2014 Mazda Mazda3 I Grand Touring Hatchback Review
2014
The Automobile Connection
All-time Automobile to Buy Nominee
The Auto Connexion Adept Review
Senior Editor
August 7, 2014
Likes
- Responsive powertrains
- Sporty contour, eye-catching sheetmetal
- Great treatment
- Excellent gas mileage
- Premium feel, in some respects
Dislikes
- Tight dorsum seat
- Busy ride
- Route noise
Ownership tip
features & specs
4-Door Sedan Automatic i Grand Touring
4-Door Sedan Automated i SV
4-Door Sedan Automatic i Sport
The 2014 Mazda 3 stands out from the small-car crowd, with its sport-car-influenced proportions and sporty driving experience; simply its tight, noisy cabin means that it'southward not at all the best selection for pragmatists.
The 2014 Mazda 3 is ane of the best, and perhaps one of the most ofttimes disregarded, small cars on the market. A redesign has brought information technology truly attractive styling, more than features, and better gas mileage that should make information technology a mandatory add to more small-scale-auto shopping lists.
These improvements come without disturbing what'south been Mazda'southward primary appeal, peculiarly with the 3: it'due south i of simply a scattering of driver's cars in the segment, along with the Ford Focus and the VW Golf.
In that location's i asterisk we have to get to right off the bat: The svelte, almost sexy proportions of the new Mazda3 compromise its interior space. Provided y'all don't need a bigger auto (similar a Hyundai Elantra, which qualifies as a mid-size machine) the Mazda 3 should stay on your list, as it's one of the best entries in the compact segment.
The 2014 Mazda 3 is a standout, in terms of styling and design, and its long hood and 'cab-back' design really cast information technology in a dissimilar low-cal compared to most other compact cars. Adopting the automaker's Kodo "soul of motion" design language, commencement seen on the CX-5 crossover and Mazda6 mid-size sedan launched over the by two years, the Mazda 3 loses the creepy grinning of the previous-generation car (or was that a smirk; we never quite knew) and takes on the make's new blunt olfactory organ and five-point grille leading into thin, slanted, swept-back headlamps. A sweeping shoulder line slows gracefully forth the body side and a more slanted, fastback roofline on the hatchback ends in what we run into as a somewhat softer, less distinctive rear-end handling.
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At its best, this combination of the aggressive front grile, crisp edges, and gentle curves, and hunkered-back cabin birthday makes the car look taut and sports-machine influenced. At its worst, the Mazda 3 looks a picayune long-hooded—as if the hoodline of the Mazda half-dozen sedan had been grafted to the front of what'due south otherwise a smaller car.
The entire structure of the new Mazda 3 has been designed effectually the SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, which Mazda began launching in 2012 models. This highly efficient four-cylinder engine uses high compression, carefully tuned exhaust systems, and other refinements to provide power while extracting maximum efficiency from every drib of fuel without the added complication of hybrid systems.
The 2014 Mazda three offers two dissimilar variants of the engine, and we think that no matter which one you choose you lot'll finish up with a reasonably smooth, responsive combination. A 2.0-liter version is rated at 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-liter version puts out 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Each is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automated transmission. At least initially, Mazda isn't offering the larger engine with the transmission manual, notwithstanding, and it hasn't all the same detailed the adjacent high-operation Mazdaspeed3. The 3 gets retuned springs, shocks, and anti-gyre bars to improve straight-line stability, and the automaker claims to have improved both cornering capacity and ride comfort. Information technology says the Mazda 3's stopping distances are among the best of all compact cars (all models get iv-bicycle discs); meanwhile, electric power steering replaces the erstwhile electrohydraulic system.
Thanks to the new SkyActiv engines, the Mazda3 gets EPA highway fuel economy of upward to 30 mpg urban center, 41 highway, and even the larger 2.five-liter engine returns up to 28 mpg city, 39 highway. Among the various features contributing to greater fuel efficiency is the i-ELOOP system, which uses a special alternator organisation and recharges the battery mainly during deceleration and braking. In a commencement for a product car, the arrangement charges a capacitor—which can absorb a great deal of energy quickly—to recapture maximum energy during braking. For now, this feature is only offered in the top-level Thousand Touring, with the Tech Bundle.
