Zoom Zoom.
What was once just an advertising slogan for Mazda now seems to be the cornerstone of the automaker’s new push to lure younger consumers away from Honda, Toyota and other competitors.
But Mazda doesn’t just rely on the catchphrase — which is everywhere from its dashboard LED display to the license plate holder — to boost excitement over the Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-Door. This car clearly has plenty of engineering and design smarts behind it. The evidence is in the performance of this peppy, spunky little powerhouse, which hugs the road like a true sports champ and offers the space and elegance of a luxury car worth much more than the Mazda3’s approximately $22,000 manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
» Engine: 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing
» Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed sport automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode
» Gas mileage: 22-mpg city/29-mpg highway (automatic transmission)
» Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: Starting at $22,250
Now in its second generation, the curvy exterior of the Mazda3 has plenty of eye-catching flash. Mazda says the design was born from the joint collaboration of designers in Japan, North America and Europe. It shows with just the right amount of understated flash such as deep creases in the front fenders, a bold, dominant grill that is something of a first for Mazda, and a low sports stance.
But there are plenty of pretty-faced contenders on the road that are sorely disappointing when you climb behind the wheel. This car is no faade.
Two large instrument clusters, which deliver engine and road speed information, and key controls on the steering wheel allow the driver to maintain optimal comfort with minimal distractions. In addition, the display screen for navigation, audio and trip information is positioned high on the instrument panel so it’s easy to see without taking your eyes completely off the road. What’s especially welcome is the clear, high-resolution lettering, which allows the driver to quickly ascertain needed information. Add to that the plush, comfy seats and it’s clear this car also works for those who are well past their twentysomething days.
For a low-positioned car, the sight lines are amazingly clear with few blind spots. That adds an extra measure of safety.
The only downside to the car was in the climate control. Once the air conditioner operates for several minutes, it offers cool, comfortable air. But the car that I drove — which only had about 5,000 miles on its odometer — took about 10 minutes to get to that point. That might not be important in Minnesota, but in Washington’s summer heat, it was downright uncomfortable.
The real joy of the Mazda3 is in the performance. Whether cruising along the Capitol Beltway or driving on a back road with tricky curves, the car is incredibly responsive, boasting plenty of power and stop-on-a-dime braking.
The bottom line is that there are plenty of pluses with the Mazda3. Those who want a median-priced sports car with lots of extras need look no further.
