How good is the 2014-up Mazda3?

I concur. I have a 2017 GT Hatchback since new. Black Mica color, garage kept 108,000 highway miles. Changed plugs, drain and fill trans with Mazda fluid, changed coolant with Mazda coolant and did pad slap with Mazda OEM pads all at 75,000 miles. Oil changed every 5000. Runs better than new and most cars today don't have the bells and whistles it has. 33 MPG at 75/80 + on the highway.
Sweet little car. FYI tires make a difference. Currently I run Michelin pilot sport AS 4 and previous gens of AS/3.
 
It's to early to tell.
Can be, but a lot out there with over 100k. Newer versions of the SkyActive (2022+) time will tell.

Same can be said for a lot of different cars and engines with modern features. I have no hesitation in recommending a new Mazda to anyone.
 
I got this one for my grand niece. Owners love these cars; there's a reason for it.
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So basically even Mazda admits that their cylinder deactivation was a fail, so they had to fix it.
All manufacturers have issues at some point. Do recalls, make improvements. Mazda is no different. I see that as a good thing, and they have been transparent about it. As a whole, cylinder activation is not a big deal. If it is for you, don't buy one. I'm sure whatever you drive has had some historical issues and recalls also. No manufacturer is immune.
 
My wife has owned a 2018 touring 2.5 hatch since new, with the automatic. Been a great little car for us with probably low 140's on the mileage (haven't checked recently), only downside is the used market probably has many with poor histories as they're often starter cars with less experienced owners. I think your assessment they're not as exciting as the WRX is spot on, but the Mazda are likely less abused in high stress ways. Find a clean and cared for one and I'd guess you'd be set.
 
Can you even point to one cylinder deactivation engine that long term wasn't a fail?
Only ones I have heard of were software issues. You said yourself that it hasn't been around long enough to tell, so my answer to your question is none? There were some recalls due to the software on some 2018-2019 (some of the first flights.) I'm not saying there haven't been any engine failures, but I honestly have not seen one. Mazda is all in on cylinder deactivation, so if all these engines were failing, why would they do that?

There was an article on this in popular mechanics (Can I link here?):

https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/a64094810/cylinder-deactivation-fuel-economy/

"Before we go any further, we should clarify that we haven’t found any recalls matching claims that cylinder deactivation (CDA) can cause undo wear and tear on your engine." - Popular mechanics. The article came out recently.

It discusses the recall, etc. It goes into Mercedes exeriences with it also (I guess they were doing it way before mazda.)

Again, don't buy one? That's fine. I think you're a bit fixated on this, and it's really unfounded. There really hasn't been any big issues that I'm aware of. BTW, other manufacturers are doing it also (or plan to.) My .02
 
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