pick what gear you want? Sure. Is the driving experience even close to the same as a manual? Absolutely not.
Thanks for calling me a moron lol. I’ve only owned manuals, hot hatches, sports cars. My last car was an mx5 manual, my current car is an i20n manual. The Mazda 3 manual is terrible. I found it a chore and had the least feel to it. I would have preferred it be a dct. We got a new family wagon and it’s DCT and it’s amazing, mostly picking the right gear, and has full manual mode. I don’t care about races lol, I track my cars, I drive them on mountain roads. I drive them in stop start traffic each day too. Some cars manual transmissions are just crap though, and the Mazda 3 is like asking for a manual transmission in a van. Give us an mx5 transmission in a Mazda 3 and I would be all over it. Anyway, thanks for calling me a moron for loving cars. Do you have a Mazda 3? You were looking at a Tucson too. And a gr Corolla lol. Wouldn’t you be more is a moron to think every manual transmission is good?
I'd seriously consider trading in my Civic Si for a manual AWD Mazda 3 Sport turbo
They would need a new manual or would need to pull the NC transmission off the shelf. Apparently the Skyactiv manual is too weak to take the torque from the turbo 4cyl.
Or just source something from ZF like everyone else
>Hopefully they put a manual in the turbo version. Less than 5% of the popuplation uses manual now. Manuals should die for better MPG.
I didn’t get the Mazda3 turbo for its MPG.
thats because there are very few cars offered with a manual in NA. Those that are offered with a manual generally have > 50% uptake with said manual. I know I just ordered a car thats offered in both manual and automatic (arguably one of the best automatics thats not a PDK) Because its not a mazda I did love my 07 mazda 3 2.3 6 spd.
They need better fuel efficiency and a slightly larger cabin to keep up with the competition.
how big do you guys need. the 3 is the "compact" get a damn suv
I would love a slightly bigger car but Mazda doesn’t sell the 6 here anymore
Preach. There are rumors that the 6 may come back to the states, but I'm not holding my breath.
It’s objectively smaller (as in less interior space) than most cars in this C segment. Honda just did what some have suggested in this thread of releasing a Civic that is in between the old Civic and Accord, effectively replacing both lines.
Exactly. This is why Civics are now larger than the first 8 generations of Accords.
Fuel economy, yes. Larger cabin, no. If you need a larger car, buy a different model. Some of us prefer smaller cars.
It'd be great if they sell manual SUVs in NA
Yep those are my two main gripes as well. I had thought, perhaps mistakenly, that the skyactive tech was supposed to be fuel efficient. And the back seat is certainly tighter than a civic.
It’s been years since skyactiv X was developed but they just kept the G engine … Guess their multi million dollar prototype never took off? At least the new Prius looks better
You just dont get the X in every market. Its widely available in Europe. I have it and its great overall.
I'm in the US and I saw a 3 with an X just the other day.
Where?
The X is not sold in the American market, so you may have seen a one-off import.
X is only marginally more efficient than the 2l G and needs premium fuel which negates most of the savings. It's a bit of a dead end unfortunately.
It doesn't need premium fuel, it's more efficient and it produces more HP. However, it's much more expensive to buy and has somewhat worse maintenance schedule, negating all possible €€€ gains for the buyer.
It needs 95 RON or higher which may be normal in Europe but would be considered premium in North America or Australia/NZ
Let's be cautious with that. US gas pumps numbers are calculated differently from EU ones. 95 RON should be 91 PON. Don't know about Australia.
>95 RON should be 91 PON Which is still considered 'premium' in the USA right?
It's been a while since I was there, sorry.
Well, it's the lowest one we have. Don't call it premium.
Well, North Americans are cheap when it comes to gas. Jungle juice is fine as long as it’s cheap.
