Recommended for you

Mazda3 Sedan 1.5 Deluxe (A) Review

Mazda3 Sedan 1.5 Deluxe (A) vs Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A)

8 most affordable turbocharged new cars for a faster 2023

» Go to articles

This is an old car model that is no longer for sale by the local distributor since Jan 2019.
Click here for the new model Mazda 3 Sedan that is currently for sale.
Editor Review
spacer
spacer spacer
spacer
Mazda3 Sedan 1.5 Deluxe (A) vs Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A)
16 Apr 2014  |  Mazda Reviews
It is time for the Altis to battle again - this time with the all new Mazda3.
spacer
spacer spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
   Consumer Reviews of Mazda 3 Sedan
spacer
4.0
 
68 Consumer Reviews
spacer
Comfort
4.0 Reliability
3.5
spacer
Handling
4.0 Features
4.0
spacer
Exterior Styling
4.5 Interior Design
4.0
spacer
Value for money
3.5 Engine Performance
3.5

  •   Sort By
  •  « Back ( 1 2 3 4 5 ) Next »  
  •  results/page
TK888
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 14-Nov-2023
COE Rebate Value  Posted on 13 Nov 2023
spacer
 

Review
Car price tagged with low COE rebate, higher risk for consumer if COE price dropped a lot. Good to consider to gave high rebate COE price in current votality of COE price.


Conan86
1st Gear
8 reviews
48 points
88 forum posts Joined on 08-Jul-2019
Looks good, drives good.  Posted on 22 Oct 2021
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
spacer

Review
Mazda 3 BM/BN has great styling and handling. It's a driver centric car with good infotainment, center console and even a HUD. The main let down is the puny engine, which makes quite a bit of noise when pushed hard, however this is the problem having to suit Cat A COE and not really the car's issue.. Sound insulation is poor in this generation as well.

What I like
- Soul Red Crystal
- Handling
- HUD
- FC is good (80% highway)
- LED headlights and tail light styling

What I do not like
- Engine and road noise
- Small rear cabin
- Aftersales service can be atrocious if paired with the wrong staff


Conan86
1st Gear
8 reviews
48 points
88 forum posts Joined on 08-Jul-2019
Great looks with superb handling  Posted on 06 Sep 2019
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 3.0
spacer

Review
Definitely one of the most stylish compact sedan out there, made in Japan, superb handling. Good suspension system with rear multi-link rear suspension. Sound quality from factory speakers are good, try it with AUX cable for best quality. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto available as option to upgrade for infotainment system. LED lights look great and exudes the fierce angry car look.

Main shortfall of the car lies in the 1.5L engine, which can't be helped due to trying to fit a compact sedan into CAT A COE to compete with the rest in this segment. I would say the car is still able to run if you're willing to push it. But it revs loud when you push the engine, some may like this sound while others won't.

Highly enjoyable ride

What I like
Excellent exterior styling
Comfortable chair
Multi-link rear suspension
Cold air-conditioning
Good sound quality from factory speakers
Good fuel economy
Able to gain Apple CarPlay/Android Auto features (look below)

What I do not like
No auto locking mechanism when driving
Small legroom for rear passenger
No rear air con vents
Costly upgrade for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Road noise can be loud with poor quality tyres
No option for ADAS such as MRCC, BSM etc..
1.5L engine unique to Singapore market due to COE system...


CharlesLee
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 21-May-2015
Car is alright good , but aftersales services is worst nightmare.  Posted on 04 Mar 2019
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 1.0 Engine Performance 3.0
spacer

Review
Bought a car less than 1 year , have very bad review on the services center .

Aftersales salesman will forget about you and dont bother to update any new feature enable etc .

Services center long waiting and thing yet not completed as request.

Follow up services center no respond.

What I like
Mazda Design
Interior
Sporty

What I do not like
look like private hire .
Worst service center .
Afterservices sales man .
Costly for upgrade andriod play.


ErChianKong
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 08-Nov-2018
Nice looking car  Posted on 08 Nov 2018
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 3.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 5.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 3.0
spacer

Review
Nice styling with the right curve in the right space. The mazda 3 also look smart and grown up, giving a professional rather than the little beng feel.

It is a compact car, the backseat is really limited, probably not going to be family friendly. Other than that, the car drives well with nice handling.

What I like
Styling, interior quality

What I do not like
Engine cmi for pick up

back seat is for luggage not for human


AndrewTan_142177
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 08-May-2015
Beautiful car inside out but more refinement needed  Posted on 13 Jul 2018
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
spacer

Review
Upgraded from old BK Mazda 3 Lux to the 2L skyactiv with G vector technology.

