The primary driver information center is contained within three large circular pods positioned directly ahead of
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| The attention to detail plus interior fit and finish is first rate. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
the driver and clearly visible through the upper portion of the steering wheel. Inserted into the pods are the tachometer, speedometer, plus fuel and engine temperature gauges, all of which feature easy-to-read analog dials sporting red highlights against blue arc backgrounds. The center stack also features red highlighting, and in my tester housed an audio head capable of ingesting 6-CDs. Three utilitarian, but sensible, dials administer the heat, ventilation and air-conditioning settings. With the generous use of
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| The interior of the Mazda3 is stylish and far from subtle, but at the same time is functional. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
red backlighting, the entire dash is a sight to behold during night driving. There is not much about the Mazda3 that is subtle or understated, but fortunately the glitz has not come at the expense of functionality. Mazda's revised compact is very roomy internally, offering vertically challenged folk, whether overly short or toweringly tall, plenty to appreciate. The driver's seat has plenty of fore and aft travel and in my Sport GT was also height adjustable. Unless the front seats are pushed to the max rearward, there is plenty of headroom and legroom in the rear as well - and let's not forget that the Mazda3 is classed as a subcompact (or compact depending on who's classifying it), which often translates into spinal compression for adults imprisoned in the rear of cars within this segment.
