Car Reviws |
| 2011 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Five-Door, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 28 Dec 2010 07:26 AM PST      
EDITOR WES RAYNAL: This is about the perfect small car as far as I'm concerned. It combines everything I would need: Quick handling, decent power, a snappy gearbox, good mpg, hatchback practicality… it's a complete car. And even loaded as this one is with navigation and satellite radio and power this and that I don't find the sticker the least bit offensive. The car loves to play. It feels light and spritely and the steering, for a front driver, feels spot-on to me. Everything inside is where one would expect and the controls are intuitive and easy to use. It all looks and feels right. Personally, I'd get the hatch equipped just as this one is. This is a terrific scooter. EDITORIAL INTERN JAKE LINGEMAN: When a friend said he was looking to buy a Mazda, the enthusiast in me pushed him toward the Mazdaspeed 3. There's nothing that car can't do. After being in this one, I'm glad he went with the naturally aspirated version. The 2.5-liter is quick enough for most regular driving. Which is what most of us do 90 percent of the time. At no point was I looking for more power. It seemed smoother, too. Obviously, the power in the turbo is erratic but the non-turbo just pulls up to redline with no jump or wheel slip or massive torque steer like the Mazdaspeed. The gearbox's shifter is miles ahead of the Speed's, too. The Speed's shifter just isn't crisp enough. It had too much play and is too imprecise, while the naturally aspirated version felt significantly more robust. The non-turbo version also rode better than the Speed. The tires were a bit smaller and softer, making normal driving more relaxed. I took the car on an airport run and had no trouble cutting through traffic and slipping into the fast lane with a quick downshift. My only complaint, and it's a small one, is that you do have to shift out of sixth on the expressway to make a pass. With the turbo you could just put your foot down and you would be exceeding the speed limit in no time. The VW Golf is a bit cheaper if you're looking for a five-door, but the styling is way less sexy, in my humble opinion. The upcoming Ford Focus hatchback should make this impressive segment even more crowded, and when that happens, you know who wins? The consumers. 2011 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Five-Door Base Price: $23,645 As-Tested Price: $25,530 Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, six-speed manual Output: 167 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 168 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Curb Weight: 3,064 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 23/21.9 mpg Options: Technology package including full color display with navigation, advanced keyless system, push button start, satellite radio with six month subscription, perimeter alarm, rain sensing wipers, bi-xenon headlights, pivoting adaptive front lighting, LED rear combination lights, auto on/off headlights ($1,835); rear bumper step plate ($50) |
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