Hi All,
I am considering between these models to buy? Inclined towards Cerato Sport + or Mazda 3 G20 Evolve. I think Mazda3 drives better and feels nicer. But for the same price, Sport + has more features and appears to offer better value for money?
Can I get some thoughts? I don't have a very deep understanding of cars.
Thanks!
Please Add a Poll to influence you.
Added.
They are not high end or sport cars and are all reliable decent choices.
Go with the one that feels the nicest to drive and with the best included features.
Or
For peace of mind, one of the Kia models with a 7 year warranty.
What does sport signify these days? Colour coded bumper and alloys for 5000 more ?
The Sport+ does offer keyless entry, heating seats in the front etc. Whereas the Evolve G20 doesn't have either.
that certainly chances my mind and now consider them "Sporty" ROTF!
I don't think the Sport offers anything "sporty" based on my limited understanding. I was just trying to say additional things offered in the Sport+ version
'the corolla sport is 'sporty' because it has weight saving features* over the less sporty models!
*weight saving features are realised through not including features that would be standard on a similar car and using cheaper materials that happen to be lighter'
keyless entry
Should be standard on every new car IMO. My 2012 Mazda 3 had it and keyless start.
heated seats
Not something you need in Australia, we don't get cold enough. It's a gimmick feature you'll never use
If that's the only difference then it's hardly worth it
It's a gimmick feature you'll never use
I didn’t think I’d ever use it, but it’s great for warming up quicker than the regular heater. Probably only use it half a dozen times a year myself, but my partner loves it (thinks it’s freezing cold anything under about 15)
You dont live in Tassie do you?
Sport+ has a big ass turbo and 3" mandrel bent straight through pipes.
and paint protection….
…and overnight parts from Japan
Not much wrong with either in terms of reliability/reputation. Mazda maybe a bit better quality reputation being Japanese.
Most of the time when someone asks here the consensus is buy Japanese or Korean, so you’ve got that covered.
Do you want extra features or driving enjoyment? Pick the one YOU like best for whatever reason floats your boat. Might come down to colour or the style of the wheels or something equally trivial.
Whichever one you can get your hands on first, assuming they all have waiting times
valid point.
I got the cerato sport in Dec 2021. Very happy with it. Sport over base model gives nicer interior, alloys and a 17 inch screen. I'm not a car guy at all just wanted something reliable and decent. Don't know what the + on top gets you.
It's not particularly quick off the mark but is comfy and has heaps of safety extras and Android play. All these extras were not part of my decision but certainly feels like you get more for your money.
It also has multiple drive modes so putting in sport makes it move a lot quicker. I'm too fuel conscious to bother.
Mazda at the time was more $s to come to par.
17 inch screen
Cerato sport plaid?
I was in a similar spot 10 years ago, was deciding between a Lancer Aspire and a Mazda 3. Lancer had longer warranty and more features, leather seats, HIDs, auto everything, but I didn't enjoy driving it, and it felt like an old person's car. The Mazda didn't have any of that stuff, but it was nicer to drive, nicer to be in, and I just liked it more.
That Lancer may have looked better on paper, but that didn't make it a better car. I'm glad I went with the Mazda.
Nailed it. ‘Better’ isn’t always best.
I just bought a new car. Decided from 6 competitors. Ruled out 2 because of rear seat space - one of which was by far the cheapest. My initial preference was ruled out due to poor engine characteristics and weird drivers position.
Cerato GT
How much more is the Cerato GT?
Mazda is by far the better car imo. It's much quieter, better riding, better interior, better engine and transmission, and probably better built. I've driven both, the CVT transmission in the Cerato was a bit jerky between gear changes and gave me headaches. But Cerato has more space, cheaper/better equipped, and possibly better resale due to longer warranty. can't go wrong with either, but my pick is the Mazda.
Cerato CVT?
oh my bad, 6spd auto, but it just felt off and jerky for some reason.
Did you drive one with very low kilometres? I've driven a 2021 Sport+ with less than 50 kilometres on it and I agree with what you're saying. It felt like sometimes it didn't know what gear to be in right? I was wondering if that behaviour was something that would improve with time but it was a $31,000 gamble to buy a car that at that point didn't feel right.
@ZachBlasphemy: Dealer demo, around 2 or 3k KMs. The transmission was a deal breaker for me. It did gear hunt a bit but it was the jerkiness of the shift that really put me off.
I have driven all three and Sport+ is hands down the best of them. Picked mine up last week with Kia mats and trunk mat cover with Granite paint option for 33k. Mazda felt better and smoother when driving under 60k but Sport+ is such a joy to drive at higher speeds.
Yet you have analysed the differences perfectly. Great job.