[Meeni]

Edmunds have tested it and they are quite rave about it. Has anybody actually tested it? I am interested in the opinion of fellow BMW drivers on this little thing, as I am shopping for a small family car for my wife.

http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda3/2014/#fullreview

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by Meeni

Edmunds have tested it and they are quite rave about it. Has anybody actually tested it? I am interested in the opinion of fellow BMW drivers on this little thing, as I am shopping for a small family car for my wife.

http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda3/2014/#fullreview

I'm waiting for the new VW Golf TDI or GTD. I have a 2000 Golf since new and it's been a fantastic car! 220,000 miles, changed the timing belt once, two sets of brakes, radiator lasted 11 years, exhaust lasted 10 years and that's it. I even have the original clutch and it's not slipping at all.
The new Golf is supposed to be a game changer. I've read reviews on the GTD and the new GTI and they are VERY positive.

I thought about the Mazda 3, but I just don't like the styling for some reason.

[Bingobimmer]

The styling is interesting. I like it until you get to the rear quarter panels (it looks cramped past that). Always thought the Mazda 3s were a good commuter car with a little more flavor than a civic.

[KingOfJericho]

I like the looks of the outgoing model better.

[Red Bread]

I have an 06 for a commuter. It's bullet proof (I know I shouldn't say that). For a fwd car, it's pretty amusing, the e-brake is pretty effective and the brakes are better than many small cars. The new one certainly looks nice and if they offer it with the diesel, I'd consider replacing mine with a new one.

I traded cars with a buddy a few weeks ago while he was recovering from hip surgery and needed an automatic. He has a 2011 MazdaSpeed3, it certainly has a nicer interior than mine and the suspension feels a little more robust (likely due to being an MS3) but if the level of refinement between my 06 and his 11 continues to the new model, it should really be a nicely done car.

[Meeni]

I actually like the new look of it a lot. I drove the outgoing one and liked it a lot (for a FW that is). The Cruze also impressed me for what it is, even though it's a bit too "cheap" interior-wise (but I had a stripper rental, so maybe better trims are more livable). It seems that the market is getting very competitive for a compact hot-hatch. This is good, very good indeed.

Why would you want the diesel one ? This thing returns 30+mpg CITY on cheap standard gasoline. This is just awesome on its own, the diesel would have a hard time getting much better that that (considering the extra cost of diesel at the pump and the increase in purchase price and maintenance cost). Unlike the Jetta sportwagen that needs the diesel to make any sense, this does not (however there are rumors that the sportwagen will get hybrid powertrain, that could be interesting too).

[Red Bread]

I have a short commute through heavy traffic. The diesel appeals to me for more immediate torque, less concern about short trips and for added efficiency for the occasional long road trip.

[rjhoskins]

Originally Posted by Meeni

Edmunds have tested it and they are quite rave about it. Has anybody actually tested it? I am interested in the opinion of fellow BMW drivers on this little thing, as I am shopping for a small family car for my wife.

http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda3/2014/#fullreview

From what I have read, the new 3 is definitely a solid little car. Don't think you are going to find any individuals who have tested it as it's not out yet. Magazines, online specialities like Edmunds etc are getting a crack at it but that's it from what I've seen.
My oldest turns 16 next June and right now this is the front runner for her.

[KingOfJericho]

I take back what I said earlier. This thing looks awesome and the rear roofline looks very euro-hatch. Can't wait to see the Speed treatment.

[Ricfutures]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I take back what I said earlier. This thing looks awesome and the rear roofline looks very euro-hatch. Can't wait to see the Speed treatment.

^^ This

The new look of their vehicles is very solid. Very impressed with the Mazda 6 as well.

[Twix]

I've always liked the look of them. I just find they seem to be the rusty cars on the road. I see a lot of them here I'm Calgary that are only a few years old with more rust than most cars that are 15-20 years old

[See5]

Both it and the 6 look awesome.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by See5

Both it and the 6 look awesome.

Yeah, the Mazda 6 looks fantastic.

[BKap08]

my brother drives a 2007 mazda 6, he drives a 100+ mile commute daily and that car is bulletproof. it has over 100k miles and he just got it serviced for a loose gas cap sensor. The car is not bad to drive either for being fwd. Interior looks good and it is spacious. I really like the new styling that mazda has gone with on the 3,6, and cx5 as well.

[newoldbeemer]

I had a 3 last year, great little car. Lots of steering feel, inspires confidence to chuck around and definitely blows away Corolla/Civic/Cruze in my opinion. Leaked power though (I had the lower-powered 140ish bhp version).

Test drove the new 6 and wasn't that impressed, though. I mean its still nicer than Hondas and Toyotas but I'd rather get a Subaru instead.