Driving Impressions
The easy-to-drive Mazda3 handles more adeptly than most rivals. The automatic transmission delivers quick, smooth responses. Performance with the larger engine falls short of some sporty compacts, but it will satisfy most drivers. That engine is generally quiet, but it emits a fair amount of blare when pushed. With an easy-shifting manual gearbox and a well-behaved clutch, even the Mazda3 i with the smaller engine feels more spirited than an upper-level model with the automatic.
Although the front seats are nicely shaped, their seatbacks are on the hard side. Rear legroom is limited, but foot space is good. Headroom is average in the rear but meager in the center position. Visibility is good. The Mazda3 instruments are difficult to see on dark days but are lit nicely at night.
See also:
Theft-Deterrent System
If the theft deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle, which
could result in the vehicle or its contents
being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormali ...
Interior
The Tribute has seating for five and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The
rear window opens independent of the liftgate.
* Standard air conditioning
* Standard cruise control
* Standard power wi ...
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
The MZR 2.0-litre engine is now available with a six-speed automatic
transmission for the first time in Europe. It includes a direct Activematic
(DAM) function that allows manual gear shifts using ...