Sometimes lack of change is a positive.
Take the 2011 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 5-Door. It’s not a whole lot different than last year’s model, and that’s a true positive.
As we told you last year, the Mazda 3 lives up to the whole “Zoom Zoom” philosophy that the automaker has created. It’s obvious the designers and engineers put plenty of TLC into this model and it shows in a great ride in a fun, zippy package that begins as soon as you glance at the car.
Now let’s get talk of the “forever smiling” grille out of the way first. You’ll hear some auto journalists gripe that the look detracts from the whole exterior. I had to shake my head when I read them because unless you’re concentrating on a straight-on view of the car, the grille easily blends into the overall look.
What’s more apparent, at least to me, are the body’s wavelike creases and a low stance that give the outside of the car the look of speed. It’s a sharp appearance and one you don’t often find in cars of this class priced in the low 20s.
Now we’ve all been in cars that have striking exteriors but look as if someone stripped them bare on the inside — automaker’s versions of the model home, I guess.
You won’t find that on the Mazda 3. Again, the large instrument panel is stylish and easy to read. The placement is a special delight because you don’t have to look completely away from the road to monitor speed and engine information. The controls on the steering wheel are intuitive and also well placed.
Add to that plenty of headroom and legroom (about 38.9 and 42 inches front, and 37.5 and 36.2 rear) plus just-firm-enough front and back seats and you start to understand what all he excitement is about.
One complaint I’ve had in the past with cars of this size is that the blind spots are numerous. Not so with the Mazda 3, which offers incredible vantage points despite its low stance.
Last year I had complained a bit about the climate control in the Mazda 3 that took more than several minutes to even begin to bring the temperature to a livable temperature. I didn’t test this car in the dead of summer this time, but the climate control seemed more responsive on the 2011 model.
This time around, I drove a model with a manual transmission and found it a fun, comfortable car to drive. The braking — which has been recalibrated — was “stop-on-a-dime” worthy.
The only downside to the drive — and to me this was significant — was that the way it shifted into second was a bit confusing. I really had to look to make sure I wasn’t going into reverse. In fairness, I don’t drive a stick very often so that could be a downside that isn’t a problem for others.
The Mazda 3 offers a great driving experience in an attractive, convenient package. Car buyers owe it to themselves to take a drive.