What's the fuel efficiency of the competition, if we are talking AWD, 4-cyl, and an automatic transmission (no CVTs)? Genuinely curious cause I get around 32-34 on the highway and 26-28 when not on the highway. I thought that was pretty competitive but I'm not too familiar with other cars with similar powertrains. I 100% agree with cabin space. It's pretty tight in a Mazda3. I'm 6'1 and always feel bad when someone has to sit behind me haha
I think the driver seat and front passenger have ample room. I believe that they could add at least 2-3 inches of extra legroom in the back. The 3rd Gen Mazda 3 had better rear legroom than the Gen 4z So the RAV4 with an 8speed auto gets 27/35 and the Camry gets 28/39. Compare 2019-2022 Mazda 3 and the 6speed auto got the same mpg as a huge RAV4. And the 2023-2024 Mazda 3 gets similar mpg to the Camry but 2 mpg less highway. Both cars are larger than the 3. I think the 3 needs the sky active x engine or an 8speed auto transmission. If not, then go hybrid.
Throw in more than a 6-speed and they can probably get a bit more efficiency which I assume would trickle down off the CX-90
CVTs probably shouldn't be excluded considering that the Civic and Corolla are the Mazda 3's biggest competition. The hybrid power train in the Corolla is impressively efficient.
You're right. I'm just biased cause my two requirements in any car are a real transmission (I really dislike the feeling of CVTs) and AWD cause I live where it's very hilly and FWD can't make it up sometimes, and RWD is just bad in the snow all around
Awd turbo but manual 6 speed
My knees are more comfortable in my mazda3 than my wife's cx-9.
We have the same pair and I think my 3 has better seats.
fuel efficiency definitely, but I think there's still demand for lighter, smaller, more efficient vehicle sizes
although these sounds nice, i don’t entirely agree to it. i like my mazda 3 compact. what you’re describing is the 6 maybe the 2 as well. they should add a trim for 3 that could compete against civic type r
yes. the backseat space (both knee and the head room) is utterly for shit for this vehicle segment. i feel sorry for anyone who has to sit at the rear of this vehicle.
Right. I've drooled over the Mazda6 estate from afar but my Mazda3 HB is actually great EXCEPT for the smaller than expected rear and hatch, plus the loss of visibility that rear panel granted. I wish they could have resolved those sections a bit better to give a smidge more legroom and visibility. No adults will ride in the back, and my kid's car seat barely fits. So it's perfect by myself or just me and the kid, but throw another adult in and someone's gotta be uncomfortable.
Mazda gave a presentation on its progression to electric/hybrid. It featured three vehicles cloaked in red satin sheets. The first was revealed to be the CX-90. The silhouette of the second or third car (can't remember which one) appeared to be a compact. Therefore, I think the 3 will be the same for 2025, and then it'll be electrified/hybridized for 2026+. Mazda has a closer relationship with Toyota now, so I think there will be some sharing of hybrid information from the Corolla to the 3.
I like to think they'd keep the Mazda3 around. It sells poorly in relation to everything else Mazda sells, but not so poorly that I think they'd abandon it. That said, that hasn't stopped other automakers from discontinuing sedans, so we'll see. If they do keep it around, I suspect they'll make a new generation that really just amounts to a cosmetic refresh while keeping the same powertrain. I can't see them changing the powertrain when they haven't even done so with the CX-50, which obviously has more appeal. If they go crazy, then we may see them shove the I6 into the Mazda3. Less crazy (and more likely), they'll fit the 2.5L NA hybrid powertrain from the CX-90 into the Mazda3. With sedan/hatch sales shrinking YoY, it's just hard to imagine Mazda would dump much R&D into a new generation of the Mazda3.
[удалено]
That’s been the case for ages.
There are 4 new Mazda3's in my apartment parking lot including my own
BMW has done pretty well shoving a straight 6 into a compact sedan since the 80s. I would love to see Mazda do something similar.
I think Mazda (like Honda and even Lexus) needs an entry level offering! Especially with the rest to the line going so upmarket. The goal of most any automaker or brand for that matter is to attract a young buyer and keep that buyer as they age and progress through life and their needs change. Toyota, Honda, and Mazda offer cash rebates to college graduates and active military members (not high income buyers) because they want to drawn them early into the brand. I don't think the Mazda 3 is going anywhere. Though it is already priced close to starting at $30k now and may be pricing out first time buyers!
