2014 Mazda 3 - Ride and Drive event

[ottoyu34]

Just got this in the mail, pin required.

https://www.jwmzda.com/mazda3/testdrive/en/toronto

[S.F.W.]

Yep, I'm booked for 11AM

[miako]

Booked in at 10am :)

[FoXy]

Ya I got it too.

[SilentJay]

9AM - Might as well get it out of the way early :)

[aZuMi]

booked for 9am. I'll see you there Jay

[jchc91]

Damn did not get this...

[S.F.W.]

Damn did not get this...
I would suggest posting on Mazda Canada's Facebook saying you were interested but did not receive the email. If that does not get you a response, let me know, and I will reach out on your behalf to my contacts.

[jchc91]

I would suggest posting on Mazda Canada's Facebook saying you were interested but did not receive the email. If that does not get you a response, let me know, and I will reach out on your behalf to my contacts.

Will do. I'll let you know by tomorrow evening if they reply or not.

[asyed]

Would love to come out to this... Will ask Mazda Canada on their fb page....

[Wylie]

10am :)

[Wylie]

I just realized it doesn't say.. But these will be automatic wont they.. I really hope we can opt for a manual tester

[Johns 08 3 GT]

I just realized it doesn't say.. But these will be automatic wont they.. I really hope we can opt for a manual tester

Most likely will be all autos. Not all people can drive stick shift.

[Tuscani01]

If anyone wants a PIN, I have one and cannot make it to the event. PM me for it. First come first serve!

[Tuscani01]

If anyone wants a PIN, I have one and cannot make it to the event. PM me for it. First come first serve!

^ This has been claimed.

[GSXi]

Usually like to sleep in on a Saturday :p

1:30pm - See you guys there!

** If anyone has an extra pin pls let me know. Would love to take a friend. thx!

[SilentJay]

** If anyone has an extra pin pls let me know. Would love to take a friend. thx!

Ditto!

[asyed]

Would also like a pin if anyone has one and isn't going

[ismail_alikhan]

Would also like a pin if anyone has one and isn't going

Same here

[DDUKI]

arg... I want one too !

[S.F.W.]

Keep an eye on the Mazda Canada Facebook page. There should be a public invite late next week.

[asyed]

Reserved spot for 11 am..... Can't wait :D

[miako]

You guys think they will let my wife to sit in the car without having her registering?

[jchc91]

Reserved spot for 11 am..... Can't wait :D

How'd you get a pin!

[S.F.W.]

How'd you get a pin!

Check your pm

[ismail_alikhan]

Check your pm

Ami would also like to know how to get one??

[Jackal]

Yep, I'm booked for 11AM


Ami would also like to know how to get one??

I think he's set.

[optiklenz13]

Punctuations, they save lives..

I think he meant.. Ami, would also like to know how to get one..

Let's eat grandma..

Let's eat, grandma..

[ismail_alikhan]

^ trolled.....lol

Still looking for a PIN though.....

[S.F.W.]

Pm sent. Invitee should be live on Mazda Canada's Facebook page. If it is not pm me, and I can help out.

[htc***]

I have a pin to sign up but cannot make it to the event. PM me for it. First come to get it!

Location: Toronto Congress Centre
650 Dixon Road
Toronto, ON M9W 1J1

Date: Saturday, November 9, 2013

[htc***]

I have a pin to sign up but cannot make it to the event. PM me for it. First come to get it!

Location: Toronto Congress Centre
650 Dixon Road
Toronto, ON M9W 1J1

Date: Saturday, November 9, 2013


It has been taken.

[mazdaagain]

I'm signed up for 2:30 on Saturday

[Jackal]

Punctuations, they save lives..

I think he meant.. Ami, would also like to know how to get one..

Let's eat grandma..

Let's eat, grandma..

Nice catch. Haha.
Better would be:
Ami, I'd like to know how to get one. (No double question mark necessary)

[hex]

1:30! My first ever test drive of any car.

[ottoyu34]

1:30! My first ever test drive of any car.

You didn't test drive your own car?

