The Malaysian automotive scene, typically known for accessible vehicles, is witnessing a remarkable shift with the introduction of the Bufori CS8. This new luxury coupe marks a bold departure for Bufori, a brand previously recognized for its vintage-inspired creations. The CS8 is a formidable machine, powered by an impressive 810-horsepower supercharged Hemi V8, capable of blistering acceleration from a standstill to 62 mph in just three seconds. Constructed with a lightweight carbon-kevlar body, the vehicle also promises exceptional handling and stopping power through its adaptive suspension and high-performance Brembo brakes. While certain components are sourced from Stellantis, Bufori emphasizes the bespoke nature of the CS8, offering extensive customization options to ensure each unit is distinct. Positioned as a direct competitor to high-end sports cars, this meticulously hand-built coupe carries a substantial price tag of over half a million dollars.

Established in Australia during the 1980s before relocating to Malaysia, Bufori has historically carved out a niche in the automotive landscape with its distinctive, retro-styled roadsters and sedans, often drawing comparisons to classic marques like Morgan. However, the CS8 represents a significant evolution in their design philosophy, embracing a more contemporary, high-performance aesthetic. The heart of this beast, a supercharged 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivers a staggering 750 horsepower to the wheels and 717 pound-feet of torque, all managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Despite its substantial power output, the CS8 maintains an optimal 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, contributing to its claimed three-second sprint to 62 mph.

While the mechanical prowess of the CS8 is undeniable, its exterior design, according to some observers, presents a more conventional appearance. Notably, certain elements, such as the wheel design, bear a resemblance to those found on Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat models, and the interior, though largely unseen, features a steering wheel that appears to be a direct import from Dodge's parts bin. Nevertheless, Bufori asserts that only about 10% of the CS8's components are derived from Stellantis. Beyond the range-topping supercharged Hemi, Bufori intends to offer a selection of other powertrains, including a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi producing 475 horsepower, a supercharged 3.6-liter V6 with 455 horsepower, a naturally aspirated V6 delivering 320 horsepower, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six generating 550 horsepower, possibly a variant of the Hurricane engine seen in the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack.

The meticulous craftsmanship involved in each Bufori CS8 underscores its exclusivity. The company's owner, Gerry Khouri, revealed that each vehicle demands an astonishing 9,000 person-hours for completion, indicating a painstaking attention to detail and a low production volume. Unveiled to the public in 2019, the journey to production has been extensive. With a starting price reported to be around 2.188 million Malaysian Ringgits, or approximately $518,000, the CS8 enters a competitive luxury segment. For comparison, an Aston Martin Vanquish, which offers similar horsepower figures from a twin-turbo V12, presents an alternative. Bufori has not yet disclosed any plans for official importation of the CS8 into the United States, suggesting that acquiring one may prove to be a challenge for enthusiasts outside of its primary markets.

Ultimately, the Bufori CS8 stands as a testament to Malaysian ingenuity in the realm of high-performance automobiles. This distinct coupe blends powerful American-sourced engines with an exclusive hand-built approach, offering a compelling blend of speed, luxury, and customization. Its entry into the elite automotive landscape signifies a new chapter for Bufori, moving beyond its vintage roots to embrace modern performance benchmarks, all while maintaining its commitment to artisanal quality and individualized ownership experiences.

The 2025 Mazda3 with the 2.5 Turbo AWD variant continues to impress, demonstrating a sophisticated aesthetic and a tactile quality that defies its accessible price point. Even after several years since its initial release, this generation of the Mazda3 maintains a strong appeal, proving its enduring design and engineering. This detailed assessment delves into the vehicle's refined character, its performance capabilities, and how it measures up against both spirited, performance-oriented competitors and the more upscale German automotive offerings. The analysis ultimately positions the Mazda3 Turbo AWD not just as a strong contender in its class, but as a genuine 'alternative to premium' option, delivering luxury and comfort without the exorbitant cost.

Since its significant redesign in 2019, the Mazda3 has evolved considerably from its humble beginnings as an economical compact car. It has carved out a niche for itself with a confident yet understated design and a material quality that far exceeds what one would expect at its price. The current generation, now more than five years into its lifecycle, has seen numerous rivals emerge, yet the Mazda3's superior tactile feel and engaging driving experience continue to stand out. This enduring appeal prompted a thorough re-evaluation of the 2025 Mazda3 to ascertain if it still lives up to the acclaim it garnered in its early years.

The reviewer, drawing on extensive experience from a top Mazda dealership, shared a personal anecdote about choosing a 2023 Subaru WRX over a Mazda3 Turbo, despite access to employee leasing programs. This decision was influenced by the WRX's balanced handling, unique Boxer engine, and the availability of a manual transmission. Now, having transitioned to a 2025 Subaru BRZ tS, the reviewer revisited the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD, reflecting on previous choices and seeking to understand its continued allure for others.

