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:
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drop ...
Under the Hood
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder develops 156 hp while the 3.0-liter V-6 turns out
212 hp. Both engines can team with a five-speed manual transmission. A
five-speed automatic is available in models equ ...
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
* Some models.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the pressure for each
tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more tires, the system will inform the
driver via the
warnin ...