Overall, the Mazda3 is now at the head of the form with respect to powertrain performance. Most aspects of the driving experience are very satisfying—nosotros'd call it far more able-bodied than your typical compact car. Nosotros find the intermission and dynamics to be excellent in tight hairpins, although the new steering didn't feel as confident on center on the highway, and a lot of ride harshness (and noise) still makes its way into the cabin compared to other cars in this grade.
It's about half an inch shorter in height and 1.six inches wider. The trunk structure is both 30 percent stiffer and lighter than the previous model, Mazda says, contributing to good handling and fuel efficiency together.
Auto design is a game of requite and take, so it's no surprise that the Mazda3's long hood and swept-dorsum proportions stake claims on what otherwise would exist passenger space. Nosotros do wish that Mazda would take considered the practicality of the parcel merely a chip more than; its wheelbase is about 2.v inches longer, yet the forepart pillars accept been moved back nearly 4 inches and the cabin feels 'scrunched' accordingly, with the dorsum seat suffering. The forepart-seat area is spacious, and seats are supportive (with newly contoured seats and more dorsum and lateral support). In back, meanwhile, Mazda claims more knee room and shoulder room, but it feels tighter, in a fore-aft sense, than most other compact entries. The rear seatbacks are virtually 2 inches college, to improve comfort for back-seat passengers, which only serves to push the heads of taller riders upwardly against the cardboard-like contoured headliner in models with the moonroof. 1 feature that'due south unusual in a new car is the lesser-hinged "organ-style" accelerator pedal, which Mazda says is more comfortable for drivers.
The 2014 Mazda 3, which has already been named an IIHS Height Safety Pick+ model this year, adds a number of new electronic safety systems to the company'south compact car line. Each body style is fitted with six airbags: front end and side numberless for each front-seat passenger, and side-curtain bags stretching the full length of the cabin. Like all new cars, it has anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction command, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and other standard safe fittings. New for this model year are several systems that employ a combination of camera and radar-based sensing to assistance and alert the commuter in potentially hazardous situations. Mazda groups all of the new prophylactic systems together nether the proper noun i-ActivSense. They include adaptive prowl command, a blind-spot monitoring arrangement, lane-divergence warning alarm, and headlights that switch automatically between low and loftier beams.
There's also a forward-obstruction alarm system, which alerts drivers if the car is closing likewise quickly on an obstruction directly alee. Mazda says that system operates at speeds from 9 to 92 mph. Finally, there'south a new Smart City Brake Support system, which monitors closing distances and will pre-tension the brakes and alert the commuter if a standoff appears imminent at speeds upwards to 19 mph. If the driver doesn't respond in time, the system will automatically brake the car to a stop. Another interesting characteristic bachelor in the Mazda 3 is the Active Driving Display—an odd heads-upwardly brandish with its own lilliputian screen (which over two examination cars wouldn't stay aimed in the line of sight).
One area where cars are evolving apace is in infotainment, and the Mazda three is no exception. All 'due south' versions, as well as 'i' Grand Touring (and optioned 'i' Touring models) include the Mazda Connect system, which brings a large, colorful, high-dissimilarity impact-screen display atop the dash (some might run across it as looking like an aftermarket offering, but we like how information technology's high in the field of vision). Unlike the system in the larger Mazda6 and CX-5, with its laggy response, this arrangement is quick and responsive, with relatively like shooting fish in a barrel-to-navigate menus that tin can be selected with the touch screen or with the rotary (iDrive-like) Command Controller.
That organization includes the now-standard AM/FM radio, CD role player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, and a USB jack and auxiliary audio input port for connecting digital music players. The premium sound option is a Bose organisation with Centerpoint virtual surround sound. Voice control allows users to search amongst folders, find tracks, echo, and shuffle them using spoken commands. The organization promises good usability, every bit you can utilize the Internet for finding locations, but the navigation arrangement is onboard, with map and routing data stored on a SD carte.
