New Mazda 3 and new Honda Jazz short test drive impressions

[frankphuket]

Thought I post my quick feedback in case anybody interested. Only tested the cars for about 10 min. My daily drive is a VW Golf GTI, so comparison are made to this car and others I have driven.

Mazda 3: tested was the hatchback in top spec.

Interior: very nice indeed, quality much improved and in my opinion quite a step up from a Honda Civic. Quality of materials are very close to my Golf. Nice steering wheel, seats, leather.

Engine: surprisingly spritely. Quick to rev with a decent enough sound. Has oomph.

Gearbox: my biggest worry, as many autos or especially CVTs are just so un-inspiring. This one however did well and the connection of foot (gas pedal) action was in good sync with acceleration.

Handling: very good indeed, on par with my Golf I would say, but would need more time with the car. Very nicely weighted steering and planted balanced feel. A driver car...

Gadgets: seems to have many....didn't test them, as I am more into how the car drives....sorry!

Summary: really liked it. Shame it doesn't have a manual options as this should be quite fun. Anyhow, for me the Best car in this segment by a margin.

New Honda Jazz top spec

Interior: nice, spacious, but sure harder plastic then the Mazda 3. Not same class of cars anyhow. But considering that the lowest priced Mazda 3 is just about 840k and a top spec Jazz goes for well above 700k...well! Boot for a small car huge. Very practical

Engine & gearbox: I put this together as probably the CVt robs the engine of the fun. Sync between putting foot down and acceleration is just not that good. You push and the engine seems to rev but the acceleration is linear and not progressive to the pedal movement. Not sure I explain myself well here...?

Handling: very light steering, felt a little disconnected to the street and did not inspire that much confidence. Very easy to manouvre around.

Maybe with the manual gear it it fun? Not bad overall, but after the really nicely weighted and balanced feel of the Mazda3 a surely more 'simple' driving experience.

Heard rumors that a high output Jazz turbo will come to Thailand. Any insight on that....love small, powerful cars.

[WarpSpeed]

Nice write up Frank, thanks for the info.. It sounds though as if the Jazz is still a fair package for the price and class.. What about safety? Is there any improvement on that front? Air bags, ABS etc.?

[frankphuket]

ABS on all models, side airbags only top model. I guess front airbags for all, didn't check.

Sure a nice package still, probably double the boot space over a Mazda 2.

Could imagine having fun with: a manual gear version, sway bar, bigger wheels to hopefully get heavier steering (no expert in this)....and there is always the option to add a turbo HKS at a later stage...for around 100k.

[WarpSpeed]

Well there is manuals available somewhere as they were using them in racing there in past models though I never saw one on the street.. The hatch space in a jazz is incredible an I believe unmatched for car size and even some larger cars, always has been, well engineered. So ABS and air bags, that's a good step forward..

[sjonburi]

Nice write up and it seems the Mazda engineers did a great job with their skyactiv technology to impress someone who uses a VW Golf Gti as a daily drive.

[Ace of Pop]

Nice Post, but to me the Jazz isnt in the New3 Class, its a Go Cart, the 3 is more Civic or Altiss TRD. Mitsu G.T.slightly bigger Go Carts.I Want to Chuck a New 3 SALOON Around, see if it can match my Civic when im being BAD....

[kotsak]

About the new Mazda 3, how is the suspension and interior noise?

[Spoonman]

Nice Post, but to me the Jazz isnt in the New3 Class, its a Go Cart, the 3 is more Civic or Altiss TRD. Mitsu G.T.slightly bigger Go Carts.I Want to Chuck a New 3 SALOON Around, see if it can match my Civic when im being BAD....

Yeah the OP mentioned the Jazz was not in the same class as the 3.

[frankphuket]

Did not mean to compare the 3 with the Jazz, just wanted to express my thoughts on both new cars.

The suspension seems to be quite stiff without being harsh, but as said did not test it long enough. Sure it has a stiffer ride than a Nissan Sylphy. Noise levels: good, meaning it is quiet and again feels solid.

[Ace of Pop]

The Road Noise of a Civic defies description , its Fin Awfull.I can only assume the prat that passed it off was DEAF.If I was the Boss of Honda I would ask Toyota to come over and show us how to make a Quiet Ride. Mind You, ide expect the handling to Zero like all their Cars, and Hi Riders.Mitsu seem to have a nice trade off

[Spoonman]

The Road Noise of a Civic defies description , its Fin Awfull.I can only assume the prat that passed it off was DEAF.If I was the Boss of Honda I would ask Toyota to come over and show us how to make a Quiet Ride. Mind You, ide expect the handling to Zero like all their Cars, and Hi Riders.Mitsu seem to have a nice trade off

What ? can you repeat again in English please.

