The vios 1.5G AT will definitely be faster than the mazda, and better fuel economy too: 107hp, with a lighter body, vs 105hp with a pig-heavy body.

i have personal experience in the crawling demeanor of the mazda3

you'll prolly get 9-10km/L on the vios, but only 7-8km/L on the mazda3.

mas mabagal na, mas laklak pa sa gas!!!

but, unless you're talking about the all-new Yaris based vios, in my opinion the mazda3 is a much nicer car. and roomier too.

but -- the vios G has dual airbags and ABS. the entry-level mazda3 only has one airbag.

if I were going for a mazda3 i'd go for the midrange, 839K (cheaper now, down from 879K) or the midrange HATCH (dati walang midrange hatch, entry-level hatch lang) at 879K.

the midrange mazda3 is the best deal, dual airbags, ABS, digital climate control, leather... i think meron na ring HID yung midrange ngayon.

it's still slow

Focus 1.6L AT nalang kaya? discounted din yun ngayon kasi desperado si Ford for sales. The entry level Focus has 1 airbag and ABS, so at least di siya gaanong talo compared sa Vios G in the safety department. Anyway the Focus and Mazda3 are the same car (so the Focus is slow too... )