HELP! Mazda3 or Vios?

[niky]

The Civic is really a swell car, the only thing that will matter to most people is seating comfort.

For big, heavy people, like me, the backrests on the Civic's front seats are too hard. For smaller people, it's not a problem. It's something you'll only find out if you try to sit in one. I've only heard complaints to the same from other big guys, so it might not feel the same to smaller or lighter people.

A good alternative is the Jazz... but the seats are low, which makes them uncomfortable for taller people. The Vios seats, on the other hand, are a little too plush, which keeps you from sinking in if you don't fit between the side bolsters. Only a few cars have truly comfortable seats, for me... the Mazda3 is probably one (though I can never find the right driving position, comfort is good), the Focus is another... it's because they use good springing in the seats instead of soft foam, like Toyota does.

But if they're off your list for fuel economy reasons, I can understand... mahirap yun sa student. ;)

The Civic is worth a long, hard look. It's one of the best deals for your money out there, and even in the base version, without airbags, should still be very safe. The Civic and the Mazda3/Focus have the stiffest body-shells out there, which is a good thing to have in a crash. It's not as quiet or supple in the suspension department as the Mazda3, but it's still better than the previous Civic and a cut above the rest of the class in terms of handling.

Like erick says, it's also got great space, and is very easy to drive.

Good car, terrific engine.

But if it's fuel, fuel, fuel you're thinking about, it's best to get a 1.3 Vios or a 1.3 Jazz, then spend the rest of your money on making your ride look and sound good.... ;)