2014 Mazda3 Sedan – Review

With a comfortable ride and balanced handling, 2014 Mazda3 Sedan is making a statement as a favourite class of compact cars. It is completely redesigned with new standard equipment, great electronic interface and fuel-efficient engines. With a suitable global rollout, this compact accounts for 40 percent of Mazda’s U.S. sales with fifty percent in Canada.

• Exterior

  The 2014 Mazda 3 is available in four-door sedan and hatchback body styles, both of which are available in 3i and 3s trims that are further reduced into 3i SV and 3i Sport, 3i Touring, 3i Grand Touring and 3s Grand Touring.

  With the exterior comes LED Daytime running lights, LED combination taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-xenon headlights with auto levelling, Auto On/Off headlights, Rain sensing windshield wipers, etc.

  

• Interior

  The 2014 Mazda 3’s cabin, a blend of intuitive and driver-oriented dashboard is better than its predecessor. With the interior comes 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustment, variable heated front seats. Other special features include moonroof with one-touch, advanced keyless entry and start system, dual-zone automatic climate control system, tachometer, temperature gauge, fuel indicator, etc.

• Powertrains and Performance

  The 2013 Mazda 3i is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque using a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. It sprints 0–60 mph within 8.3 seconds with EPA mileage estimate of 30 mpg city/41 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined. This is similar with 3i hatchback estimate.

  The 3s model comes with 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque using six-speed automatic transmission; there is no available manual transmission. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Sedan engine is 28 mpg city/ 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined.

• Driving impression

  There is evidence that 2014 Mazda 3’s base 2.0-liter engine has better responsiveness to driver’s input coupled with midrange torque output; though the 2.5-liter engine is quicker, smoother and quieter with less impact to complete fuel economy. There is overall intelligent, fast and responsive transmission effect.

• Safety Features

  2014 Mazda 3 is mated with standard safety features which include advanced airbags, front-impact airbags, side-impact air curtains, dynamic stability control with traction control system, 4-wheel ABS with electronic Brakeforce distribution and Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with rear traffic alert, high beam control, smart city brake support, adaptive front-lighting system, etc.

• Competitors

  Some compact cars that are worth considering when making budget include Ford Focus, Kia Forte, Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic and Hyundai Electra. Despite these classes of compact line-ups, Mazda 3 is relatively a better choice.

• Pros

  Sharp handling

  Efficient fuel economy

  Quick acceleration

  Available hatchback style

  Refined interior plus intuitive control

• Cons

  Noisy 2.0-liter engine under strong acceleration

• Pricing

  The entry level four-door model of 2014 Mazda 3 stands for a little lower than $18,000 while the five-door starts at $19,740 inclusive of delivery charges.

• Verdict

  2014 Mazda3 offers great opportunity for experience of striking design, premium cabin and good driving in quality and efficient trims. Mazda3 is a great option for compact cars.