Either equally a curvaceous minor sedan or hunkered-back hatchback, the 2014 Mazda 3 is a complete pattern expression with a lot of sports car influence.
The 2014 Mazda 3 isn't just another await-akin compact car. We recollect it's one of the trendsetters in its class, and its 'cab-back' design, with proportions that are more like that of a rear-cycle-drive motorcar, actually stand out among other pocket-size cars.
The new iii adopts the company's Kodo "soul of motion" design linguistic communication, showtime seen on the CX-v crossover and Mazda6 mid-size sedan launched over the concluding ii years. The new design improves aerodynamics and cuts drag. The front might wait edgeless, but Mazda says both the v-door and sedan achieve drag coefficients of 0.275 and 0.255, respectively, which it deems best in form.
In front end, the new Mazda iii has lost the creepy smile of the previous-generation car (or was that a smirk, nosotros never quite knew). The top corners of the feature five-betoken grille lead into sparse, slanted, swept-dorsum headlamps. The cabin is gear up further to the rear, making the profile dramatically different than the previous version, and other compact cars. The hood and engine compartment are stretched out, with the windshield pillars moved almost 4 inches rearward—in role to adjust the specially tuned exhaust system of the SkyActiv four-cylinder engine. A sweeping shoulder line forth the torso side and a more slanted, fastback roofline on the hatchback ends in what Mazda terms "provoking" taillights with pointed ends.
At its best, this combination of the ambitious front grile, crisp edges, and gentle curves, and hunkered-back cabin altogether makes the car look taut and sports-car influenced. At its worst, the Mazda 3 looks a niggling long-hooded—every bit if the hoodline of the Mazda 6 sedan had been grafted to the front of what'south otherwise a smaller car.
For all their distinctiveness in front, both the sedan and the hatchback ended up a niggling besides rounded and generic in back, we think. The design, and the proportions in general, definitely piece of work better for the sedan than the hatch; although at the aforementioned time, more than than one of our editors idea that the hatchback three nods to some classic fastback designs.
Within, Mazda has redesigned the cockpit to focus on the driver, with pedals and manual controls bundled symmetrically around the driver's centerline. Among the pattern features toward that end are what Mazda calls the Active Driving Display. It's a clear console that pops upwards from backside the instrument cluster when the car is turned on to show speed, turn-by-turn directions, and other critical information. The goal is to direct the driver's focus beyond the instruments and closer to the road ahead, while maintaining the best driving posture.
The instrument cluster itself uses a big central analog gauge, with a wing-shaped digital display on either side. Regrettably, Mazda has succumbed to the use of glossy piano black trim pieces for the center console and door accents, set off by satin chrome highlights.
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Among frugal small cars, the 2014 Mazda3 is one of the most entertaining and engaging to bulldoze—although the steering might not quite measure up to expectations.
The last-generation Mazda 3 was i of the best-performing compact cars—excluding the company of 'tuned' special-performance models similar the Mazdaspeed3, Ford Focus ST, and VW GTI, of course. In most respects, the new Mazda 3 maintains that functioning edge; just it'southward no swell bound.
In powertrain performance, the redesigned 2014 Mazda 3 remains at the head of the class. Whether y'all get the 2.0-liter in-line four or the 2.5-liter version, and whether you opt for the half dozen-speed automatic or the half dozen-speed manual gearbox, these combinations all bring satisfying performance and better responsiveness than most compact cars.
The reason why these powertrains piece of work so well? Through its so-chosen Skyactiv initiative, Mazda has gone and engineered, from scratch, a new engine (here in ii different sizes), plus an all-new vi-speed automatic transmission and a new half dozen-speed transmission gearbox. Along with the latest versions of the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan and CX-5 compact crossover, these models are all congenital on a purpose-built platform, to adapt that new platform, and steering and suspension systems have been redesigned at the same time, all to preserve weight and improve fuel-efficiency, without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
The transmission gearbox snicks neatly and precisely betwixt gears, and the clutch takes upward easily and neatly; and in automatic versions the transmission shifts rapidly between gears, well-nigh with the decisiveness of a dual-clutch organization, but with more smoothness when you need information technology. The only odd affair we noticed in our examination bulldoze, when we encountered some low-speed hairpin corners, was how widely spaced first and second gear are. 3s versions become steering-bicycle paddle-shifters.
