Features

When you test cars for a living, it's easy to fall for them from the driver's seat. Testing a new Mercedes or even a new Toyota can be great — until you see the price. Yes, we get sticker shock, too, especially because the test cars we get are often loaded with every option.

The i Touring Plus trim is interesting because it's not offered with any options. For $23,750, you get an automatic transmission, a moonroof, a power driver's seat, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth, a backup camera, a USB port, and a blind spot monitoring system. That's a heavy dose of features, especially the blind spot system, which can be a $1,500-plus option on other cars — and they're usually of the luxury variety.

    See also:

    Advanced Keys
    The advanced keyless functions (advanced keyless entry and start system) enables the following operations while the advanced key is being carried . - Locking/unlocking the doors, and opening the t ...

    Liftgate
    WARNING. Never allow a person to ride in the luggage compartment: Allowing a person to ride in the luggage compartment is dangerous. The person in the luggage compartment could be seriously inj ...

    Mazda3 in the Market
    I can't tell you how many times I've returned test cars thinking, "This model's due for an update." That was the last thing on my mind when I handed over the Mazda3. That means the 2010 ...