The exterior and interior are a great improvement over the old Mazda. The ride quality is much more comfortable especially when taking corners.

The engine torque seems to have been moved to the lower range of the rpm perhaps this is how it becomes more fuel efficient as you don’t need to press the gas pedal so hard to accelerate. But the car seems to lose the sporty powerful characteristic when revving the engine of the older Mazda.

I can see how the skyactiv version of Mazda 3 can almost rival the looks of the old Lexus IS 250... However there quite a few detractors that make it not match the quality of luxury class cars. Totally understand that it is going at a good price and still value for money for the practical driver who appreciates good quality.

What I like
-Good fuel consumption
-Engine stop start can be controlled with brake pressure
-Good pickup at low rpm. 1500 to 2000rpm is all you need for normal speed driving
-Minimalist dashboard design is clean and not distracting
-Bigger hood and engine bay compared to the old one.
-Much improved engine bay layout
-Much improved interior finishing
-Much improved quality of undercarriage finishing
-Much improved quality of plastic components
-Paddle shifters
-Comfortable drive

What I do not like
-Auto sensing wipers are rather lazy/slow to react to rain
-Suspension makes knock sound when going over hump
-Transmission not so smooth can feel shifting gears (occasionally)
-Car doesn’t accelerate faster if rev past 3k rpm. The old Mazda still has good pickup at 4K rpm
-Factory paint is a bit rough... only soul red color seems nicely done but that’s usually out of stock
-Body roll when cornering
-Engine note is not sporty and zoom zoom like the old one
-The contrast of the HUD speed display is too low and is till find reading the speed on the dashboard easier


Williamleesg
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
1 points
1 forum posts Joined on 29-May-2006
My first Mazda  Posted on 19 May 2018
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
spacer

Review
I have always been attracted to Mazda 3 exterior styling with the cool looking headlights and taillights. Never dreamt that one day I would be able to own this car. After dropping by the showroom over a weekend to test drive, I bought the 1.5 deluxe sedan. Interior feels luxury with the heads up display showing not only your current speed, but also the road speed limit and GPS directions. The SkyActiv engine has interesting features like the i-Stop and i-Eloop that helps improves the fuel economy for a car of its class. G-Vectoring Control helps the car to remain more stable by shifting the torque and weight of the car according to the bends you negotiate. Overall, I’m happy to be driving the Mazda 3.

What I like
Exterior led lightings
Sunroof
G-Vectoring Control
i-Eloop and i-Stop
Fuel economy
MZD entertainment System

What I do not like
Sound insulation can be better


KelvinTung
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 18-May-2014
Loving my ride  Posted on 24 Apr 2018
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
spacer

Review
This is my first Mazda ownership. Test drove the 2017 1.5L deluxe version. I liked it and so decided to buy it. Feels like I'm very much I control of the car. It may look like it has some blind spots given the width and size of the car (I previously drove a smaller car), but its surprisingly quite visible and most of the blindspots are easily visible. Engine wise, its more powerful than my previous car. But the engine may have some lag time response when you floor it. Engine noise audible when starting off. Only gets quieter at higher speed. Sometimes, the gear change takes a longer while with RPM staying at 3k for a while before it changes to the next gear. Perhaps it's me? I don't know... Still haven't went for my 1k servicing yet. Other than that, there's sufficient storage in the boot, leg room at the passesger seat at the back is decent. Loving the sunroof, though I didn't use it. Loving the leather and soft material interval. Makes the car looks like a posh car feel. Overall, loving it!

What I like
Stylish exterior
Premium feel interior
Boot space
Sunroof
Keyless entry module
Responsive touch screen
leather seats and steering

What I do not like
I love the rims, but will be better if it can be upgraded to 17" at least
laggy engine at times
No electronic parking break
Single exhaust for 1.5L (looks sportier if there're 2 exhaust)
Noisy engine start
Sound insulation could be better
No BOSE sound system :(


youngza
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 19-Jul-2016
Impressive Features and Styling on a Japanese make  Posted on 18 Feb 2018
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
spacer

