Well, you learn new things everyday!

Fo those interested in installing reverse camera on their CBU Mazda 3 integrated with the infotainment screen I came across this shop doing it.
JDM Technik

No. Any front sensor is aftermarket type which does not integrate with the infotainment screen.

That's the instantaneous FC. It depends on how hard you press the gas. In my case I've seen it go to 40L/100km. But the average FC is the one you should be concerned about. I've getting less than 6L/100km average despite seeing high instantaeous FC when I pickup. The info button on the steering wheel toggle between instant FC, average FC and range.

This post has been edited by KennyKB: Nov 7 2015, 08:45 PM

I think you may regret later. If you don't have the budget it's a different thing story but if you can afford HS you will probably regret choosing GL.

Yes, instantaneos FC is current FC which changes all the time. But if you mean the average FC is showing 25.5L/100km it is very high but I wouldn't worry about it. You don't know how the test car has been used. The Mazda 3 has one one of the best FC in its class.

Front sensor is more useful for parking so you don't go too far forward and knock something in front. If you have the HS model the smart city brake should stop you from doing that. Not sure about this as mine is the GL.

You can install an aftermarket front sensor like this one.. Otherwise just be careful when you park.

The i-eloop is ony found on the CBU Mazda 3 and the Mazda 6. When you brake it uses your kinetic energy to charge up a big capacitor. The energy stored in the capacitor is used to power the electrical devices. in theory it should save petrol by allowing the engine to work less hard charging the battery.

You are right, the HS sedan has a lot more features for the same price as the hatchback. These features are useful anywhere in any country. Unless you really must have the hatchback look it is more worth your money to buy the HS sedan.

The sedan butt is also very short so not a lot of difference with the Hatchback. IMO the sedan looks better than the hatchback as it looks more balanced overall while the back of the hatchback looks cut-off. The sedan looks sporty while hatchback looks like a normal hatchback like Myvi, Iriz.

This post has been edited by KennyKB: Nov 11 2015, 03:35 PM

Is Bermaz bringing in the diesel version?

Yes, stop worrying that i-stop will spoil the engine. I'm sure Mazda wouldn't put it in if it harms the engine.

For DRL this guy Howie Choo can do it.

How about this?



This post has been edited by KennyKB: Nov 15 2015, 05:04 PM

To my knowledge there is no way.

Good handling cars have to sacrifice a some back space and comfort due to the way they are constructed. If your priority is comfort and space than Mazda 3 may not be for you. But if you want more than a point A to point B car then Mazda 3 has the power and handling to put back the fun in driving.

Still, I don't think the Mazda 3 is as bad as you make out. I have no complaints from adults sitting in the back seat even when I asked them. Perhaps you should try it out yourself and see.

There's no perfect car which ticks all the boxes for everything you want. Every choice is a compromise. If you want space get an Altis but forget about good safety features and value for money. If you want power and handling get a Jetta but don't complain when gearbox problems hit you. If you want reliability get a Civic but live with the dated look. If you want gadgets get a Cerato but it handles like a Myvi. Ford and Peugeot make good cars but reliability and after sales service are problematic and RV is terrible.

I've shortlisted Altis, Civic, Sylphy, Cerato, Jetta, Focus, Mazda 3 and Pug 408 but in the end it was the Mazda 3 which gives me the best compromise in price, features, performance, handling, styling, FC, maintenance, after sales service and RV. Rear space isn't the best but I can live with it.

Cars are very expensive in Malaysia. Choose wisely and make sure it fulfills your most important priority but remember there is no perfect car.

Yes, I forgot to mention safety which is very important. Mazda 3 has 6 airbags, ABS and Electronic Stability Control even for the GL.

Never really considered Slyphy seriously. It's a 1.8L car for the price of 2.0L.

Altis was also out very early. Spacious but UMW is very stingy with safety features even though price is tops.

Focus and 408 were giving big discounts but too many horror stories on reliability and aftersales service. Jetta had DSG issue.

Test drove Cerato but not impressed. It's can take you from point A to point B in comfort but that's about it.

In the end it came down to Civic 2.0S or Mazda 3 GL. In value for money M3 wins hands down. The Civic 2.0S doesn't even give you bluetooth telephony. The sporty look of the M3 against the dated look of the Civic certainly helps as well.


This post has been edited by KennyKB: Nov 16 2015, 02:24 PM

What type of road you are getting average of 10L/100km? If it is pure city driving it's possible.

What percentage of your driving is City and Highway? If your driving is almost all city 10L/100km is not considered high. In fact an average car will give you 12L/100km for pure city driving.

The first service is at 1000 km. The next one will be at 10,000 km and every 10,000km interval after that.

Changing the bulb to whiter light isn't HID because HID need a ballast. The bulb is a halogen bulb with whiter light but not necessarily brighter.

Unfortunately there is no legal afternarket HID conversion.