Lopzandyopz: 2014 Mazda Mazda3

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PRICE : For 2014 Mazda Mazda 3 $16,945

After beingness stuck inwards the styling doldrums for decades, the compact segment has finally started to make some lookers over the lastly few years - witness the tasteful Kia Forte in addition to the curvaceous Hyundai Elantra. Even every bit the contest steps upwards its game, however, the Mazda3 hatchback stands out with a facial expression all its own...

Appearing to a greater extent than similar a production of Modena than Hiroshima, the Mazda3 hatchback blends a long hood with sinewy surface details, narrowed headlights in addition to Mazda's bold five-point grille. As with the larger Mazda6, its A-pillar touchdown dot - where the base of operations of the windshield meets the hood - is further rearward than the norm, creating balanced, rear-wheel-drive-like proportions...

Things are to a greater extent than businesslike but silent fashionable inside, where upmarket materials in addition to optional high-tech extras foster the feeling of a to a greater extent than expensive vehicle. Passenger room is ample upwards front, spell nurture topographic point infinite is decent but non enormous yesteryear course of report standards. There's plenty of existent estate for cargo, however, with 20.2 cubic feet with the nurture seats upwards in addition to a sizable 47.1 cubes with them folded flat...

Reflecting the hatchback's driver-focused mission, the musical instrument cluster consists of a unmarried analog guess - a speedometer inwards base of operations models inwards a tachometer inwards to a greater extent than overtly-sporty trims - flanked yesteryear a pair of modest displays that render supplemental information.
To aid the driver to amend maintain his or her eyes on the road, the Mazda3 hatchback tin toilet live optioned with an Active Driving Display system. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 variation of the head-up systems typically industrial plant life inwards luxury vehicles, it projects vehicle speed, navigation directions in addition to other of import information onto a pop-up covert behind the musical instrument cluster...

The optional navigation organisation features a tablet-style seven-inch covert that looks slightly aftermarket, but the display does integrate useful features such every bit the powerfulness to read out emails in addition to text messages along with Facebook in addition to Twitter updates through a Bluetooth-connected smartphone. The setup also allows the driver to ship respond text messages using curt fixed phrases, in addition to compatibility with network apps similar Aha radio are component division of the packet every bit well. All navigation in addition to infotainment functions are controlled an iDrive-like rotary knob positioned on the catch console, though redundant buttons on the steering cycle in addition to dashboard give users alternate agency of controlling the electronics...

Along with expected options similar leather upholstery in addition to a premium Bose stereo, buyers tin toilet also spec upscale goodies similar radar-based cruise control, a forward-collision alarm in addition to prevention system, in addition to adaptive headlights...

EXTERIOR

The 2014 Mazda3 is all-new from the dry reason upwards in addition to has piddling inwards mutual to the model it replaces. Mazda chose to stretch its dimensions a piddling to allow for to a greater extent than interior room...

The model adopts the same pattern linguistic communication nosotros receive got seen inwards the Mazda6 sedan. Translated, this agency that the novel Mazda3 features a prominent dark grille in addition to to a greater extent than aggressive headlamps in addition to a ready-to-pounce stance. That hideous Cheshire-cat smile from the minute generation makes its larn out to raucous cheers...

Along with the novel five-point grille, the 2014 Mazda3 also features novel sleekly slanted headlamps, wide-stance muscular fenders in addition to a chiseled rear, featuring provoking taillights. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel characteristic to the Mazda3 is the improver of an active grille shutter mounted inwards front end of the radiator that automatically opens in addition to closes inwards accordance with driving conditions to improve aerodynamic performance...

Customers tin toilet conduct betwixt 8 exterior colors, including 2 novel ones: Titanium Flash Mica in addition to Deep Crystal Blue Mica...SEE ALL PHOTOS

INTERIOR

Drivers of all shapes in addition to sizes should receive got no problem getting comfortable, thanks to the broad make of adjustment to the topographic point in addition to steering wheel, in addition to the generous head- in addition to shoulder-room...

