My 2017 Mazda 3 also suffers from reflections of the dashboard in the windscreen in sunny weather and the front pillars obstruct the view of junctions for tall drivers. Have those aspects been improved?

 

I think that problem was solved by the dark matte dash material, as I do not see reflections on the windscreen in sunny weather. The windscreen is wide and open and the front pillars are not in the way either.

 

Do you use the a/c in the fresh air or re-circulate mode? The compressor stays on longer (using more gas) in the fresh air mode.

 

I use the Auto- climate control which determines whether or not to re-circulate.

 

Thanks for the review, Michael. Have you owned or driven a 3rd gen before? If so, how would you compare the ride and comfort.

 

Well done review! Especially interesting to hear the comments from someone coming from premium positioned brands.

 

Oakley's Prizm Polarized lenses work great.
CK

 

I use a DashDesigns Dash Cover, black Dashtex material, custom cut for my 2016 isport. Helps eliminate the glare and protects the dash.

https://www.dashdesigns.com/p-37086-dashcovers-main.html

 

That's a good solution but I need to find a UK supplier

 

Quick question, was the popping sound upon initial acceleration from a stop? I have a 2019 Premium Hatch and i get a popping/knocking sound when I give it some gas from a dead stop. Does not happen in a rolling acceleration.

 

Yes the popping sound was upon initial acceleration from a stop. Once it was rolling the sound was no longer there. Take it to Mazda and have them tighten up the axle and brake parts all around. It's an easy fix.

 

Hi all!

Picked up my premium hatch in snowflake pearl white yesterday and woke up today and still am just smitten by it! Mazda just knocked it out the park with the 3. As the owner of a 2018 CX5 touring and previous 2016 tournig 6 (all starting driving a 2004 Mazda 3 sedan till 2017) the 2019 3's are indeed the break through cars (you can add the CX 5 to this list as well) to the premium car segment Mazda is set out to achieve.

 

I think the white will be one of the highest demand colors.

 

Congrats on your new Mazda3. Please post some pics.

 

Will do, gonna clay and wax sunday and will try and post a few.

 

OP since you said you’ve owned BMWs I wanted to get your opinion.

I currently own a 2nd Gen Mazda 3 and have loved it but I’ve always dreamt of owning a BMW since I’ve been in high school and I’m really thinking about getting one for my next car but this new Mazda 3 in Polymetal Gray is really tempting me also.

My preference is getting a manual transmission since I love driving stick shift so my issue is either getting a preowned BMW or getting the 3 in the HB and I’ve also been apprehensive about getting e bimmer due to everyone telling to avoid them like the plague because of maintenance and how expensive everything is.

Just wondering if you think BMW is worth it or is mostly hype since I’ve been looking on BMWs website pricing new guys and I’m just flabbergasted that certain things like heated seats aren’t standard in a 3 series which is 45k versus the top trim Mazda 3?

Also glad you’re liking the car and I know it’ll treat you well!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

You pay a price premium for a BMW and their reliability does not compete with Jap designed cars

 

I just hit 1,000 miles as well and absolutely loving this car. It really impressive how well this drives and how much tech they packed in.

I pretty much agree with your review, but personally don’t think it’s necessary to pay $400 for a navigation upgrade. Android auto and apply car play both work flawlessly.

 

other than cup holder placement and front license plate location, It's a great car.

 

The cup holders are exactly where they belong - in front of you. The license plate is where it belongs are well - on the front bumper.

 

First time posting pics but here are a few.

 

Looks amazing in white. Great choice.

 

Thanks for the review! Do you feel jerky when picking up speed? I felt it yesterday during my test drive. It was not smooth while upshifting in low gears.

 

Mine feels very smooth while upshifting in low gears. Perhaps try another Mazda3 to compare how it shifts.

 

Hi all,

New member here, but long-time Mazda Protege/3 owner. We're now on our fifth in a row (new every four years): '19 3 Sport GT w/premium package. Just over two weeks; about 1100 kms so far.

