The Mazda 3 had always felt elusive to me. Almost like an enigma that I could still somehow understand.
Clearly, I know it looks good. I’ve seen it many times up close since it was launched back in 2019, and I’ve been a huge fan of the design since day one. I never got the chance to drive it, though. That said, I do have an idea, having driven other Mazdas in the past, including the CX-30, a crossover based on the same platform as the 3. But again, the point stands: I still didn’t know what it was like to be behind the wheel of one.
Until recently, I was able to borrow a unit from Mazda Philippines. It was in the exact spec I like, and then some: It was the 2.0 Fastback variant in Soul Red Crystal, and with AutoExe parts. I drove it far and I drove it hard, and it went down as one of the demo cars I had ever driven the most. There’s a lot to dissect here, so let’s begin.
ALSO READ:
Review: 2025 Honda Civic RS Turbo
Review: 2025 BMW 520i
Styling
I feel like I’ve already said my piece, but I also think my words just won’t do the Mazda 3 any justice. It’s such an absolutely beautiful car that I’ve always found alluring. Mazda’s Kodo design language continues to be on point, and several years in, this is sheer proof that it ages gracefully.
As a fan of five-doors, this being a hatchback—though the variant says it’s a fastback—makes it look even better in my eyes. The gorgeous Soul Red Crystal finish is just the icing on the cake. Now, as mentioned, this unit came equipped with AutoExe parts that add to the overall aesthetic. For starters, there are the lug nuts that match the body color quite nicely, though I’m not sure I’d like that if the unit were in a shade of blue or white. There are also the carbon side mirrors, which I’m not too keen about. They’re okay, but I think the 3 looks better with the stock gloss-black side mirrors accentuating the sides.
The bigger cosmetic piece here is the AutoExe grille, which could be up for debate whether or not it’s even needed. I like how it’s a little less classy and a little more macho than the stock grille, but then again I also think the latter looked fine as it was. The AutoExe muffler and tailpipes also add more pizzazz and sportiness to the exterior, but I like those more for their functionality. More on that later.
Interior
It can still go both ways whether or not people like the Mazda 3’s interior. One one hand, it’s a bit cramped for five people. It’s more of a four-plus-one. But on the other, it feels incredibly premium, and when you’re the one behind the wheel, it’s perfect. The cockpit is a snug fit, and the layout is ergonomic so all controls are within reach. The leather seats are comfortable, while the material on the dash, the side panels, and the center console are all nice to see or touch. There’s just enough storage space in the front row for your everyday stuff, too.
During the time I had the 3, it was mostly just me and my girlfriend in the car, so space was more than enough. Legroom won’t be an issue when you don’t have rear passengers to worry about, while head and elbow room are plenty, even for taller individuals, I reckon. The trunk has decent space for cargo, just enough for two weekend bags and some shooting gear. And for stuff we had to have at arm’s reach on long road trips, we kept those in the second row.
For a large family of four, I doubt the Mazda 3’s interior will suffice. But as you can see, in my use case—we’re a D.I.N.K.W.A.D. couple (Double Income No Kids With A Dog)—it’s the perfect car. Perfectly sakto.
Engine performance
The 2.0 Fastback Sport comes with a lively 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine. It’s familiar and it’s not groundbreakingly new, but just like the 3’s interior, it’s just right. Sakto. If you want a relaxing stroll around the city—sans traffic—it’ll behave. And even if there were any traffic, it does about 8-9km/L, which isn’t bad considering how fun the engine is when you wring it.
That’s what I did when I went on a spirited drive up to Subic. On the expressway, it cruises calmly at 100kph with low revs. When you need to overtake, just step on the throttle and enjoy how responsive the powertrain is as you pass the car in front of you. The six-speed automatic transmission sends all 153hp and 200Nm of torque to the front wheels with ease, and if the driver so wishes to be in complete control of shifting duties, paddle shifters are available. Best believe from SBMA on the way to Anvaya Cove, I was flicking those paddles the entire time.
For what it’s worth, I got about 11km/L in mixed city and highway driving conditions. Considering how much fun I had with the 3, I’ll take that any day of the week.