The dashboard layout is also fairly logical, with clearly labelled buttons in addition to dials for the air-con system, in addition to easy-to-read musical instrument dials.

This uncluttered layout is largely downward to a novel infotainment system, which encompasses everything from the sat-nav to the stereo. The diverse functions tin toilet live accessed using the seven-inch color touch-screen that sits on top of the dashboard, or via a BMW iDrive-style controller mounted betwixt the front end seats...

The latter method is much easier when you’re on the move, because you lot merely rotate a large dial to scroll through the on-screen menus in addition to press the dial to build a selection. There are also some handy shortcut buttons to receive got you lot direct to specific functions, although it's a shame the menus themselves aren't a piddling to a greater extent than intuitive...

Perceived character hasn’t ever been Mazda’s strongest suit, but the 3 impresses on this score, too, with dense, soft-touch plastics roofing most of the dashboard in addition to solid-feeling buttons in addition to switches throughout the cabin. In fact, only the centre console lets the side down, beingness a piddling lightweight in addition to flimsy...

In the back, there’s plenty of headroom for a duad of six-footers, although the dipping roofline in addition to rising windowline tin toilet build you lot experience a piddling hemmed in. Legroom inwards the nurture is adequate, but the scooped seat-backs forcefulness nurture passengers to maintain their knees inwards i place. That infinite speedily runs out when the driver is over vi foot...

Boot infinite inwards the hatchback is roughly on a par with a Seat Leon's (the saloon has slightly to a greater extent than room, but a narrower opening), in addition to the nurture seats crease almost completely apartment in addition to prevarication even out with the kick floor, making it slow for you lot to carry longer loads...

Entry-level SE models larn 16-inch alloys, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, 2 USB sockets, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls in addition to a tyre pressure-monitoring system...

Stepping upwards to SE-L gets you lot dual-zone climate control, privacy glass, automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers in addition to front end foglights, spell range-topping Sport models also add together keyless entry in addition to electrical leather seats...

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2014

► Make:Mazda

► Model:3

► Engine:inline-4

► Transmission:SKYACTIV-MT Six-Speed Manual

► Horsepower @ RPM:155 @ 6000

► MPG(Cty):29

► MPG(Hwy):40

► Torque @ RPM:150 @ 4000

► Displacement:2.0 L

► 0-60 time:7 sec.

► Top Speed:130 mph

NAVIGATION SYSTEM

With a diversity of comfort in addition to convenience features, the navigation organisation on the novel Mazda 3 helps drivers make their destinations safely, less stressfully in addition to amend informed.

Key features include:

► Safer, easier in addition to to a greater extent than relaxed for the driver, since turn-by-turn directions are shown on the Active Driving Display every bit good every bit the centre stack display.

► Real-time information using RDS-TMC along with accumulated statistical traffic congestion information (stored with the maps) in addition to the latest online traffic information to deliver the most accurate route calculations.

► Search destinations every bit good every bit filling stations, points of involvement in addition to conditions forecasts:

• accesses electrical flow fuel prices online, also allowing drivers to conduct filling stations every bit destinations

• displays the latest online conditions in addition to forecasts for anywhere along the route

• destination search also possible on the network via smartphone, or laid destinations from a mobile telephone contact list

► Available throughout Europe with map information on the navigation organisation SD card, including:

• three years of complimentary updates (maps in addition to directions) transfer via SD card

• support for upwards to xviii sound in addition to 26 text languages

COMFORT & QUALITY

There’s no way to sugar-coat it: The long hood in addition to swept-back proportions that build the 2014 Mazda 3 so attractive—even a piddling sexy—on the exterior terminate upwards limiting its infinite (and usefulness) inside...

Although if you’re mainly planning to exercise the Mazda 3’s front end seats, that mightiness non matter; for the most component division this compact-car line of piece of occupation solid unit of measurement offers pleasing interior appointments, in addition to fifty-fifty the facial expression in addition to experience of a premium-brand vehicle inwards some respects...