[Ace of Pop]

What English would you like Boy., can do American, Ozzie, an yor Baby Speak at50 nBht a Day..

[Spoonman]

I'd prefer english but would settle for american. neither of which you seem to be able to communicate in but I understand you are getting on in years and we all know some elderly start to revert to child like manners especially in speech. It is sad but it is part of life and I know you are doing your best, is that why you also offer baby speak in your reply ?

[WarpSpeed]

Frank if like you say they do bring over a high out put turbo that'd be the bees knees (whatever that ever meant?Never knew myself) anyway from my point of view that's all it's missing to move to the front and stay there literally, a turbo engine, a manual, light weight maneuverability and that cargo space, I might even consider one over here with a package like that. I noticed though when I was over there the Jazz was so much more stand out to me, over here it is really largely unremarkable when I see one, there is just so much more choice to be had, it gets lost in the crowd, that sort of performance would make it stand out again especially with the hot hatch crowd of which I am a life time member.

[frankphuket]

Frank if like you say they do bring over a high out put turbo that'd be the bees knees (whatever that ever meant?Never knew myself) anyway from my point of view that's all it's missing to move to the front and stay there literally, a turbo engine, a manual, light weight maneuverability and that cargo space, I might even consider one over here with a package like that. I noticed though when I was over there the Jazz was so much more stand out to me, over here it is really largely unremarkable when I see one, there is just so much more choice to be had, it gets lost in the crowd, that sort of performance would make it stand out again especially with the hot hatch crowd of which I am a life time member.

I feel you WarpSpeed....it is just such a pain here....nobody has a decent manual version anymore....the Mazda3 has not even one on offer. Some models just have the very basic one as manual, never a higher speced or even better engine. Honda Civic 2.0l manual....nope.

As much as i love my GTI, i would love it even more in manual disguise! Shifting via padels or stick up and down is just not the same for me....old dog hard to learn no tricks....

But my feeling is if the Turbo Jazz ever comes to Thailand (and the sales staff thought it would....I was already surprised that they even knew about it...not a given here in Thailand) it would only come as auto, high specs.

Well....time will tell....

[culicine]

Plenty of small cars are running boost here with after market turbos, puttiing out 150-200HP. I'm not sure there would be a large market for a turboe'd jazz. I thought the Japanese Jazz puts out 130HP and has new engine technology. But the new jazz has dropped to 117HP, to make way for E85 I assume.

This would be nice, but I don't think this is the same spec as the Thai jazz.

This is about as fast as the old 220HP V6 accord auto!

[Rdrokit]

Well I just bought a Mazda 3 hatchback and I just love the car. There was only one bad thing about the 3 if you want the top spec hatchback you can only get a white leather interior so I had to drop down one model to get black leather and add the features I wanted from the top spec model that my car did not have, like nav. The auto transmission is actually a 6 speed and there is a manual setting letting you up or down shift with the shifter lever. The steering is very responsive even though it is electronic steering. It feels like the old power assisted steering where at low speeds there was more assist and at higher speeds almost no assist. Hard to describe so take a test drive like I did and scare the sh#t out of the salesman as I merged onto the highway at 140kph. The suspension has MacPherson struts up front and a multilink independent system in the rear. Very little body roll cornering at 100kph and a white skinned Thai salesman sitting next to me. Not often you get a Thai who is speechless.

I did test drive a Cruze, Altis and a Sylphy and the Mazda was hands above all of them.

[WarpSpeed]

^^An after market turbo IMO is never as nice as a properly installed unit that is also properly tuned to the engine instead of being over blown. An after market turbo also has warrantee implications on a new car where as the factory unit is covered as is the engine, so there really it no comparison on that front either. Many people would just rather have it installed from the outset and not have to deal with the additional cost and possible muck up they'd get when done after market, I know I would and I can install one myself, but would pass on it..

^ The salesman I had a few years ago when I test drove the TDI Focus actually didn't want to go back to the dealership, he was very comfortable with my driving it hard and that was a nice change, he kept suggesting to me new roads and places I could take it to test it out more, usually they're asking (or telling) you if you're ready to go back and I was definitely putting it through it's paces, it was very torquey with a lot of pull through the corners and strong smooth power, precise steering, reactive, neutral suspension but still a nice ride when not running it hard and big brakes, I was quite impressed, were it not for other plans that came up shortly after that I would definitely have bought one.

