2017 Mazda3 GT vs 2012 Audi 3 TDI - Premium
Cosmo, 04/27/2017
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
We were looking for a vehicle to replace our diesel Audi A3 Sportback and initially intended to get the VW Sportwagen. We got the Mazda3 mainly because of aesthetics and a great price for a GT automatic. If anyone is going thru the same process and looking for a viable replacement, here is my list of comparisons between the 2 vehicles. Rear cargo space: The Audi A3 is more of a true wagon style, indicated by the 8-window styling. The Mazda3 is a true hatchback, which has the same cargo space in the back but because of a shorter, lower roof line it is less roomier than the A3. INTERIOR - Leather seats: The A3 has full leather seats, meaning the whole seat including the back is leather. The M3 is described as "leather trim", meaning only the backrest & seat are leather. The sides of the seats are high-quality 'pleather'. Since it is newer than the A3, the M3 has 2 USB and an SD card slot which can load a navigation OS if you opt out of the NAV pkg. It also has heads-up display that reflects of a clear viewing window that automatically pops-up when driving. Audi A3 had none of these in the premium trim. The interiors in both are plastic but the M3 is more noticeably cheaper looking & Audi does a better job masking it with a matte-textured finish and storage netting in both driver/pass wheel wells. The A3 rear has A/C vents where the M3 does not. The A3 has a pass-thru to the rear-cargo area, the M3 does not. Can't really compare MPG between the 2 because one is diesel which hands down, the A3 shines. Exterior: Both had side-indicator lights but again, since the M3 is newer, it also has side avoidance warning. However, the A3 had HID headlights and running lights. This is only available in additional option in the M3 including a safe-braking feature option. Reliability: Our A3 has only gone in for routine maintenance and new tires. At 75K, it still has original brakes, batteries and A/C, etc which in-itself impressive. We'll see how our Mazda3 holds up. Conclusion: It's German vs. Japanese. There are differences if you know what to look for. Hope this helps.
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Noting Handles like a Mazda
B Betts, 06/08/2018
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
LOVE THIS CAR!!!
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2017 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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- Touring 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $18,98815 mi away
- Touring 2.5 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $23,59032 mi away
- Grand Touring 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $17,99032 mi away
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"Zoom-Zoom" still applies! Great value too
D.L., 08/26/2019
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
If you are in the market for something a little more interesting in a daily driver than a "typical" subcompact, this should definitely be on your list. If you get the top level trim, you get near luxury level quality on the interior in one very reliable package and a bigger engine. You can do what I did and wait a couple of years for the price to drop, and this becomes an amazing value. This isn't going to win any speed records, but this definitely improves the daily drive with amazing handling and enough HP to overtake most cars on the freeway. There is near zero roll when you turn any corner. You have to try it to believe it. Only cons: tire sound is quite loud on the inside, it's not the smoothest ride (so passengers may complain), and the sound system, while high quality, sort of sounded like it was calibrated toward the very center of the car. Overall it felt more composed and heavier than a Miata MX-5--still plenty of fun though. You should try it and see for yourself.
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zoom Zoom but with issues
Fred, 03/07/2020
2017 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 24 people found this review helpful
I have a 2017 Mazda3 hatch...overall it has been a good car until recently. I was driving home last week when I heard a big explosion. I thought I blew a tire but it soon became obvious my sunroom blew out. I brought my car in to the dealership and they told me it was hit by a rock (moon rock)? Still under warranty but too bad! I was then told that the sunroof is non tempered glass....hmmm...this is a low car and I have already replaced the windshield and have several windshield nicks. Why non- tempered? I will not buy a 3 again...too many issue...loved the zoom zoom, but too low and too many issues.
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Love our zoom, zoom
Brenda Lavato, 09/09/2017
2017 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I looked around for months at different cars, this model caught my eye and was very happy with the research on safety and fun driving. Love that some many extras come with the car. Only thing I was surprised that navigation was not included. Other than that very happy with the car. It's a great, fun car to drive and the gas mileage is a win, win for us.
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