The third-generation Mazda 3 rides on a wheelbase that's 2.4 inches longer, but the five-door hatchback model is 1.8 inches shorter overall; it’s also nearly 1.6 inches wider than the previous model. While Mazda touts increased front end in addition to nurture shoulder room, every bit good every bit amend nurture articulatio genus room, the network lawsuit is that the cabin feels a chip smaller than most other cars inwards this class, peculiarly inwards back...

The front end seats are real comfortable in addition to supportive, with lower cushions that are long plenty for taller drivers; in addition to the nice, contrasting perforated-leather upholstery inwards our Grand Touring felt luxury-caliber. Mazda has enlarged the cushion of the driver's topographic point in addition to completely redesigned its front end topographic point backs, to render a to a greater extent than natural sitting topographic point in addition to increment lateral support...

In back, 2 six-footers volition live able to larn comfortable enough, provided those inwards front end aren’t also tall. We’d also advise against the moonroof, because it brings a real odd, scooped-out headliner that volition leave of absence taller passengers feeling similar the roof is bowing around them. Rear occupants sit down almost 2 inches higher than inwards the sometime car, but the way the rising beltline limits window infinite silent makes it i of the to a greater extent than claustrophobic small-car experiences—especially inwards the hatchback...

The Mazda 3 feels premium from the front end seats forward, with materials that are major measurement frontwards for Mazda—even inwards some cases amend than what’s offered inwards the novel Mazda 6. But in that location are some disappointments every bit well; for instance, the interior surface amongst the front end doors is soft touch, but amongst the nurture doors it's a difficult surface that to a greater extent than oftentimes than non mimics the facial expression but has a slightly different sheen in addition to is just difficult plastic (Mazda isn’t the only offender; it’s also done yesteryear Honda inwards the Civic, for instance). The headliner itself is some other expanse of disheartening cheapness; inwards both top-of-the-line Grand Touring nosotros spent fourth dimension with, it felt similar flimsy cardboard covered yesteryear a felt-like material, with the entire department a chip loose over the moonroof mechanism...

In theory, the Mazda 3 is a measurement ahead inwards refinement over the sometime car. The fellowship says that it’s added noise-absorbing cloth behind the dash, nether the flooring mats, in addition to elsewhere. While nosotros didn’t listen a chip of route noise, in addition to engine dissonance is inwards the background most of the time, nosotros remember that there’s a chip also much route dissonance whenever the surface is coarse or imperfect...

As for the ride, yesteryear electrical flow compact-car standards, it’s a chip busy (it would receive got been a chip ahead of the course of report norm a few model years ago, but loads of ride in addition to refinement attending receive got transformed many on-a-budget offerings). You mightiness telephone cry upwards it ideal, but only if you've driven on smooth-surfaced Southern California roads. We silent haven’t driven lower-level ‘i’ models with less aggressive wheels in addition to tires, in addition to we’ll update this impression when nosotros have...

AUDIO SYSTEM

Developed together with BOSE® peculiarly for the novel Mazda 3, the novel 9-speaker BOSE® premium sound organisation features the latest inwards playback engineering and, of course, plenty of power. Uncompromising similar the Mazda 3's SKYACTIV Technology, the organisation comes with the most advanced sound features ever, yet weighs xx per cent less in addition to is to a greater extent than unloose energy efficient than its predecessor. For example, since the amplifier generates less heat, in that location is no demand for large metallic cooling fins. So it's lighter in addition to smaller, but with no trade-off inwards performance...

The sound organisation features Centerpoint 2 digital signal processing, which analyses the frequency of the sound rootage to deliver a rich virtual multi-channel surroundings experience, fifty-fifty from MP3 in addition to other compressed files or the radio in addition to sound content accessible via the newly introduced mobile connectivity system. The Mazda 3 marks the debut for Centerpoint® 2 inwards the C segment. AudioPilot 2 dissonance compensation technology, meanwhile, compensates for the effects of sounds from route surfaces, changing speeds, in addition to fifty-fifty an opened upwards window. It uses a cabin microphone to monitor ambient noise, automatically adjusting the music signal accordingly - in addition to letting the driver focus on the road...

