2017 Mazda3
Lookin' good, Mazda3
There's just something about sumptuous styling that gets our motor revving here at Heritage Mazda Bel Air, Catonsville & Towson, and the Mazda3 is a repeat offender when it comes to turning heads, ours included. But the Mazda3 isn't just a pleasure to stare at—it's also an entertaining, versatile, and classy car to drive.
For 2017, the Mazda3 continues its charm offensive with updates to both front and rear fascias, a new steering wheel, updated dashboard design, more standard equipment, and a new electronic parking brake, which in turn frees up more center console space for storage. Already a treat to drive, the Mazda3 now features G-Vectoring Control for improved handling, along with a retuned suspension that provides a smoother ride.
Performance
The 2017 Mazda3 is powered by one of two engines, depending on the trim level selected. The base engine consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Power is efficiently sent to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.
Higher-trim-level Mazda3 models get a boost in power, courtesy of a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It too is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, the former of which is sure to please old-school driving purists.
Fuel economy is where the 2017 Mazda3 truly shines. Sedan models powered by the 2.0-liter engine return an EPA estimated 32 mpg combined (28 city/37 highway) with the automatic transmission.* When mated to the manual, sedan models earn an equally impressive 31 mpg combined (27 city/37 highway).*
EPA estimates for the 2.5-liter sit at 25 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and a remarkable 29 mpg combined when mated to the manual (in both hatchback and sedan form).* For the six-speed automatic, the 2.5-liter engine returns an estimated 30 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway).*
Features
The 2017 Mazda3 starts at $17,845 and is available in four-door sedan and hatchback body styles.** Both models are available in Sport, Touring, Touring 2.5, and Grand Touring trims.
Standard equipment for Sport models includes 16-inch steel wheels, power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system, complete with USB port, an auxiliary input, Bluetooth®, HD Radio™, and smartphone-enabled Internet radio. Rounding out the Sport's already impressive list of standard features are the Mazda Connect™ 7-inch touchscreen display with knob-based controller and a rearview camera, which is standard throughout the lineup.
Of course, drivers looking for even more features are encouraged to explore the Touring trim, which provides an extra level of creature comforts such as heated side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
There's also a Touring 2.5 trim, which is available to hatchback models only. It features much of the same equipment found on the standard Touring, but adds a more powerful engine and sunroof.
Likewise, Grand Touring models up the ante even further with LED foglights, a gloss-black grille insert, a digital speedometer, a head-up display, and leather upholstery. It also boasts a rear lip spoiler, sunroof, and a premium nine-speaker Bose® surround-sound audio system.
Grand Touring models also have access to the optional i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Package, which adds a more capable forward collision warning and mitigation system, a lane departure warning and intervention system, automatic high-beam headlight control, and adaptive cruise control.
Design
Attention to detail has always been a strong point for all Mazda models and that especially rings true for the 2017 Mazda3. For 2017, the Mazda3 receives updated styling for up front, with a more streamlined grille and headlight treatment. The side mirrors have also been updated to reflect a more progressive design and, on Touring and Grand Touring models, new 18-inch wheels confidently carry this popular sedan/hatchback.
Speaking of the hatchback, it too gets a slight makeover at the back, and the sedan now features a deep trunk with a wide-opening lid, while the hatchback's liftback gate makes it easier than ever to load long or bulky cargo.
Inside, Mazda has created a well-designed, intuitive driver dashboard. The design is simple, contemporary, and sure to be a talking point with passengers. The driver's seating position is excellent, with comfortable, sporty seats to boot. Head and leg room is very good both in the front and the back of the car, and you can adequately carry adults in the rear seats without causing discomfort. Hatchback models provide 20.2-cubic feet behind the rear seat, too.
Safety
Good looks will only get you so far, which is why the 2017 Mazda3 comes well-equipped with a veritable arsenal of standard safety features. These include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alerts comes standard on the Touring trim level and above. For your convenience and safety, a rearview camera is standard across the lineup.
Verdict
Despite its affordable price, the 2017 Mazda3 delivers the goods when it comes to looks, fuel economy, and in-demand technologies. It may be priced like a compact car, but it sure doesn't look, drive, or feel like one.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit Heritage Mazda Bel Air, Catonsville & Towson at 1 Olympic Place Suite 1120, Towson, MD 21204 today.
*Up to an EPA-estimated 28 city/37 highway MPG for 2017 Mazda3 Sport 4-door models with automatic transmission. Sport 4-Door models with manual transmission, 27 city/37 highway MPG. Actual results will vary.
**Starting at $17,845 for 2017 Mazda3 Sport 4-Door models with manual transmission. Excludes taxes, title, license fees, and $835 destination charge (Alaska $880). Actual dealer price will vary.
Image: Mazda