I love the Mazda3 hatchback. I have always loved the Mazda3 hatchback. So, it is with a huge sigh of relief that I can say: I still love the Mazda3 hatchback -- even in its newest iteration. Furthermore, it is still on the short list of cars I would buy for myself.
The test vehicle was a 2014 i Grand Touring model with a 6-speed manual transmission, and it had everything I could possibly want in a car, including heated seats, navigation, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, Pandora connectivity and advanced keyless entry.
This was pretty perfectly equipped for my needs, and I was pleased that the as-tested price was just $24,635. The only options included: cargo mat ($70), Soul Red metallic paint ($300), rear bumper guard ($100) and door sill trim plates ($125).
While I liked all the up-level features included on the Grand Touring model of the Mazda3, after driving the Mazda6 Sport, I would like to point out what isn't included on lower-level models.
The base model is the i Sport ($18,945), and it comes pretty well equipped with Bluetooth and push-button start. But things like navigation, rear back-up camera and other technology upgrades aren't even an option. At the i Touring ($20,095) level you'll get items like blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and advanced keyless entry. The Technology Package, which includes navigation, surround sound and rear-view camera, is a $1,600 option.
The Mazda3 tester came equipped with the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine that delivers 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the 6-speed manual, this is an equation for fun. The small size and peppy engine make this hatchback very "flingable." I particularly liked on and off ramps in this car.
While a lot of people might be scared off by a manual transmission as an every-day driver, the Mazda3 is very livable. The clutch is light, and during heavy traffic the engine does well in 2nd gear so you aren't constantly shifting up and down.
There is also an up-level Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine available on the s Touring ($25,095) and s Grand Touring ($26,495) models. This engine delivers 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. While I like the power equation, what's missing is a manual transmission. This engine only mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a sport mode.
The interior of the Mazda3 is very driver-focused, and I liked that all the knobs and dials were within easy reach. The one quirk: The volume dial is not on the center stack. It's located in front of the armrest nearest the passenger -- not difficult to reach, just oddly placed.
One problem I did encounter with the touch screen is that it doesn't seem to operate very well in the cold. During sub-30-degree days, no amount of pounding on the screen activated the system. Luckily, the control dial at the foot of the armrest came to the rescue.
While the Bluetooth pairing was easy, and voice commands were easy, the mic quality wasn't the best. A few times during the test week when I was talking to my fiance, I found myself shouting. And he commented more than once that I sounded like I was in a tunnel.
The exterior styling is the most noticeable change in the new Mazda3. And, many of you will be very relieved that the "frog face" or "happy face" is gone. The Mazda3 looks less cartoon-character-like and morphs into a car that looks like a real grown-up car. The new design direction for Mazda first made it's appearance in the CX-5 and has since trickled down into the Mazda6 and Mazda3. I like it.
The all-new Mazda3 hatchback, in my mind, is one of the more perfect urban vehicles. With the 2.0-liter engine, it has EPA estimated city/highway mileage of 29/40 mpg with the manual transmission, and it's pretty true to the estimate. The 2.5-liter engine, which I did not test, has 27/37 mpg EPA estimate. Plus the cargo area is 20.2 cubic-feet with the seats up, which is pretty great for groceries, gym bags and hauling your basic day-to-day stuff. With the rear set down, you get 47.1 cubic-feet, which then turns the Mazda3 into a vehicle that can make trips to IKEA or help a friend move. (Not that I'd advertise the latter.)
If you are looking for a sporty car that's great to drive and has some decent utility, the Mazda3 is a must-test. However, as much as I loved the Mazda3, I have to say: I can't wait to test the new Mazdaspeed3.
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