I have a VW (58 plate) and a Mazda mps (Mk2) and this may be one of the reasons why the short reviews given by some people are not often good nor balanced nor relate to the ‘real world’.
When entering a modern VW there is a feeling of solid, welcoming ambience. Everything is well laid out and obvious as to what it does. Good ergonomics - except for the poor cruise control. The quality appears to be very good and they drive well.
The Mazda doesn’t have the same initial feeling. BUT after a time, and it may be a few months, the Mazda’s feeling of inherent wellbeing and quality permeate. The extra functions you get for the money do come in useful and you haven’t paid an exorbitant amount of money for these extras. Everything is logically placed, once you get used to it. That sounds contradictory but isn’t.
The VW has given all it has to offer in the first week or two, unlike the Mazda. Also, the Mazda has individuality.
There have been many reviews of many brands of cars where first impressions were excellent, yet when there were longer term reviews, niggles and flaws came to the surface.
