Review Mazda3 2015
Firstly This 2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring is like a Mazdaspeed 3 Lite. It’s got the more potent 2.5-liter engine with 184 hp, opposed to the base 2.0-liter with 155 hp. There’s a six-speed manual transmission here and a chassis that, in typical Mazda form, is tuned to the sportier side of the spectrum. And it’s not a stripper model, either, with leather-trimmed seats, a Bose sound system, navigation, rearview camera and the little active driving display at the top of the gauge cluster cowl.
During daily driving, the ride quality is firmer, but the suspension still softens blows from larger impacts over ruts and potholes. Those seeking cushier rides will want to look at duller-performing entries like the Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sentra. If you are willing to give up a little bit of ride comfort, then this Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus are vehicles you will want to test-drive.
There’s definitely a respectable amount of power on tap to make things interesting. It’s not too far behind the Honda Civic Si’s 205-hp output, but this Mazda 3 has more torque with 185 lb-ft versus 174 lb-ft. The gap widens when you look at cars in this class that are even more performance focused like the Volkswagen GTI and Ford Focus ST. But for a “normal” version of a car, this 3 is a lot of fun with grunt that you’re able to really wring out on the streets. The Skyactiv four-cylinder is smooth and doesn’t mind revving. The gold standard for four-cylinders in my opinion remains Honda’s K-series engines, but the Mazda powerplant is creeping into the conversation now.
Unlike the manual shifter in the previous two generations of the Mazdaspeed 3, the six-speed gearbox in this 3 is incredibly slick slotting into gears with ease. Shift throws are short, and the clutch is light and easy modulate. Getting back to the engine for a quick second, it has good throttle response, which is always nice when you are going down gears heading into a corner.
And this hatchback is a handler. It stays well planted around sweepers and in turns with a little bit of body lean. Of course, if you push it too hard, the front tires will give way and you’ll push, but that takes really over-driving the car and that’s something you shouldn’t be doing on the streets anyway. Steering feels direct and well weighted for a sporty hatch, and the brakes are confidence inspiring beginning right at the top of the
The latest-generation 3’s sheetmetal is distinctive still, even after ditching the smiley front-end appearance of the previous car. It looks all right to my eyes and follows in the footsteps of the 6 and the facelifted CX-5. I do prefer the old rear-end styling on the five-door hatchback that was more defined and less rounded like this new car, though.
Inside, things look good finally with a respectable central screen instead of the old screen inset into the dash. It makes dealing with radio and navigation functions easier, along with the command knobs on the center console. Materials are upgraded a notch with soft-touch surfaces in all the important areas, and the front bucket seats are comfortably firm and supportive in the right areas. It was easy for me to find a comfortable seating position, and pedal placement with the bottom-hinged gas pedal is really nice.
generally Mazda did a good job with the new 3. It remains entertaining to drive, features a nicer interior, offers good fuel economy and packs in a ton of features with a fun drivetrain. For a daily driver, this 3 as equipped is difficult to beat.
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