Entry Price: $16,945
Price as Tested: $23,410
This week, we’re driving the 2015 Mazda3i Touring sedan, Mazda’s most popular selling vehicle, which underwent a complete redesign last year. With a host of tweaks and upgrades for 2015, we’re happy to report that many standard features this year were extra cost last year (like rear backup safety camera on our Touring tester), yet the entry price for a “3” sedan stays exactly the same at $16,945 as last year.
There’s much praise coming Mazda’s way as to its formula on how to build a car and then market it properly. And, considering that 3.5-million Mazda3’s have already been sold, corporate expects that number to rise quickly to 5-million worldwide thanks to few compact competitors successfully battling Mazda3 on a strict dollar-to-dollar comparison.
Potential buyers can rest assured that even if they choose the base entry $16,945 Mazda3 sedan, it indeed comes with all of the top Skyactiv tech that is built into each and every Mazda. The only real Mazda3 difference is how many amenities one needs to suit personal needs. Be it entry Mazda3i Sedan, Sport, Touring or Grand Touring, consumers can’t go wrong.
Additionally, we must emphasize fuel economy, as Mazda3 with the base four-cylinder delivers 30 city and 41 highway, the latter a best in class number.
“Skyactiv” theory finds Mazda utilizing a finely tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 155-horsers and 150 lb. ft. of torque. Mazda then mates this engine to equally “tuned” mechanicals and drive gear to deliver better economy and enhanced performance. A good example of this is Mazda’s engine rotating assembly, where engineers utilize lightweight yet stronger pieces (crank, rods and pistons), individual tube exhaust headers, a high compression ratio of 13 to 1 and a perfectly matched six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode gate. Add it all up, and you come up with “Skyactiv.”
If you choose the “s” (Sport) version of the Mazda3 instead of the “i,” you receive a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six speed automatic that puts out 184 horses for more “zoom zoom.” Surprisingly, this combo offers 28 city and 39 highway EPA, which yells “give me a try” to the younger demographic Mazda lover. (Six speed manuals and hatchback models are also available).
Outwardly, Mazda3 designers did a great job with last year’s redesign. The exterior features a smooth aero outline with a sporty fascia and an improved rear design. Drivers will enjoy better handling thanks to grip delivered by standard 16-inch tires on alloy wheels and a fully independent sport tuned suspension.
The Touring models are well mannered on the highway and then respond well on tight and twisty roads. The stiffer suspension really helps, as does large ABS anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control and front and rear stabilizers all of which supplement the experience.
Mazda3 Touring features amenity rich standard items as our tester came nice instrument cluster, cloth trimmed seating, dual-zone climate control, six-way power driver seat, great sounding four speaker HD audio system and much more. All expected safety items are in place, including a rear cross traffic alert.
Our Touring model, which starts at $20,645, came with three options: a $1,600 technology package with dual zone air, moonroof and a nine-speaker Bose CD/Stereo with MP3; a $70 cargo mat; and $300 more for brilliant red zone metallic paint. This brought the final cost to $23,410 with $795 delivery.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, 2,918 curb weight, 13.2 gallon fuel tank, 12.4 cu. ft. of trunk space and 6.1-inch ground clearance.
Overall, the 2015 Mazda3i Touring receives a compact car “Best Buy” nod as it over delivers in fuel mileage, looks and driving aptitude.
You won’t go wrong test driving a Mazda 3, in any state of dress.
Likes: 41 highway MPG, “Skyactiv” tech, looks.
Dislikes: Road noise, engine noise, some safety options not available on entry models.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist)