DESIGN

Like the Mazda CX-5 SUV in addition to mid-size 6, the novel 3 uses Mazda's Kodo pattern philosophy from olfactory organ to tail. The sedan in addition to hatch are identical from the B-pillar frontwards in addition to ride on the same 60mm longer 2700mm wheelbase, but the sedan scores a 120mm longer nurture overhang. Both torso styles are 15mm lower at 1455mm, in addition to 40mm wider at 1795mm...

The final result of the sedan's extra length is a 408L cargo area, some 100L bigger than the hatch, but 22L in addition to 32L smaller than the previous versions respectively, in addition to both go along to exercise a spacesaver spare wheel. Increased exercise of high-strength steel inwards the novel 3's all-new chassis has resulted inwards a marginal weight reduction, in addition to torsional strength has increased yesteryear thirty per cent for hatch models, in addition to 28 per cent for sedans...

Interior pattern echoes the CX-5 in addition to 6 models with similar materials in addition to shapes used throughout, but the multimedia display that comes criterion on all bar Neo models is relocated to a pod-like topographic point in addition to grows to 7-inches from the CX-5 in addition to 6's 5.8-inch double-DIN unit...

CHASSIS & BODY

Always a blast to drive, the all-new Mazda 3's nimble treatment in addition to faithful linear responsiveness has evolved to a previously unseen grade of sophistication. The bond with the Mazda 3 strengthens with each journey, in addition to you lot may genuinely let on yourself becoming a amend driver. You'll sure desire to maintain practising...

First introduced on the Mazda CX-5 in addition to the novel Mazda 6 - each "models" of driving joy inwards their respective classes - the lightweight SKYACTIV-Chassis in addition to SKYACTIV-Body combine high-performance conduct with superb aerodynamics, security in addition to NVH. These qualities are fifty-fifty to a greater extent than pronounced on the lighter Mazda 3, made-to-order for SKYACTIV with its compact C-segment proportions....

Mazda tuned the novel Mazda 3's SKYACTIV-Chassis to respond to a greater extent than faithfully than ever to driver intentions. Take cornering every bit an example. The driver experiences something similar absolute control, with the tires gripping the route every bit the car's neutral steering guides it accurately through the curve. There's no sign of the understeer mutual to front-wheel drives, with a polish in addition to desirably predictable pitch in addition to ringlet every bit the charge shifts from i side of the auto to another. The harmonious linear reply to in addition to feedback from lateral in addition to longitudinal g-forces agency in that location is rarely the demand to right the steering. And no overreaction from the car, either, when braking into a curve, turning through it or accelerating out of it. The driver knows exactly what to do, in addition to it's quite a fulfilling feeling...

BRAKES

Smart Brake Support (SBS) :

An autonomous emergency braking system, SBS works hand-in-hand with FOW to monitor vehicles upwards to 140m ahead. Should FOW number a warning, SBS start pre-fills the brakes in addition to so applies them with a forcefulness corresponding to the level of danger. The pre-fill is cancelled if the driver responds to mitigate the risk. SBS, which similar FOW works at 15-200 km/h, thus helps preclude or at to the lowest degree trim down the severity of a nurture impact, fifty-fifty at high speeds...

Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) :

Designed primarily for urban driving, SBCS is Mazda's low-speed emergency braking system. It utilises a near-infrared sensor to monitor preceding vehicles travelling at 4-30km/h in addition to upwards to 6m away. Like SBS, SCBS pre-fills the brakes if in that location is an increased accident risk, applying them when necessary. The 2 systems complement each other perfectly, roofing the 4-200km/h speed range, in addition to should commonly preclude collisions exclusively on dry out roads at thirty km/h or less...

