Mazda3 Sport GT wins a convert
Initial nits gone, reader now sold on sporty hatch
CALGARY — Standard transmission fans have been hearing for years that clutches and shifters are on the endangered list.
Case in point: in 2014, Mazda didn’t even offer a standard in its Mazda3 GT models with the larger, more powerful 2.5-litre engine.
But that’s changed for 2015. Now, the Mazda3 GT is available with a six-speed manual gearbox and the 184-horsepower and 185-pound-feet of torque power plant and that’s made some people happy.
Take Reader Reviewer and Calgarian Rod Davidson. A fan of shifting his own gears, Davidson spent a week behind the wheel of a Mica Red 2015 Mazda3 Sport GT. While it took him time to warm up to the vehicle, he found himself pleasantly surprised.
“I was expecting something with less zippiness,” Davidson said. That wasn’t the case.
Currently a bestselling model, the Mazda3 replaced the Protégé in 2004. Its third generation was fully revamped for 2014, using the automaker’s KODO design language and the full suite of Skyactiv technologies. The Mazda3 Sport is a fivedoor hatch, available in GX, GS and GT trims.
Davidson’s Mazda3 Sport GT came with the optional Luxury Package, which added leather seats with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, garage door opener and auto-dimming inner rear-view mirror.
The GT comes wel l equipped, with bi-xenon HID headlights, LED tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, intelligent key system (proximity and ignition), voice-activated navigation, BOSE ninespeaker premium audio system, Active Driving Display, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-view camera, seven-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth, USB/Aux inputs, and heated seats.
As tested, Davidson’s Mazda3 Sport GT, including destination charge but before taxes, rang in at $30,490.
In the Davidson driveway sits a 2005 Subaru Impreza and a 2011 Acura RDX, whose lease comes due in August
But why did it take Davidson time to warm up to the Mazda3 Sport GT? On first inspection and a short drive, this was his list of dislikes: ❚ Rear visibility seemed limited by a horizontally narrow, rear window. ❚ The clutch has a long takeup “without a great deal of feel.” He preferred something with a bit more firmness. ❚ The seat colours are tacky (light grey/brown insert).
Davidson gave the overall style of the Mazda3 Sport GT a thumbs-up for its sporty appearance and 18-inch wheels.
“There was plenty of room inside the car,” he said. “It was easy to get the power driver’s seat adjusted to my liking, and the manually adjustable lumbar support was perfectly set when I got in — the side bolsters really hold you into the seat.”
What really swayed Davidson was the host of features he discovered. He didn’t like the navigation system at first glance, but after spending some time with it he rated it “second to none.”
“And things like the headup display, that really impressed me. It’s great to have your speed displayed in front of you so you don’t take your eyes from the road.”
And the rear window wasn’t as bad as he thought. When using the rear-view mirror, “visibility is really very good,” he said.
The Mazda3 Sport, he added, drove like a bigger car with fantastic acceleration when needed.
The standard transmission featured relatively short throws and Davidson found it smooth. But what of the soft clutch he didn’t like at first? After three or four days, he found it comfortable.
“It was a fun car to have on city roads, and you could just play with third and fourth gears all day long — they were the perfect ratios.”
Brakes were solid and responsive, without any hint of grab. Steering was commendable, and Davidson said the hatch felt nimble — both at speed and during parkinglot manoeuvres.
The ride wasn’t supple, Davidson said, but he enjoyed the tauter feel of a sportier suspension system.
Of the Mazda3 Sport’s utility, he said the rear seats fold almost perfectly flat to allow for increased cargo space. However, the hatch doesn’t present a very tall opening for larger items.
“I think the car would best suit anyone from 25 to 75 who loves to drive,” he concluded. “I would buy it, absolutely. It had plenty of horsepower, plenty of sport, and lots of luxury. This will be on our list of contenders when we return the leased Acura.”
DRIVING JOURNAL
Day 1: Did some errand running today. Shifting is very smooth and positive. I do like the push-button start without having to worry about getting out the key (except to unlock the doors). Liked the between-the-seats toggle to manoeuvre through the various functions on the information screen. There seem to be a great many ergonomic features to this Mazda, like the lane-change quick threepeat of the turn indicator. My 90-year-old father-inlaw found entry and exit to be very easy. Love the LED driving lamps. Day 2: Another day of errands, but I did get a chance to up the revs on Highway 8 to Bragg Creek. Noticed a blind spot at the right rear quarter. Left shoulder check is OK for visibility. Love the turning radius; any city street diameter is more than enough to do a 180. Another look at the exterior styling: a very sporty appearance. Overall profile is low and aerodynamic; wheels and tires add to the aggressive appeal. I sat in the rear seat and entry/exit was easy. Legroom and headroom were more than adequate. Day 3: Today I had to sweep snow off the car. Car heater was quick to provide a comfortable cabin. Another day of errands, this time a trip to the northwest to visit my 97-year-old mother. Day 4: Off to work so the car was just a commuter today. Did discover an interesting little roller switch used to adjust the headlight angle, depending on the load in the car. Also saw a switch to disable the stability control if desired. These add to how impressed I am with what Mazda has put into this vehicle that I thought might be limited to a more expensive luxury car. Day 5: Another day of commuting, but got the chance again to run out to Bragg Creek for a bit of highway driving. I am so impressed with the ride quality. It’s very quiet, very smooth. I ran a short distance with the sunroof open to check for wind noise — very typical and not obtrusive. Day 6: Last full day with this lovely car and my initial list of “don’t likes” has dwindled to zero. The car has won me over with its attributes: great price, superior (luxury) driver appointments, and styling. Day 7: It’s time to return the car. All in all, this week has made me realize I now have two choices when our vehicle lease comes due in August. I always assumed the Subaru Impreza would be the default choice for our next vehicle, but this Mazda3 has now become a very serious second option.