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:
Satisfying Drivetrain
What you get for your diminished mileage is respectable but not exceptional
acceleration. Though the 2.3-liter four-cylinder (to be replaced in the 2010 by
a 2.5-liter) is pretty robust, the Mazda ...
Beep Sounds
Seat Belt Warning Beep
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, a beep sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.
If the driver's seat belt i ...
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 ...