From a design perspective, the Mazda3's exterior aesthetic is widely regarded as leading its segment, even surpassing the more aggressive styling of vehicles like the Subaru WRX. Its design, characterized by smooth, flowing lines and a dignified presence, has matured gracefully, reminiscent of a contemporary Alfa Romeo 159. Unlike many competitors that rely on overly sharp bodywork and assertive front fascias, the Mazda3 exudes a composed elegance, attracting attention through its inherent quality rather than overt display.

Notably, the specific configuration reviewed, featuring Ceramic Metallic paint and Garnet Red leather upholstery in the top-tier 2.5 Turbo trim, is exclusively available in Canada (known as the GT Turbo AWD). In the United States, this trim is the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, but without this particular color combination. This geographical distinction is a missed opportunity, as the unique color scheme beautifully complements the Mazda3's sophisticated lines. Nevertheless, a variety of other appealing paint colors and interior choices remain, including Platinum Quartz Metallic and Polymetal Gray Metallic. The top-trim Mazda3 Turbo's black 18-inch alloy wheels offer a sporty contrast, while chrome accents add a touch of refinement.

The Mazda3's interior reinforces its refined character. The cabin prioritizes functionality and user-friendliness over overly futuristic, screen-dominated interfaces. Physical buttons for essential controls contribute to an intuitive and satisfying user experience. Every surface within the cabin conveys a sense of quality and meticulous construction, devoid of unnecessary embellishments. This design philosophy ensures comfort and entertainment without extraneous features, presenting a luxurious and inviting environment that feels remarkably premium for its price point. The cabin’s fit and finish are exceptional, lacking any creaks or uneven seams, and metallic accents further elevate its sophisticated ambiance. This level of interior refinement arguably surpasses that of more expensive German compact luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 and the Audi A3, especially considering the Mazda3's absence of fingerprint-prone surfaces.

Performance-wise, the Mazda3 Turbo’s capabilities further close the gap on its more expensive European counterparts. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine, it delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque (when using premium fuel), channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While its acceleration is swift and readily available, it achieves this without ostentation. The conventional torque-converter automatic transmission, unlike some dual-clutch systems, provides smooth and responsive shifts, devoid of the common jerkiness associated with more complex setups. Equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system, the Mazda3 Turbo handles curves with impressive composure at higher speeds. However, at lower speeds, it exhibits some torque steer under strong acceleration, and its steering demands minor corrections to maintain a straight line. Compared to a mechanically engaging car like the Subaru WRX, the Mazda3's cornering feel can seem more electronically mediated, lacking the direct mechanical feedback.

The Mazda3 Turbo's driving characteristics present a dichotomy depending on its comparison group. When juxtaposed with performance-focused vehicles like the Subaru WRX, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, or Honda Civic Si, the Mazda3 is admittedly less thrilling for enthusiastic driving. Its performance on the track might not match these dedicated enthusiast cars. However, when compared to luxury-oriented German compact alternatives such as the Audi A3, BMW 228 Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, the Mazda3 Turbo delivers comparable, if not superior, driving engagement and intuitiveness, coupled with similar levels of luxury and comfort, all at a significantly more attractive price point.

The reviewed 2025 Mazda3 GT Turbo AWD model, equivalent to the U.S. 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus package, is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft with regular gasoline, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It achieves 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.2 seconds and has a governed top speed of 134 mph. The EPA rates its fuel economy at 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and a combined 26 mpg. Priced at approximately CAD 41,726 (around USD 30,285) in Canada, including all charges and incentives, and USD 37,685 in the U.S. for the Premium Plus variant, the Mazda3 Turbo offers remarkable value.

After a week with the 2025 Mazda3 Turbo AWD, it became evident that comparing it directly with aggressive, enthusiast-oriented cars like the Subaru WRX or Hyundai Elantra N is a misdirection. While powerful, the Mazda3 isn't designed to deliver the raw, unadulterated thrill of these vehicles. Instead, the Mazda3 Turbo AWD truly excels as an 'alternative to premium' option, possessing the attributes and allure to rival, and even outshine, more expensive German compact luxury sedans. It functions, in almost every respect except its price, as a genuinely competitive compact luxury vehicle. For buyers prioritizing comfort, sophisticated presentation, and refinement over pure driving exhilaration, the Mazda3 Turbo AWD offers a compelling argument against its Audi A3, BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class counterparts. It’s a vehicle that expertly blends professional demeanor with a hint of athletic capability, a testament to its enduring design and engineering, which has allowed this generation to stand the test of time since its debut over six years ago.