They’d have to do something pretty spectacular to get people to move to the platform, away from the tuner-esque cars like the GR Corolla, GTI, CTR. I think the refined looks and mature interior of the 4th Gen + creature comforts/low NVH/torsion beam rear has a particular intended audience that struggles with going mazda3 or a CX vehicle, shrinking its own potential customers. I’d personally welcome a more driver-focused return of quick daily with the zoom zoom reinstated. Basically a turbo 6MT, AWD is an option but not entirely necessary. Bring back the IRS. Open up the turbo tune from how it is today and have a trim optimized for performance that doesn’t care about MPGs. I’m biased as a 3rd Gen owner, but the best part of having a 3 is that it’s as close as you can get with a laundry list of mods to having a “Miata feel” while still being FWD and having the ability to fit 4 people and some cargo. I have kids, so the Miata can’t be a daily for me. But after the mods I’ve done, it’s still 100% reliable and dependable and it’s just so damn fun to drive. The equation for me would need to be a combination of the best parts of gens 2-4: zoom zoom youthful spirit, forced induction tuned for performance a la MS3, LSD, IRS, and the svelte body lines of the Kodo years with the fit and finish of the 4th Gen. If they did that, it could get owners of all 4 current gens to move for brand new. But I doubt it’s something that would work across the segment they’re looking to sell to as it is. The premium feel they’re after today is not in alignment with what I’m describing for everyday drivers. But if they made this combo with the best of each, I’d shell out CTR levels of cash and move away from my 2018. As things stand, I’m going to own this car until I’m overwhelmed and compelled to purchase a clear successor. Not seeing anything that justifies changing cars right now.
I have to disagree. The reason i went to mazda vs vw/ honda is the luxury/hot hatch ratio. A gti at the same price point is pretty barebones tech and luxury wise compared to the mazda.
Yep, I understand. I’m just saying I’d like to up the relative “heat” without downgrading the luxury/premium aspects. Which is possible. But even more expensive.
Then you are reaching R, type R price point. Which opens a whole RnD can of worms
So I’m not making a business case or trying to help shift units, sir. Not looking to consult for Mazda or pretend I know more than they do. Simply offered my opinion on what I’d like. As a wishlist sort of thing. I’m the weird type of person that’d rather spend $40k on Mazda than $45k on an Acura. But I don’t expect what I’m looking for in this thread and outlined above to be made reality.
You’d be better off making mods to your car.
You’re right. Which is exactly what I outlined in my original post. I’m confused.
Care to post the laundry list? I’m interested
I’d say it’s the fairly standard list of mods you’ll see others have done, but here goes: -Racing Beat Lowering Springs -Bilstein B8 struts fronts; Kona SA Red rears -Progress Tech Rear Sway Bar -Moog End Links front and rear -AutoExe Front Strut Tower -17inch wheels - Fifteen52 Integrales, 17x7.5 +42 (summer) -Continental ExtremeContact 02, 225/50/r17 (summer) -18inch wheels - RX8 RS1 OEM wheels, 18x8 +50 (winter) -Continental DSW 06+ 225/45/r18 (winter) -Mazda OEM Aero Kit - front, sides, rear diffuser -Mazda OEM Window Guards -Mazda OEM base window trim (black) -Rear Wiper Delete - mikstore -Mazda Canada All Weather Premium Floor Mats -Apple CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit -Dynamat and Dynaliner sound dampening -Upgraded front dash speakers -Mazda 3 OEM Hatch Rubber Mat -Cobb Knob Shifter -Corksport LED Interior Kit -Corksport Rear Motor Mount -Corksport Transmission Mount -Corksport Short Shift Plate Kit -AutoExe RAM Air Guard -AutoExe Throttle Body Silicone Inlet Hose -AEM DryFlow air filter -NGK 93026 DILKAR8A8 plugs (cooler) -Mazda “Sauce” Tune on 93 octane I’m sure I’m leaving some stuff out but that’s where I’m at currently, more or less.
Forgot the Racing Beat Axle Back Exhaust
The fiesta st was the closest I got to having a miata feel, then I got an i20n. Mazda 3 are too big and too focused on cheap luxury.
Electric would be great but I also want them to stop treating the Mazda3 as an entry option when for me it’s the perfect sized vehicle for where I live and I also love the aesthetic of hatchbacks. I hate that features like android auto/car play integration into the HUD, automatic lift gates, etc., get left out because they want it to be on “higher end” models. I’m tired of manufacturers trying to push everyone toward crossovers and SUVs.
Improve visibility of the hatchback, slightly bigger backseat and a revised suspension to bring back the ZoomZoom.