Review
Bought my m3 sedan last Nov as a second owner. At the time of purchase, car was just slightly over 2 years old. Was previously driving a 2008 Honda fit so the change was huge. The most common comment you will hear people mention is that Mazdas are more unforgiving on fuel consumption, I can tell you for sure that there's a reason for it. If you even drove one or just open/closed a door, you will know that the car was designed with safety and stability as an important factor. Having won some safety awards, there's no gimmick on Mazda's part. It's a beauty to look at and when you're inside it's no different, leather trimmings make it look luxurious. With the HUD and touch screen entertainment system, it's no wonder why this car is a popular choice. Engine performance wise, skyactive technology keeps the engine at low revs, but if required, the car can pick up speed relatively fast as well. I don't consider myself a heavy foot but the m3 is able to get up to speed relatively easy even with full load. If you look at the vehicle weight, it is relatively heavier compared to similar vehicles in the same segment. That being said, this increase will be notable in the fuel consumption, but in reality you're trading 1-2km/litre for the m3's stability and safety. My wife says she feels very safe in this car and she's much more comfortable driving my baby around in this car.

So far, the only problem i had was with the service centre. Unfortunately on my first visit to Eurokars, i dropped the car off for a simple service at 8 in the morning and was only collect it at 8pm at night. Was also given the pricing list for future service, I can only say that prices are extraordinary. It's the first time I saw that a major service package for a Japanese make can go up to 4digits. Will definitely do my service outside once the warranty period is over.

What I like
Beautiful exterior, luxurious and comfortable interior

HUD makes driving feel sleek

Corners well, very stable

Driver's electric seat can be adjusted in many ways

Vehicle auto locks when walking away

What I do not like
Suspension sometimes sound stretched when car is at full load.

Sudden braking can be quite uncomfortable because of the weight of the car, inertia really has its effect on this car.


Aerogen
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
3 points
17 forum posts Joined on 13-Feb-2007
First time car owner  Posted on 14 Feb 2018
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
spacer

Review
First time buying a car and shortlisted either the altis or the mazda 3. Previously was driving my parent's altis and did not bother to test drive the new altis since i reckon toyota's drive is the same. Went to test drive the mazda 3 and I love the drive of it.

Chose the mazda 3 deluxe 2017 version and been driving it for > 1 month. Paid $1k more for the soul red option and no regrets for it. The colour makes the car look sexy! Fuel consumption based on the in-car computer is about 6.5L/100km

What I like
- Driver centric feel as the controls are all around the driver
- Mazda commander control for deluxe version
- Stylish looks and good interior for the price range
- Walk away locking feature which is useful

What I do not like
- Hump at the rear is a little high, width of car slightly smaller than other cars in the same segment.
- No auto locking of doors when moving off.


trongpham
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 18-Jan-2018
Car exterior styling beautiful  Posted on 24 Jan 2018
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 4.0
spacer

Review
With this upgrade, the Mazda 6's midi will have an overall measurement of 4.580 x 1.795 x 1.450 (mm), 2.700m wheelbase, 5.3m turning radius. And about 155 (mm) below ground level, or 5 (mm) lower than the predecessor. Compared to rivals, the Mazda 3 2017's long wheelbase is longer than the Altis - 2,600 (mm) and is equal to Cerato, but the chassis is higher than the Cerato and Elantra - 150 (mm). Turns on uneven roads or urban climbing.

What I like
The sophisticated lines of the exterior!

What I do not like
Nothing!


Extravaluemeal
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
2 forum posts Joined on 08-Dec-2009
Engaging Drive for the Everyday Driver (in Singapore context)  Posted on 27 Dec 2017
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
spacer

Review
I've been driving the Mazda 3 sedan for 2 months now, and am very happy with it.

My previous car was a Suzuki SX4 from 8 years ago, with a CVT transmission. I test drove the Subaru XV, Infiniti Q30 and Mercedes A180 as well. Among all of them, I loved the Merc the best, but decided to go for a more financially comfortable purchase in a Japanese car. Had I had loads of cash, it would be the Merc definitely.

Back to the Mazda 3. One of the main reasons I chose it over the Subaru, was because it had an automatic transmission, and not a CVT transmission. Having driven a CVT for the past 8 years, and experiencing the same disengaging feel of another CVT in the Subaru's acceleration, I wanted a more shiok feeling when accelerating. The Mazda 3 does not disappoint in this area. Although, I must emphasize that this is just a feeling/sensation, and does not really translate into getting the driver/passengers anywhere quicker, especially in our urban traffic. I am not sure about other CVT cars, but when compared to my previous car, the Mazda's automatic one is quieter at higher speeds.

