i've posted a review on the Mazda 3 thread (in car clubs sub forum)
i personally think the CBU tax is not worth it, and the car overall is overhyped.

the dynamics is just not there and i prefer the CVT way more than the 6 speed slosh box. if i need to work on a car to reap the rewards of fun and engaging drive, i have a far better 3 pedal manual actual sports car.

that said, if you are not happy with the Civic, then you don't exactly have much choices between the Altis and the Mazda 3.

not just that, on D auto and tall gearing 6 speed, it'll tend to sit on higher gears and that elevates the lack of power issue.

comparatively, the CVT is constantly trying to keep in optimal power band under full boost max torque. so the end result is day and night difference when it comes to power and driving dynamics.

then that traditional shock absorbers and rear torsion beam. ugh. lol. the global model Civic FE is just leagues ahead. you only even look at the Mazda if you cannot Civic and/or CVT or steering rack.

not really, because i am biased against EV.

That said, Honda EHEV is fairly interesting. and touch wood, not sure if its because the new VGR steering, it doesn't share the same issue with Civic / City etc steering rack issue.

maybe used BMW 3 series? seem to fit the budget

i'm co owning the Current latest HRV EHEV

no steering rack issue (yet)

Yeah I don't even have the motivation to even bother test driving the Altis lol
I don't buy into their (lackluster, mind I add) marketing lol

No idea on their power steering supplier, I assume different as never heard of CC faced issues.

But, SUV hahaha.
Maybe CC hybrid is decent? If my experience on Honda HRV EHEV is anything close to CC hybrid

i was a co owner, it was an issue but it only happened to me once, claim went smoothly, and even during the issue, it wasn't that big of an issue to me since i am pretty decent at adapting.

the seat was probably hard, but in comparison to my own car with semi buckets, it was pretty soft.
my wife generally will sit at rear seats and the rear of Civic was much better than the Mazda 3. but alas, the low sloping roof was a deal breaker when carrying our newborn to baby seat. the opportunity to buy over my bro in law HRV was that nail in the coffin.


now, i had the same thoughts as you about the Mazda 3. i went and test driven it, and in my opinion, it was overhype. i understood the hype, but the Civic drive train was way better and the CKD vs CBU too big of a gap to ignore.
no, i am not just referring the the engine power NA vs turbo, i am particularly referring to the CVT vs slosh box, steering input and output, suspensions etc, the Civic FE to me, was all better than the Mazda 3.


so long your expectations are aligned, test driven Mazda 3 liftback extensively, satisfied, then it'll be good
admittedly, NVH was much better than the CKD Civic. it is still my opinion the price difference is still not justifiable as aftermarket full car
sound proofing also don't need 30-40k+

That's why I laid my disclaimers/pre face.

I don't need a half bucket that Mazda 3 is trying to do.
To me Civic FE is a better family car.

Actually, it would be fair for my experience because our Civic e spec was 16"
Mazda 16"

Ok la.

Congratulations on your new car bro!

This is no joke bro

Literally minutes ago on this post today

And yeah, quite literally my GT86 also costed less

Yeah Mazda (and Toyota) just picking dead chicken from Honda lol

It's no where near being a 4 door MX5

MX5 is really a full fledged sports car, even to my disappointment (but that's my own issue that I had too high expectations, and bias favouring my own car)

I'll stand firm that a car accident or not have nothing to do with torsion beam or multi link.


It's all the driver.

I honestly find it hard to believe.

No way Toyota will let that prolong and tarnish their legendary reliability reputation?

But, not as widespread maybe because much fewer owners?
And/or unker less likely to viral stuff and would attempt to resolve issue behind closed doors.

I know who. Lol

And that's all I'll say. Anymore (from whoever , regardless) would be just a dumpster fire

i did and i prefer the Civic's suspension much more.

not because of rear multilink, more to how the Mazda 3 seems to be on standard outdated absorbers, which the Civic already have bypass valve built into it. it handles high speed compression/rebounds WAY better than the Mazda 3.

Are you referring to time alignment?

Bro, reputable accessories shop has been doing that at least 15 to even 20 years lol.

Yes they also have sonic or spectrometer tools while doing their tuning.

I was into ICE before into automotive (interest, maintenance, etc) in general (even before Motorsports)