Likes - Gas-sipping 2.0 and 2.5-liter engines
- Adaptive Front-lighting System
Dislikes - Best options only available on one trim
Tech Specs - Standard engine is a 2.0 liter 16-valve I4 with 148 horsepower
- There is an optional 2.5 liter 16-valve I4 with 167 horsepower
- 25 mpg city and 33 mph highway driving for 2.0-liter
What's New/Changed - Redesigned exterior
- All-new 2.5-liter engine
- Existing 2.0-liter engine has improved gas estimates
The Vehix View - You can hardly blame a vehicle or carmaker for correctly mirroring what a certain target market is looking for – something that just gets you from A to B, cheap and fast.
First Impressions
A 5-passenger mid-compact with a sunroof, banging Bose stereo and an average of 28-mpg, all for around $20K – what more do I need! Such is the mantra Mazda has banked on for years when it comes to luring cash-strapped commuters or youthful buyers into a reliable 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback for their daily drive.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The Mazda3 (view photos) offers two engines: the 2.0-liter and an all-new 2.5-liter. The 2.0-liter offers three "i" trims: i SV, i Sport and i Touring. The 2.5-liter comes in either of two "s" trims: s Sport and s Grand Touring. A very basic 2.0-liter Mazda3 i SV sedan starts at $16,045. Base price for the 5-door hatchback is $20,290. The Moonroof & Bose Package ($1,395) and Tech Package ($1,195) are the only real serious upgrade options (omit cargo nets, mats, Homelink, and an auto-dimming mirror). Nevertheless, if you went big, a decked-out 2.5-liter Mazda3 s Grand Touring sedan with all the works reaches a very modest $25,460.
Interior Features
The interior of the 2.0-liter Mazda3 i Touring I drove was modern but with limited standard highlights, which included upgraded audio, Bluetooth steering wheel controls, and power windows and locks. Optional packages included that moonroof and stereo combo (power sliding glass moon roof, Bose 10-speaker surround system, 6-disc CD and MP3 player). Overall the Bose stereo sound system was a real high point. The sunroof was nice, but nothing spectacular. Total price came to $20,320.
There is some limitation with options. None of the "i" trims can be equipped with the Tech Package (navigation system, Multi-Information Display, Sirius, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start) as well as the 8-way power seating or heated seats unless you go with a 2.5-liter "s" trim. It's exciting to note the Mazda3 offers Bi-Xenon High-Intensive-Discharge (HID) headlights that produce a broader, whiter light. Additionally, it’s the first in its class segment to offer the Adaptive Front-lighting System, or where the headlight acts like an eyeball and roves around when the driver turns. But again, a little crestfallen here as this option is only available on the s Grand Touring trim.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
There are a lot of great safety features to get excited about that come standard on all trims for the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback. Aside of your usual safety airbags, the Mazda3 is equipped with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) plus Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) The Mazda3 cites high ratings from IIHS for frontal crash performance. The body has a reinforced frame by taking a greater number of welds. One negative: the ignition has a locking system requiring the press of a button as you turn the key out that becomes a real annoyance. It protects your car. But it’s also a pain.