Toyota Yaris iA vs. Mazda CX-3

[DebbyM46227]

I love my IA so much more than my 2010 Yaris hatchback. Whatever, I know it's not popular here, but if mine happened to get totaled, I'd get another just like it.

[Kalispel]

Originally Posted by DebbyM46227

I love my IA so much more than my 2010 Yaris hatchback. Whatever, I know it's not popular here, but if mine happened to get totaled, I'd get another just like it.

I would LOVE to love the Toyota iA/Mazda2, but...

(1) I've read too many owner reviews/comments online regarding iA transmission failure/problems before even reaching 36K, along with a host of other issues that shouldn't be manifesting in a quality, new car. Not sure if this is a Mexico-built problem (similar issues with the Mexico built Fit, HR-V, etc.) or a Mazda design/quality problem, but it isn't something to simply ignore because I really want to like the neat Mazda zoom-zoom factor of the car.

(2) Toyota did a great job ruining the styling with that absolute abomination of a front fascia. Heck, most people even hate the 2015+ Yaris front fascia styling, but the IA takes it to a whole new level. Hopefully, Toyota will refresh it in 2019 with something less hideous and trout-faced. It could also desperately use an update to those uninspired 1990 halogen-reflector headlights, as well as some factory fog-lights & LED DRL. The OEM tires are also a really odd, sad size (with less brand options if you want to stick with OEM sizes). It's like they couldn't decide if the car was supposed to be sporty or an eco-box, so met somewhere in the middle with the sizing.

I am glad that you love your iA though, and really do hope that you didn't get one assembled by the Mazda factory B-team in Mexico (like quite a few unfortunate people did apparently). The front styling issue(s) can be easily overlooked if the car could be reliably produced to be bulletproof against major/minor issues in the first 150K miles (at least). Nothing personal - just my own opinion(s). Ultimately, YOU are the one who has to like your car, and be willing to deal with whatever potential issues might arise. Lord knows I've read enough unadulterated hate for the Yaris hatch online over the years, but I am glad that I formed my own opinion and opted to give one a whirl. No regrets here, and hopefully the same will apply for you.

Though, while I really do love my manual 2015 Yaris hatch SE, I think that am going the Japan-built Toyota iM/Auris route with my next auto purchase in late 2018 or 2019. Probably in Barcelona (Deep) Red or Arctic Blizzard White. I think I like the iM size/proportions a bit better than my Yaris hatch, since it is a bit longer, wider and shorter, and less 'boxy' than my Yaris - yet still a small, compact car (& still a hatch! ).

I'm not a fan of the updated 2018 front/rear/wheel styling of the Yaris hatch though. Poorly-conceived/executed refresh (especially the US version), to squeeze another few years out of the 2nd/3rd gen time-tested mechanics, before the new global platform Yaris makes it debut in 2021(?). I wonder if it will even make it to the US market though, with the dismal sales numbers the Yaris hatch has in the US currently.