The Sport GT holds a corner with phenomenal tenacity and control. Smoothly apply a bit of throttle and it seems to read its driver's mind and place itself where expected.
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| The 3's handling dynamics are progressive and very predictable in much the same way that a well-balanced sports car is. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Push the inertia envelope to its limit and it communicates with gentle understeer that further foolhardiness may result in an undesirable outcome. Without a stability control system, the little Mazda relies upon driver skill, not technology to keep it right-side up. That being said, the 3's handling dynamics are progressive and very predictable in much the same way that a well-balanced sports car is. Shod in 205/50R17s, my test unit clearly benefited from the upgraded wheel and tire package. All Mazda3s are engineered with 4-wheel independent suspension featuring front and rear stabilizer bars. At the front a MacPherson strut setup performs the necessary service while at the rear a multi-link design, based on the laudable Mazda6, works equally as diligently. This package authors a ride that is on the firm side of smooth, but never unduly rigid or unpleasant. The only criticism I can
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| Thanks to 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, stopping the Mazda3, regardless of speed, is a snap. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
muster is in reference to excessive suspension noise occasionally generated by the front struts when road degradation is encountered. However, together with its electro-hydraulic power rack and pinion steering, the Mazda3's chassis can run with the sports car crowd and do so while treating its occupants to desirable comfort levels. The sports car crowd includes cars generally equipped with high performing braking systems, and quite admirably so does the Mazda3. Its 4-wheel, antilock disc brakes feature electronic brake distribution to ensure speed reduction occurs as effectively as possible. These velocity slayers could remove a poor fitting toupee faster than a hurricane. Stopping the Mazda3, regardless of speed, is a snap - over and over again. The ABS system engages when it should and no sooner, allowing more control over exuberant braking efforts.
