My loaner came with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, fortunately, making it much more fun than any automatic gearbox could be. But in case you're the shiftless type, Mazda offers an optional 4-speed automatic with "Sport mode" manual actuation. Shifting the manual was easy and smooth, while the clutch was no problem to depress. Overall the 3 Sport was a breeze to operate.
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| Fitted with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission, or the 4-speed automatic with manual mode, the 3 Sport is a breeze to operate. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Body-colored trim is standard, including the outer door handles, protective bodyside moldings, front grille, rear spoiler, and power operated heated door mirrors. Also, sporty fog lights, white side turn markers, tilt steering, power door locks, illuminated entry, power windows with driver's one-touch down feature, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, dual front cupholders, an anti-theft alarm system, floor mats, and front door pockets are included. The 3 had an exceptionally large and lockable glove compartment too, that holds tons of stuff from CDs to sweaters (no exaggeration).
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| The Mazda3 Sport GT comes with many sporty standard feature that increase its "coolness" factor. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Despite having a great drivetrain, comfortable but cold leather seats, and a classy yet clean interior and exterior finish, the Mazda3 Sport's fuel economy was what impressed me most. On my first tank of gas I managed to drive over 475 kilometers and the fuel gauge wasn't even on empty. The hard specs show 9.2 L/100 km (26 mpg) in the city and 6.7 L/100 km (35 mpg) on the highway. Remember, the Sport is no lightweight when it comes to performance so its fuel efficiency is that much more impressive.
