The Mazda 3 was rolled out in 2004 to replace the departing Protegé model.
Furthermore, the Mazda 3 is a 'fun to drive' car and excels in handling in its
class. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine went into the
Mazda3i sedan, while the Mazda3 s sedan and hatchback held a more powerful
2.3-liter four-cylinder. Audio systems now have a standard auxiliary audio
input for MP3 players, and the Mazda3 has 12-volt power outlets. Downsides to
the Mazda 3 include small backseat space, mediocre seat comfort, and engine
noise on hard acceleration.
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine uses all of Mazda's latest technology to
deliver substantial power over a wide range of rpm. Electronic brake-force
distribution and brake assist are standard for S-models and optional for i-models.
For 2007, traction control and stability control are available for s-models. As
a fun-to-drive package, the Mazda3 has better credentials than its competition.
A Sport Package that includes sport bumpers, side skirts, 17-inch wheels and
fog lamps is available on s sedans and standard on s hatchbacks. Steel wheels
hold 15-inch tires on the Mazda3 i sedan; the Mazda3 s sedan gets 16-inch alloy
wheels, while the Mazda3 s hatchback rolls on 17-inch rubber. Sedans get a short
but high rear deck.
The Mazda3 s uses a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 156 hp. A
five-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a four-speed automatic transmission
with a manual-shift provision is optional for the Mazda3 i. The 2.3-liter engine
can mate with a five-speed automatic. Variable valve-timing and variable intake
system improve low-rpm power, while electronic throttle control improves
response.
Find Used Mazda 3 in Pennsylvania
The Mazda3 sedan measures out to 94.3 cubic feet of passenger space, which
compares with the Honda Civic sedan's 90.9 cubic feet. Both the Mazda and the
Honda are within fractions in front-seat room, but the Mazda is slightly larger
in rear-seat room, notably leg room and shoulder room. Thanks to this design,
the Mazda3 five-door will accommodate 31.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the front
seats when the second seat is folded down. Placing the rear-suspension
coil springs beneath the floor increases the hatchback's rear storage space.
The Mazda3 sedan comes in three levels for 2007: Sport, Touring and Grand
Touring. The entry-level i-model is available with a fuel-efficient, 148-hp
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the sporty s-model is equipped with a
sophisticated 156-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The Mazda 3i Touring sedan adds
air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, power-adjustable
outside mirrors, an upgraded six-speaker audio system, and 205/55HR-16
all-season tires.
The Mazda3s Touring sedan adds high-performance 205/50VR17 tires on
cast-aluminum wheels, electronic stability control and traction control.
Side-impact and head-protection airbags are standard. Mazda has worked hard to
make this car useful, space-efficient, economical and pleasant across a broad
range of driving situations. Find more information, news and reviews about the
Mazda 3 on
KBB.com