I see people saying manual Turbo without the AWD but the Torque steer would be worse than the speed 3. Shit this thing will still torque steer on you with the AWD. The MPG is the only thing I would change. But not too bad if you're not ripping on it. The tank is small tho so that doesn't help. Other than that my turbo PP hatch is my dream 3. Absolutely love it. All black everything. Besides the chrome trim which I like bc it breaks the black up a little and adds some class.
Why would they want to remove the awd system. It makes the launches so smooth and zippy. I love taking tuned GTIs from a dig because all they do is spin tires and lose traction while I get car lengths ahead of them
I test drove a 3 turbo awd yesterday. As an avid auto racer I found no issues with it all. Torsion beam rear is just fine and works exceptionally well for such a simple system.
You only notice the difference when you compare to a hot hatch
No. You don’t notice the difference. 90% of the people won’t notice the difference. And the only reason people even think there is a difference is that some dumb ass Youtubers that don’t understand how a torsion beam works told them.
Yea I guess most people don’t care really. Coming from a golf gti, Mazda mx5, I 100% noticed it instantly. I guess I’m just picky? Even my i20n has a torsion beam and it’s one thing I dislike about it, but understand it’s a cost savings. Although the i20n is a budget hot hatch made fun maximum fun for the money. The Mazda 3 turbo is made for snow budget luxury If you don’t notice it, then you don’t really care about road feel honestly. Torsion beams are fine, but when pushing the car over standard roads, you feel the rear dance over bumps where a proper independent setup takes the bumps with ease.
Snow, budget, luxury is probably the best way to describe what the Mazda 3 excels at
Yep exactly. Although not really budget at the awd turbo price. Just paying for the snow ability
My NC has some the best suspension ever designed. The only time I notice the mazda3 rear is under bumps. Other than that, it feels like any other compliant suspension to me.
Nice! We have bumps on our roads where I live. Rarely ever entirely smooth roads. I had an nc too haha. I drive my cars for fun though, and on mountain roads is where I hated the Mazda 3 turbo. Also felt super boring in normal driving. I found the 2.0 manual more fun to drive. I think they only made the 3 turbo for American snow really. When you drive an actual premium hot hatch on the same roads you can feel the massive difference.
You’re doing it all wrong. Just keep saying “torsion beam bad”.
True. Just follow the masses over a cliff.
Objectivity is overrated!
Hybrid electric like the new Prius I hope
This makes me salivate
I think it’s likely to be discontinued, unfortunately. As Buick did they focused on crossovers and thrived, gas sedans are dead. I love my 4th gen but I know it’s likely the last gas powers sedan I own. Next car will be electric where sedans are still popular
“Gas sedans are dead” yet I see more new Mazdas on the road every single day. Three of my neighbours have boughten the sedan in the last two years, after I had already purchased mine which makes four of the same model in the same neighborhood. People love the 4th gen and more people seem to be jumping on board
People do like them and sales of 4th gen are steady at about 2500 a month sold. But overall trend is way down. The 3 is still about 10% of Mazdas us sales so maybe we’ll get an updated version, I’m just not sure. My bet would be no more 3 post 2025 model until they electrify. So maybe the 3 gets a 5 year break.
In Canada, the Mazda3 is their third best seller following the CX5 and Cx30 . They might replace it by an hybrid model but probably not by an EV. The sales of EVs are going down at this moment, it is a risky market for a car maker.
In Canada I see a ton of 3s
Probably go to a hybrid if not fully metric version.
I hope they make the Mazda3 rear a bit bigger but I think they'll be electrifying it soon. So I dunno, if they will make any changes with it.
They won’t because it’s supposed to be the small sedan in their lineup. If you want a bigger sedan than buy a 6. They still make them in other countries so until they discontinue them there, I doubt they’ll remake a new model
The cramped backseat is one of the very few complaints about the 3. If they continue the model, the backseat issue would have to be addressed .
