I know that this is a Mazda3 club but I'm not comparing a current Mazda3 with a current Ford Focus MK3 - in this comparison, I agree that a Mazda3 is the winner for most of the areas.

The Focus MK3 is not far behind though as SDAC only needs to work on their after sales service (I find them rude) and they would be fine.

Contrary to popular belief and "my friend say" theories, throughout my ownership of my current MK2 Focus, I have no problems in reliability (no breakdowns, ever), parts (other than typical maintenance, nothing else has spoilt), cost of maintenance (I service outside since out of warranty, price is normal as well).

If you look at resale values of the previous generation Focus and 3, both have similar depreciation levels (remember to take into consideration that the previous Mazda 3 2.0 was always priced higher then the previous Focus)

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing from the older MK2 Focus to the current Mazda3. Reason for the change is ONLY because of the safety pack in the M3 high spec sedan vs the lack of it in C-segment cars at the time I bought the Focus. Oh, and importantly also because the M3 scores very high on NCAP and IIHS tests (as good as a Volvo but with cheaper maintenance, yay) - No other C-segment car comes this close.

The only drawback to me from the change is the smaller rear seat (which I don't really care as only 2 of us generally) and I feel that the pick-up is slower during test drives (on paper is faster, but the butt disagrees).

Might be the gearing I think as its tuned for efficiency. I saw that foreign cars have a "Sport" switch, is this something that can be added on?

Right, paddle shifters!

Why did I forget about those....Must be the sales people though, they don't really explain their cars very well and I had to insist for a longer test route instead of a short circle - from a sales perspective, Mazda has to improve this

And although the PJ 222 showroom already looks quite dated compared to other brands, a simple thing they really could start with to improve it is by turning on the lights - it looks so gloomy and depressing inside.

Anyhow, not bothered about resale values but more interested in drivers car and the safety pack. I regularly will take myself off the highway to enjoy the B roads.

Thanks guys, have ordered and will be delivering very soon. Perhaps after a couple of months will do a comparo for others benefit.

Thanks guys, have ordered and will be delivering very soon. Perhaps after a couple of months will do a comparo for others benefit.

reminder, iirc, low spec no paddle shifters

There is also a manual shifting option at the gear lever. But in general manual shifting for an auto car is not very useful as the auto gear tend to override your choice after a short while.

I know that this is a Mazda3 club but I'm not comparing a current Mazda3 with a current Ford Focus MK3 - in this comparison, I agree that a Mazda3 is the winner for most of the areas.

The Focus MK3 is not far behind though as SDAC only needs to work on their after sales service (I find them rude) and they would be fine.

Contrary to popular belief and "my friend say" theories, throughout my ownership of my current MK2 Focus, I have no problems in reliability (no breakdowns, ever), parts (other than typical maintenance, nothing else has spoilt), cost of maintenance (I service outside since out of warranty, price is normal as well).

If you look at resale values of the previous generation Focus and 3, both have similar depreciation levels (remember to take into consideration that the previous Mazda 3 2.0 was always priced higher then the previous Focus)

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing from the older MK2 Focus to the current Mazda3. Reason for the change is ONLY because of the safety pack in the M3 high spec sedan vs the lack of it in C-segment cars at the time I bought the Focus. Oh, and importantly also because the M3 scores very high on NCAP and IIHS tests (as good as a Volvo but with cheaper maintenance, yay) - No other C-segment car comes this close.

The only drawback to me from the change is the smaller rear seat (which I don't really care as only 2 of us generally) and I feel that the pick-up is slower during test drives (on paper is faster, but the butt disagrees).

Might be the gearing I think as its tuned for efficiency. I saw that foreign cars have a "Sport" switch, is this something that can be added on?

I know that this is a Mazda3 club but I'm not comparing a current Mazda3 with a current Ford Focus MK3 - in this comparison, I agree that a Mazda3 is the winner for most of the areas.

The Focus MK3 is not far behind though as SDAC only needs to work on their after sales service (I find them rude) and they would be fine.

Contrary to popular belief and "my friend say" theories, throughout my ownership of my current MK2 Focus, I have no problems in reliability (no breakdowns, ever), parts (other than typical maintenance, nothing else has spoilt), cost of maintenance (I service outside since out of warranty, price is normal as well).

If you look at resale values of the previous generation Focus and 3, both have similar depreciation levels (remember to take into consideration that the previous Mazda 3 2.0 was always priced higher then the previous Focus)

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing from the older MK2 Focus to the current Mazda3. Reason for the change is ONLY because of the safety pack in the M3 high spec sedan vs the lack of it in C-segment cars at the time I bought the Focus. Oh, and importantly also because the M3 scores very high on NCAP and IIHS tests (as good as a Volvo but with cheaper maintenance, yay) - No other C-segment car comes this close.

