A diamond in the rough
By Marc Grasso
Impressive is an understatement.
By now, you know that our reviews are predominantly of higher-end vehicles — with higher-end packages and loaded to the roofline with options. Fact is, we can only test and review the vehicles that show up.
This week, Mazda wanted a piece of the review pie and delivered its economical Mazda3.
This four-door sedan blew me away, starting with a base price of only $21,500. Four package options include Base, Select,
Preferred and Premium. All-wheel-drive was also a drive-train selection.
Regardless of package selection, the 3 comes with a 2.5L SKYACTIV dual-overhead-cam,16-valve, fourcylinder engine providing 186 horsepower and 186 ft.-lb. of torque. A sixspeed automatic transmission with sport mode is standard. The i-Active-AllWheel-Drive system is a few thousand dollars more, but well worth the spend. Our Mazda3 AWD Premium sported a bunch of standard package features: Bose 12-speaker premium sound, heated front seats, SiriusXM radio, 18-inch wheels, leather seats and a power moon roof. All pretty upscale if you ask me.
The Mazda3 has what I like to call a shark-like exterior. It is really appealing and serves its purpose; providing an easy-on-the-eyes, inexpensive ride for the average consumer.
The Mazda Connect infotainment system is simple and requires no thought at all. Protruding from the dash, it delivers easy-touse and friendly communication setup, radio favorites and adjustable settings. Its center console turn dial is really easy to use and models BMW’s set-up, serving the driver easily (without the added chrome of course).
Push-button ignition was also standard on our Machine Grey Metallic premium tester. The ride was quiet, the seats were comfortable (although the cabin was small). The 3 compares to a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla in the compact sedan class.
For Mazda, I get it. Provide a competitive alternative to Honda and Toyota while offering a great-looking, reliable and inexpensive option to the consumer. I have to give them credit, not only did they deliver on that, but they blew me away while doing it.
I assure you, Mazda has come to the table with nothing but the diamonds. Test one and you’ll be just as impressed.
Mazda3
MSRP: $27,900 As tested: $28,000 MPG: 27 city, 33 highway, 30.9 as tested