Current-gen Mazda 3 sedan ... driven for a week ... it has been a long time since I've driven any Mazda

[trinacriabob]

This rental experience, lasting one week, was a surprise all the way around.  The first thing that comes to mind is how helpful the agents were upon renting and returning the vehicle.

I got my assigned category of vehicle, plus a small upward bump, assuming this sedan could be considered midsized.  The current Mazda 3 sedan appears to have grown up and, with its thicker pillars and haunches, looked like it was going to be a nicer car for an entire week than the only other time I’ve rented a Mazda 3, about 5 years ago, and for which that rental lasted only 1 day.

Do I like the way the current Mazda 3 looks?  Mostly yes, and some no.  I like the flow of the silhouette and, to some extent, the definition of the volumes.  The side profile is attractive enough.  The same could be said for the rear fascia and taillamp assembly.  However, I’m not a fan of the trademark too tall grille for this size of car. Its Mazda’s current vernacular and it probably works a little better on their larger vehicles, but this is just my opinion.

The Mazda 3’s interior is spartan in its volumes and finishes, almost looking Germanic.  I have different feelings about the instrument cluster than I do the overall dashboard.  The main instrument pod is very clearly and cleanly laid out.  It has 3 main pods, with the center pod, which can be configured in many ways, dominating the others.  The tachometer is to the left and larger and very readable fuel and temperature gauges are to the right.  As for the remainder of the dash, a slightly angled and narrow almost tear drop like infotainment screen is embedded into the cowl.  Ventilation slots are thin and run horizontally.  The climate control panel is workable, but not as visually appealing, and even symmetrical, that other vehicles are currently using. 

The steering wheel feels good to the touch, with its materials, but, even with upward seat adjustments, I did not have the command I wanted over the top of the dashboard.  It felt slightly more astronaut or race-car driver-like than I would have wanted.  However, the seating shape is conventional and supportive, so comfort wasn’t as issue.  Seating is neither too cushy nor too hard.  I did need some extra time to get used to 2 areas in terms of using settings.  The first was that the infotainment display was not a touch screen, but one operated by a large dial sitting right behind the gear selection lever.  It was not that intuitive and it would lead me to return to the home setting to try again.  The other was the cluster of controls on the left side of the steering wheel.  In some of the audio controls, there was too fine of a line between tabbing up or down or pushing into it.  At times, I didn’t get the intended result I was looking for.

The Mazda 3’s forte seems to be its handling.  It inspired some confidence and, as I found myself on some expressways with a legal speed limit of 75 mph, I noticed that quickly changing lanes and the feeling of being in control were both very good.  However, in this niche, I’ve had vehicles that were quieter and more isolated.  I remember the last-gen Mazda 3 of a handful of years ago as being both grainy in its engine and busy as it rode on washboard pavement.  This one is much improved.  However, there is the engine hum, which some may like, and maybe a marginally higher amount of road noise or tire thum coming through than in some of its current competitors.  When you put your foot into it, it definitely makes itself heard, albeit as a rhythmic purr.  The engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a displacement that was once so common, and it is naturally aspirated.  The transmission is a 6-speed geared automatic.  Shifts were clean and, consistent with the other communication from its mechanical aspects to its driver, shifts 1-2 and 2-3 were felt, though not at all unpleasant, in normal to spirited driving.  Even some step-gear and DSG transmissions have gotten to the point where they seemingly “slush” into the next gear.  While I might like drivability that is even quieter and more isolated, I appreciated a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT.  The reliability of Mazda powertrains is supposedly good.

Even though the cabin front position is low for my taste, the seats are supportive and there is enough leg room, though it’s also a little more work to get into and out of the car.  Rear seat legroom seems acceptable for medium-height adults, albeit probably not so much for tall people.  The somewhat thicker rear pillar does not impede visibility when turning one’s head toward the rear.  Visibility through the greenhouse is workable and, in concert with the Mazda 3’s styling, is appealing.  Trunk space is also good for the Mazda 3’s size and the split folding rear seats make it even more generous.

I did not calculate the Mazda 3’s fuel economy.  Compared to a smaller 4-cylinder displacement and a CVT, the fuel needle moved a little more quickly, but, also, the vehicle does not come with a very large tank.  It also did not spin at lower rpms while maintaining highway speed, with some vehicles in the same niche now cruising along at, say, 1800 rpms, either because of more gears or a CVT.  I’d say I was noticing slightly over 2000 rpms when maintaining highway speed.  Still, it got acceptable fuel mileage.

It did not affect what I was going to write, but I did glance at professional reviewers’ opinions on the Mazda 3.  Most are very pleased with the vehicle.  Again, I thought it was competent, and I really appreciated its road manners and its feeling planted but liked, instead of loved, most of the other aspects of its drivability and its features. However, it’s worth taking note of the Mazda 3’s price point and good record.-

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