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The Mazda3 is the most
expensive car in this group, and has the least maximum cargo space. That’s not
a likely combination for scoring high in this comparison, but this “premium
compact” compensates sufficiently for its shortcomings to be highly
recommended in this group. In exchange for less space and a higher price than
the others here, you receive top-notch driving dynamics that include excellent
handling and responsive, communicative steering, a premium-feel interior, and
extra-comfortable front seats. As a value-priced luxury car, an alternative to
premium hatchback and wagons like the Volvo V50 or Audi A3, the Mazda3 excels,
but more practicality and value is expected among the more economy-oriented
standards of this comparison.
The Mazda3 has a firm, fairly comfortable ride.
It is very well controlled, but not particularly absorbent. This control
continues into the car’s exceptional class-leading handling abilities, where
it feels very nimble and has impeccably-controlled body roll. Furthermore, the
splendidly-weighted steering combined with quick, precise responses and
impressive feedback makes the car much more fun to drive than most
competitors. The 2.3-liter I4 that is standard on the Mazda3 hatchback (base
versions of the sedan have a 2.0-liter I4) provides the quickest acceleration
in this group, and though it isn’t especially quiet, the sounds it does make
are more pleasant than the economy-car drone that some of the others in this
group suffer from. Road noise is a bit excessive, however. Fuel economy is
good by this group’s standards.
Inside, the Mazda3’s front seats are very
well-shaped, supportive, and comfortable, the best in this group despite less
headroom than a number of the others here. The rear is reasonably well-shaped
as well, but too low, and lacking in legroom. The interior is built to a
higher quality standard than many pricier cars, with excellent materials and
panel fit. The gauges are large and clear, and the instruments are logically
laid out. Drivers could sit higher, but sit quite comfortably. A standard
tilt/telescoping wheel helps comfort. Rearward visibility could be better,
however. A lack of cargo space is a notable shortcoming; while there is a
usable amount of floor space behind the rear seats, the car isn’t very tall,
and folding the rear seats opens up a smaller maximum cargo area even than the
less wagon-like Suzuki Reno and Hyundai Elantra.
The Mazda3 hatchback has not been crash-tested,
but its sedan version earned a Good rating in its IIHS offset crash test, but
was Poor in the side test without the optional side airbags. The 3’s head
restraints were rated Marginal. NHTSA awarded the sedan four stars for both
the driver and for the front passenger in its frontal crash test, a mere three
for both the driver and for the rear passenger in the side test without the
optional side airbags.
The Mazda3 reviewed here came in at $18,404,
the highest price in this group. At that price, it is well-equipped with all
the expected features for this class as well as alloy wheels.
Overall, the Mazda3 is a
fun and high-quality vehicle that offers more practicality than most
similarly-sporty competitors and a lower price than similar-quality
competitors. But its high price and limited cargo and rear seat space compared
to the others in this group prevent it from placing higher here. It’s an
excellent choice for consumers looking either for the most possible driving
enjoyment of the most expensive feel, but the sacrifices made to achieve that
leave it as a rather weak contender for consumers who do not prioritize
driving enjoyment and a premium feel.
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