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.  :confused:

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~