[miako]

it's open for public registration now on facebook

[hex]

You didn't test drive your own car?

Nope. Didn't know how to drive a manual, so i got my uncle (who appraises cars) to test drive it for me.

[jchc91]

Nope. Didn't know how to drive a manual, so i got my uncle (who appraises cars) to test drive it for me.

Haha that's awesome.

So excited. Hopefully this gen does not disappoint

[ken6214]

What a great event. Was great to throw it into some corners and drag the competitors. Mazda staff were great to deal with as well.

[Neo]

They had to cater to alot of people this time around. I think between this event and the 6 event, the 6 event was better. You could take your time and test out all the competitors. This time around they were eager to get you out on the circuits but move you along quickly to the exit registration. I think they had way too many people to help take time comparing. That being said, it was still a good time.
Got to compare the Elantra and the Jetta against the 3's.
The Elantra has no business going fast around anything. That car sells because of its features. If you want the most features for a car and don't really care about the driving experience, then this is the car for you. Lots of backroom space and it comes with rear seat heaters!. But as a driving machine, it sorely lacks. The front end doesn't know what the rear end is doing if you try to input too many things at once. Forget about applying throttle. The computer is lethargic.
The Jetta has some go. And it does feel better built than the Elantra. But its very mushy. Lots of body roll. Body movements is very exaggerated. Didn't too bad through the slalom course.
But of course, against the new 3, everything fails by comparison. It caters to the driver very heavily. The rear seating isn't as abundant as the Elantra or the Jetta. But there's still plenty of room to put kids seats or take some friends around town.
Again, these are C segment cars, so comparing them to more "sporty" brands isn't really fair to any of them. The 3 is very good, but if you try to hustle it a bit too much, you start to see limitations. Granted, you'll have to be seriously hustling it around the course. But you see the paddle shifters are a bit too tiny. If you're in a middle of a corner and you attempt to shift, you might hit a stalk. And the computer is ever so slightly reluctant to apply throttle. I'm pretty sure it's because the nannies had to be left on. I'm pretty sure the reaction would be immediate if you had the chance to turn off all the computer nannies. But we weren't allowed to do so.. :(

Overall, a good showing against the competition and the new gen 3. :)

[ottoyu34]

It was a great event. I heard from the camera crew that some lady hit the gas instead of brake at the wet slalom course and went up the hill next to the parking lot.

Neo pretty much took the word out of my month. The new Mazda3 feel great all-around comparing to what they had on the course.

Fun times.

[greyseason]

so much fun today. I agree with what neo is saying. I got to drive the ford focus and civic against the 3 GT. The focus was grbage, but i do like the steering wheel, but nothing else. The civic wants awful, but it sure wasnt good. Lots of body roll, dull steering, and lacking power. In the drag against the focus, i had the 3 in sport mode and used the paddles. Merked the focus by alot. On the road course the mazda handles great. very direct and always seemed to have lots of power. Much nicer than my sky. The paddle shifters need to be bigger as stated before. I found myself loosing them while driving, but im sure if you owned the car it would be more fluid for the person. Overall i REALLY like the car, and the women were gorgeous, which is always a plus. Great job mazda

[S.F.W.]

It was a great event. I heard from the camera crew that some lady hit the gas instead of brake at the wet slalom course and went up the hill next to the parking lot.

Neo pretty much took the word out of my month. The new Mazda3 feel great all-around comparing to what they had on the course.

Fun times.

I wonder if that's how the bumper got cracked on the Elantra.

[asyed]

I wonder if that's how the bumper got cracked on the Elantra.
there were a few pieces of plastic laying around the tents....


so much fun today. I agree with what neo is saying. I got to drive the ford focus and civic against the 3 GT. The focus was grbage, but i do like the steering wheel, but nothing else. The civic wants awful, but it sure wasnt good. Lots of body roll, dull steering, and lacking power. In the drag against the focus, i had the 3 in sport mode and used the paddles. Merked the focus by alot. On the road course the mazda handles great. very direct and always seemed to have lots of power. Much nicer than my sky. The paddle shifters need to be bigger as stated before. I found myself loosing them while driving, but im sure if you owned the car it would be more fluid for the person. Overall i REALLY like the car, and the women were gorgeous, which is always a plus. Great job mazda

you would make that comment.



but ya great event! The 3 really peformed way better than its competition. The Focus had a very spongy feel to it. I felt like I was driving a minivan. The civic was ok but the body roll was so bad that while greyseason was on the track... i was sliding around in the backseat even with my seatbelt on. The body roll also reminds me of a minivan.
Also love the quality of the interior. Feels like the car is worth more than it actually is.


also greyseason.... you forgot to make a video when i was driving the 3 around the big test track.