Vehicles with autonomous emergency braking systems receive got upwards to 27 per cent fewer accidents than those without them, according to Euro NCAP, considerably reducing injuries. Euro NCAP volition thus add together assessments of these systems to their vehicle security ratings inwards 2014. So, dissimilar 79 per cent of models available inwards Europe, the novel Mazda 3 - similar the Mazda 6 in addition to Mazda CX-5 - is already equipped for tomorrow..

SKYACTIV'S LIMIT

Mazda fans mightiness recognize the 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine, the powerplant inwards all 3i models. In the previous 3, the Skyactiv 2.0-liter was fitted with a fairly conventional exhaust manifold designed to fit into the sometime architecture’s smaller engine compartment. But the 2.0-liter was designed to receive got a bulkier, larger exhaust manifold, which directly fits inwards the novel car. Why should you lot care? Because it delivers to a greater extent than midrange torque...

At the 4000-rpm torque peak, the engine is upwards only 2 lb-ft over lastly year’s , but it delivers 148 lb-ft at 3000 rpm, every bit much every bit the sometime version did at its 4100-rpm peak. Coupled with the six-speed automatic, the 2.0-liter is expected to render EPA numbers of thirty mpg urban center in addition to 41 highway inwards the sedan in addition to 30/40 inwards the hatchback. Manual versions make the same highway numbers but lose 1 mpg inwards the urban center cycle...

Acceleration isn’t exactly potent inwards the base of operations 3 i, but the 155-hp engine has plenty musculus to line itself to freeway speeds without eliciting whatever worry from the driver. Engine dissonance is kept distant, in addition to the banking concern annotation doesn’t genuinely alter every bit the revs increase. There’s no waiting for the powerfulness to arrive, but rather a smooth, steady flow of pull...

Performance junkies volition probable gravitate toward the to a greater extent than powerful 184-hp, 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine offered inwards the 3. Opting for the 2.5-liter brings quicker acceleration without much of a fuel-economy penalty. What the larger engine volition cost is silent upwards inwards the air; the upcharge to fit a (non-Skyactiv) 2.5 inwards the outgoing model was $1550...

POWERTRAIN & HANDLING

The Mazda3 hatchback was designed around Mazda's SKYACTIV engineering philosophy, which seeks to improve performance in addition to efficiency - without adding meaning cost - yesteryear optimizing existing technologies to decrease weight in addition to improve aerodynamics.

As a result, the auto knifes through the air with a drag coefficient every bit depression every bit 0.255 Cd for sure models. Despite higher levels of security in addition to convenience equipment, curb weight is also downward slightly compared to the previous model...

Entry-level 3i models are powered yesteryear a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm in addition to 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, spell the better-equipped 3s gets a to a greater extent than spirited 2.5-liter 4 with 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm in addition to 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.

A buttery-smooth six-speed manual is criterion on the 3i - it volition live offered on the 3s after launch - spell a novel six-speed automatic is optional on the 3i in addition to criterion on the 3s. Uniquely, the auto utilizes a torque converter for polish launches in addition to low-speed maneuvers along with a multi-plate clutch for speedy shifts at higher velocities spell also providing perfectly rev-matched downshifts...

No thing what engine or transmission it's equipped with, the Mazda3 is a highly efficient hatchback. The 3i is rated at 30/40 city/highway mpg with the automatic, spell the manual model does a unmarried mpg worse inwards the city. Contrary to what i mightiness await given its larger displacement in addition to extra power, the 3s nearly matches the 3i with a 28/37 mpg rating...

Even amend mileage tin toilet live achieved yesteryear opting for Mazda's i-ELOOP technology, which uses a capacitor to get together electricity generated during deceleration in addition to ship it off to powerfulness all of the electrical systems. Available on 3s models only, it increases economic scheme to 29/39 mpg.

With sporty intermission tuning in addition to precise, informative steering, the Mazda3 hatchback is i of the best-handling rides inwards its competitive set. It also delivers an accommodating ride over potholed, maintenance-neglected roads...

