knockout 44 m.p.g. over two hours at
an average speed of 55 m.p.h. That’s
the highest mileage I’ve achieved in
any purely gas-powered, American-
market car, including smaller sub-
compacts.
The 3 kept on sipping during faster
New York-to-Boston runs. Averaging
a healthy 63 m.p.h. over 3.5 hours, the
sedan returned 41 m.p.g. And escaping
back to New York at a zippy average
of 73 m.p.h., my hatchback managed 36
m.p.g. With a 14.5-gallon tank, the 3 can
roll up 540 highway miles with a gallon
to spare. A “tall” overdrive sixth gear
helps: if you keep the engine under
2,000 r.p.m. on the freeway, you’ll get
40 m.p.g. or better.
Volkswagen had “fahrvergnügen”;
Mazda’s word for driving fun is “toit-
sukan,” a feeling of oneness between
car and driver. As ever, Mazda’s finely
wrought steering and suspension im-
part a sportiness and sophistication
that cannot be faked. The 3 dines on
curves that will have the Hyundai, Hon-
da or Chevy choking.
The engine pulls smoothly to its red-
line of 6,500 r.p.m., and the transmis-
sion is delightfully smooth and snappy
in automatic or manual mode.
Let’s be clear: You need not be a
hotfoot to enjoy the 3. To people who
haven’t driven one, the best way to
describe the 3 is that it drives like a
junior BMW. Even the gentlest com-
muter can appreciate a car that feels
so controlled, safe and confident.
For 2012, the practical hatchback
— previously available only with a
thirstier 2.5-liter 4 — has the Sky-
activ-G engine as standard equip-
ment. The 2.5 engine, which makes
168 horsepower, is still available on
up-level models, though when paired
with an automatic you get a mere 5
speeds. The downsize is a big drop in
mileage, to 22/29 m.p.g.
For as little as $15,995, budget watch-
ers can have a stripper 3 SV sedan
with Mazda’s old-tech 148-horsepower
2-liter engine and 5-speed manual or
automatic transmissions. But that
weaker engine also delivers 7 fewer
highway m.p.g. — just 33.
A better choice is the 3i sedan with
the latest engine and the 6-speed auto-
matic, which starts at $20,095 ($20,595
for the hatchback). Stuffed Grand
Touring models shoot to $25,000 and
beyond.
A PZEV version (for Partial Zero
Emissions Vehicle) is available in Cali-
fornia and states that conform to its
pollution rules. And the Mazdaspeed
3, with its 263-horsepower turbo 4, will
tempt the high-strung set for $24,795.
The Mazda isn’t perfect. The 3 still
lets in more wind and road noise than
some rivals, especially the hushed
Chevy. The Ford wins the beauty con-
test, especially as a hatchback.
But with Honda largely ceding its tech-
nical and performance leadership in
small cars, Mazda is among the brands
stepping in to fill the void. Like the beloved
Hondas of old, the Mazda 3 combines fun
with frugality like no direct rival.
Mazda’s underdog is not a shoo-in
for everyone, but give the 3 a chance
— better, a test drive — and it may top
your shopping list.
MAZDA NORTH AMERICA
THRIFTY With an automatic gearbox, the Mazda 3i sedan is rated 40 m.p.g. on
the highway.
(#72545) Copyright © 2012 by The New York Times Company. Reprinted with permission.
For subscriptions to The New York Times, please call 1-800-NYTIMES. Visit us online at www.nytimes.com.
For more information about reprints contact PARS International Corp. at 212-221-9595 x425.
Mazda3 4-Door Sedan MSRP*
i SV MT $15,200
i Sport MT $16,845
i Sport AT $17,695
i Touring MT SKYACTIV-G $18,700
i Touring AT SKYACTIV-G $19,550
i Grand Touring AT SKYACTIV-G $22,550
s Touring MT $21,300
s Touring AT $22,100
s Grand Touring MT $22,900
s Grand Touring AT $23,700
Mazda3 5-Door Hatchback MSRP*
i Touring MT SKYACTIV-G $19,300
i Touring AT SKYACTIV-G $20,150
i Grand Touring AT SKYACTIV-G $23,150
s Touring MT $21,800
s Touring AT $22,600
s Grand Touring MT $23,400
s Grand Touring AT $24,200
Mazdaspeed3 5-Door Hatchback MSRP*
Touring MT $24,000
*Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price does not include destination charge of $795 ($840 in Alaska), tax, title and license fees. Actual dealer price may vary.
To Previous Page
Loading...
