Thinking of buying the mazda 3 in the next few months.

Been trying to google mazda 3 2017 model and 2016 model difference.
I really can't tell the difference from the exterior, can someone point out where is the difference?


Safety wise 2017 I know got the G-vectoring control while 2016 don't have.

Also, any idea when the 2017 will come to malaysia? i ask few agents they also dont know, maybe coz they want me to sapu the 2016 model.

Test drive both civic and mazda3 and I can tell why civic is more appealing. For only 110k, u get everything that the 123k mazda 3 have, a freakin 13k difference. Lower spec mazda 3 is not worth it, lots of gadgets are gone and most importantly, freakin manual aircond.

That's before you test drove a Subaru Forester, with current offer, Civic is nothing compared to Forester

They are launching the 2017 models at Setia City Mall this weekend.

The new Mazda3 is just a facelift, not a completely new model. Those mazda sales people also can't tell you much other than GVC and possible LED headlight because the official kit list not finalised yet by Berjaya Auto, how do you expect them to give you more details?

And since you think civic is better than the mazda3, then why are you asking?

For only 110k, u get everything that the 123k mazda 3 have.

Do you get feature below in your 110k or 130k Civic?
LDWS
SCBS
BSM
RCTA

From what i know..
- Grill and head light design
- Higher resolution infotainment system and coloured head up display
- Electronic parking brake
- New steering wheel design
- GVC

First let me address the Mazda 3 vs Civic comparison. The difference between the low spec and high spec M3 is the safety features, leather seats on the high spec and also larger rims. Performance is exactly the SAME. Whereas the low spec 110k Civic is a completely different engine compared to the high spec Civic. So comparing the low spec M3, which is now 99k to the 110k Civic, the M3 has a 2.0 litre skyactiv engine making the M3 go from 0-100 in less than 9 secs, whereas the 1.8 i-Vtec Civic does 0-100 in 10.5 secs, that's even slower than a mazda 2.

As for what the facelift Mazda 3 will feature, there are actually quite a number of cosmetic changes, the grill is bigger and wider, definitely looks better, there's a new foglamp design as well. The interior is completely refreshed, better integration of the Infotainment system, electric handbrake, new very nice design steering wheel. There's also better sound insulation as the 2016 Mazda 3 can be quite noisy. On top of that there's the added G-Vectoring, which is in a way a difference type of torque vectoring to increase torque and weight to the front when turning to give better front grip. Racers know how to do this with pedal techniques.

The big downside to the facelift Mazda 3 though, is the price, as the top spec version will be priced above 130k (i have inside info), which pits it head to head to the top spec Civic. The Mazda wins in safety features and handling but loses out in straight line performance when compared to the turbocharged 1.5 Civic.

This post has been edited by Eilrach: Apr 27 2017, 02:39 PM

I am assuming it's more appealing to the Mass audience, not to me.

Civic is too sporty for me. Don't get me wrong. I'm only turning 26.

This post has been edited by babykon101: Apr 27 2017, 02:48 PM

The 2017 will still have only 2 version right. Either Low spec of high spec. If Low spec with temp control I will still consider. But manual is too much for me.

forget about mazda 3 and just get the civic

There is nothing difficult to adjust the fan speed/temp control manually. In our hot weather most of the time you will leave the temp control at max and adjust the fan speed as required. Auto temp control can also be cranky.

Bro, come to Setia Alam Convention Centre this saturday morning, you can test drive the facelifted Mazda 3, and they'll still be selling the pre facelift so you can compare

Haha, I just clarified I dislike Honda. Too bad of a name now.

See, you get a honda for 110k, put in an extra 20-30k and you get a turbocharged monster. And these stupid kids are racing all over with it.


If I drive a civic now, I would look most definitely "lala", being 26 and all.

its sad that u care what others would think of you instead of you getting the best car for your money out there

since u already have this mindset, just wait for the 2017 mazda 3 then, 90% launching sometime around the first half of May 2017

Really ah? Reviews that i read says not much of a noticeable improvement to sound insulation.

In any case, hope they get rid of the dreaded suspension noise once and for all.

better overall package definitely civic la. been driving civic tc-p for few times..i'd prefer 6 speed auto over cvt. (i'm the type who dont really care about gadget nway).

Civics are everywhere. No more wow factor if that's one of your criteria. The Mazda 3 though.. Nice..

Ya...when u try to sell off your mazda3...your wow factor will kicks in

Please think not twice but 5-6 times before you place your booking !!!

Again with the resale value... Up to TS. TS gona use 5 years and change? 5 years is quite a long time. Might as well get a car that TS likes in my opinion.

No hate on the civic. Just sayin I see civics everywhere. Slowly becoming the new myvi/vios.

The two things I am disappointed of Mazda 3 are the rear legroom and center hump,too high. The most I like are overall built quality of dashboard, seats and exterior design.

Mazda 3 facelift announced already:
paultan(dot)org/2017/04/27/2017-mazda-3-facelift-launched-in-malaysia/
As expected price increased a few thousand.

Now I think both the Mazda 3 and Civic turbo are great cars, they are segment C leaders, you can't go wrong with either one. And if not for the dreaded DSG problems, the new Jetta is a damn good car too. Just avoid Corolla and Sylphy and you're fine.

