have you test driven the Mazda?
can you accept the power first because you are coming from a more powerful car.

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.

Dont bother. Similar unsolvable knocking noise issue like Civic except for the 3 series its the tie rods instead of steering rack. Continuous claims needed

Since you got estima and veloz, If you like the Mazda design, then can just buy Mazda 3 2.0L for your own drive. It is a car for driver to enjoy, can try 2.0 hatchback version. the cornering performance is better than civic fe, maybe because it is not sedan plus the good GVC control. More fun in driving based on my experience when I drive my cousin car go up genting with him.

So far my cousin has been driving it for 3 years, no issue heard. And my civic v also turning 3 years, no steering issue also, lol. Maybe is really depend on luck.

In terms of power, I will think civic engine is slightly better, not much difference. maybe I get more use to the 1.5T. Overall Mazda 2.0 hatchback more fun.

I have test driven the hybrid CC and it is super for 0-50 and immediately stalls.
Very comfortable seats (compared to ehem the worst car seats I have ever sat on the FE E-spec) and is decent across a bump.

All in all I only regret the size a little at the back.

Dislike the footbrake but its been resolved on the mini update.

U did letgo the RS? Via direct owner or Carsome etc?

thank you for being honest my man. a lot of civic fe owners (especially in FB) try to deny this and hide under the carpet but in reality, the steering rack issue is widespread. on top of that, the seats are hard and uncomfortable.

i used to think what is the fuss about mazda (the current gen), but once I own one, i understood the hype. it just feels good and natural to drive, you'll forget about the power deficit. it may be a downgrade in term of power but upgrade in everything else.

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+

Just saw your post on the Mazda thread. Good to know you have decided on the Mazda 3 ignite.

I've previously read about the steering rack issue which is prevalent with the latest Honda Civic model but didn't know it's not an isolated case as it affects most if not all Civic models. To me, it's not only about the steering rack but the overall quality and fit and finish of Honda vehicles from City to Accord as they mostly show poor NVH and rattling sound inside the cabin due to loose fittings even for fairly new models.

Congratulations. Good to know. The Mazda 3 was on my radar but due to the high price it was scratched off the list. I used to own the Ford Focus mk3 which has exceptional handling in its price range, the time I bought it the price is around RM110k+/-. The Mazda 3 may be the closest performing vehicle but at a higher price.

Haha, i've written quite a lot on the rattling sound inside the cabin of Accord so I won't repeat it too much here. The quality is quite poor for the price you are paying especially Civic and Accord new models. I don't want to add too much salt but I actually find Proton vehicles to show less rattling sound inside the cabin than Honda models. Toyota and Mazda usually fair much better as they are CBU from Thailand and Japan respectively (Corolla and Mazda 3). CBU models will usually show better quality than CKD, especially the Honda CKD plant.

Congratulations on your new car bro!

What colour u go for?

I agree with u, for a sedan, s70 is quite good dy at its price range.

Even for SUV, im leaning towards the x70 facelift or tiggo 7

Heck i would even recommend to top up abit from the mazda 3 price and get the cx5 if TS still wants to go for mazda

Or yolo and get a second hand bmw as TS mentioned he wanted a fun car

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)

Fu yoh, now so fast can get car already, las time my cousin wait like want to cry, lol.

Congrats for getting your new car

Which colour did you get? I’ve been looking at the hatch closely just waiting for the right time to close the deal but still many reservations with govt planning to scrap fuel  subsidies and all that if that ever happens maybe need to consider a hybrid. Kinda in a dilemma here tbf