PERFORMANCE

The last-generation Mazda 3 was i of the best-performing compact cars—excluding the fellowship of ‘tuned’ special-performance models similar the Mazdaspeed3, Ford Focus ST, in addition to VW GTI, of course. In most respects, the novel Mazda 3 maintains that performance edge; but it’s no neat leap...

In powertrain performance, the redesigned 2014 Mazda 3 remains at the caput of the class. Whether you lot larn the 2.0-liter in-line 4 or the 2.5-liter version, in addition to whether you lot opt for the six-speed automatic or the six-speed manual gearbox, these combinations all convey satisfying performance in addition to amend responsiveness than most compact cars...

The argue why these powertrains piece of occupation so well? Through its so-called Skyactiv initiative, Mazda has gone in addition to engineered, from scratch, a novel engine (here inwards 2 different sizes), addition an all-new six-speed automatic transmission in addition to a novel six-speed manual gearbox. Along with the latest versions of the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan in addition to CX-5 compact crossover, these models are all built on a purpose-built platform, to accommodate that novel platform, in addition to steering in addition to intermission systems receive got been redesigned at the same time, all to preserve weight in addition to improve fuel-efficiency, without sacrificing driving enjoyment...

The manual gearbox snicks neatly in addition to exactly betwixt gears, in addition to the clutch takes upwards easily in addition to neatly; in addition to inwards automatic versions the transmission shifts speedily betwixt gears, almost with the decisiveness of a dual-clutch system, but with to a greater extent than smoothness when you lot demand it. The only odd thing nosotros noticed inwards our examine drive, when nosotros encountered some low-speed hairpin corners, was how widely spaced start in addition to minute gear are. 3s versions larn steering-wheel paddle-shifters...

Between 2.0-liter ‘i’ in addition to 2.5-liter ‘s’ models, there’s in all probability non every bit much of a departure every bit you lot mightiness think. The ‘i’ should live plenty quick for most needs, in addition to it’ll salve you lot a mile per gallon or 2 overall. Both of these engines receive got the same personality in addition to are real polish all the way upwards the rev range. The 2.5-liter has i large advantage, though: It makes its peak 184 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm, spell the 2.0-liter makes 148 lb-ft at 4,000; it feels noticeably stronger at the lower terminate of the rev range, which should build it an fifty-fifty amend companion with the automatic transmission...

One note: Over 2 different examine cars with the 2.5-liter engine, nosotros encountered a noticeably lumpy depression idle when the engine was fully hot...

In full general drivability, the Mazda 3 also excels. The powertrain is never caught flat-footed, in addition to the accelerator pedal is confident in addition to linear, non just tuned for jumpy reply on the examine drive. The steering feels precise; there’s never excess torso motion; in addition to the four-wheel disc brakes (even on the base of operations SV) are confidence-inspiring. Transmissions (except for the odd 1-2 gap nosotros noticed inwards our automatic examine car) offering a prissy laid of ratios that seem well-suited to the engine, including a real tall 6th gear that had the engine inwards our Grand Touring turning at an indicated 2,050 rpm at lxx mph...

And on the other hand, when you lot desire to drive quickly, you lot tin toilet hitting the Sport push for a to a greater extent than aggressive throttle setting in addition to a delayed shifts for the automatic transmission. With it clicked, nosotros also noticed that the stability command has a remarkably loose rein on overzealous driving styles; it’ll fifty-fifty permit a piddling chip of sliding—all inwards the refer of fun, right?..

One characteristic that's odd inwards a novel auto is the bottom-hinged "organ-style" accelerator pedal, which Mazda says is to a greater extent than comfortable for drivers. We agree...

Mazda set lots of engineering into an electrohydraulic powerfulness steering organisation for that last-generation car, in addition to nailed it, with the best steering, yesteryear a long shot, of whatever modest car. That last-generation auto is a tough human activity to follow, in addition to nosotros merely don’t remember the novel car’s electrical powerfulness steering organisation is every bit good. It’s i of the amend systems inwards this class, in addition to nosotros genuinely similar the potent sense of catch at lower speeds, out of corners, but it doesn’t practice good with oddly crowned roads, or rail all that good at highway speeds—requiring to a greater extent than modest adjustments than nosotros would receive got liked...

