Mazda3 2014 as a family car?

[JayBrand]

Hey, we are looking at the upcoming Mazda 3 as our old Golf replacement.
We got to boys aged 4 & 8.

My only concern about this model (since I haven't seen it yet in person) is it's size.

Do anyone here think it would be a problem in the backseat?
We have always gotten by fine with the Golf so far and won't be needing a Mazda 6 size.


Also:

Thoughts on this versus the Mazda cx-5 2012?

 

[lowincash]

Back seat is suppose to be somewhat slightly more roomier with the new one since it's got a longer wheelbase now. If anything I think it'll be fine for two kids in the back. Have you looked into the new corolla? The 2014 corolla has a lot of room in the back unless you want a hatchback then I think the mazda 3 is fine

 

[cburrell]

If you want a roomier sedan that virtually gets the same gas mileage as the 3, go with the 2014 6. 38 mpg's on the highway and has more room in the back than the 3. Unless you don't care whatsoever about driving dynamics and don't mind having a car that drives and feels much larger than it is, than go with the corolla, but IMHO the 6 would be the best bet if you are concerned about leg room. Here is a nice review about the whole car, but around 5:00 minutes into the video he reviews the back seats and gives a nice visual about how much room there is in the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9jo0WVtIq0

 

[JayBrand]

Back seat is suppose to be somewhat slightly more roomier with the new one since it's got a longer wheelbase now. If anything I think it'll be fine for two kids in the back. Have you looked into the new corolla? The 2014 corolla has a lot of room in the back unless you want a hatchback then I think the mazda 3 is fine

Thanks for the feedback, both of you.
I have looked at the 6 as well, but due to the good cost on the 3 I don't think I will be going much higher than it's medium equipment level.

Didn't really like the Corolla at first glance, but I'll take a better look at it though. I am always open to suggestions

Hopefully the 3 will meet my expectations when I get to see it soon.

 

[coolmazda5]

Didn't really like the Corolla at first glance, but I'll take a better look at it though. I am always open to suggestions

A good review here. Yeah, I know, it's a family car, but there should be at least some fun-to-drive around it. If that is not an issue for you, space and features are good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMgtkPCRXAo

 

[10Molavi]

How many years are you going to keep the car. How tall are the boys supposed to grow? (I know, but had to ask).

I am 6' tall and with the older 3 I would fit in the rear, but that's about it, not comfortable for long road trips. A test drive should tell you best, but also look at a CPO Mazda 6, might end up costing the same.

 

[DKaz]

Why not? Here's me, my two boys (centre and right) and their friend in my 3.

Between this and say a 2002 Honda Odyssey, there's no reason to have to go with a midsize. I comfortably slept in the back of my 3 for a few hours on a road trip last year next to my two boys. I'm 6'-1" 210 lb.

 

[P5w3kids]

I've had three kids in the back of a Protege5 for the past decade. Any Mazda3 is a little tighter in back, but should still be doable. Golf has more rear seat room.

 

[LennyR]

Well, I'm 5'9" and about 165 pounds, and I sat in the back of a 2014 5-door hatch Mazda 3 last week. There was plenty of room. It wouldn't be a problem at all for two kids, even on long trips. But go look at one -- most of the dealers have them -- and judge for yourself. Better yet, take the kids and let them give it a try.

 

[Rumble79]

I have a 2013 hatch and a 2014 CX-5 with my wife and baby boy. The CX-5 is definitely the way to go. I cannot comment about the 2014 Mazda3. I've seen the rear leg room and there is more than my 2013, but I haven't sat in the 2014 yet (dealer lot with locked doors). It's not a huge difference. I got the 2013 Mazda3 knowing that this car would only be for me and maybe 1 passenger for my commute to work. My rear seats aren't being used, so I should have gotten a BRZ. Haha! I am paying approx $100 CAD more a month for the CX-5. Both are on a 36 month lease with $0 down and both middle trim models. It really depends on what kind of car you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend.