Braking, of course, is the primary safety system in all vehicles. Secondary to systems intended to avoid or prevent a crash are systems designed to protect occupants in the
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| Mazda has gone the extra mile by generously equipping its smallest North American offering. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
event of one. Mazda has equipped the 3 with two-stage frontal airbags, which along with weight sensors, and factoring in seatbelt use, are designed to minimize airbag deployment injuries. In the U.S. the Mazda3 can also be equipped with side frontal airbags and side curtain airbags. This doesn't appear to be the case in Canada, which makes one wonder why? Is our health care system that much better? The Mazda3 is offered in two formats; the five-door hatchback featured in this review and a conventional 4-door sedan configuration. Mazda has gone the extra mile, or
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| The Mazda3 is a car-full of value, fun and sensibly seductive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
kilometer depending on your side of the 49th, to generously equip its smallest North American offering. Standard equipment includes power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, a split-folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger and floor mats. My well-stocked GT test model upped the equipment ante with the addition of air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry and the aforementioned 17-inch alloy wheels.
