But this is a theme the 3 continues over and over. I mean, what compact car features rear disc brakes standard? How about a tilt/telescopic steering wheel? At the risk of repeating the entire standard feature list, something the recently revised www.mazda.ca website does an impressive job achieving, suffice it to say there's a lot on the table.
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| The phrase "a feature not normally offered in the compact class" keeps coming up when describing the new 3. (Photo: Mazda) |
Possibly most impressive to driving enthusiasts, or for that matter just about anyone wanting to pass a slow moving vehicle or alternatively needing to merge from city to highway speeds, the base GX and GS 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine sports 148-hp. Again, this is top of its class. Torque is ample too, at 135 lb-ft, available from a reasonably tractable 4,500 rpm. Those wanting a little more get up and go can opt for the
GT package, boasting a 2.3-L four with 160-hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. While rivals offer more powerful tuned versions of their compact cars, so will Mazda. The current 2003.5 MazdaSpeed Protegé is being phased out; set to be replaced by something new based on the 3. Stay tuned.
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| Standard 3s get a smooth shifting 5-speed manual, with Mazda's 4-speed automatic with Sport mode sequential shifting. (Photo: Mazda) |
Standard 3s get a smooth shifting 5-speed manual, with Mazda's 4-speed automatic with Sport mode sequential shifting. Again, try to find another compact that offers a manu-matic gearbox as the base automatic? There isn't one. Both transmissions are available with either engine.
A powerful and flexible drivetrain is wonderful, but would be wasted if the 3 was a dog in the handling department. Fortunately Mazda has been spending its resources, and dipping into the much deeper pockets of parent company Ford Motor, to develop the new model's chassis. It shares architecture with the next-gen Focus and Volvo S40 that recently debuted in Frankfurt, and is said to be set up to Mazda's more driver oriented performance specs.
