Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback: It’s got Something to Smile About

Much has been said about the smiling countenance of the new Mazdas so I will keep my comments short: I really don’t mind it. It’s fun to see people’s reactions to that maniacal grinning face in their rear view mirror. All grinning aside the 2011 Mazda3, 5-door Grand Touring was a great ride.

My test car was equipped with a manual 6-speed transmission, which if you don’t do manual but want to, is one of the easiest to operate. I would highly recommend the Mazda 3’s manual transmission as one to learn the fine art of manually shifting. Even in stop and go traffic I didn’t mind shifting up and then down, up and then down…..you get the picture.

Take the Mazda3 on winding roads and feel it grip the asphalt. The steering is quick and communicative which gives the driver a greater sense of confidence. The suspension is a bit stiff so those who prefer a softer ride might find the Mazda3 too firm.

The 4 cylinder, 2.5 engine is the same one that powers the midsized Mazda 6 so it offers a lot more power than other economy cars in its class. But of course more power translates to less gas mileage bringing the Mazda3 in at 20 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway. I’ll sacrifice a few miles per gallon if it means more power.

And the fun doesn’t stop with the engine, the interior of the Mazda3 brings a sense of quality with leather trimmed seats and door panels, leather wrapped steering wheel, Bose audio system, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. The back is a bit cramped, however, and six-footers may not be able to stretch out their legs. And because my model was a hatch I had 17 cubic feet of cargo space (with the rear seats up). The moonroof was a welcome touch but it did cut down on the headroom a bit.

If you want a compact car without some of the draw-backs of a compact, give the Mazda3 a drive. It’s peppy, well-styled and roomy and its got ZOOM!