Between ii.0-liter 'i' and ii.5-liter 'due south' models, at that place'due south probably not as much of a departure as you might think. The 'i' should be enough quick for almost needs, and it'll relieve yous a mile per gallon or two overall. Both of these engines have the same personality and are very smooth all the way up the rev range. The 2.5-liter has one big reward, though: It makes its peak 185 pound-feet of torque at three,250 rpm, while the 2.0-liter makes 150 lb-ft at four,000; information technology feels noticeably stronger at the lower end of the rev range, which should brand it an even amend companion with the automatic transmission.
1 note: Over two different test cars with the 2.5-liter engine, we encountered a noticeably lumpy low idle when the engine was fully hot.
In general drivability, the Mazda 3 also excels. The powertrain is never caught flat-footed, and the accelerator pedal is confident and linear, non just tuned for jumpy response on the test drive. The steering feels precise; there's never excess body motility; and the four-cycle disc brakes (fifty-fifty on the base SV) are confidence-inspiring. Transmissions (except for the odd ane-ii gap we noticed in our automated examination car) offering a nice prepare of ratios that seem well-suited to the engine, including a very tall sixth gear that had the engine in our Grand Touring turning at an indicated 2,050 rpm at 70 mph.
And on the other paw, when you lot want to bulldoze speedily, you tin can hit the Sport button for a more aggressive throttle setting and a delayed shifts for the automatic transmission. With it clicked, we besides noticed that the stability control has a remarkably loose rein on overzealous driving styles; information technology'll even permit a little bit of sliding—all in the name of fun, correct?
1 feature that's unusual in a new car is the lesser-hinged "organ-way" accelerator pedal, which Mazda says is more than comfortable for drivers. We hold.
Mazda put lots of engineering into an electrohydraulic power steering system for that concluding-generation machine, and nailed it, with the all-time steering, by a long shot, of any small car. That concluding-generation car is a tough act to follow, and we but don't think the new automobile'south electric power steering system is every bit expert. It's one of the better systems in this course, and nosotros really like the potent sense of center at lower speeds, out of corners, only it doesn't do well with oddly crowned roads, or runway all that well at highway speeds—requiring more than modest adjustments than we would have liked.
In fuel efficiency, the Mazda three does make a pregnant spring. Although the 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine had been offered for the by couple of model years in some models of the three, the 2014 models all accept the new and far more efficient engine lineup. As nosotros outline in our Dark-green and Fuel Economy section, that means an EPA rating of more than 30 mpg Combined for the entire lineup--and mileage gains on the society of 30 percent for some of the lineup.
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The 2014 Mazda 3 has the await and experience of a more expensive machine inside, in many respects, but its depression-slung seating and hunkered-back roofline bring some comfort consequences that some will have trouble accepting; then is its rather busy and noisy ride.
At that place'southward no manner to sugar-coat information technology: The long hood and swept-back proportions that make the 2014 Mazda 3 then attractive—even a little sexy—on the outside end up limiting its infinite (and usefulness) inside.
Although if you lot're mainly planning to use the Mazda 3's front end seats, that might not matter; for the most role this compact-car family unit offers pleasing interior appointments, and even the look and feel of a premium-make vehicle in some respects.
The 3rd-generation Mazda iii rides on a wheelbase that's 2.4 inches longer, but the five-door hatchback model is one.8 inches shorter overall; information technology'south also nigh 1.half-dozen inches wider than the previous model. While Mazda touts increased front and rear shoulder room, every bit well as better rear knee room, the net event is that the cabin feels a bit smaller than most other cars in this class, particularly in back.
The front seats are very comfy and supportive, with lower cushions that are long enough for taller drivers; and the overnice, contrasting perforated-leather upholstery in our Grand Touring felt luxury-caliber. Mazda has enlarged the cushion of the driver'due south seat and completely redesigned its front seat backs, to provide a more natural sitting position and increment lateral back up.