[jchc91]

there were a few pieces of plastic laying around the tents....



you would make that comment.



but ya great event! The 3 really peformed way better than its competition. The Focus had a very spongy feel to it. I felt like I was driving a minivan. The civic was ok but the body roll was so bad that while greyseason was on the track... i was sliding around in the backseat even with my seatbelt on. The body roll also reminds me of a minivan.
Also love the quality of the interior. Feels like the car is worth more than it actually is.


also greyseason.... you forgot to make a video when i was driving the 3 around the big test track.


You know... He makes a good point though haha. But you kind of need gorgeous women for this kind of event. It adds to the appeal :P

I thoroughly enjoyed the Mazda 3 too. It definitely performed to my liking but like Neo said...the Elantra has no place being there.

Within the first 20 minutes, the front was already damaged and almost everyone that drove that car lost control and hit at least one pylon..

I feel like the best time to test the cars was from 8am-9am. Albeit, it's shitty cause it's so early, but you get the most out of the cars... By 11:00am the cars are already pretty beat up.

I enjoyed both courses as they allowed me to receive great insight on the abilities of the new generation. The HUD display of the speedometer is a pretty nifty feature but I think I'd skip on it. The handling of the Mazda 3 sedan in the safety course showed the safety of the car nicely. Very impressed. Mazda definitely nailed it on the head on this one when it comes to best bang for buck in its class.

[asyed]

You know... He makes a good point though haha. But you kind of need gorgeous women for this kind of event. It adds to the appeal :P



lol.... interesting thing is that the two girls doing the registration were from my town ( or so they told me ) :P




also lets not derail this thread ...


I kind of wish i got to drive the jetta instead of the focus.

further comments about the 3:
- great steering feel
- great braking feel
- overall fun to drive.

In both the focus and the civic I was a bit uneasy about pushing them just because the course wasnt really designed for them. In the 3.... you can ask greyseason for how fast I entered the wet skidpad :P
Mazda sure knows how to not let their existing fans down and not to fall too much in terms of saving the enviroment. Its a perfect balance of good fuel economy and great handling and ride.

why arent they selling more of these? Ive only seen 3 on the road today ( which is funny because I told greyseason that I barely ever see them compared to the plague that is the new corolla... and then today after the event I saw 2 of them on the road)


Also thanks to SFW for the invite link and thanks to Mazda Canada and all the volunteers for making this event possible!

[mazdaagain]

I enjoyed the car and it was an opportunity to put the car through things that you would never be able to do in a regular test drive.
It was a well organized event with some nice touches like finger foods and a free bag for each participant.
My criticisms:
1) my session had a lot of people so we did not have a chance to drive all the competitive vehicles
2) they did not offer any Mazda 3's with manual transmission. A disappointment since this is what I'd purchase
3) they only brought GT versions of the 3. Of course it will perform and compare favorably to non GT versions of the competition. The GT is not what cars like the Elantra would be competing against as it will priced significantly higher.

[jchc91]

lol.... interesting thing is that the two girls doing the registration were from my town ( or so they told me ) :P
LOL asyed nice. Making quick work of the registration ladies.

Next time you guys should do the bright and early one. I was able to test all of the cars but skipped out on the Elantra

Apparently I didn't miss much though.

Considering the 3 just got released, it might get more common as the months progress. I think they should have brought out the new Corolla as well since I feel that is the 3's direct competition at the moment.