With only a 1.5L engine, the acceleration might feel more sluggish compared to other cars with more horsepower, but once you get used to this car, you'll know the sweet spots to optimize the acceleration. Do note that if comparing with other 1.5L cars, the Mazda does have a higher compression ratio. This means it should squeeze out more power than other 1.5L engines, although it might mean more wear and tear over the long term (probably just replacement of not-too-expensive consumables like rubber gaskets, etc.).

The interior is one of the better ones for cars in this price range.

I would recommend getting the deluxe version, as it comes with HUD (the main dial on the dashboard is for RPM, not speed, so this heads-up display is a nice to have, LED headlights (which look really nice) and dual-zone temperature control for driver/passenger. It comes with rain-sensor wipers too, but it does take some getting used to, because it's not perfect in detecting the rain intensity. It has GPS navigation too, but you're better off using your phone's maps. The deluxe version has a higher OMV which when compared with the difference in the selling price, seems to be a more value-for-money option.


Victor68
Turbocharged
3 reviews
17,148 points
10187 forum posts Joined on 08-May-2005
Reliability and value for money  Posted on 11 Aug 2017
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 3.0
spacer

Review
Booked a M3 standard and took possession of the car in July '17. Reason for buying this car is simple. It is among the the cheapest Japanese made with reasonable features and finishes. Closest will be Subaru Impreza with a few thousands more.

Most standard vs deluxe model would exclude sunroof, keyless start, HU, etc. Surprisingly, most of the items missing from M3 standard are things I don't really need. AD throws in HU, reverse camera and leather seats which are essential in my opinion. It would be perfect to include the day running light for the standard version.

The finishes are good because I compared them against Impreza and Civic (Thai made model).

What I like
1) Has to the price (of course I cannot take COE into consideration)
2) The interior layout and finishes.
3) Handling and feel on the road.
4) The external front and grilles

What I do not like
1) I think power is lacking for 1.5 litre but I have not really tested hard enough.
2) Road noise insulation
3) Hope they can set the i-stop to permanent last setting. I prefer it off
4) For sedan, the back too round. I am installing a spoiler to break the line.
5) the back row centre hump too high
6) I am not so use to the engine noise. Same for Impreza when your rev up the engine. My previous ride, Honda Stream, I don't hear this. Maybe for some, it is a sporty feel.


tang_sh
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 17-May-2015
No Frills Family Car  Posted on 06 Jul 2017
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 4.0 Features 2.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 3.0
spacer

Review
Test driven this car with 3 passengers. Simple, minimalist layout. Fairly comfortable ride. Head room a bit tight for taller rear seat passenger. Feature list a bit limited. Storage space limited. Pickup adequate.

What I like
Comfortable ride
Handling quite good

What I do not like
Small boot space
No reverse camera
No electric driver seat
No remote boot release
No rain sensing wipers


FuDiAnZ
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
5 points
1 forum posts Joined on 16-Apr-2014
Sleek Looking, Superb Handling  Posted on 11 Jun 2017
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
spacer

Review
This is my review after around 4 months of ownership, 2016 Mazda 3 Sedan, Deluxe.

Engine Output:
With just 118hp & 150Nm of torque on paper, it may seem underpowered but after a test drive with a full load of passengers the power is adequate. But this is subjective as my previous car is a 2006' Toyota Vios.

Handling:
This is where the car really shines, it feels very planted and gives you confidence when cornering, Mazda did a good job in the suspension, firm enough to corner well but not firm to the extent where comfort is sacrificed.

Equipment & Interior:
Go for the Deluxe model, I think that when compared with to their Japanese competitors, it have one of the nicest interior and a pretty impressive equipment list for that price.(A Deluxe model cost less than a base spec Altis when I get this car)
The interior is very well designed, I like the red stitching and the design of the dashboard with the HUD, many friends who got a ride in my car actually thought that this is a Conti-car until they saw the proud Mazda badge.

Fuel Consumption:
It depends a lot on your right foot, my worst fuel consumption is 8L/100km and the best is 6L/100km. But most of the time it stays around 6.8L-7.3L/100km.

What I like
Sporty Interior & Exterior
Many Mods & Accessories available from Tao Bao
Reasonable Petrol Consumption
I like that my gearbox isn't a lifeless CVT
1.5L meaning you get some savings on your annual road tax as compared to its 1.6L competitors
the HUD
The infotainment system is not laggy or feels cheap because it is not locally fitted.

What I do not like
Not enough storage space inside
16' rim a little bit too small
Rear Legroom a little small when compared with its competitors

Mazda 3 Sedan
4 stars - based on 68 reviews