Interior

Up to five people can fit inside the Mazda3. The steering column tilts and telescopes, and the instruments sit in a trio of round, recessed nacelles. A ratchet-type mechanism permits seat adjustment, allowing the cushion and seatback to move up and down together. Placing the rear-suspension coil springs beneath the floor increases the hatchback's rear storage space.

The s Grand Touring model includes heated leather seats, automatic headlights, automatic rain-sensing wipers and a trip computer. A moonroof, a custom-tuned Bose audio system and Sirius Satellite Radio are optional.

    See also:

    Keyless Entry System
    * Some models. This system remotely locks and unlocks the doors and the liftgate, and opens the trunk lid. It can also help you signal for attention. Press the buttons slowly and carefully. CAUT ...

    Competing for Space
    The interior is well-engineered and well-executed, but there's no avoiding the fact that there are six seats in a relatively small space. This isn't uncommon, but many models sacrifice space in ju ...

    Push-Starting
    Do not push-start your Mazda. WARNING: Never tow a vehicle to start it: Towing a vehicle to start it is dangerous. The vehicle being towed could surge forward when its engine starts, causing the ...