And you can't deny the corolla is no longer a piece of sh*t when it comes to styling, features and comfort. The second trim after basic has some nifty features; rear view camera being one of the bigger star features. You have to admit. They've come a long way and good riddance it actually looks decent now. A great improvement to the eyesore that was the last generation.

The 3's power is nice and the car's handling inspires confidence. The steering wheel is slightly more stiff than my 2008 with tein h - techs and I am superbly impressed as I have mentioned before. If I am to upgrade this will definitely be up there. Especially if the new speed 3 comes out.

I didn't like how they brought out the ford focus. It was super sluggish collared to the 3 despite the modest interior, and showed it's weakness in the slalom. Obviously they need to make it slightly biased but they could have brought out something else a little more on par like maybe the TC in order to show off the GT's sporty handing that they keep showcasing.

The Jetta vs the 2.0 was nicely matched. I was very impressed at how the 2.0 kept up with the turboed 1.8, but I think that is more or less due to the curb weight of the Jetta. If I'm right, the Jetta weighs more than the Mazda.

Back on the speed 3 topic though, did anyone try to get some info?

All I got was everyone including HQ was asking but all the research and development team did was smile and say "Yes, speed good! Nice car!"

[ottoyu34]

LOL asyed
And you can't deny the corolla is no longer a piece of sh*t when it comes to styling, features and comfort. The second trim after basic has some nifty features; rear view camera being one of the bigger star features. You have to admit. They've come a long way and good riddance it actually looks decent now. A great improvement to the eyesore that was the last generation.


Wait, Did I logon to Toyotanation?? JK ;)

[r4mi5awi]

The corolla isn't a great improvement. Toyota never came a long way as the marketing would have you believe. Somebody should give them a bonus!

[asyed]

From what I see, the Corolla's design is always 1 step behind the competition. The 2009 corolla looks like something from 2005. Likewise, the 2014 corolla looks like its from 2010. Toyota's trying to getr the same "fun to drive but affordable" package that mazda has but they are trying too hard. Alot of their ads show toyota trying to "fit in" with the youth crowd by featuring common activites with youth as well as their musical taste. Not alot about the car to be honest. And there is nothing the new corolla has that the Mazda3 does not have. Plus I think the new Mazda3 is the first of all the Japanese economy cars to feature "radar guided cruise control" and other innovative stuff. Its sad that Toyota thinks they are being innovative with their corolla. I mean it still comes with rear fricking drum brakes as standard equipment.



only reason i was suprised they didnt have a corolla is: Although most of us educated guys know the corolla wont stand a chance, alot of the average consumers ( the same ones that dont do enough research and drive corollas) would assume its because the corolla is better and mazda doesnt want to embarrass themselves. Its not like i would have driven the corolla but its a potential PR mistake as Im sure im not the only one thinking this. My guess is that because the new corolla wasnt really out by the time they purchased the cars for the event, they couldnt secure one and it wouldnt make sense to feature the older corolla.

[jchc91]

Uh oh, maybe I bought into the hype that the Corolla was offering a completely different game. I don't mean to seem like I'm in a Corolla bandwagon but I thought the commercials nailed it in attracting the audience. I got duped. ;( But then again, I guess Toyota has to step their game up this time around.

Nah for sure. The Mazda 3 is also the only one in its class to offer HID headlamps.

Despite what some haters say about HID, these lights DO make a difference. It just doesn't if your stupid ass puts HIDs into a reflector housing.

And I do agree with what you are saying asyed. Although the Corolla would have been better in comparison, there must have been some sort of PR issue.

[asyed]

And I do agree with what you are saying asyed. Although the Corolla would have been better in comparison, there must have been some sort of PR issue.

or maybe they just couldnt get their hands on one on time since its only been a month since they started delivering and im sure the waiting list is huge just because some people end up buying into the hype or are just existing corolla owners that dont like change and will always drive a corolla. Id rather buy the new Accent over the corolla.

[jchc91]

or maybe they just couldnt get their hands on one on time since its only been a month since they started delivering and im sure the waiting list is huge just because some people end up buying into the hype or are just existing corolla owners that dont like change and will always drive a corolla. Id rather buy the new Accent over the corolla.