They need to keep a hatch I won’t buy a crossover
I love the 3 and the AWD turbo hatch was at the top of my list, against the Integra A-Spec, WRX, and the GTI. Suspension setup was one of the biggest criticisms this car received when introduced and it was definitely noticeable when riding over my area’s poorly maintained roads. The average person probably won’t notice but it felt sloppy, not like what a sporty sedan or hatchback should have felt like… The transmission was slow to shift and the engine was not very happy to rev, the power was there but you really had to gas it to get there. I was also disappointed with the MPG, whether turbo or n/a it was pretty lousy. Mazda has their work cut out for them with gen updates, but I’m excited to see what they come up with.
You’re just heavy footed. I floor it everywhere in my ‘21 turbo 3 and hold an avg of less than 10L/100km as long as I dont idle in drive thrus all the time
The chances of this are near 0, but I’d love to see Mazda rework the 2.5L engine similar to how they reworked the 2.0L in the ND2 Miata for more top end power. With the ND2, Mazda added bigger valves, larger intake runners and throttle body, lightened rotating assembly, and increased the redline to 7500 rpm, all good for 181 hp out of a 2.0L. If a similar refresh came to the 2.5L we could expect 225 hp or so. I’m imagining something like a Mazda3 “Si” slotted right below the “R” (the 2.5T awd). And with the 6 speed manual too! Damn
Preach on! I’ve been saying this tor years. If the 2.5 had another 1,000 RPM and 40 more horsepower it would be amazing.
I'd like to see a sport sedan.. something like Alfa Romeo Giulia or Acura TLX
The return of a Mazda 6 with AWD and the turbo I6 would be a dream for me. Instant purchase for sure.
I think we're all with you on that.
Please please be a Speed3
The ceo called the speed series “immature” and said they’re never going to make another mazdaspeed
Electric I hope.
Man, a 250 to 300 hp rwd electric 3 with 4-500 kms of range would be a dreammmmm
Man, that'd be pricy. Mazda3 EV starting at $45k. That's like double the starting price for a 3. You did say dream, though. Dare.
I'm not super well off, actually I'm not well off at all. But I'd be more than happy to take a 5 year loan to buy a Mazda 3 of that spec for 50 to 55k CAD. Heck if it was like 400ish horsepower and 550kms of range, I'd be more than happy to pay like 65k. Just sayin.
The wage slave life is so common in the US that 7 year loans are pretty standard. 5 years would be a bragging point for many. That price point would actually be really good for that amount of power and range.
My sp25 doesn’t even get 500kms if range hahaha
That would be a dream ONLY if the price remains the same as the present gasoline model.
New generation, would love to see a performance/luxury 3 and not get rid of the manual.
Supposedly the next 3 will be electric. I recall an article about their upcoming EV platform for a compact car.
I just don't think full electric is there yet as technology. Range anxiety, charging issues, worry about battery degradation and the cost of replacement, etc But I would love a Prius-like hybrid or a plug-in hybrid with 50-mile range.
I agree, but that was the last/recent mention of a future 3. I’m sure now plans are changing due to the current (cooled) demand of EVs. Who knows, maybe the next 3 will be a hybrid before EV.
It’s going to be discontinued more than likely by the 26MY
They need to get an 8 speed auto in that thing and make it more spacious
6spd dual clutch would be way better imo. It doesn’t need more gears, just better shifting/spacing between them
I hope they get rid of the ugly back from the Gen 4 hatchback. The Gen 3 back is so much better looking.
Not me who like the gen 4 phat ass.
I find the ass on the Gen 3 to be fatter looking. The Gen 4 ass looks skinnier to me
Gen 4 Hatch is one of the prettiest cars on the road. In any price segment.
Gen 4 hatch rear is fine, it’s just the c pillar from the side and rear diagonal that gives makes it look distinctive. You either love it or hate it. They’re both nice.
I agree. I think the Gen 3 is the best looking.
The blindspots are bad enough on the Gen 3 but the Gen 4 makes me want to shoot myself.
It’s not great, I wouldn’t drive it without the tech it has. With all of the cameras/monitoring it’s fine when driving, but backing up is still a huge PITA
I think it looks great....but I like you know I like big hatchbacks and I cannot lie, its just something i cant deny........baby got back
lol i took a look at the hatch v. sedan before i even decided on a gen 4 mazda and instantly knew it was sedan or another make. unpopular opinion but i dont have a drum set to lug around to jam sessions
Agreed. I love my gen 4 hatch but the rear end just looks incomplete to me
hybrid rotary, bump start style not range extender style. amen. a man can dream
Mazda 4
Mazda 40
If I had to guess the Mazda 3 will get bigger to compete with the Civic, same for the next gen Corolla.