Nice ride though Rckt, the 2014 gets good reviews.

[frankphuket]

^^An after market turbo IMO is never as nice as a properly installed unit that is also properly tuned to the engine instead of being over blown. An after market turbo also has warrantee implications on a new car where as the factory unit is covered as is the engine, so there really it no comparison on that front either. Many people would just rather have it installed from the outset and not have to deal with the additional cost and possible muck up they'd get when done after market, I know I would and I can install one myself, but would pass on it..

^ The salesman I had a few years ago when I test drove the TDI Focus actually didn't want to go back to the dealership, he was very comfortable with my driving it hard and that was a nice change, he kept suggesting to me new roads and places I could take it to test it out more, usually they're asking (or telling) you if you're ready to go back and I was definitely putting it through it's paces, it was very torquey with a lot of pull through the corners and strong smooth power, precise steering, reactive, neutral suspension but still a nice ride when not running it hard and big brakes, I was quite impressed, were it not for other plans that came up shortly after that I would definitely have bought one.

Nice ride though Rckt, the 2014 gets good reviews.

I am with you again WarpSpeed. My car for 4 years before the Golf GTI was a Focus TDCI, manual gear. The slickest gearstick you can find. Very good power, especially for hill doubling. Handling was very good as well, as you described. I sold it to a friend who is still 'over the moon' with it. I sold it, because i hated the seats (backpain) and the interior wasn't highly sophisticated and well I had to find some excuses to get my GTI for the wiffey! ;p

[WarpSpeed]

Frank you may recognize this: It's a few years later now but still today this car would be real fun and a top competitor in it's class. This one has several track records including the one in the picture, historic Sebring 12 hour course, that corner is over 100mph in that car which BTW is 90% stock, on DOT tires, not racing slicks. I built it from the ground up and drove it as well. Many years ago now.. Sold it just before heading to Thailand, I'd like to track it down now that I'm back, but haven't had the time.

The last 2 are a pole to win finish.. Unfortunately the right front still sporting some damage from another car the week before spinning right in front of me at Daytona in turn 1 and nowhere to go as it was the start and cars all packed up with 70 cars coming through behind us. I saved his race by glancing his front bumper and turning him back in the right direction but ended mine as his bumper went over the top of my bumper and pushed the fender back into the tire which eventually led to a cut tire, also bent my lower control arm mount pretty good, still manged to be holding 3rd position until the tire eventually gave way about 3 laps from the end just as I entered the back stretch chicane.

I had a lot of work to do after that weekend and more then I thought as I noticed a broken intake in 3 chambers after I removed the header to replace it because it too was cracked. The intake was worked and I didn't have a spare so spent the next couple days working a new one and then literally stayed awake from Thursday morning installing the parts, loading the truck and trailer, driving to the track, getting the paddock set up, getting registered, practicing for 3 race sessions, qualifying for 3 races on the weekend, then running this afternoon on Saturday and then crashed physically in my transporter after this race ended. Those were my superman days, now I could only do maybe one day without sleeping instead of 3. That's why the front end didn't get replaced before the race though, ran out of time.

Sorry to hijack thread OP just waxing nostalgic.

[Spoonman]

Well I just bought a Mazda 3 hatchback and I just love the car. There was only one bad thing about the 3 if you want the top spec hatchback you can only get a white leather interior so I had to drop down one model to get black leather and add the features I wanted from the top spec model that my car did not have, like nav. The auto transmission is actually a 6 speed and there is a manual setting letting you up or down shift with the shifter lever. The steering is very responsive even though it is electronic steering. It feels like the old power assisted steering where at low speeds there was more assist and at higher speeds almost no assist. Hard to describe so take a test drive like I did and scare the sh#t out of the salesman as I merged onto the highway at 140kph. The suspension has MacPherson struts up front and a multilink independent system in the rear. Very little body roll cornering at 100kph and a white skinned Thai salesman sitting next to me. Not often you get a Thai who is speechless.

I did test drive a Cruze, Altis and a Sylphy and the Mazda was hands above all of them.

Nice one Rdrokit, I just got confirmation mine arrives at the dealership tomorrow and they will tint the windows and deliver it to me on Monday.

I got the top spec hatch in black. the white interior will be interesting with 4 dogs !!!

[Rdrokit]

Nice one Rdrokit, I just got confirmation mine arrives at the dealership tomorrow and they will tint the windows and deliver it to me on Monday.

I got the top spec hatch in black. the white interior will be interesting with 4 dogs !!!

Best of luck with your new ride Spoonman. What color is the exterior?

