If an elfin-sized compact remains front and center on your holiday wish list, don't pout. Consider a dynamic transport St. Nick himself probably finds jolly.
While almost every major domestic and import automaker offers an entry-type compact, Mazda's contribution deserves twice checking. Mazda's effort takes an eye-catching exterior, adds driving dynamics usually relegated to pricier wheels and wraps it all up with superb, class-leading fuel economy.
In fact, the compact 'Mazda3' passes the highly coveted 40 miles per gallon highway estimate utilizing regular, 87-octane fuel, almost besting the alternative-power generated by eight tiny reindeer.
The compact Mazda3 debuted in the 2004 model year with a second-generation arriving in 2010. Twenty-four months later, SkyActive technology found its way into Mazda3, the first Mazda sold in the U.S. receiving this all-encompassing technology. Now, all Mazda's sold in the U.S. incorporate the concept. In 2014, a third-generation platform arrived, fine-tuning the 'SkyActive' ideal.
SkyActive tweaks Mazda's internal combustion engine with a higher air-fuel volume compression ratio interfacing with new transmissions. Most conventional gas engines rely upon a static 10:1 cylinder compression ratio. Mazda3 and SkyActive ups the ante to 12:1 with regular 87-octane, a feat not long ago thought unattainable and pumping up low-end torque.
Mazda also lightened and tightened the chases and updated the suspension. Engine friction was reduced by 30 percent through oil and water pump efficiencies. Vehicles also went on a diet, losing a couple hundred pounds while upgrading rigidity. All add up to enhancing handling characteristics and minimal body lean during spirited turns, thus avoiding the 'bowl full of jelly' sensation.
While rival compacts have discontinued or limited manual transmissions to only base models, the performance-inspired Mazda3 expands the availability of its predictable foot clutch and easy-glide shifter to all three trim levels.
Those enjoying a traditional transmission with less foot work can opt for the recently redesigned, fuel-extending SkyActive six-speed automatic with multi-clutch torque converter, providing more spirited motive compared to continual variable transmissions (CVTs) which historically employee a leisurely approach from zero to 60 mph .
With two body styles (sedan, five-door hatchback), two engine selections, two transmissions and three trim levels, Mazda3 offers a goodly number of mix and max opportunities. This review, however, spotlights the sedan body style.
Mazda chose a short-term strategy to highly refine gas engines in the U.S. and diesel engines worldwide with the SkyActive mantra, rather than pouring limited resources into promising, yet still emerging alternative power sources.
Mazda toyed with bringing its even higher-mileage 'SkyActive' diesel to the U.S. during the past couple of years, but has yet to make the call. Balancing diesel emissions with aggressive performance parameters remains a challenging enigma. Diesel engines destined for the U.S. must meet stricter nitrogen oxide specifications than those sold in Europe; a sticking point in recent revelations surrounding Volkswagen and in-vehicle devices designed to skew emission tests.
Changes for Mazda3 in 2016 remain minimal, but include a reworking of option packages. Each trim includes a single designated available package. Dropping the entry SV allows the Sport trim to slip into the base role. Mid-grade Touring and top-tier Grand Touring round out the lineup.
Sales through November indicate Mazda3 will easily surpass the 100,000 unit-sold mark for the year. A total of 98,047 have rolled off dealer lots thus far in 2015, up 2.9 percent from last year at this time. Mazda dealerships through the U.S. have a horserace on hand as to which model ends up crowned the sales champ. The compact CX-5 crossover has an approximate 2,000 unit lead entering the home 2015 stretch. Last year, Mazda3 prevailed with a 5,000 unit cushion over the CX-5.
Two available four-cylinder "SkyActive' gas engines include: a 2.0-liter 155 horsepower or 2.5-liter delivering 184 horses. The 2.0-liter engine is available in all trims with both transmission (both manual and automatic transmission deliver 41 mpg highway), while the 2.5-liter comes in the six-speed automatic Touring trim and both transmissions of the top-level Grand Touring trim.
The Mazda3's highly impressive 41 mpg highway is straight from a conventional trim, not a specialized 'eco' model equipped with roll-resistant tires and other tunings prioritizing fuel economy at the expense of performance. That said, the larger 2.5-liter engine with automatic transmission includes an i-Eloop option, taking advantage of recaptured braking energy, upping fuel economy numbers by one (29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway).
The lowest priced Mazda3, a Sport sedan with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission sneaks in at $17,845 a notable $600 drop from 2015. By comparison, the lowest-priced, more pedestrian 2016 Toyota Corolla starts at $17,230.
Pricing for our Mazda3 sedan tester, a blue-hued well-equipped six-speed manual Grand Touring with the 2.0-liter four cylinder checked in at $22,545. With no added factory options, the bottom lined ended at a relatively attainable $23,435 included the $820 delivery and handling fee.
As with many recently redesigned Mazda products, Mazda3 includes a multi-function, seven-inch 'Mazda Connect' color display in the mold of a miniature flat-screen TV protruding up from the center top dash rather than built directly into the face. It's operated by 'Command Control' a circular chrome twist and push knob located between the front bucket seats. The twisting action allows scrolling through a host of tutorial options, selectable by a downward push. A smaller, stalk-like volume knob resides to the right. Three quick select buttons (home, music and the navigation) are found in front of the twist-push chrome dial. This screen also displays the rear camera backup feed now standard in all trims.
While electronic push-button start comes standard, the circular dashboard button gets blocked from view and easy access by both the stubby turn signal stalk and the steering wheel. The latch unlocking the circular, driver-side fuel door is found on the lower dash, left of the steering column.
The rectangular ventilation system includes two outside dials controlling dual temperature (standard in our Grand Touring edition) flanking two rows of push buttons: bottom rung controlling fan speed and directional mode and top-side front/rear defrosters and air conditioning buttons. A digital window resides between rows of buttons.
The instrument panel includes a deep-set, circular analog speedometer flanked by thick, wing-like extensions: the right-side including a bar-like fuel gauge and rotating information snippets controlled via a steering-wheel button and left-side tachometer.
Also controlled via the manually tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel's 3 o'clock frame is cruise control. The left-side, or 9 o'clock wing includes secondary audio and audio pre-set controls.
The front end sports a flat, rather than pointed nose front. A deep, stretched "U-shaped" grille occupies the center region, touched in the upper corners by the lower tips on long eagle-eye like headlight housing stretching to side fenders. The familiar Mazda winged logo resides front and center. Wheels are pushed as far to each corner as possible.
Does 'SkyActive' hardware and software add up to a smooth ride, precise steering, enhanced performance and impressive fuel economy? Yes. It's good for goodness sake.
At A Glance
2014 Mazda3
Price as Tested: $23,435
Engine: 2.0-liter, four cylinder
Horsepower: 155
Length: 175.6 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Fuel Economy City/Highway: 29 mpg/41 mpg
Curb Weight: 2,855 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five year/60,000 miles
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