The only drawback to me from the change is the smaller rear seat (which I don't really care as only 2 of us generally) and I feel that the pick-up is slower during test drives (on paper is faster, but the butt disagrees).

Might be the gearing I think as its tuned for efficiency. I saw that foreign cars have a "Sport" switch, is this something that can be added on?

vkool + solargard? I thought solargard is another brand?
No wonder so cheap.

Performace wise the Focus and Mazda3 is about the same. The difference is in the throttle curve. For the Mazda3 I'd say the first 50% of the fuel pedal is designed for fuel saving, so if you're looking for that feeling where you "step abit on the pedal and car zooms" type of deal you will be dissapointed. To turn on the Mazda3 power you have to step on the throttle quite deep. At MAX throttle the difference between the 2 cars are almost negligable.

I tested the Mazda3, Focus and Jetta quite abit before settling for the Mazda3. With the Focus I actually drove from KL to Ipoh in a friend's car. My conclusion is this, if you want power in the city driving Jetta is the one to get as it's got alot of low end torque which makes zipping in city a breeze. For highway driving all three cars are quite equal.

I suggest you test drive the M3 again, but this time push it harder and you'll see the car come to life.

I agree the Jetta is fun to drive due to its excellent low end torque but too bad a VW is only for the brave and the pain tolerant now. I heard VGM is improving and the DSG issue is over but I've yet to be convinced. In 5 years time I may be ready to get a VW if VGM continues to improve.

Hi, new owner here - Mazda 3 2015 GL. Just wan to ask, have you guy feel the car is continuous minor vibration/shaking when the car is not moving(engine started)? And cornering or parking, I can feel the steering is quite heavy. M3 service advisor  has changed the pressure to 32>30 coz I complaint car is shaking when I drove 100-140. What is recommended tyre pressure? 205/16 Tyre. TQ

This is definitely not normal. I can't even feel any vibration in my car when idling. Car is also very smooth when driven at 100-140 km/h. When cornering or parking the steering should be light. I'm driving a Mazda 3 GL myself. The tyre pressure should be 36 - 40 psi depending on your passenger load (see label on driver door edge) but I don't think tyre pressure is your problem.  You definitely need to pursue this with the SC until solved.

This is definitely not normal. I can't even feel any vibration in my car when idling. Car is also very smooth when driven at 100-140 km/h. When cornering or parking the steering should be light. I'm driving a Mazda 3 GL myself. The tyre pressure should be 36 - 40 psi depending on your passenger load (see label on driver door edge) but I don't think tyre pressure is your problem.  You definitely need to pursue this with the SC until solved.

Hi bro,

Any advise for 18inch tyre pressure?

The car guide advise to inflate 250KPa that's around 36PSI but I feels that my ride is kinda bumpy and stiff..

Feels like releasing some air to make my ride feels more comfortable but afraid when my car bump into pot hole will damage my rims..

Hi bro,

Any advise for 18inch tyre pressure?

The car guide advise to inflate 250KPa that's around 36PSI but I feels that my ride is kinda bumpy and stiff..

Feels like releasing some air to make my ride feels more comfortable but afraid when my car bump into pot hole will damage my rims..

Hi, new owner here - Mazda 3 2015 GL. Just wan to ask, have you guy feel the car is continuous minor vibration/shaking when the car is not moving(engine started)? And cornering or parking, I can feel the steering is quite heavy. M3 service advisor  has changed the pressure to 32>30 coz I complaint car is shaking when I drove 100-140. What is recommended tyre pressure? 205/16 Tyre. TQ

TWO  issues with higher tyre pressure:
1. high pressure is good for fuel consumption but bad for comfort.
2. pressure will increase a lot if u drive at high speeds under the hot Malaysian sun . remember air expands according to the temperature. if u pump 35 psi, it will definitely increase to 40+ psi during high temps.

Sorry bro, I'm not an expert on tyre pressure. But 18" rims is going to feel more bumpy and noisy on uneven roads compared to smaller rims that we are used to. You will also feel the potholes more.

Hi, new owner here - Mazda 3 2015 GL. Just wan to ask, have you guy feel the car is continuous minor vibration/shaking when the car is not moving(engine started)? And cornering or parking, I can feel the steering is quite heavy. M3 service advisor  has changed the pressure to 32>30 coz I complaint car is shaking when I drove 100-140. What is recommended tyre pressure? 205/16 Tyre. TQ