The Mazda 3 has been known as an phenomenal small car for its fuel economy, handling, stylish interior, and its luxury options. In a class known for banality the Mazda 3 has managed to stand out among the ranks of Boring Beige lemmings. I asked Jody Victor to give us some details.
Jody Victor: Stylistically, the Mazda 3 has always looked and felt more than a little different from its competitors—the new 3 manages to improve on that. Borrowing its front end design from the Mazda RX-8 with its more modern nose, flared front fenders, and sweeping lines at the base of the doors.
Buyers have the option of two engines: first, the 2.0 liter four cylinder with 148 horsepower; second, the 2.5 liter four cylinder with 167 hp. The 2.0 liter's fuel economy runs at 25 mpg for the manual and 24 mpg for the automatic while both transmissions achieve 33 mpg on the highway. The 2.5 liter six speed's numbers run 21 mpg city, 29 highway. The automatic runs at 22mpg city, 29 highway.
Many cars these days are being built for Gadget Heads, not Gear Heads and the Mazda 3 will appeal to that Gadget Head crowd with a new and much cheaper navigation system. Previously, the 3 offered a factory installed navigation system costing an astonishing $2,000. Mazda has not yet release pricing on the new navigation system, but it is anticipated that it will only cost a few hundred dollars, possibly making it one of the cheapest factory installed nav systems. Also, for safety and convince it will be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel, not a touch screen. The 3 also offers Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio and iPod integration. The 2010 3 will also offer luxury features such as active bixeon headlights, eight-way power seat with memory settings, and keyless ignition.
Mazda again is offering both the four-door sedan and the five-door hatchback version of their ahead-of-the-pack economy car.
Thanks, Jody! We'll be checking this one out for sure!