In fuel efficiency, the Mazda 3 does build a meaning leap. Although the 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine had been offered for the yesteryear duad of model years inwards some models of the 3, the 2014 models all receive got the novel in addition to far to a greater extent than efficient engine lineup. As nosotros outline inwards our Green in addition to Fuel Economy section, that agency an EPA rating of to a greater extent than than thirty mpg Combined for the entire lineup--and mileage gains on the guild of thirty per centum for some of the lineup...

MAZDA RADAR CRUISE CONTROL (MRCC)

Another related system, MRCC also uses microwave radar to maintain an optic on preceding vehicles. It automatically adjusts the throttle in addition to brake pressure level to maintain a condom trailing distance, which is preset yesteryear the driver. First introduced on the Mazda 6, the organisation is directly available for the novel Mazda 3...

MRCC functions at 30-200km/h, enabling the organisation to arrange flexibly to changing traffic conditions. If a high-speed state highway becomes congested, for example, MRCC automatically adjusts to significantly shortened trailing distances. And it remains inwards functioning when, say, exiting the motorway, decelerating on a curved off-ramp in addition to so next a vehicle accelerating downward the side yesteryear side road, only shutting off if the car's speed falls below 20km/h...

The radar sensor accurately detects vehicles at upwards to 140m nether whatever conditions - at night, inwards pouring pelting or blinding sunlight. It thus takes a huge charge off the driver's shoulders, relieving stress in addition to preventing fatigue - peculiarly on long-distance journeys...

ENGINE

For the North American market, customers larn to conduct betwixt 2 engines: a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine in addition to a novel SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine...

The 2.0-liter engine delivers a total of 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm in addition to 150 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, spell the 2.5-liter version produces a total of 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm in addition to 185 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm...

The 2 engines mat to a criterion SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, spell a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions is offered every bit an alternative. Mazda also offers a unique i-ELOOP brake unloose energy regeneration system, which employs a capacitor to shop electricity generated when the vehicle decelerates. The Mazda3 so uses this stored powerfulness to aid trim down fuel consumption...

With the 2.0-liter engine, the EPA rated the Mazda3 Hatchback at 29 mpg city, twoscore mpg highway in addition to 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission, in addition to thirty mpg city, twoscore mpg highway in addition to 33 mpg combined with the automatic transmission. With the 2.5-liter powerplant, the EPA rated the Mazda3 hatchback 28 mpg urban center in addition to 37 mpg highway. With i-ELOOP, the 2.5-liter engine’s ratings jump to 29 mpg urban center in addition to 39 mpg highway...

DRIVETRAIN

Anyone who has spent fourth dimension inwards the CX-5 in addition to 6 volition non live surprised yesteryear the novel 3. It borrows from the same puddle of drivetrains, rides on a scaled-down Skyactiv platform, in addition to its aesthetic human relationship within in addition to out with its larger siblings could non live to a greater extent than obvious.

This is non at all a bad thing though, in addition to the proven formula translates good to the novel modest hatch in addition to sedan. Both engines stay polish in addition to repose when tootling about, in addition to emit a satisfying rasp when asked to perform...

The 2.0-litre makes to a greater extent than than plenty grunt to bargain with hills in addition to overtaking, in addition to the six-speed auto is good upwards the chore of making the most of it. The to a greater extent than powerful 2.5-litre is to a greater extent than capable again, in addition to volition leave of absence plenty performance inwards reserve during most urban situations, but comfortably carries over the previous model's warm hatch status when asked to perform...

The six-speed auto does tend to conduct hold gears inwards the refer of efficiency, but volition happily respond to a gentle instructive stab if asked. Most buyers volition merely live sold on its fuel-saving powerfulness however. The six-speed manual is lite inwards its weighting, with a well-defined gate in addition to uncomplicated clutch actuation. If you lot silent prefer a manual, the novel 3 volition non disappoint.