Who knows. Either way the Mazda 3 stills remains my favourite haha

I agree. Hyundai brings a lot to the table even in their basic models.

[asyed]

Who knows. Either way the Mazda 3 stills remains my favourite haha

I agree. Hyundai brings a lot to the table even in their basic models.

My cousin recently bought a sonata and I was amazed at the level of equipment he had. Only thing i didnt like ( as my brother pointed out later) was that there were parts where the chrome trim would abruptly end and lack cohesiveness.

[jchc91]

My cousin recently bought a sonata and I was amazed at the level of equipment he had. Only thing i didnt like ( as my brother pointed out later) was that there were parts where the chrome trim would abruptly end and lack cohesiveness.

Just when you thought chrome was no longer going to be implemented in cars anymore...

[Aitch]

Uh oh, maybe I bought into the hype that the Corolla was offering a completely different game. I don't mean to seem like I'm in a Corolla bandwagon but I thought the commercials nailed it in attracting the audience. I got duped. ;( But then again, I guess Toyota has to step their game up this time around.

Nah for sure. The Mazda 3 is also the only one in its class to offer HID headlamps.

Despite what some haters say about HID, these lights DO make a difference. It just doesn't if your stupid ass puts HIDs into a reflector housing.

And I do agree with what you are saying asyed. Although the Corolla would have been better in comparison, there must have been some sort of PR issue.

I wouldn't buy a car today that doesn't have HID lights or at least projector lights for an east upgrade.

[akaOtter]

So, from what I'm gathering - as I just signed up here... is that the 2014 Mazda3 is one of the best out there?
I'm currently running in a 2002 Mazda P5 (was with the Protege Club from near the beginning... think there are some familiar names in here... handle was feedb4ck over there)... but it's about ready to die - i've been neglectful with it for the last few years since I had my daughter... no time to dedicate to club or car really....

but i digress... i'm mostly looking at the Elantra GT or the 3. looking at the middle trim (GS is it?) with the two packages on it... the comparable package on the Elantra GT is pretty nice, but my wife has the sedan, and it's just not really fun to drive...

Anyways, since most in this thread have tested the new 3 (i haven't yet, will be doing it this week likely), but are there things I should be looking for? Has Mazda improved on it's rust issues from a few years back? Is there anything else you would consider in the same price range (i do like the hatch styling, so want to keep it there...)

I'm pretty sure i know how this plays out.... but looking for some insights I might overlook during the process... I'm hoping to buy in the fairly near future... as much as I wanted to wait a year and a bit so my daughter is 8 and out of the car seat... and don't really like the idea of buying right before winter... but i think my P5 won't make the winter...

Also - are there any contacts out there for buying? any preferred dealers? salesmen? discounts? suggested starting points for haggling?

any help is appreciated.... and I hope to be on here in a couple weeks with some pics of my new ride...

[asyed]

if you can afford it... the 2014 is well worth it. From what i heard the elantra gt did not perform as well as the 3 on the autocross course ( someone even ended up denting the bumper). The GS itself wont leave you dissapointed. (that said they only had GT's at the event).

as for rust... you will have to ask the gen2 owners for a rough idea ( ask someone with a 2010 and that should give you an idea). In the same price range... the only thing id maybe consider is the new jetta.... but anything below the "comfortline" trim level is prertty bad.


For dealers: I suggest you contact Jeff at MOT. He might be able to get you a good deal.

[jchc91]

if you can afford it... the 2014 is well worth it. From what i heard the elantra gt did not perform as well as the 3 on the autocross course ( someone even ended up denting the bumper). The GS itself wont leave you dissapointed. (that said they only had GT's at the event).

as for rust... you will have to ask the gen2 owners for a rough idea ( ask someone with a 2010 and that should give you an idea). In the same price range... the only thing id maybe consider is the new jetta.... but anything below the "comfortline" trim level is prertty bad.


For dealers: I suggest you contact Jeff at MOT. He might be able to get you a good deal.

It seems like asyed is the go-to guy for this kind of stuff now haha.

