The Mazda 3 SKYACTIV has noteworthy driving dynamics, a great interior, and is fuel efficient. Photo by Curtis Reesor. |
At first glance, this 3 with SKYACTIV technology seems just like every other sedan model in the 3 lineup, but it isn’t. The body on the SKYACTIV model is 8% lighter and the chassis is 30% stiffer. These factors help the 3 achieve its EPA estimated 28 MPG city and coveted 40 MPG highway rating when equipped with the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic. You can’t really see all this technology. But what you can see on the outside is a mix of distinctive styling that also happens to be a bit on the bland side. There’s no mistaking this is a Mazda 3, but it doesn’t quicken my pulse. But there are many other aspects of the car that are outstanding.
Photo by Curtis Reesor |
Luckily, like most Mazda vehicles, this one has outstanding driving dynamics. The steering, the seating position, the way things just seem to all come together—yes, this is still a driver’s car at its core. The 16” alloy wheels and 205/55/16 tires aren’t of the high-performance variety, but they aid in giving the car a compliant ride. In fact, we loaded the 3 up with three other people for a 250 mile drive into the Columbia River Gorge, and it rode smoothly and comfortably. In fact, it’s hard to tell you’re in a compact car at points. One of the car’s highlights is its steering. It’s wonderfully weighted and feels very precise. Cornering is done confidently with minimal body roll. This proved that the 3 is just as at home in the curves as it is cruising the interstate.
Since this was the Grand Touring model it had every bell and whistle you could want. It had features you likely wouldn’t expect on a compact, let alone a compact that costs less than $25,000. I’m talking about features like blind spot detection, outstanding heated leather seats (with five heat levels) and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat. But wait, there’s more! The car also has an easy-to-use navigation system, a 10-speaker 265-watt Bose stereo, and an optional interior illumination kit that emitted a blue glow in the foot wells. To top it off, this 3 had rain sensing wipers and pivoting adaptive Xenon headlights that turn with the steering wheel. These are features I’d expect on a $40,000+ luxury car, but not on a Mazda 3. Every time I got in the 3 it felt like a much more expensive vehicle. Very nice, and quite the bargain.
The only interior qualm I came across, I actually didn’t experience. Rather, the issue came to me via passenger feedback. Three passengers, all between 5’10” and 6’1”, commented about being uncomfortable in the 3 in both the front and back seats. However, us shorter folk (5’7” or under) found the car comfortable. Everyone found the 3’s trunk to be spacious. We were easily able to put two large suitcases plus some backpacks in the trunk.
A great deal at under $25,000, the Mazda 3 i Grand Touring SKYACTIV has a lot to offer. Photo by Curtis Reesor |
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