2014 Mazda3 Review
Good question. The new Mazda received its fair share of accolades with this conclusion in mind. We at CarSoup.com wanted to get right down to the point and ask if it is really that good.
Exterior
The new 3 was designed with the latest look from Mazda, called “KODO – Soul of Motion.” The result is an aggressive design with a huge mouth, evil eyes and muscular fenders. From the windshield, the car turns into something sexy. There is little distinction between the sedan and hatchback, unless you point out the nuances between the two towards the rear. Our tester happened to be the hatchback with a sleek and fluid shape leading down to the rear bumper. All doors open up to near ninety degrees and the hatch is wide and easy to load cargo in and out of.
Our tester was the “S” Grand Touring model – the top of the Mazda3 lineup. This model adds aggressive eighteen-inch aluminum wheels wearing Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires. In all, the car simply looks stunning. The look is distinctive enough to point it out in a parking lot.
Interior
Mazda went with some European flair in the new 3. The first thing you notice is the Mazda Connect screen on top of the dashboard dead center. That houses the most improved infotainment system around with a cleaner and quicker screen for navigation, audio, phone, rearview camera, and other vehicle functions. It is a touch screen, however you can also use the knob and a series of buttons on the console for better control of the functions within Mazda Connect. The entire system is very intuitive and easy to use. Nine Bose Centerpoint speakers provide excellent sound quality throughout the cabin for satellite radio, music files via Bluetooth or USB connection, streaming music apps, and HD Radio.
The instrumentation is different, with only a tachometer in the middle of a three part cluster. Speed is read by a digital display, using the same readouts as the side screens for trip, economy, and vehicle readouts. On this model, there is a heads-up display showing speed and cruise control status. Climate control is low on the center stack, which is also easy to use through buttons and knobs. All controls are good to the touch and intuitive – including the column stalks and steering wheel controls.
The perforated leather seats are best described as firm for drivers who want optimal control. Bolstering is right, locking many bodies into the driver’s seat. Power adjustments for the driver are available for height, rake, angle, recline and lumbar support. Rear seat room is best for children, but four average-sized adults would be able to ride together inside of the new 3 hatchback. However, rear headroom would be a problem for taller passengers.
Cargo space is pretty decent. There is enough space – 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up – for a weekend’s worth of baggage for four people. It does expand with the rear seat down to 47.4 cubic feet.
Performance/Drive
There is a choice of engines for the new 3. You can select from a 2.0liter Skyactiv four-cylinder with 155 horsepower for the “I” models. Our tester had the bigger 2.5liter Skyactiv four-cylinder with 184 horsepower. This engine was connected to a six-speed Skyactiv Drive automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. This combination is absolutely terrific, with quick shifts and fluid power to propel this 3,002 pound compact hatchback with ease.
There is an excellent balance between the ride and the handling. While it gets through the curves with nominal roll and lean, the 3 rewards you a smooth ride that absorbs the cracks and other hazards. You may end up hearing some of the cracks, but the cabin is quiet enough on smoother roads. Steering control is magnificent – perhaps the best in the class. Wheel response is good and has great on-center feel. Braking is superb showing quick response on normal and panic stops.
There is more to the braking system. It gets an assist from the new i-ELOOP regenerative system. The system is used to recover energy to operate electrical components, such as the climate control and the power steering system. Another piece of the braking system is the Smart City Braking Support. Using radar technology, the brakes will be applied if an obstruction ahead is determined by the sensors as unavoidable. This works only is very low speeds. Radar technology also drives the cruise control and forward obstruction warning system. The 3 is also equipped with blind spot monitoring – all part of the Technology Package.
Mazda hopes that the Skyactiv system throughout the new 3 will help in raising fuel economy figures. CarSoup.com averaged 28.9MPG. Mazda states that the Skyactiv 2.5 with the 6-speed automatic would average 32MPG.
Pricing
The Mazda3 has a wide price range, starting with a 2.0liter I SV 4-door sedan model and a six-speed manual for $17,740. Our loaded 5-door S Grand Touring 5-door hatchback is on the opposite side of the spectrum with a sticker price of $30,190. Somewhere in the middle is the right combination of features, performance and technology that is right for you.
Yes, the new Mazda3 is pretty good. OK, real good. That is, of course, you get the top of the line model with all of the technology and performance you can get. However, you would not go wrong with any Mazda3, since it still has a lot of the good things you get with one.
As for being the best in the compact class, you could take our word and agree that it is. One drive will convince you that it just might be the best bar none.
**If you are interested in a Mazda3, log onto CarSoup.com to find out what is available on sale. **
Photos © Mazda North American Operations
