Topic: First Drive: 2014 Mazda3 Sport

[Autos_Editor]

 The redesigned 2014 Mazda3 proves that driving fun doesn't have to be sacrificed for better fuel economy, improved safety and a comfortable ride.
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[mixmanmash]

"Mazda3 proves that driving fun doesn’t have to be sacrificed for better fuel economy, improved safety and a comfortable ride – something that can’t be said for every vehicle in its class (Corolla, Dart, are you listening?). "

I doubt they are.  This new 3 puts both of those new cars to shame.

Very disappointing though that the manual is only available with the 2.0 and not the 2.5.  I think they need to rethink that.  Probably the biggest mistake they have made with this vehicle.

[quadzilla]

Fuel consumption with the SkyActiv 2.0L engine and six-speed automatic transmission has improved to 6.7 L/100 km city/4.8 L/100 km highway (35/49 mpg US) from 7.1/4.9 (33/48 mpg US). With the SkyActiv 2.5L engine and automatic transmission, fuel consumption is now just 7.2/5.0 city/hwy (33/47 mpg US) vs 9.2/6.8 (26/35 mpg US) with last year’s five-speed automatic transmission. And 2.5 models with the optional i-ELOOP energy-saving variable voltage alternator system will reportedly get 6.8/4.9 city/hwy (35/48 mpg US).

Impressive numbers. Can't wait to see pricing and one in the flesh.

[Solstice2006]

Have to agree, find it a little weird with the Mazda6 they offer manual across the board, but for the Mazda3 (which is usually targeted towards the younger crowd, and drivers car), they only offer it with the 2.0L ? 

The article mentions the interior looks a little dark, can you get a two tone interior without getting the GT?  Different exterior colours get different interior colours? Or how does it work?

[gotak]

On Edmunds and C&D they said the 2.5 will get a manual later on. Is that the case in Canada?

Don't have much to say about the outside. Doesn't really work more for me than the old exterior (I drive a 2010 speed3). The interior looks much improved.

If they do do a speed3 and they plunk in AWD, that could well be the replacement when it comes time to replace.

[greengs]

Those MPG numbers must be the Canadian EPA converted over?

US MPG ratings are something like 29/40 mpg city/highway. 

[johnnyboy]

but will they still rust at 5 to 7 years old?

[mixmanmash]

On Edmunds and C&D they said the 2.5 will get a manual later on. Is that the case in Canada?

I hope so.

but will they still rust at 5 to 7 years old?

I hope not.  My understanding is 2010 and up were much improved.  Last thing I would want since I keep my cars for a long time is to look like this after 10 years:


It's a little worse on the driver's side.  Also bottoms of the doors, around the windshield, front fender, and lower part of the car (below the doors) are all rusting.  Nothing structural yet (subframe or frame).

[JacobBlack]

There are now officially more threads containing that photo then there are Mazda articles on this site...

[mixmanmash]

There are now officially more threads containing that photo then there are Mazda articles on this site...

Lol.  Thanks!  You wouldn't know the car is that rusted driving it.

[carcrazed]

Looks great.  That HUD is kinda cheesy, though.

The GS will also be available with an optional Convenience Package that includes heated front seats, heated mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, parking brake handle and shift knob, rain sensing wipers, and auto on/off steering wheel. An optional Moonroof Package includes power moonroof and front fog lights. A 6-speed automatic SkyActiv transmission is also optional.

What's an auto on/off steering wheel?

[JacobBlack]

Looks great.  That HUD is kinda cheesy, though.

The GS will also be available with an optional Convenience Package that includes heated front seats, heated mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, parking brake handle and shift knob, rain sensing wipers, and auto on/off steering wheel. An optional Moonroof Package includes power moonroof and front fog lights. A 6-speed automatic SkyActiv transmission is also optional.

What's an auto on/off steering wheel?

An auto on/off steering wheel is a little-known feature some new cars have. It is designed to make newly hired editors of automotive sites look like idiots.

[Rupert]

I liked the original Mazda 3. looks. I think subsequent models have not been as good in the appearence dept. Still not a bad car.

[Solstice2006]

On Edmunds and C&D they said the 2.5 will get a manual later on. Is that the case in Canada?

I hope so.

but will they still rust at 5 to 7 years old?

I hope not.  My understanding is 2010 and up were much improved.  Last thing I would want since I keep my cars for a long time is to look like this after 10 years:


It's a little worse on the driver's side.  Also bottoms of the doors, around the windshield, front fender, and lower part of the car (below the doors) are all rusting.  Nothing structural yet (subframe or frame).

Maybe rustproofing from new would help, I know the first generation Mazda3 had problems, but we have seen threads on this issue already.  And it's too soon to tell for 2nd generation, but it seems better.  As far as the old protégé is concerned, my Sentra has rust at the door bottoms as well, same as my in-laws 2004 Civic, it's not a Mazda Protégé/3 strictly issue, just happen to be more common in that wheel well area.  There are preventative measures one can take...

[dkaz]

Wait, am I reading this correct? No manual transmission with the GT 2.5L? Half the Mazda 3 GT owners I know have manual transmissions.

Impressive fuel economy. 2.0L as expected, the 2.5L wow.

[mixmanmash]

On Edmunds and C&D they said the 2.5 will get a manual later on. Is that the case in Canada?

I hope so.

but will they still rust at 5 to 7 years old?

I hope not.  My understanding is 2010 and up were much improved.  Last thing I would want since I keep my cars for a long time is to look like this after 10 years:


It's a little worse on the driver's side.  Also bottoms of the doors, around the windshield, front fender, and lower part of the car (below the doors) are all rusting.  Nothing structural yet (subframe or frame).

Maybe rustproofing from new would help, I know the first generation Mazda3 had problems, but we have seen threads on this issue already.  And it's too soon to tell for 2nd generation, but it seems better.  As far as the old protégé is concerned, my Sentra has rust at the door bottoms as well, same as my in-laws 2004 Civic, it's not a Mazda Protégé/3 strictly issue, just happen to be more common in that wheel well area.  There are preventative measures one can take...

Agreed.  Yearly rust proofing from brand new would likely help.  Most of the rust starting forming when Edmonton started using more salt on the streets about 3-4 years ago.

[dkaz]

I have to nitpick, the seats seem like step down from the current generation. They look like economy car seats again.



I mean k mine looks a bit boring being all monotone and everything but I love the butt to shoulder hugging bolsters.

[Ex-airbalancer]

That seat is push way to forward , how can you get in , never mind drive the thing 

[bensonc]

I have to nitpick, the seats seem like step down from the current generation. They look like economy car seats again.



I mean k mine looks a bit boring being all monotone and everything but I love the butt to shoulder hugging bolsters.

Agree, the new one look like some cheap add on cover while the old one look much premium.
also the head up display look terrible just from the pic.  the pop up style stereo on top of the dash seems like an after thought, also thee will be no place for aftermarket... 

[Rupert]

Manual trans orders are far fewer than Auto surely. Re-sale is not as attractive a proposition I think either.