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:
Winter Driving
- Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following prec ...
Advanced Aerodynamics
The front end design not only looks more dynamic and strong, it supports the
facelift's stability at high speeds by being extremely aerodynamic. New body
features to achieve this are:
* an exten ...
Under the Hood
Mazda3 models now offer a choice of engines:
Standard 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
that teams with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission
Opt ...


