Under the Hood
The Mazda3 i comes standard with a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can team with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Mazda3 s models use a 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The automatic includes a clutchless-manual mode that lets the driver control gear changes by nudging the console gear selector up or down.
A Mazda3 i with a manual transmission achieves the best EPA-estimated gas
mileage, with its 25/33 mpg city/highway rating. Selecting the automatic lowers
the city rating by 1 mpg. The Mazda3 s, meanwhile, is rated at 21/29 mpg with
the manual and 22/29 mpg with the automatic.
See also:
Mazda5 in the Market
The Mazda5 is alone in the small-minivan segment, and its closest competitors
are likely four-door hatchbacks — including the Mazda3 — rather than traditional
minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan ...
Brake System
Foot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But ...
WindshieldWipers and Washer
The ignition must be switched ON.
WARNING:
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, ...