2013 Mazda3 Sport Gs-skyactiv
It’s a long name for a hatchback that delivers plenty of family driving comfort, as well as good fuel efficiency
Fuel economy is a hot topic in the automotive industry. That also rings true with consumers. People want to go farther for less money.
And as vehicular technologies advance, that’s becoming more and more of a reality.
Typically, the cars that perform the best in the fuel-economy department include hybrids, diesels and smaller displacement engines (generally found in subcompact and compact cars).
But not everyone wants or needs a hybrid or a diesel, especially if they’re on a tighter budget for a new car. Nor can larger families fit comfortably into a subcompact.
One answer can be the 2013 Mazda3 Sport GS-SkyActiv.
It might have a long name, but that name speaks volumes. The Sport designation means it is the hatchback version — a five-door vehicle with room for five inside, 17 cubic feet cargo capacity and stylish good looks. And the GS-SkyActiv part is where the magic happens.
Three trims of Mazda3 Sport are available. There’s the entrylevel GX, GS and GT.
Sitting pretty between t he three choices is the GS trim. It comes equipped with Mazda’s new SkyActiv technology, designed specifically to help achieve better fuel mileage while increasing power.
Under the hood is an engine with a blue cover — unmistakably SkyActiv. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder power plant produces 155 horsepower and 148 foot-pounds of torque. It can be matched with either the standard six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic SkyActiv transmission. Both were created t o complement the engine so the driver feels the
“(It) came with the six-speed manual transmission, of which I’m a huge fan. ”
benefits of extra power and extra money in his/her wallet.
I say extra power because the GX trim, which features the MZR 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, has only 148 hp and 135 ft-lbs of torque available.
Estimated fuel results come in at 7.6L/100 km in the city and 5.1L/100 km on the highway. After more than 600 kilometres clocked, I averaged 7.1L/100 km with combined city and highway.
The Crystal White Pearl Mazda3 that I had the pleasure of driving came with the six- speed manual transmission, of which I’m a huge fan. It doesn’t shift quite as sportily as the GT or even the MazdaSpeed3, but it’s just great for around-town driving. And for those who prefer the automatic route, it’s not a bad option at all.
What I think draws meso much toward this vehicle is its practicality. It’s big enough for a carload of people, yet still agile enough to fit into urban parking spots.
Even on the open road, I felt it had a good amount of pep to help me pass when needed, but also to help me cruise along smoothly. Creature comforts such as Bluetooth, cruise control, steeringwheel-mounted audio controls, a USB and auxiliary audio input, and heated front seats sweetened the deal.
This GS also had a few additional perks to enliven my time behind the wheel. It came equipped with a moonroof ($895), the GS-L package ($1,400) with fog lights, leather upholstery, leather-like trim on the console lid and door, and an eight-way adjustable power driver seat. Topping it off was the Touring Edition ($1,400) that included a push-button start, LED tail lights, dual-zone climate controls, an auto dimming rear-view mirror, and a premium 10-speaker Bose stereo system.
Aside from creature comforts, the Mazda3 comes well equipped with standard safety features including: ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and brake assist, DSC (dynamic stability control) with TCS (traction control system), EPAS (electric power assist) steering system and more.
Whether you’re running around town or enjoying a long cruise, the 2013 Mazda3 Sport GS-SkyActiv is a great choice of vehicle in my books.