
A few months ago, Mazda announced that it plans to compete in the premium market. It remains to be seen just how posh they aim to be, but for now, it’s letting the 2020 Mazda3 Sedan and Sportback do the talking.
With a competitor looming on the horizon for a reveal, Mazda Philippines wanted the conversation to start quick and arranged a drive just weeks after the launch of its new muse. The Mazda3 was in for a complete workout as we went from Manila to Clark and all the way up in Baguio.
Beauty in Subtlety

At first glance, the new Mazda3 doesn't look far-off from its predecessor, but a second look would make you notice that the sedan kept its chrome grille outline, while the hatch now has a black one for a sporty vibe. This is the direction of their new design language, as seen on the RX-Vision and Vision Coupe, which aims for the sedan to be more elegant while the hatch is more sporty – emphasized by the hatch's rear which has a fastback-esque look.

The sides too look similar due to the flattened wheel wells, but a bit of lighting reveals subtle curves in place of the character lines of the previous version.

Inside, the changes are more obvious thanks to the redesigned head unit and the cockpit motif of the driver's side. Basically, the driver is the star while the passengers are just along for the ride, which is an issue.
Limited by Design
For 5'6” me, there's just enough leg and headroom in both Sedan and Sportback Mazda3. If someone around 5'10” sits in front, I have just enough legroom to wiggle around. Headroom can be an issue for the Sportback, though, because of the lower roofline. Aesthetically pleasing outside but inside it means compromise.

My main gripe in the interior is the amenities. Sure, at the back there's a center armrest with cupholders, but there's no charging port. They also removed the separate retractable cover of the cupholder (the one behind the shifter) and fixed center console armrest, and just put one big retractable center console armrest. If you're an unlucky passenger and the driver doesn't like the feel of that armrest, or someone in front is using the ports under it and likes that armrest pulled back, it will cover the rear vents which will greatly hinder airflow to you. Don't expect air from the front vents too because Mazda focused its position for the driver and front passenger.
Noise-Cancelling Goodness
If you can get past those, then you're in for a treat. Mazda has paid particular attention to audio which they call Mazda Harmonic Acoustics. It’s an interplay between the speakers, their placement, and the cabin insulation to ensure that you’ll hear what you want with minimal unwanted noise.
The result is full-bodied audio even if you do not go for the Premium model with Bose Sound System. Insulation is also great that you can talk to your passenger with minimal distraction from traffic. It’s like having noise-canceling headphones on the street, but this one is for the whole car. The rough patches of EDSA were muffled nicely, buses are barely heard unless they accelerate beside you or blow their horn, and wind noise was almost inaudible even at the speed limit.
Polarizing Performance
Going through EDSA, the Mazda3 may seem stiff. It’s not as floaty as other sedans who aim for rider comfort. What they did was balance out the suspension and vibration so road imperfections feel like friendly nudges, but not numb if you’re out for spirited driving.

Tackling curves proved that the Mazda3 has set the standard for handling. The G-Vectoring Control Plus is the second-generation of Mazda’s iconic technology that provides more grip on the appropriate wheel during cornering, but this time it applies the brakes too so you get straight immediately after a corner exit. The result? Corners were tackled with ease, minimal corrections were needed, and despite the curves of going up in Baguio, fatigue was at a minimum.

At straight lines, if you're used to having your head snap to the headrest when you floor it, you'll be left wanting with the all-new Mazda3. The 1.5 and 2.0 engines are on par against the competition in terms of figures but it lacks the kick that we've been used to with engines of this size. No, they didn't do it for fun, they did it for balance.
That kick is unnecessary for Mazda. To them, there should be a seamless delivery of power in pursuit of balance and superior handling. If it means letting go of a traditional element in engines of this caliber, then so be it. I respect that kind of dedication in artistry.
This pursuit of balance was most apparent in braking. While other cars would simply dip their front side since that’s where most of the force is, the whole Mazda3 seems to hug the ground during hard braking, decreasing the chance of hitting the steering wheel or dashboard since there’s minimal front bias.
With a new direction in sight, Mazda didn’t skimp around with the Mazda3. The improvements in engineering and technology certainly justify the premium the company’s aiming for. However, in Mazda’s celebration of driving, they sort of forgot that passengers want some goodies too like unobstructed rear vents, headroom, and some outlets at the back.

Mazda made up for it though by putting toys in the 3 that make them top-tier offerings. The Sportback is the only car in its segment with such luxuries with a relatively attainable price, while the sedan can certainly fight neck-and-neck with more expensive executive sedans in the market.
If you can get past its quirks, the overall package of the Mazda3 still presents a great overall value for those who have the moolah to afford it.
Specifications
Engine
2.0 LFuel Type
GasolinePerformance
152 hp @ 6,000 rpmTransmission
Automatic-
Summary
-
Name Mazda 3 2.0 SkyActiv Premium AT Body Type Sedan Price ₱1,495,000 Transmission Type Automatic -
Engine
-
Engine Size 2.0 L Displacement 1,998 cc Number of Cylinders 4 Number of Valves 16 Transmission Category SkyActiv Drive 6-Speed Automatic w/ Sport Mode -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Max Output (HP) 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm Max Torque (nm) 200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm Acceleration Rate n/a Top Speed n/a -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Gasoline CO2 Emission n/a Fuel Capacity 51 L Fuel Consumption 6.2 L/100 km Range n/a -
Dimensions
-
Length 4,660 mm Width 1,795 mm Height 1,440 mm Wheelbase 2,725 mm Turning Circle 10.6 m Ground Clearance 134 mm Wading Depth n/a Trunk Capacity 388 L Max Cargo n/a Number of Doors 4 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 18 in Wheels Metal Type Aluminum Alloy (Gray Metallic) Airconditioning System Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Rear Ventilation Louvres Entertainment System Mazda Connect with 8.8-inch LCD Monitor, USB, & Bluetooth via 12-Speaker Bose Sound System Connectivity USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Navigation Ready Warranty 3 Years (100,000 km) + Free 5 Years of PMS Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
Get the best deal - Choose multiple dealerships to compare offers!
You can compare quotations simultaneously from multiple Mazda dealerships. Select your preferred dealers from the list below.

- Compare quotations from multiple dealerships in minutes.
- Check vehicle and color availability.
- Find info on special offers and promotions.
- 100% Hassle-free with no obligation to purchase.
Latest Review
-
2022 Suzuki Celerio—First Impressions / Review
The all-new Suzuki Celerio is the most fuel-efficient car in the country. Can that and its other improvements sway buyers?
-
2022 Peugeot 3008 Review / Review
With Peugeot now under new leadership in the Philippines does its new lineup of models have what it takes to take on the established nameplates?
4.0 / 5 -
2022 GAC GS4 Review / Review
It presents itself as a great compact crossover choice for those who don’t want to be overwhelmed by a great amount of tech.
3.9 / 5
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
May 20, 2020
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Nov 14, 2018
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020