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:
Firm Ride
Despite losing much of the performance the turbocharged model offers, the
CX-7 with the base four-cylinder still has sporty handling for a small
crossover. This has its pros and cons.
On the plu ...
Front Seats (Electrically Operated Seats)
WARNING:
Do not modify or replace the front
seats:
Modifying or replacing the front seats
such as replacing the upholstery or
loosening any bolts is dangerous. The
front seats contain air bag
c ...
Moonroof
The moonroof can be opened or closed
electrically only when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
WARNING:
Do not let passengers stand up or
extend part of the body through the
open moonr ...