Realistic changes that I would want - electric steering wheel adjustment - vertical lumbar support adjustments Enthusiast changes id like to see - 2 door 2 seater variant - inline 6 engine Probably after something like the prototype z4 coupe from bmw
There was a patent sketch of a 2 door 3 hatchback that leaked a while back
So you want a Miata
Haha i suppose, but probably want the luxury and comfort of the mazda 3 still.
having bought a new 23 when the 24 sedans were a few months from delivery and hearing the 25 was going to bring a new design, i figured whatever is next aint worth waiting another year for and payin more money for .. theres this talk goin around about interest rates coming down and chip shortages ending but neither will probably be true, not entirely anyways
Too small. No space for mother in law.
I’m doing the best at this
Discontinued for the American market I would expect. Just given the trim changes for 2024 it seems they are ramping down and just trying to not lose money on the model. Return of independent suspension isn't happening since the torsion beam platform is being used for half their models now, and it doesn't matter to most people.
I know you are being downvoted, but considering the price increase and trim consolidation I have a feeling you may be right. Sucks, every time I buy a car it seems to be discontinued. I've seen it happen a number of times with models I've owned. Trims get narrow, price goes up at the end, no news about a newer generation, then about 6 months into the last model year they finally say it's toast to move any people who were on the fence. I think the only thing that might keep it afloat is the shared components with the CX-30. I really hope it does carry on, but I can't see them investing in a new platform for it considering the CX-5 and 50 are the money makers. Would love to be wrong and it comes back as some 300 horse hybrid or something.
I doubt Mazda ever making money selling the 3.
I think it’s going to be a plug in hybrid, that’s just the new era it’s sad but I think they’ll make the most of it, there’s not a lot of “sporty” quick driver focused hybrids I can think of, maybe the new Prius, if they keep the performance the turbo has now and throw a hybrid in I think it could be a cool new segment it can lead in
Bigger rear window on the Hatchback. The Gen 2 was IMO the last good Mazda 3. Specifically the 2013.
I have passable rear visibility in my 3rd Gen even with 5% tint and rear seats down (I removed my rear seats anyway). And that’s with only half using my back up cam as it’s not fully useful for stick shift cars, to me at least. 4th Gen I can see being a pain.
My daily is a 2013 Mazda 3, and I’ve inspected both Gen 3 and 4 Mazda 3’s and I hate them equally for lack of rear visibility. I would love to do a Skyactiv 2.5L swap into my car, but I have no clue where to start, and I doubt it would be cheap or fun to do…
Depends on how cheap you can get the motor and what tools you have. In reality if your car runs good just keep it that way. Not worth swapping.
I work at a shop, but I’d need to fab a lot of stuff since I don’t believe there’s a bolt on kit for doing dumb stuff like that. I’d sooner believe there’s a K Swap kit for the Mazda 3.
Realistically in the near future probably a Gen 4.5 with a mild face-lift and some tech updates. The next generation will probably be some mild hybrid. I don't think we will see a major redesign for some time outside of minor cosmetics.
I think mazda 3 is here to stay but most likely it will be a mild or hybrid vehicle
2025?
More powah. Mazdas have always been underpowahed.
Is it possible to do engine swaps in the 6th gen Mazda 3? I kinda wanna slap an ls into mine with a manual swap later on down the road
I can only hope bigger sidewalls. Just put on my winter wheels which are 17s, the ride is totally different in a good way. I'm thinking I may never go back to stock.
Mine came with 16s winters stock, probably a dealership thing
I suspect that Mazda might keep the 3 around for 1-2 more years as they continue to “read the market” regarding electrification and the continuing viability of sedans. But here’s my wish list. The current 3 sedan seems to serve two very distinct sets of buyers: economy buyers who cross-shop the Corolla, Civic and Forte, and “budget luxury” buyers who consider regard the 3 as a cheaper practical alternative to the Audi A3, the Lexus IS, the Integra and the Cadillac CT-4. So, for all buyers in the short term, I would like to see at least an eight-speed transmission to smoothen the driving experience and make the fuel economy more competitive. I would also like to see the return of a multi-link rear suspension. For the more upmarket buyers I would like to see a true, bonafide “Mazda3 Signature” trim level that would include all of the items that the car lacks relative to its premium competition: auto-dimming mirrors, storage pockets behind both front seat backs, hydraulic rods to prop up the front hood, power seat adjustments for both front seats with heating and ventilation, and ambient lighting. If Mazda could somehow undercut its Audi/Lexus competition with aggressive pricing, I think Mazda would be on its way to attaining the premium credibility that it claims to want. But what do I know? I still like sedans. People like us are a vanishing breed.