Mazda 3 vs Civic is really down to preference. Want a more driver centric car, go for M3, want more practically and good straightline performance, go for Civic turbo. Another strong point about the Civic, its very moddable, some tuning or adding racechip and it can go over 200hp. Shame though the Civic is paired to a CVT, I personally would have gone for the Civic turbo if it had the manual option.

This post has been edited by Eilrach: Apr 28 2017, 12:15 AM

The only thing I like about the M3 is the dashboard (very premium and BMW like). Maybe can call it a cheap BMW for those who can't afford the BMW? Hahahahaha

Other than that it's NVH and refinement is pretty poor compared to Civic and Altis and Sylphy.

I would say the 2017 model will be better since its newer right?

Comes with the vectoring thingy




This post has been edited by jacobngen87: Apr 28 2017, 07:44 AM

Yeap. The dashboard got the merc/bmw feel. Never tried the rear legroom as one user mentioned. Will try next time.

First of all, why you consider the Mazda 3 at your first place? Why not Honda. You stated that Honda is more appealing, and you are asking 2016 and 2017 Mazda 3.

Just get the one your BRAIN tell you to get... Not many ppl will get Mazda 3 now.. Expensive la, no RV la, rear space cramp la, straight line performance lose to Civic la, apa lagi? Becoz it's a Mazda, not Honda, no turbo.

There is so many reviews available to you on Youtube. Some even give the comparison with 2016 vs 2017 Mazda, new Mazda 3 vs Civic vs Altis.. you mention it, you get it. Most likely you wont get your answer here... Brace yourself, find out the answer. It's your car, not other ppl car.

Cheers~

This post has been edited by toonny: Apr 28 2017, 05:09 PM

when you wanna sell, other people's perception becomes very important.

Inb4 you buy a car to drive, not to sell.

buy VW / audi

I would say just go for M3.

Malaysian roads need more car diversity. I think there are too many Honda otr (a HRV owner myself hehehe) and I'm really sick of seeing so many local made cars like Perodua and Saga these days. I think 50% of the cars otr now are Perodua.

More C segments like M3, Focus to brighten up the monotone car landscape in Malaysia. A buyer of such cars will also add one more unit to the second buyer few years down the road who cannot afford it new now

In fact you're also doing a charity, both for yourself and also selling it to the next buyer who you never know, is his/her dream car

If you don't mind the smaller space, I would say M3, the interior is just so nice compare to civic.

For price comparison, do take note of the discounts. pre-facelift 2016 manufactured m3 I got offered total 9k discount. The new M3 no discount at all. Civic got 5k discount.

If you compare the top spec, it would be 129k for m3 and 130k for civic tc-p after discount.

Sigh.. typical RV related issue.. and agree with your second statement, buy a car to drive, not to sell.

Most of the time when people buy a car, the first concern is "Resale Value". Majority has such thinking, resale value must be good so that the next upgrade would be easier.

by the time you sell your car, it means you are ready for upgrade. If you cannot even afford the purchase, don't buy car please. Vehicle is meant to be a depreciation..

And what they care is other people's perception. "This car is good, that car is bad.. " living in other people's world.


In lowyat forum, after asking such question. If TS is not firmed with his choice, most likely end up same with other. The Honda Civic.

Heart says Mazda 3, but after reading so called suggestions / opinions from the forumers, most likely end up with someone else BRAIN.

BTW, why dont you suggest the Altis? How bout the new Elantra? Hahaha... Other than, Civic, Mazda3, Focus.. there come Altis, and Elantra.. soon, someone will suggest Jetta, Ioniq, used Continentals...

Do charity for the next owner, aiyo.. laugh die me..
To TS, it's either buy the car you like, or buy the car someone else like...

This post has been edited by toonny: Apr 29 2017, 05:40 AM

If you're 26 m3 suits you better. You dont need extra rear space as you dont have a family yet.

If only Mazda 3 have 2inch more legroom will be perfect!

Can consider jetta too if RV not an issue. Reliability issue is subjective. Non owner surely hearsay from friends of friends got this problem this and that.

I guess you can tell I am not a Honda fan. Honda Civic is appealing if you like the Honda badge and VTEC turbo engine apart from slightly higher resale value. But go into the interior quality and the Civic's interior quality looks cheap like a Proton with quirky design. The new Mazda 3's interior particularly the dashboard design looks much classier and elegant and looks more premium. Exterior looks is subjective though the back of the Civic looks like a robot, looks more like for those race-heads or teenagers. The Mazda 3 looks more matured, elegant and classier. The new Mazda 3's handbrake area looks like a BMW with all the round-looking knob controls which adds a bit of class to the car as well. I noticed the Mazda logo at the front was pushed further down into the grille area which looks a bit better than the previous model. Not sure about the changes to the rear of the car. You can always visit the showroom to check it out since the new Mazda 3 is in your shortlist.

If you value money and want to maximise your purchase and not following your heart in what you want, the safe choices are Honda and Toyota (Civic and Altis) as you will get more money for your pocket when you sell your car next time. Even though you don't enjoy the car. A lot of people don't car as a car is to drive from point A to point B and all they want is reliable and high resale. However, there will be others who don't mind the lower resale, to purchase a car that his heart and mind desire, the car that he actually wants to own.

Manual ac control is much more reliable if you are to use the car for more years.

This statement is PURE WIN !!!

Won't comment, as mine will be too bias