There is silent a grade of route dissonance at high speed – a traditional 3 compromise – but it is a meaning improvement over the previous model. Dynamically, the novel 3 feels to a greater extent than capable than ever, with apartment cornering conduct that only gently edges toward understeer at the limit. The electrically assisted steering loads upwards impressively every bit cornering demands increase, in addition to reacts swiftly to modest in addition to precipitous inputs...

As you'd expect, the 16-inch wheeled models deliver a to a greater extent than comfortable ride, but the lower profile 18s on SP25 models were hardly jarring on test. Overall, the novel 3's refinement makes for a slightly less exciting experience than the previous model, but few volition disagree with its newfound composure...

SAFETY

The all-new Mazda3 has an impressive listing of criterion features, addition some active-safety features that go beyond what's usually on offering inwards an affordable compact car; spell that should identify it inwards high regard, we're silent waiting for a total laid of crash-test ratings for this all-new model...

The 2014 Mazda 3 has been built on a different platform than the previous version—one that's to a greater extent than oftentimes than non shared with the CX-5 crossover in addition to the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan...

The 3 has been tested yesteryear the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in addition to it's earned first-class 'good' results inwards all categories--including the novel modest overlap frontal test. And that's given it the novel IIHS Top Safety Pick+ distinction for 2014...

All Touring in addition to Grand Touring models larn Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; 'i' Grand Touring (and 'i' Touring if optioned) every bit good every bit all 's' models larn a rearview photographic idiot box camera every bit component division of their Mazda Connect system...

Other available active-safety features inwards the 3 include Smart City Brake Support, which volition exercise Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation sensors to aid anticipate a collision in addition to activate emergency braking automatically (under nineteen mph); Forward Obstruction Warning, which warns the driver of hazards ahead (between ix in addition to 92 mph); a Lane Departure Warning System, which warns the driver when they're straying from lane markings; in addition to Blind Spot Monitoring, which beeps if you've clicked the plow signal inwards i management in addition to a auto is currently inwards that space. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 High Beam Control organisation in addition to Adaptive Front Lighting are also available....

With that optional equipment, the IIHS gives the Mazda 3 its 'advanced' front end crash protection rating...

Outward visibility is surprisingly obscured inwards the Mazda 3, in addition to fifty-fifty anticipating the upwardly curved beltline, it’s worse from within than the exterior suggests. That’s inwards component division because door pillars are thick, in addition to nurture hatchbacks with their blacked-out drinking glass Pb you lot to believe there’s window infinite where there’s not....

FUEL ECONOMY

The outgoing Mazda3 is offered with a selection betwixt 3 engines, only i of them equipped with the company's SkyActiv suite of fuel-saving technologies...

The redesigned 2014 Mazda3 tin toilet live equipped with a selection betwixt 2 4-cylinder engines, each showcasing SkyActiv technology. The 2-liter engine is essentially carried over from 2013, but the novel 2.5-liter SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine is to a greater extent than powerful in addition to to a greater extent than fuel efficient than the engine it replaces....

For the purposes of this comparison, nosotros volition focus on the 2-liter SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine that carries over for 2014. As this article is written, it is the only engine with official fuel economic scheme ratings for both model years. Additionally, nosotros boundary comparing to the Mazda3 5-door model because that's the only version of the novel auto that the Environmental Protection Agency has officially rated...

In the 2013 model, the 2-liter SkyActiv engine generates 155 horsepower in addition to 148 lb-ft of torque, in addition to drives the car's front end wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. For 2014, the hp rating in addition to the transmission choices stay the same, but torque rises to 150 lb-ft...

In improver to a barely perceptible increment inwards torque output, the novel Mazda3 is rated to render 33 miles per gallon inwards combined driving regardless of transmission choice. This same engine installed inwards the 2013 Mazda3 returns 31 mpg inwards combined driving with a manual gearbox in addition to 32 mpg with the automatic...