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Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Subaru Impreza Hatchback - READ ONLY

11 messages,  Last post on Apr 15, 2012 at 1:19 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Subaru Impreza, Car Comparisons, Hatchback

Messages Page 2 of 2

#3 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [rebel71] by carshopper56

Feb 27, 2010 (6:29 pm)

Replying to: rebel71 (Feb 27, 2010 3:43 pm)
Thanks for replying. I did test drive both vehicles because although I wanted the all wheel drive, the mazda did get a fine rating. I think I am going with the Subaru because of the awd. The mazda did drive with quite a pick up but the heated seats are an after purchase application, its not awd, and the trunk is not as large. ALthough there is 0% financing, and 90 day befor first payment is due.

#4 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [rebel71] by rebel71

Feb 28, 2010 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: rebel71 (Feb 27, 2010 3:43 pm)
You're welcome. I've owned Subarus for 14 years ( four cars) and I've been nothing happy with them. I've driven the 2010 Mazda 3 and it just didn't do it for me, there wasn't a smile on my face. I was willing to give up the awd if the car was awesome on all counts. The Impreza doesn't get the best gas mileage compared to other small cars but for me it's about the fun and safety. The touring edition of the mazda has the heated seats standard. In the end it has to be something that fits you. I'm replacing my '08' Legacy with the 2010 Impreza hatch this year, it's versatility is a bit better than the sedan.

#5 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [rebel71] by carshopper56

Feb 28, 2010 (4:41 pm)

Replying to: rebel71 (Feb 28, 2010 1:51 pm)
Thanks. I am hoping the March 1st will bring a great offer on financing on the Subaru. Either way, I am going to purchase the hatchback.

#6 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [carshopper56] by rebel71

Mar 01, 2010 (3:39 am)

Replying to: carshopper56 (Feb 28, 2010 4:41 pm)
Yes, I'm waiting for better incentives as well. Usually when it gets closer to the next model year is when the cash back starts to happen. I'm hoping for a good APR% and cash back.

#7 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [rebel71] by mrchunkie26

Mar 26, 2010 (7:51 am)

Replying to: rebel71 (Mar 01, 2010 3:39 am)
I have to go with the Mazda 3 here. Yes the Impreza has AWD but after test-driving, can't you notice the difference? While I was test-driving the Impreza, I threw a couple turns. The understeer was like wow. Try test-driving it again, no doubt you will go with the Mazda 3.

#8 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [carshopper56] by robm2

Mar 28, 2010 (3:23 pm)

Replying to: carshopper56 (Feb 21, 2010 1:25 pm)
My wife & I test drove the Mazda-3, before we bought the Impreza. The Mazda was quick, nimble, and comfortable, but had an ugly instrument cluster. The Impreza was not quite as quick, but AWD wins every time, (for Canadian winters, in particular).
 
We purchased the '08 Impreza. No regrets. Superb in the snow!

#9 of 11 How is Subaru impreza hatchback in snowy conditions with the low clearance? by brc1328

Apr 12, 2012 (6:02 am)

Replying to: robm2 (Mar 28, 2010 3:23 pm)

#10 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [carshopper56] by wimchatta

Apr 12, 2012 (11:24 pm)

Replying to: carshopper56 (Feb 21, 2010 1:25 pm)
Hi carshopper56,
I test drove many cars including the 2012 Mazda 3 w/ Skyactiv and the 2012 Ford Focus, in addition to the Acura TSX SportsWagon, the BMW 328i and the Subaru Outback before deciding to get the 2012 Subaru Impreza. The Mazda did not feel as responsive from stop, though it is more refined at highway speeds. I found the visibility (blind spot coverage, etc.) on both the Focus and the Mazda3 to be poor compared to the Impreza. The crash test ratings for rear seat on the Mazda are also not stellar. The Consumer Reports Best Small Car rating pretty much sealed the deal for the Subaru. Picking it up this weekend (now 6 weeks since the order)!

#11 of 11 Re: mazda hatchback versus subaru impreza hatchback [wimchatta] by jdig

Apr 15, 2012 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: wimchatta (Apr 12, 2012 11:24 pm)
They are both good cars. I think the Mazda is a bit more "fun" to drive - that's why we went with it over the Impreza. But that's not an important factor to a lot of buyers. If you take "fun" out of the equation - they are really neck and neck. Mazda gets a few more MPG I believe - and the performance (0-60) is almost identical - but the Mazda handling is better in my opinion. I also like a conventional AT over CVT (have CVT in another car and still not used to it after 5 years!). Both cars have very good reliability per Consumer Reports and both are top safety picks.
 
I find the Mazda very quiet at speed despite comments that both cars are loud on the highway. I have to watch out - or I find myself doing 80 mph and not even knowing it!
 
We also got some goodies in the Mazda that were not available in the model of Impreza at the same price point - leather - NAV - Bose sound system. The Subie does have AWD however - perhaps those cancel each other out. Just depends on what's important to you ...

Messages Page 2 of 2

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