Vehicle Overview
Mazda's larger, more powerful replacements for the departed Protege sedan and Protege5 hatchback went on sale in the 2004 model year. Built on the same platform as the Volvo S40, the compact, front-wheel-drive Mazda3 displayed entirely different styling. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine goes into the Mazda3 i sedan, while the Mazda3 s sedan and hatchback hold a more powerful 2.3-liter four-cylinder. Competitors include the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta.
The Mazda3 received minor modifications for the 2007 model year. The front bumper was redesigned and fitted with square fog lamps, and the 16- and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels also got a new look. The audio system has a standard auxiliary audio input for MP3 players. Both the sedan and hatchback have rear armrests with cupholders, and the i sedan has zebra-striped wood-finish dash trim. For 2008, s Sport models have standard side-impact and side curtain airbags.
See also:
Exterior
How could Mazda not get attention with a sedan this good-looking? My Sangria
Red test car didn't necessarily draw stares, but it stood out when parked in my
driveway on a suburban street. It looke ...
Cargo & Towing
If it's not carrying six occupants, the Mazda5's measly cargo area can be
expanded to 44 cubic feet by folding the third-row seat down. Fold the second-
and third-row seats and there's 70.9 cubic ...
Passive Safety
Mazda 6 facelift's triple-H body structure is made of high-tensile steels and
was launched with reinforcements to practically every part of the body shell so
that it is very effective at dispersin ...