My parents have the Elantra GT and the GT is definitely better than the sedan. Not by that much though. The Elantra GT for us came to about $22,000 with taxes. It may have helped that we have bought during the Coast-To-Coast Hyundai..

Anyway. It comes with your standard Hyundai equipment - Power locks, power windows, power driver's seat, bluetooth connectivity, etc etc plus a subscription to Sirius XM for 6 months.

Sitting in the cockpit, it sort of feels like my 2008 Mazda 3. The Elantra GT has a decently sized steering wheel, the tachometer and information is nicely placed in front of you and you don't need to worry about the steering wheel getting in the way. The mirrors on the side are large and my family has found that one setting is okay for everyone - Unlike the Mazda 3.

The features that the steering wheel controls are a bit confusing at first, but anyone can figure out its functions within a day. The steering wheel also has 3 modes of driving sensitivity - Comfort (for parking), Normal, Sport (Stiff steering - preferably highways). I heard that they had been inspired by Audi technology is interesting. Anyway, it is a pretty nice feature and makes driving a little bit more enjoyable depending on your mood.

The area with the radio and climate control is also a little confusing, and the fit and finish might not appeal to you, but the controls are easy to get used to as long as you experiment for the day.

Driving the Elantra GT for the first time was nice. I was skeptical at first, thinking it was a Hyundai and what not. This car proved me wrong. It was a pleasure to drive and when felt very sporty when you took corners. The 148 hp GDI DOHC motor has a lot of umph and it did put a smile on my face.

Now assuming you want to know a little bit about the storage. The Elantra GT definitely leaves to be desired when it comes to the trunk space. I hope that this doesn't deter you though... The Elantra GT is definitely a good car for its price.

Coming to the new mazda 3 though..

Everything the Elantra GT did and didn't do. The new Mazda 3 does better.

It didn't have the adjustable steering wheel but it didn't need that. From what I could tell the car had plenty of space to seat 5 people very comfortably and there's a lot of room in the trunk.

Driving the car was a rush. The way it let you go through corners aggressively was a nice touch. Throwing it through the slalom and the safety course was great fun and the car gave me confidence because it was planted and controllable at ALL times. Of course, on the roads not secluded by a fence, this is a different story, but then again, the safety that the car features is a great addition.

For example, with a child in the back, you may be distracted for a second. Sometimes that's all it takes. I tried the braking thing that automatically stops when the car detects an obstacle. I liked the feature because it's usually the stopped traffic that gets you in trouble. It could save you from a lot of hassles if you accidentally hit someone. Although, it leaves some questions to be asked. They told us to let go of the gas and brakes and to put our feet beside it and let the car coast towards the obstacle. I was wondering if the system would still activate if our feet was on the brake or gas. And I've heard that it doesn't work over the speed of 35km/h (or something... Please correct me if I am wrong)

There's a lot of changes in the new Mazda 3 and you can definitely notice them. The new hud thing that tells you how fast you are going is a nice feature. I personally do not like having my eyes travel from the road all the way to the speedo and having to approximate how fast I am going. With the HUD within eyesight, you can spend more time with your eyes on the road rather than off it.

It's not a turtle either. Even the 2.0 is fast enough to beat a 1.8T Jetta. I believe the Jetta has about 174 hp and 184 lbs-ft of torque.

I'm not too sure about the rust thing but I am curious about this too.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

if you can afford it... the 2014 is well worth it. From what i heard the elantra gt did not perform as well as the 3 on the autocross course ( someone even ended up denting the bumper). The GS itself wont leave you dissapointed. (that said they only had GT's at the event).

as for rust... you will have to ask the gen2 owners for a rough idea ( ask someone with a 2010 and that should give you an idea). In the same price range... the only thing id maybe consider is the new jetta.... but anything below the "comfortline" trim level is prertty bad.


For dealers: I suggest you contact Jeff at MOT. He WILL be able to get you the best deal.


Fixed..


:D

[asyed]

Fixed..


:D

well i didnt want to give him false hope given the new 3 just landed a few months back and I am unaware if there are any promotions going on :P