In dorsum, ii six-footers will be able to get comfortable enough, provided those in front aren't also tall. We'd also advise against the moonroof, considering it brings a very odd, scooped-out headliner that volition leave taller passengers feeling like the roof is bowing around them. Rear occupants sit nearly ii inches higher than in the sometime car, but the way the rising beltline limits window space still makes information technology one of the more claustrophobic small-car experiences—especially in the hatchback.
The Mazda three feels premium from the front end seats forward, with materials that are major footstep forwards for Mazda—even in some cases ameliorate than what'due south offered in the new Mazda 6. But in that location are some disappointments as well; for example, the interior surface alongside the front doors is soft touch, merely alongside the rear doors it's a hard surface that more often than not mimics the await but has a slightly different sheen and is just difficult plastic (Mazda isn't the just offender; information technology'due south likewise done by Honda in the Borough, for instance). The headliner itself is another expanse of disheartening cheapness; in both top-of-the-line Grand Touring we spent time with, it felt like flimsy paper-thin covered by a felt-similar cloth, with the entire department a bit loose over the moonroof machinery.
In theory, the Mazda iii is a step ahead in refinement over the old car. The visitor says that information technology's added noise-absorbing material behind the dash, under the floor mats, and elsewhere. While we didn't hear a bit of road dissonance, and engine noise is in the background most of the time, we think that there's a bit too much road dissonance whenever the surface is coarse or imperfect.
As for the ride, by electric current compact-car standards, it's a scrap busy (it would have been a bit ahead of the grade norm a few model years ago, but loads of ride and refinement attention accept transformed many on-a-budget offerings). Y'all might call it platonic, but just if yous've driven on smoothen-surfaced Southern California roads. We nevertheless oasis't driven lower-level 'i' models with less ambitious wheels and tires, and we'll update this impression when we have.
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The 2014 Mazda 3 earned Height Safety Pick+ status, and new agile-safe options secure some added respect.
The all-new Mazda3 has an impressive list of standard features, plus some active-safety features that become beyond what's usually on offer in an affordable meaty car; while that should identify it in high regard, we're still waiting for a full set of crash-test ratings for this all-new model.
The 2014 Mazda three has been congenital on a different platform than the previous version—ane that's more often than not shared with the CX-5 crossover and the Mazda half dozen mid-size sedan.
The 3 has been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Rubber (IIHS), and information technology's earned excellent 'good' results in all categories--including the new small overlap frontal test. And that's given information technology the new IIHS Top Prophylactic Option+ distinction for 2014. Furthermore, information technology's achieves peak five-star ratings in all of the federal authorities's crash tests.
All Touring and Grand Touring models get Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cantankerous Traffic Warning; 'i' Grand Touring (and 'i' Touring if optioned) every bit well as all 'southward' models get a rearview camera every bit function of their Mazda Connect system.
Other available active-safety features in the three include Smart Metropolis Brake Support, which will use laser sensors to assist anticipate a standoff and activate emergency braking automatically (under 19 mph); Forward Obstacle Alarm, which warns the driver of hazards ahead (between 9 and 92 mph); a Lane Departure Warning System, which warns the driver when they're straying from lane markings; and Bullheaded Spot Monitoring, which beeps if you've clicked the turn point in 1 direction and a machine is currently in that space. A Loftier Beam Command system and Adaptive Forepart Lighting are also available.
With that optional equipment, the IIHS gives the Mazda 3 its 'advanced' front crash protection rating.
Outward visibility is surprisingly obscured in the Mazda three, and fifty-fifty anticipating the upwardly curved beltline, it's worse from inside than the exterior suggests. That's in role because door pillars are thick, and rear hatchbacks with their blacked-out glass lead you to believe there's window space where there'south not.
For the most part, the Mazda 3 is about on par with other vehicles in the segment; although if yous pace upwards to top Thou Touring models, you get a lot of tech features, at a price that's withal under $30k.