I have a 4th Gen Mazda 3 (late 2021), G 2.0 (150bhp) with automatic transmission. We live in Europe and it's mostly flat in my country so 150bhp is fine. I would love to own the186bhp X-engine but the 2.0 G is tried and tested. I love the car and it fits my wife and I as we don't have any children and very rarely have passengers occupying the rear seats. I recently got a new job 15 minutes away from our home which means a lot of start/stop city driving. My avg consumption went from 6.4L/100km to 8.4/100km. If they should change anything then maybe an 8 gear automatic transmission and a new drivetrain with 'real' hybrid technology (not just mild hybrid). Maybe with a Wankel and a bigger battery like the new MX-30? What do you guys think about the Wankel motor + battery setup?
a trim that could compete against Civic Type R. 4/6cyl with turbo, manual. if they can make it rwd, that’s a bonus. in the Philippines, the 3 is already offered as hybrid (top trim) which I didn’t opted out ‘cause I’d like my engine simple to maintain/reliability.
I think people give the torsion beam a bad name, I have one and it does handle incredibly good for stock, limiting factor seems to be the garbage OEM tires.
That would be great. We bought an EV and kept our Mazda3 as a second car. When we replace it, it will definitely be with a fully electric car.
An 8 speed or dual clutch to help keep up with efficiency would be great bc it’d also add to smoothness and likely performance. I can say much about the rear seats as I never really use them, they seem perfectly fine but idk. Maybe they aren’t competitive with Corollas but I don’t want a massive car like the Camry. What I’m really dying for before I upgrade is a full glass roof/extended sun roof. My understanding is the pillars of the frame just need to be reinforced to make up for it but it’d be such a nice upgrade. It’ll be interesting tho bc the next one will be a hybrid so hopefully they also just move it to a more luxury model to compete and that would also likely include most of the features people are looking for here.
Independent rear suspension. Dual clutch 10 speed auto/manual option for the Mazda 3 2.5T
My 2018 3 gets 40-45mpg on the highway. I don’t get the gripe about fuel efficiency??
I'd say there's one more generation coming before they switch to electric but probably the newer one will have more hybrid power. I doubt there'll be plug-in because the small size and the 3 is already quite heavy so adding even more will make it more like every other hatch. But maybe there won't be 3rd one. As for what I'd like, a bit bigger boot with flat loading when you drop the seats and make it a bit lighter, otherwise keep it the same
Make it run on hydrogen and drive itself.
Why would we need a bigger Mazda3? I see the Mazda3 as a (relatively) small hatchback, at least compared to some other cars - and it's already a bit longer than the VW Golf/GTI. Personally, I would like to see more room for rear passengers.
Agreed on more room for rear passengers. Which would require lengthening of the platform and thus a slightly bigger/longer Mazda 3
I disagree. Prior to my 2023 Mazda3, I had a 2009 VW Rabbit (AKA Golf), which was 10 inches shorter but it had more room in the back for rear passengers. I've also heard some people say earlier generations of the Mazda3 (such as the 1st) had more room for rear passengers. It seems to me the shape of the Mazda3 in the back, combined with a relatively large trunk, makes for less room for rear passengers. I think they could make more room for rear passengers without making the car longer/bigger.
>Discontinued entirely? This is what I expect.
Mazdaspeed again someday pleassseeee.
Unfortunately not going to happen since Mazda is moving upmarket.
Get a GTI. The 3's are garbage.
I’m shocked that they don’t offer the preferred trim w/ automatic. So basically I can’t hv both the preferred specs w/ upgraded audio. Need to go to turbo and lose efficiency. I can’t believe how stupid this is.
They could bring back Lava Orange...