Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Mazda3 Sport GT

[Solstice2006]

I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate the Mazda 3's infotainment system after spending a week with a Ford Focus.  It is intuitive and the controls are VERY well done.  So much so that I haven't had to actually touch my screen once.  The Ford on the other hand nearly got me into an accident as I tried to navigate through touch menus to change a radio station. 

IMO, touch-screens should be mandated to go into an "off" mode when the vehicle is traveling faster than 15 KM/h.  That would force manufacturers to implement proper tactile or wheel mounted controls.

I hated the system in the Mazda. I found it far from intuitive.

I had no issue with MFT, where you can use the touch screen, voice commands or the redundant controls on the steering wheel.

How much time do you actually spend fiddling with the audio system anyway? I set the source and leave it alone, sometimes for weeks. I don't get it.

You can use voice commands, and steering wheel controls on the Mazda as well.  On the base Mazda6 GX, like mine, I don't have the HMI, so I can use all 3 (steering wheel, screen, and voice).  Still will never use voice, don't like talking to computers.  Don't like talking on the phone period, have only received about 3-5 calls, and placed 1 call in the car, with speed dial.

[chignectohead]

My driving of new Mazda3's has been limited to two of the far cheaper 2.0l 6MT models going for about $21 grand, and made in Japan. The latest ones are assembled in Mexico and there have been quality lapses rumoured, mostly transportation damage. It's a brand new factory.

$21K is one thing - the car drives very well indeed. But this one costs $29,000 plus shipping (the pricing in the article does not add up). The cost to Mazda for the 2.5l over the 2.0l engine must be about $50 for the extra aluminum in the slightly taller block casting. And that's about it. It's not all that much quicker, and the base 6 costs less with the bigger engine included and still made in Japan.

Surely for $29K plus shipping, this 3 is way overpriced. A reasonable price would be $22K for one with far fewer options and the bigger engine. If you want go power, and can tolerate the VW salesman's rudeness for even asking about the cheapy GTI 2 door for $29K with non-boring paint, it's a much, much quicker choice. And quieter with similar fuel consumption.

[dkaz]

As I've stated time and time and again, it's too bad we don't have the American trim levels. You can get the 2.0L engine base to fully loaded, or the 2.5L mid range to fully loaded.

[mlin32]

As I've stated time and time and again, it's too bad we don't have the American trim levels. You can get the 2.0L engine base to fully loaded, or the 2.5L mid range to fully loaded.

Not really, the US just has an extra trim level that essentially that adds the Canadian GS optional packages. A lot of the features, one still must purchase the bigger thirsty 2,5 litre motor. That was what I was forced to do; one can't buy a 2,0 litre with bi-xenon headlamps or a rain/light sensor.

[dkaz]

Wow you're right. Auto lights are a minimum requirement for me.

[neil]

Drove a 2.0 2015 autobox last week.  Autobox required for upcoming teenage driving daughters....  Was definitely "meh".   I was pretty disappointed to be honest.  I am in the business but don't work for any particular manufacturer, and after all the hype I have heard about this car I was expecting much more.

I'll have to try the 2.5

[dkaz]

My best friend didn't drive an automatic til she was 23...

[neil]

I drive a stick now, and she is learning it.  Maybe by the time I pull the trigger she will be ready for it.  Right now it scares the crap out of her compared to momma's Nanny Equinox.  The RamCharger scares her even more LOL.