Like other car companies, Mazda designates its models using numbers rather than names. And the all-new 2014 Mazda3 ($27,290 as tested), which is also the third-generation of the popular compact car, proves that three is indeed a charm. With a sleek new body style, fuel-saving innovations without sacrificing performance, and the addition of technology not usually found in this segment—much of it standard on the model we tested—the Mazda3 is a charmer when judged among its compact car competitors.
Pricing and Design
The sedan-only i SV starts at $16,945 with the six-speed manual transmission or $17,995 with the six-speed automatic found throughout the model line. Standard interior features include push-button start with remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, and a four-speaker AM/FM audio system with an auxiliary input and USB port. Outside are 16-inch steel wheels, body-color door handles and bumpers, dual-power folding outside mirrors, and daytime running lights.
The next step up is the i Sport models available in either the sedan or the new five-door body style. The sedan with a standard transmission starts at $18,445; the five-door at $18,945. Adding the automatic trasnmission to either body style increases the price by $1,050. The i Sport models adds illuminated steering wheel controls, Bluetooth for phone and audio, cruise control, a tachometer, a CD player, and body-colored side mirrors.
The mid-pack i Touring models start at $19,595 for the four-door with a manual transmission and $20,095 for the five-door version, while the automatic transmission can be added to either for $1,050. The i Touring models add 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and a rear spoiler to the exterior, and inside, the Advanced Keyless Entry & Start system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, brake handle, and shift knob. This trim level also includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and can be optioned with the $1,600 Technology Package that includes the all-new infotainment Mazda Connect interface.
The i Grand Touring trim starts at $22,745 for the sedan and $23,245 for the five-door with the manual transmission, and $23,795 and $24,295, respectively, for the automatic. All i Grand Touring models come with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a moon roof.
One trim level up is the s Touring model that includes 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, halogen fog lights, LED daytime running lights, taillights on the outside, and the new Active Driving Display head-up display (HUD) and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters inside. Only the automatic transmission is offered on s models. The sedan starts at $24,595; the five-door at $25,095.
The top-of-the-line s Grand Touring includes everything that's part of the s Touring trim with the Technology Package as well as auto leveling bi-xenon headlights, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and leather-trimmed seats. The s Grand Touring sedan starts at $25,995; the five-door (pictured here) at $26,495. The optional $1,600 Touring Technology Package for the s Grand Touring model adds the i-ELOOP regenerative engine braking system, active grille shutters, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart City Brake Support.
While it may be difficult to keep all six (!) Mazda3 models and various trims straight, the car's sexy exterior sheet metal is easy to comprehend—and easy on the eyes. It borrows the flowing "Soul of Motion" design from the Mazda6 in addition to the larger car's new lightweight chassis. A wheelbase that's 2.4 inches longer than the previous model, and the fact that the new Mazda 3 is a bit wider and lower, also helps its aesthetic appeal. Same with the new aggressive grille design that replaces the goofy grinning façade of the previous Mazda3.
Connectivity, Navigation, and Interface
Technology has become a crucial differentiator in all vehicle segments. But whereas it's expected that luxury cars will be laden with bells and whistles, the compact segment is where tech can be a real tipping point in a purchase. And this is where the Mazda3 has a distinct advantage, especially in the upper trim levels.
We spent a week test-driving a fully optioned flagship s Grand Touring model, and found it has tech features not available from comparable competitors or even higher-priced cars. An example of this is the Active Driving Display HUD that's standard and is the lowest-priced vehicle we've seen with the technology.
It's also the only one that includes a thin, clear panel that pops up out of the dash to project information such as MPH, navigation directions, and warnings from driver assist systems instead of using the car's windshield. While this solution allows Mazda to lower the cost of offering an HUD, we have to wonder about the durability of the Active Driving Display's slim plastic panel and whether it would snap off when someone, say, vigorously cleans the inside of the windshield.
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