Mazda 3 Skyactiv or Toyota Matrix ?!?

Eddie6

Hello All,

Need some help determining my next car.

My 03 Mazda6 is dying and I need a new car !!  I have been looking and found the Mazda3 Skyactiv and Toyota Matrix to be my front-runners at this time. I am thinking of the Mazda3 Skyativ GS-L package and the Toyota Martix S package.  They are about the same price and have about the same features.

I drive on the highway almost everyday, so fuel economy is important as my V6 is consuming a lot of gas and the gas price is only going higher.

Which one do you think is better ??  Please give me some advice.

Thanks in advance !!  ^^

pkphilip

The Skyactiv looks pretty interesting on paper as the engine can achieve higher compression with regular gas (more horsepower for the same amount of fuel used). It is the direction where Mazda is going (read from Japanese website). The goal is to make ALL of their cars drive and handle likes a MX5 with newer technology.

Comparing the Maxtrix to the Mazda3 is like comparing something practical to fun to drive. If you are already driving the Mazda6 now and why don't you test drive both and see how it handles?

Philip

Eddie6

Thank you Philip for your reply.

I did test drive them both. I found the Mazda3 handles and performs similar to my 6; it actually feels more solid. On the other hand, the Matrix ride is more comfortable and stable.

I agree with you on comparing them is like comparing "blend" vs "flashy". I even test drove the Honda CR-Z and that one is more like a sports car !!

It's a 50/50 toss up now. I'm torn between them. Help please !!

randommike

Mazda3 save more gas, right?
here's the long term test report from inside line , http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2012-mazda-3/. people seems to like it. I have yet to see a bad review on the skyactiv model.get the automatic tho, seem like there is issue withe manual

As for Matrix, isn't it due for a new model soon? so if you buy now, it will be the old model soon

Quest

Thank you Philip for your reply.

I did test drive them both. I found the Mazda3 handles and perfor ...
Eddie6 發表於 2012-3-4 01:29

We can give you any subjective feedbacks and such, but ultimately, it's up to you. Afterall: you gonna pay for the vehicle and own it for many more years to come, so the bottomeline is: you have to like it.

Q.

ricrick

personal preference: matrix is a van, which i don't like

elan7e

回復 1# Eddie6

Will you find it 悶 if drive the same brand, similar layout of the cabin, cockpit.....

Prelude

Mazda 3 = 155 horsepower and a curb weight of 2,950 pounds?
If you drove mazda 6, it's hard for you satisfy with 155hp at 3k lb Mazda 3?  It's like a 8+ second car, you can't pass anyone unless you have to floor the gas pedal to the ground to make a slow pass on a highway.
Why not get a new Mazda GS-V6?
If you mind the gas usage and don't mind people(who have no idea about cars) look at your differently if you drive a korean car, then take a look at the Hyundai Sonata 2.0t.  
I bought one about 1.5 months ago, I am getting 8.9L/100KM currently.  That's for a 274HP @ 6,000 rpm and 269 lb.ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm car.  Almost the same fuel efficiency as my gf's matrix, but double the hp and torque.

Eddie6

Thank you for everyone's reply and I appreciate all of your inputs.

I agree that the 3 will find very much like my current 6 as far as the interior goes. The ride is similar but of coz not as powerful as the V6. I could say the Matrix did give me a good surprise when I was test driving it, it's smooth and stable but a bit too blend.

Would I be bored with Anirher Mazda ? Probably not. I have my 6 almost 9 years now and I had a civic for 10 years before that. So, I'm a boring person !! Hahaha...

As far as Korean cars go, I really have nothing against them;  I was seriously thinking a Elantra and Veloster. There's no stock for Veloster; in fact, there's not even one available for test drive !! The Elantra is good too but too similar to my wife's civic.

I'm surprised to learn that the Sonota has the same fuel efficiency as the Matrix !!  But then the Sonota is out of my budget range.

I'm leaning towards the 3 but I know my wife likes me to have the Matrix since it seems to be more reliable and solid.

Once again I'm sitting at the crossroads. A or B !!??!!

spoonek4

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我渣過部mazda3 skyactiv自動波，轉波似乎真係比普通自動波反應快，部車算好力，同埋車架真係好似比普通款紮實，但以果個設計黎講佢係追求慳油，都唔可以話expect副偈好跑得。多唔多問題宜家答唔到你，因為真係出左冇耐，暫時都冇咩feedback有幾慳油，有D咩問題等等....

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