2025 Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5 L Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-segment sedan market has become increasingly intense. Consumers value both design and quality, as well as clear requirements for power smoothness and daily practicality. The 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5L is aimed precisely at this niche market. As a core sedan product under the brand, it continues Mazda's signature design language, while optimizing configuration details, focusing on the core selling point of "balanced quality." This time, we had the opportunity to experience a test drive car in advance, focusing on whether its static performance meets expectations and whether the combination of a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and 6AT can meet daily driving needs.

In terms of exterior, the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5L retains the family-style Kodo design language, with smooth and dynamic overall lines. On the front, a large shield-shaped grille is paired with a blacked-out vertical bar-style mesh. The sharp design of the LED headlight groups on both sides is connected to the chrome strip along the grille's upper edge, which visually extends the car's width and enhances its recognition. The side of the car adopts a fastback-style line design, with a simple and powerful waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, creating a sporty vibe. At the rear, the LED taillight cluster features a refined internal structure, with a striking effect when lit. The small spoiler design on the upper edge of the trunk and the dual-exhaust layout at the bottom further enhance the sporty character.

Inside the car, the overall interior layout is simple and orderly, wrapped in a significant amount of soft materials. The center console and door panels are accented with piano black decorative panels and silver trim, offering a quality feel that is above average for its class. The central control area is equipped with an 8.8-inch floating touchscreen display, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The operation logic is clear, and the response speed is relatively smooth. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, providing a comfortable grip. The left-side buttons can control multimedia, phone, and cruise control functions. The seats are upholstered in fabric material with thick padding on the cushions and backrests, providing good support and wrapping feel. The front row seats offer manual adjustment, while the rear seats are equipped with a central armrest and cup holders, making them convenient for daily use.

In terms of space, the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5L has body dimensions of 4662×1797×1445mm and a wheelbase of 2725mm. The front-row seating space performs well; a 175cm tall person can sit in the front row with one fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. In the rear, the same person has about four fingers of headroom and one fist plus two fingers of legroom, offering decent performance and meeting daily family needs without any issue. Regarding storage space, the trunk has a capacity of 444 liters with a well-organized interior design. The rear seats support a proportional fold-down function, which can further expand the storage space. Additionally, the car interior includes several storage compartments, such as a front-row central armrest box, door storage compartments, and cup holders, making it convenient for storing small everyday items.

In terms of power, the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5L is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 87kW (118PS) and a maximum torque of 153N·m. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the power output is smooth and linear. At the initial stage of acceleration, the throttle response is relatively quick, and the acceleration performance is decent, making it suitable for urban commuting. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the engine's power reserve feels somewhat lacking, requiring sufficient lead time for overtaking on highways. The transmission has a clear shifting logic, with relatively fast upshifts and downshifts, while offering good smoothness with almost imperceptible shift jolts.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers high precision with minimal play, providing clear directionality and a stable driving experience. The suspension system adopts a combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards sportiness. When driving over bumpy roads, the suspension can quickly filter out most vibrations, keeping the body stable and offering good comfort. During cornering, the suspension provides good support, with minimal body roll, giving the driver ample confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, based on our actual testing, the average fuel consumption is approximately 6.5L/100km when driving in urban areas and about 5.8L/100km on highways. The fuel efficiency is commendable, making it suitable for daily family use.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control performance of the vehicle is impressive. When driving in urban areas, both tire and wind noise are minimal. On highways, wind noise slightly increases but remains within an acceptable range. The seats offer good comfort, ensuring that long drives do not feel tiring. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with automatic air conditioning and rear air vents, further enhancing the driving and riding comfort.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5L lie in its design quality and driving comfort. Compared to some competitors in the same segment, its interior quality and handling performance stand out. However, the power performance and rear passenger space are slightly lacking. Overall, it offers a well-rounded performance and is suitable for families and young consumers who value design quality and everyday comfort. If you are looking for a stylish, high-quality sedan well-suited for urban commuting, the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5L is worth considering.