The next-generation Mazda compact has sufficiently more power than its predecessor. The Protege5 made do with a mere 135 horsepower, hardly adrenaline inducing compared to the 160 horsepower 3 Sport. The new 2.3-L, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine is standard on the
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| The new 160-hp 2.3-L, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine is standard on the Mazda3 Sport. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Sport and optional in the sedan, making all of its smooth-revving 160-hp at 6,500 rpm, while peaking to 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine is impressive, adequately powering the lightweight 1,282 kg (2,826 lb) car. But what happens when the Sport leaves the bare city streets and enters a world of ice and snow? Well, I'll tell you as I ended up spending a few days at a Whistler. I wish I could say that the Sport handled like a dream in the snow, but I can't. Don't get me wrong, it did a fine job of taking me to and from the ski hill, but there I experienced wayward traction multiple times.
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| I wish I could say that the Sport handled like a dream in the snow, but I can't. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Let me explain. Being a front-wheel drive car it at least didn't skid out from the rear disconcertingly, but I still had some trouble getting up minor hills that I thought it should have been capable of handling. All said it isn't fair to blame the lack of adhesion only on the car itself. It may come down to the fact that this specific model wasn't shod with tires that best suit winter conditions. The Sport boasts a decent set of rubber for aggressive driving in the dry and wet though, a set of standard 205/50R17 all-seasons biased toward at-the-limit handling rather than sifting through the white stuff.
While the tires wouldn't grip the snow to my liking, the standard front ventilated and solid rear disc brakes with standard ABS and EBFD came to the rescue. The brakes are quite good no matter the road surface, even snow.
