Mazda 3 Summary
If you're looking for a car with sporty handling, an upscale interior and a comfortable ride, the Mazda3 gives an air of luxury at a reasonable price. Newer models offer features that make driving safer and enjoyable, such as the rearview camera, knee airbags and Mazda Connect, an infotainment system controlled through a screen on the centre dash. Depending on the model year and body type—sedan or a hatchback—auto reviewers have some mixed opinions on whether there is enough space in the back seat or trunk.
Mazda 3 Safety
In recent years, Mazda has made improvements to their included safety features. The rearview camera became standard on model years 2016 and onwards, while stability control was added in 2011 to prevent skidding. In addition to those for the driver and front passenger, side and curtain airbags appear in models after 2009.
In the newest 2019 model, the Mazda3 has advanced active safety technologies for specific packages, like the Select package, such as the following:
- Smart City Brake Support, which offers low-speed automatic braking
- Pedestrian detection to alert the driver or automatically brake if the car senses a pedestrian in its path
- Driver Attention Alert, which detects if the driver is losing mental alertness
Mazda 3 Interior
Passengers of the Mazda3 will benefit from the smartly designed interior. Although, some drivers have found that the centre console box is a little on the small side. Most base models equip comforts such as heated seats and automatic climate control.
Other interior features across model years include:
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Power windows (with one-touch up/down for driver)
- Day/night rearview mirror that tilts to reduce brightness and glare at night
- Driver and passenger sun visors
On high-end Mazda3 trims, you can find a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and rear seat centre armrest with cup holders.
Mazda 3 Technology
The many Mazda3 trim options supply a range of built-in technologies to enhance your experience on the road. Bluetooth and the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which support apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, have become standard across all trims in the latest models from 2018. You can also look forward to the following features in models from 2010:
- Six-speaker stereo system with an optional upgrade to a 10-speaker Bose system
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Temperature display
- Keyless ignition and entry
Mazda 3 Space
Driver and front passenger in the Mazda3 benefit from leg room and head space—with the impression of even more space with the moonroof—although some people report that the back seat feels cramped. Trunk space is also limited in both sedan and hatchback versions. However, because of its compact size, the Mazda3 is suited to city driving and parking on busy streets.
Mazda 3 Comfort
The Mazda3 is available in both six-speed manual and automatic transmission, and some models feature SKYACTIV technology, which improves the engine's fuel efficiency. Drivers have the option of choosing front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for better handling. While it's often admired for its smooth and intuitive handling, the Mazda3 is also known for being a noisy ride.
