Six-Speed Manual Transmission
Both engines feature a manual six-speed transmission with a compact three-shaft design carried over from the original model. It has triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears, and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear, to deliver smooth and precise shift characteristics. It uses low-viscosity transmission fluid for easy shifting, even when the engine is cold. The diesel's sixth gear ratio has been configured as overdrive for maximum fuel efficiency.
See also:
Convertible Commentary
As mentioned, our test car had the retractable-hardtop roof, and Mazda's
implementation of this type of roof has a few advantages over those from other
manufacturers.
First of all, it's fast; it ...
Interior
Because there's no backseat, the two occupants get more legroom than you
might expect; a tilt steering wheel helps, but longer-legged drivers sometimes
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Two Strikes Against
The two strikes against the 2009 Mazda3 are its crash tests and its gas
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thereof. The Insurance Institute for Highway Saf ...


