On the plus side, the driving position and comfortable seats quickly won me over. No matter what the road threw at me, I always felt secure and supported. My partner on the right would tell you the same thing. However, rear passengers will have to make a few sacrifices with regard to legroom. It's a small car after all!
I must specify that my GT tester came standard with all the bells and whistles today's compact car buyers look for, including stability control. More importantly, comfort features such as dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth connectivity set it apart from lower trim levels.
Did you say ''Zoom-Zoom?''
The thing that makes Mazda products so special has always been their fun-to-drive dynamics. The Japanese manufacturer strives to remain the king of Zoom-Zoom and more often than not, it does so pretty well.
The 2010 Mazda3 GT is no exception with a valiant 167-horsepower, 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine that shows great spirit and responsiveness when called upon.
Of course, this is not a race car, but the powerplant delivers enough thrust to meet your occasional needs for a little more action. Smart transmission gearing and a sharp steering also contribute to the pleasant driving experience.
Legitimate complaints about the Mazda3 are few and far between. Rearward visibility could be better and the mill burns a bit too much gas for a car of this size, but that's about it.
The lasting impression on the road is one of genuine fun. Flawless handling is achieved through a firm yet pleasant suspension, a stiff chassis, large stabilizer bars and the aforementioned steering. Whichever line you choose, the 3 is one of the most solid compacts that will take you there.
Wrap-up
I know some of you are going to bemoan my fondness for sporty driving – guilty as charged. Having said that, sporty driving does not necessarily equate to dangerous driving. For the individual sitting behind the wheel, it means to be rewarded with a good dose of excitement. And from that standpoint, despite some irritants here and there, the aging Mazda3 is still #1.
I must specify that my GT tester came standard with all the bells and whistles today's compact car buyers look for, including stability control. More importantly, comfort features such as dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth connectivity set it apart from lower trim levels.
Did you say ''Zoom-Zoom?''
The thing that makes Mazda products so special has always been their fun-to-drive dynamics. The Japanese manufacturer strives to remain the king of Zoom-Zoom and more often than not, it does so pretty well.
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| My GT tester came standard with all the bells and whistles today's compact car buyers look for, including stability control. (Photo: Mazda) |
The 2010 Mazda3 GT is no exception with a valiant 167-horsepower, 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine that shows great spirit and responsiveness when called upon.
Of course, this is not a race car, but the powerplant delivers enough thrust to meet your occasional needs for a little more action. Smart transmission gearing and a sharp steering also contribute to the pleasant driving experience.
Legitimate complaints about the Mazda3 are few and far between. Rearward visibility could be better and the mill burns a bit too much gas for a car of this size, but that's about it.
The lasting impression on the road is one of genuine fun. Flawless handling is achieved through a firm yet pleasant suspension, a stiff chassis, large stabilizer bars and the aforementioned steering. Whichever line you choose, the 3 is one of the most solid compacts that will take you there.
Wrap-up
I know some of you are going to bemoan my fondness for sporty driving – guilty as charged. Having said that, sporty driving does not necessarily equate to dangerous driving. For the individual sitting behind the wheel, it means to be rewarded with a good dose of excitement. And from that standpoint, despite some irritants here and there, the aging Mazda3 is still #1.
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