[Spoonman]

I assume it is white being top spec model but I cannot read Thai and I did not really ask anyways. I might be lucky and it is not !!!

[WarpSpeed]

Nice one Rdrokit, I just got confirmation mine arrives at the dealership tomorrow and they will tint the windows and deliver it to me on Monday.

I got the top spec hatch in black. the white interior will be interesting with 4 dogs !!!

Best of luck with your new ride Spoonman. What color is the exterior?

Err......

I got the top spec hatch in black. the white interior will be interesting with 4 dogs !!!

[culicine]

Well I just bought a Mazda 3 hatchback and I just love the car. There was only one bad thing about the 3 if you want the top spec hatchback you can only get a white leather interior so I had to drop down one model to get black leather and add the features I wanted from the top spec model that my car did not have, like nav. The auto transmission is actually a 6 speed and there is a manual setting letting you up or down shift with the shifter lever. The steering is very responsive even though it is electronic steering. It feels like the old power assisted steering where at low speeds there was more assist and at higher speeds almost no assist. Hard to describe so take a test drive like I did and scare the sh#t out of the salesman as I merged onto the highway at 140kph. The suspension has MacPherson struts up front and a multilink independent system in the rear. Very little body roll cornering at 100kph and a white skinned Thai salesman sitting next to me. Not often you get a Thai who is speechless.

I did test drive a Cruze, Altis and a Sylphy and the Mazda was hands above all of them.

Nice one Rdrokit, I just got confirmation mine arrives at the dealership tomorrow and they will tint the windows and deliver it to me on Monday.

I got the top spec hatch in black. the white interior will be interesting with 4 dogs !!!

I assume it's white leather so shouldn't be a problem. Or just throw down a blanket for the dogs or get some seat covers. The leather / cushioning in my honda is very hard, so I always have used seat covers anyway. This mazda should be top in it's class as of now. Is toyota even watching the competition?

[guzzi850m2]

I assume it's white leather so shouldn't be a problem. Or just throw down a blanket for the dogs or get some seat covers. The leather / cushioning in my honda is very hard, so I always have used seat covers anyway. This mazda should be top in it's class as of now. Is toyota even watching the competition?

No that is right, Toyota and Honda takes customers as granted. If they don't soon wake up they will loose more and more shares of the market as Thai people are slowly moving away from the "secure" brands and wants something more exciting.

How many years have they sold the Fortuner and Vigo's here? Almost 10 years I think, same platform and you see fewer and fewer of them on the road nowadays.

[keemapoot]

I assume it's white leather so shouldn't be a problem. Or just throw down a blanket for the dogs or get some seat covers. The leather / cushioning in my honda is very hard, so I always have used seat covers anyway. This mazda should be top in it's class as of now. Is toyota even watching the competition?

No that is right, Toyota and Honda takes customers as granted. If they don't soon wake up they will loose more and more shares of the market as Thai people are slowly moving away from the "secure" brands and wants something more exciting.

How many years have they sold the Fortuner and Vigo's here? Almost 10 years I think, same platform and you see fewer and fewer of them on the road nowadays.

I was just at the Honda dealer yesterday getting our Honda serviced on book service. I had time to look over all the models, and though I like the new Accord very well, the Civic is good but dated (way outclassed by the new Mazda 3), the CRV is not fuel efficient, unexciting, and overpriced, the new City looks kinda cheap inside, and I think the styling is less impressive than the prior model (though still priced well), and salespeople were complaining that Honda had screwed up with that new baby-poop color Jazz too.

[ThaiBob]

The Mazda 3 is getting very good reviews worldwide. The competition here in Thailand is the Civic, Altis, Focus and Cruze, and not the Jazz:

http://autos.jdpower.com/research/Mazda/Mazda3/2014/Sedan/index.htm

[Ace of Pop]

Had a Test in a 3 Today. Handling n Performance very nice.Expected White Leather like the Mitsu G.T, but just perforated white strips on black seats..Al black inside mainly , except for some white patches on the black doors, cramped rear seats not impressed for a top model. Looks Cool though Yes id enjoy one.But rate the Mitsu as a better all rounder.

[Spoonman]

Had a Test in a 3 Today. Handling n Performance very nice.Expected White Leather like the Mitsu G.T, but just perforated white strips on black seats..Al black inside mainly , except for some white patches on the black doors, cramped rear seats not impressed for a top model. Looks Cool though Yes id enjoy one.But rate the Mitsu as a better all rounder.

Ive not seen the white seats in person but do they not look like this ?