In the back, though, the short wheelbase limits foot- and legroom. What’s more, the elegantly curved ceiling reduces headroom. Then again, if your passengers are of the kiddie variety, these spatial shortcomings won’t be too bothersome. However, if you’re chauffeuring a couple teens that are growing like weeds and stuck behind tall front occupants, expect some tense family moments.
And now for the downsides
To make rear access easier, the automaker carved an indentation for the top half of the doors. This has resulted in a sharp door tip… one that can catch an adult in the stomach or a child in the face. A detail that should be corrected.
Also irritating about the Mazda3 is its trunk – its small trunk. Its usable volume is among the least generous of any compact sedan. And its short, narrow opening proves quite inconvenient when loading large objects. You’re better off stashing them in the cabin and sacrificing the rear seats, that, very thankfully, are split 60/40 and fold down.
Lastly, the body’s gorgeous profile, low and elegantly streamlined, reduces rear visibility. A common defect of many a modern car. Reverse manoeuvres thus require particular attention.
Not as basic as you’d think
On the other hand, the compact car’s list of equipment is rather comprehensive. The automaker only offers two options for the GX: the autobox and air conditioning ($1,195). However, Mazda wasn’t stingy when it came to air bags and curtains.
What’s more, the audio system is very respectable considering the price of the car. It’s even iPod compatible. The driver also benefits from electric side mirrors, electric central locking and electric windows. That’s enough to make anyone question its so-called “basicness”! And that is the crucial element for the target consumer.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
And now for the downsides
To make rear access easier, the automaker carved an indentation for the top half of the doors. This has resulted in a sharp door tip… one that can catch an adult in the stomach or a child in the face. A detail that should be corrected.
Also irritating about the Mazda3 is its trunk – its small trunk. Its usable volume is among the least generous of any compact sedan. And its short, narrow opening proves quite inconvenient when loading large objects. You’re better off stashing them in the cabin and sacrificing the rear seats, that, very thankfully, are split 60/40 and fold down.
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| The Mazda3’s trunk is one of the least spacious of its class. |
Lastly, the body’s gorgeous profile, low and elegantly streamlined, reduces rear visibility. A common defect of many a modern car. Reverse manoeuvres thus require particular attention.
Not as basic as you’d think
On the other hand, the compact car’s list of equipment is rather comprehensive. The automaker only offers two options for the GX: the autobox and air conditioning ($1,195). However, Mazda wasn’t stingy when it came to air bags and curtains.
What’s more, the audio system is very respectable considering the price of the car. It’s even iPod compatible. The driver also benefits from electric side mirrors, electric central locking and electric windows. That’s enough to make anyone question its so-called “basicness”! And that is the crucial element for the target consumer.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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