With three exceptions, this is yet another substantial improvement, as has been each generation. I absolutely love this car, except:

1. We have the now-notorious 'false airbag malfunction' warning. This was diagnosed early; new module shipped, and to be installed early next week.
2. Very irritating rattle somewhere in right/front passenger compartment, when right side on rough surfaces. Hopefully this can be traced.
3. Most concerning: the past couple of days exactly the same 'clunk' from a stop has started up as has been reported by the op and others. Hopefully, again, this can be resolved quickly.

Other than those three items, the car has been flawless.

 

I have a slight vibration rattle as well on rough surfaces on the right front passenger side. Sounds like it might be coming from the dash/glove box area.
I looked in and under the glove compartment and wedged some foam pieces in various spots that might cause a rattle but its still there.
Let us know if you find out what it is.

 

how's the gas milage

I test drove the 2019 Mazda 3 sedan yesterday. I currently own a 2008 BMW 335i. Was thinking of going for the 2019 Civic hatch, but then they announced the 2019 Mazda 3.

Loved the design and the interior.

Things I didn't like:
1. Wasn't expecting the lag when accelerating in normal mode. It was more responsive in the sport mode.
2. Was surprised the premium trim does not have parking sensors and the reverse parking guide does not turn along with the steering. I wished they at-least provided front parking sensors as an optional add on

What's the avg mileage you are getting?

 

I have the Reverse parking guide on my premium USA model

 

I have reverse parking sensors on all my cars, even the 1996 Miata. One on each door and one mounted on the windshield. They are always on and you can turn them in any direction you choose.....:surprise:

 

Just to clarify, on reverse, it have the parking guide, but the guide would not turn with the steering. So I had to use the mirrors to reverse the car into the parking spot.

 

So I had to use the mirrors to reverse the car into the parking spot.

Those electronic gadgets on the dash are intended as driver aids, not as a replacement for proper driving skills, ie knowing how to reverse using the mirrors. Looking at the screen on the dash means you are not paying attention to other things that may occur outside the range of the camera.

 

I've never had a backup camera before, so I don't know how this one compares, but - it has a wide view of cross traffic and a warning chime for cross traffic. I'm finding it's better to just watch the screen than use the mirrors or turn my head.

 

I'm finding it's better to just watch the screen than use the mirrors or turn my head.

Until you hit something with the side or front of the car while you are turning without looking at anything but the video screen....
If you are looking at the mirrors you can also see whats going on all around you, not just behind...... This isn't a video game. You don't get a do-over if you run over a kid in the parking lot..:surprise:

 

I won't argue with using the mirrors.

Aren't the guides suppose to help you steer the car into the spot. If you are going to have the guide, why not just make it fully functional.

 

I wish they placed the backup camera so it doesn’t easily get wet. When it rains, the camera is useless.

 

My Golf has a solution, albeit a rather gemicky one. The camera stays hidden until reverse is selected then a little round door disguised at a VW logo (doubles as the hatch latch handle) flips open to expose the camera.
Makes a strange fart/squeak sound as it opens and closes. Does the job though, lens is always clear.

 

So, an update. As I reported earlier, we had on our new (3+ weeks now) 3 Sport GT/premium the following:

1. The false airbag malfunction warning (TSB/recall)
2. The 'clunk' from somewhere under the car when starting again having stopped, and
3. A 'rattle' (extremely irritating) from somewhere in right/front passenger compartment when going over rough surfaces right-side.

Car in for service this a.m. Report:

1. Done (new module).
2. Done. Tech heard it; attributed it to brake caliper ('normal'), but ... put the car on hoist, and went around the chassis. Said he re-torqued all four axle nuts, and some brake part bolts. Result: 'clunk' gone. I suspect the axle nut(s) were the issue, as reported on here.
3. 'Nothing heard'. It's there, and very irritating given the overall quietness/smoothness of the car, which we otherwise completely love. This is our fifth '3' in a row (new one every four years, beginning with a Protege 5 in '03).

Overall I'm happy, but ... if anyone on here does come up with a cause for the right-side front passenger compartment rattle -- I know there's at least one other owner with this problem -- I'd be happy to hear!

Cheers, everyone!

 

Hello, in the new mazda 3 the windscreen is athermal ?