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

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

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