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:
Immobilizer System (with Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with an advanced key the
system recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized advanced key, the
engine will not s ...
How the SRS Air BagsWork
Your Mazda is equipped with the following types of SRS air bags. SRS air bags
are
designed to work together with the seat belts to help to reduce injuries during
an accident.
The SRS air bags ar ...
Safety
Standard safety features include all-disc antilock brakes with electronic
brake-force distribution, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain
airbags for all three rows of seats and an ...


