Cleverly designed Mazda3 hatchback handles like a dream
When you drive 75-100 new vehicles a year, like I do, things tend to blend and blur.
But then along comes a vehicle that snaps everything back into focus. It’s doubly delightful when this quality auto is not a new face but an old friend.
Despite a sprinkle of upgrades over time, the Mazda3 5-door hatchback is essentially the same car it has been for the last five years, and yet it never fails to delight us. Cleverly designed and brilliantly executed, the Mazda3 is beginning to age around the edges (especially the interior design), but maintains its funto-drive street cred through taut handling and brisk acceleration.
Several years ago Mazda decided to break from the pack and produce light, nimble cars and SUVs powered by naturally aspirated engines. While other automakers were bolting turbochargers
onto their engines for added power, Mazda put its vehicles on a diet. As a result, Mazdas simply handle and drive better than most of their rivals, in our view. Throttle response is quicker, handling is responsive and fuel economy is superb.
Locally, Tim Short Mazda on International Drive had about 16 Mazda3 sedans and hatches on the ground this week. We prefer the hatch version for its retro-mod styling and added utility. People who are stuck on buying a compact SUV, but who don’t need the added ground clearance, should consider the Mazda3 5-door.
WHAT IS IT
The Mazda3 hatch is a five-door compact car equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 184 horsepower. It’s comfortable for four passengers but can carry five in a pinch. Flip the hatch for easy access to cargo.
HOW MUCH?
Our tester, a top-of-the line model in Grand Touring trim plus about $4,000
in options, has an MSRP of $29,785. That includes almost every available safety and comfort upgrade. Trim levels include Sport (starting at $19,345), Touring ($21,890) and Grand Touring ($24,945).
WHAT WE LOVED
The 18-inch, dark alloy wheels, sublime handling up and down our East Tennessee mountain roads, impressive rear seat legroom, ample horsepower and the spunky “sport” mode.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Needs second-row air-conditioning vents, the plastic heads-up display looks flimsy, and the seat bolsters were a bit tight for my frame.
WORTHWHILE OPTIONS
The ($1,600) “premium equipment package” that includes navigation, paddle shifters, radar cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist.
BOTTOM LINE
The Mazda5 5-door Grand Touring is a high-quality compact hatchback which packs tons of driving enjoyment into a user-friendly package.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @ TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook. com/mkennedycolumnist.