Ride and handling
I’m very, very particular about driving dynamics. No matter how good a car is in every other aspect, if it doesn’t feel like it has soul when I’m driving it, it’s not a car I’d say I’d want to buy. Suffice to say that when I finally got to drive the 3 after years of waiting, it did not disappoint.
It’s got the best of both worlds. It made me feel the same way I felt when I first drove the Honda Civic RS, but only so much better. The moment I hopped into the driver’s seat and grabbed hold of the steering wheel, there was an immediate sense of refinement. When I started up the engine, I was greeted by the low, bassy garble of the AutoExe exhaust. And when you start driving through twisties, it all just comes together.
Mazda’s Jinba Ittai philosophy is unmatched. Never will you find an ‘everyday’ sedan in this segment that drives as beautifully as the 3. There’s a certain weight to the steering wheel that, again, is ‘just right.’ And it being a front-wheel-drive hatch with just the right amount of torque under the hood means it won’t kill me when I try to have fun with it through corners. It never threw anything at me that I wasn’t prepared for. Granted, of course, it has a strut bar up front that improves overall handling, but it won’t handle this well if it wasn’t good to begin with.
The ride is also, again, just right. Sakto. It’s quiet inside the cabin, but you still properly feel the road underneath you. Just like any other low-riding sedan, though, you’d want to avoid high curbs and sizable road imperfections, but even so, it’s still a car I’d happily drive daily around the metro, potholes and all.
Extra features
What did I say again? Just right. That’s how to describe the Mazda 3’s suite of extra tech. The head unit mounted on the dash? Sakto. Who said we needed large screens, anyway? That display has Apple CarPlay and Android Connectivity, and it’s mated to a beautiful 12-speaker Bose sound system. In typical Mazda fashion, there’s a knob on the center console for drivers to tinker with the infotainment screen. It takes some time getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it’ll feel more intuitive than having to reach out your hand to navigate through a screen.
It does lose out a bit on safety features as it’s not the top-of-the-line trim. It doesn’t get front-collision warning or autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (just standard), and the 360-degree camera. Perhaps that’s the only real gripe I have about it, but not that it’s a deal-breaker or anything.
As for the AutoExe parts, well, the rest of the catalog includes a hood damper which I like and a battery clamp that I could do without. There’s also an intake suction kit which you’ll see when you pop the hood open—it’s highly durable and ensures smoother air flow. The jury’s still out on whether I’d prefer my Mazda 3 with all these extra parts, but I have to say, the engine bay looks flashy with all these red bits.
Verdict
At the end of my test period, I think I clocked in more than 700km with the Mazda 3. I used it for everything. From long drives to everyday grocery runs, I spent all the time I could with it. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It was one of the few cars that I never wanted to stop driving when I had it.
I acknowledge that it has its shortcomings, but in so many ways, it made perfect sense to me. It stickers for a hefty P1.51 million, which may not be sakto, but it’s not that pricey if you look at what else is available in the market. Even if you add the AutoExe parts, you’re looking at just over P1.8 million, which isn’t bad.
I’m a huge fan of the design, the interior space is a hand-in-glove fit for me, and the engine is equal parts practical and fun. It’s comfortable enough to be used in the city, yet firm enough to attack corners with confidence. If there was a car that could truly work as a daily and double as a fun car on weekends, this is it. Move over, Civic RS e:HEV—the Mazda 3’s the new ‘attainable dream car’ for me now.
SPECS: 2025 Mazda 3 2.0 Fastback Sport
Price: P1,510,000
Engine: 2.0-liter gasoline I4
Power: 153hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Layout: FWD
Seating: 5
Score: 9.5/10
AutoExe Parts price list:
- Sports muffler + muffler garnish – P115,684 + P19,732
- Front grille – P59,519
- Carbon mirror cover – P24,665
- Front strut tower bar – P19,027
- Hood damper – P18,498
- Air intake suction kit – P11,275
- Battery clamp – P5,552
- Wheel nut set – P9,908
More photos of the 2025 Mazda 3 2.0 Sport with AutoExe Parts:
