Mazda 3 Sedan SkyActiv-V AT (2015) vs Suzuki APV Type II GLX MT (8-seater) MT (2015)

Mazda 3 Sedan SkyActiv-V AT (2015) vs Suzuki APV Type II GLX MT (8-seater) MT (2015): which should you buy?

Both the 2015 Mazda 3 Sedan SkyActiv‑V AT and the 2015 Suzuki APV Type II GLX MT are priced alike at ₱975,000 and carry the same 100,000 km/3‑year warranty, but they serve very different needs. The Mazda 3 is a compact C‑segment sedan with a 1.5‑L DOHC engine that delivers 112 PS and 144 Nm, paired to a smooth 6‑speed automatic, making it the more powerful and refined choice for a driver who prioritises performance, fuel‑efficiency and a comfortable, car‑like ride. Its unibody construction, front‑wheel drive and four‑door layout suit daily commuting, city driving and small‑family use, offering seating for up to five. In contrast, the Suzuki APV is an eight‑seater MPV built on a body‑on‑frame chassis with rear‑wheel drive and a 1.6‑L SOHC engine that produces 91 PS and 127 Nm, mated to a 5‑speed manual. It is geared toward larger families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity and a rugged, utilitarian feel, but it sacrifices power, refinement and automatic convenience. If you need a practical people‑mover and can handle a manual gearbox, the APV fits the bill; if you want a sportier, more comfortable sedan for everyday travel, the Mazda 3 is the better pick.