Under the Hood

Mazda3 models now offer a choice of engines:  

  • Standard  148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that teams with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission
  • Optional 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic
  • Automatic transmission models include a clutchless-manual mode that lets the driver control gear changes by nudging the console gear selector up or down.
    See also:

    Seat Belt
    WARNING: Always wear the seat belt with it correctly routed in its guide: Wearing a seat belt without the seat belt routed in its guide is dangerous because the seat belt would not be able to pr ...

    Turn and Lane-Change Signals
    Turn Signal Move the signal lever down (for a left turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop position. The signal will self-cancel after the turn is completed. If the indicator light continues ...

    Interior & Safety
    Though the car is small, the two-seat configuration provides more driver space than you might expect. A 6-foot-tall ectomorph, I fit just fine, though it wouldn't be my first choice for a long dri ...