The diminutive Mazda 3's historical track record remains impressive as a fun-to-drive yet fuel-respectable compact. Up next; the ensuing performance phase.
Born in 2004, the high-volume Mazda 3 welcomes a third-generation mid-cycle upgrade in 2017. Competing in a crowded entry-level compact segment, Mazda 3 makes a name for itself as the main stream performance choice donning a 'premium presence' and priced attractively and attainably.
Sales volume illustrates the point. Calendar year 2015 saw sales top 100,000 units, finishing at 107,885, up 1.2 percent from 2014. Mazda3 ranked as the company's second-best volume seller behind only the mid-size CX-5 crossover.
Earlier during the second generation effort, 'SkyActiv' technology merged under hood of the front-drive Mazda3; the first Mazda sold in the U.S. receiving this upgrade.
SkyActiv tweaks Mazda's internal combustion engine with a higher air-fuel volume compression ratio. Most conventional gas engines rely upon a static 10:1 cylinder compression ratio utilizing 87-octane regular fuel. Mazda3 and SkyActiv ups the ante to 12:1, a feat once thought unattainable, pumping up low-end torque and passing power. SkyActiv dynamics also integrate engine, body, transmission and suspension together.
Building upon SkyActiv success, Mazda adds G-Vectoring Control across all Mazda3 trims (Sport, Touring, Touring 2.5 and Grand Touring) in 2017; the "G" representing lateral and longitudinal "G-forces."
This minimizes torso movement, keeping occupants planted during corner braking with fewer steering wheel corrections needed. Utilizing computer engine controls taking less than a millisecond, the system advances weight load onto the turning wheel, increasing front wheel tire grip and turn-in response. Also, when snow flies, G-Vectoring promises to keep Mazda3 solidly planted.
In essence, G-Vectoring enhances handling with less driver input. The 2017 Mazda3 and mid-size Mazda6 sedan are the first family vehicles offering G-Vectoring Control.
In addition to handling upgrades, occupants will enjoy a quieter interior thanks to additional sound insulating materials in the instrument panel and 'A' pillar area for 2017.
Mazda3 embraces the 'connected driver' aspects of a six-speed manual transmission, offering this performance favorite in all trims, including top trims. Most compact rivals treat manuals as an after though, only on base trims if at all. Both body styles (a four-door sedan and five-door wagon/hatchback) offer smooth-gliding manual shifters.
Two naturally aspirated (non turbo) engine selections returning from 2016 include: a 2.0-liter four cylinder cranking out 155 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four cylinder upping the ante to 184. Engines remain trim specific as the 2.0-liter comes standard in Sport and Touring selections while Touring 2.5 and Grand Touring are 2.5-liter four-cylinder choices. All six-speed manuals team with hill holder clutch preventing vehicle rollback if stopped on an incline. Add $1,050 more if ordering a six-speed automatic.
Our top-trim Grand Touring sedan with six-speed manual checked in at $23,145. After factoring in the two option packages ($1,600 Premium Package exclusive to Grand Touring) and $1,160 'i-Active Sense' safety package (also exclusive to Grand Touring), the bottom line ended at $26,880 after adding a $830 handling fee, $75 cargo mat and $125 scuff plate. Mazda3 starts at $17,845 for a manual Sport, unchanged from the 2016 pole position.
The Grand Touring's Premium Package includes adaptive Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlights, LED tail lights, heated steering wheel (turning off automatically after 30 minutes) and in-vehicle navigation. The safety package includes radar-sensing cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and lane departure warning. Not long ago, only high-end luxury models offered these high-tech safety nuances.
Rather than building a multi-function screen into the dash, a seven-inch, flat-panel design extends up from the top-central dash, a prominent visual highlighting "Mazda Connect." The driver's right hand accomplishes choice selection from the region between front buckets directly ahead of the dual in-line beverage holders (with sliding privacy cover) and right of a new-for 2017 electronic parking brake pull tab.
A new bucket seat design (perforated with leatherette covering in Grand Touring) joins a black hued dashboard with seats and doors contrasting with both black and white colors. Side blind spots are minimal thanks to four side door windows.
A 'Command Control' circular chrome twist and push knob allows scrolling through a host of tutorial options, selectable by a downward push. Secondary audio and preset selectors are located at the steering wheel's 3 o'clock position. A smaller, stalk-like volume knob resides to the right. Three select buttons (home, music and navigation) are located in front of the twist-push chrome dial for quick access. This screen also displays the rear camera backup feed in all trims. Most vehicles adorning Mazda showrooms now incorporate Mazda Connect,
Electronic push-button start remains hindered and partially hidden by both the leather-wrapped steering wheel and thick windshield wiper stalk. Ventilation functions adjust via a visually appealing mid lower dash section with dual temperature zone dials flanking an assortments of smallish push buttons for selecting fan speed and direction. Directly below, open air storage is available for portable electronics along with dual plug-in ports. Front door pockets grow three times in size, now able to accommodate more stuff.
Our instrument panel's center gets anchored by a circular, largely analog tachometer gauge with digital speedometer insert. Two flanking wing-like connections store digital information inside the outlined flaps.
Headroom, front and back, remains a bit tight for those with elongated inseams. Back seating is best left for two adults (three is a stretch) but front bucket seat backs include a beveled design welcoming needed knee room. Mazda3's interior dimensions feel a bit more taut than some competitors.
Unlike redesigns of late streamlining front end designs, Mazda3 continues thinking BIG. Its prominent U-shaped grille bugles out in nose-like fashion with Mazda's winged logo among six horizontal slates. Hood creasing, starting at 'A' pillar bases run the hood length, meeting up to frame top edging of the nosed grille with chrome trimming highlighting the bottom 'U,' eventually merging with narrow headlight housing stretching to side fenders. This front end contrasts with the trunk's short deck lid donning a small spoiler.
Side window bottom frames gradually rise at a gentle angle from the front, with a short flip-up tail at the end. With a middle "B" pillar also tilted slightly at an angle, Mazda3 creates a sense of motion while standing still. Side view mirror secondary turn signal blinkers incorporate a new design for 2017.
Mazda chose a short-term strategy to highly refine gas engines in the U.S. and diesel engines worldwide with the SkyActiv mantra, rather than pouring limited resources into promising, yet still emerging alternative power sources including all-electric designs. No heavy-duty pickup trucks or large sport utilities dot Mazda dealerships as the company zeros in with cars, crossovers and the iconic MX-5 Miata two-door roadster.
While not the largest Asian automaker, Mazda remains well entrenched, watching fellow Japanese rivals Suzuki and Isuzu exit the U.S. market, the result of diminished sales volume.
At A Glance
2017 Mazda3
Price as Tested: $26,880
Engine: 2.5-liter four cylinder
Horsepower: 184
Length: 180.3inches
Width: 70.7 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Fuel Economy 25 mpg City/34 mpg Highway:
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles
Assembly: Hofu Japan
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