The 2014 Mazda 3 lineup includes a competitive list of features for the money—especially if yous're considering one of the more affordable 'i' SV, Sport, or Touring models. Meanwhile, top-of-the-line Thousand Touring models can be loaded up with some technology features that aren't typically plant in this kind of affordable pocket-size car—and the lesser-line price doesn't add up to as much as you lot might call up.
All models, even the base of operations SV include button-button start, keyless entry, rear-seat heater ducts, tilt/telescopic steering, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. All but the base SV Sedan include a sixty/forty-split folding dorsum seat (that model instead has a single-piece folding seat). The base SV Sedan also does without Bluetooth manus-free calling, only all other models include it. Lower-level models in the three lineup include a four-speaker sound system with an auxiliary input, while 'i' Sport models get a CD player.
Sport models step upwards to some pieces of equipment that many shoppers won't want to go without: a 60/40-split folding rear seat, cruise control, Bluetooth, a CD player, and ability mirrors. The Touring models add together alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a rear spoiler, keyless entry, a rear-seat armrest, premium sport seats, and some minor leather trim, as well as the Bullheaded Spot Monitoring organisation with Rear Cross Traffic Warning.
Add that Touring Applied science Parcel to the 'i' Touring, and you get a long listing of items that are all included in the 's' Touring and M Touring: dual-zone climate command, an overhead console, illuminated vanity mirrors, and the Mazda Connect system and all those audio, connectivity, and app extras.
Mazda3 'i' Grand Touring models get a long list of upgrades that include vinyl ('leatherette') upholstery, automated climate control, a power driver's seat, a moonroof, and front heated seats—forth with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 7-inch colour touch-screen brandish, the Commander Control, vocalization commands, navigation, a rearview camera, and SMS functionality plus full integration of Pandora, Stitcher, and Aha streaming sound with your smartphone connection. In that location's as well upgraded Bose nine-speaker sound, plus satellite radio and Hd radio.
Step up to the 3 'due south' Touring and its larger 2.5-liter engine, and you also get the Active Driving Display (an odd head-up display with its own little screen), steering-wheel paddle-shifters, LED running lamps, halogen fog lamps, bi-xenon headlights, larger xviii-inch blend wheels, and a Sport way button for automatic-transmission models. Information technology'south also worth noting that the Touring is the only mode to go the larger engine without the moonroof.
At the summit-of-the-lineup 's' M Touring level, you lot get perforated leather upholstery, the moonroof, bi-xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting, and rain-sensing wipers.
While base-level 'i' models and 'i' Sport trims get steel wheels, we're impressed that all models in the lineup go four-wheel disc brakes. But curiously, base SV models with the automatic transmission include a stripped-down version of the gauge cluster without a rev counter.
Adaptive Front end Lighting and rain-sensing wipers are included in the 's' Grand Touring, while if you add the Applied science Package yous get a long list of additional active-safe features (detailed in the Rubber section of this review)—plus the i-ELOOP system and agile grille shutters, which together increase fuel-efficiency modestly.
The 2014 Mazda 3 features a completely new Mazda Connect infotainment arrangement that connects via Bluetooth to the user's smartphone. Its software tin also be updated, meaning features can be added in future without having to bandy out physical hardware. And it uses the Aha system from Harman to handle Internet apps. Text-to-voice technology lets the system read e-mail and SMS messages aloud through the machine'southward audio system, as well as displaying short messages on the touchscreen monitor. Users can select from amongst pre-set replies and have the system transport them. The system will also read updates from Twitter and Facebook, and a Shout audio function lets users choose among responses.
A few words nigh the infotainment: While in the Mazda6 system has somewhat laggy screens and a poorly designed carte du jour layout, the system in the Mazda3 is worlds better. The brandish is crisp, colorful, and high in dissimilarity, and information technology's quick and responsive, with no lag any. The layout of the menus is improve, too, and you lot tin can either navigate through them on the touch screen or employ the Command controller to twist down through them or click left or right to motion amongst the tabs and screens.
Overall, we'd say that Mazda Connect is right on the mark, and most users are going to like its interface and its redundancy (with multiple means to do most things). Our biggest complaint with some of the infotainment system is that information technology doesn't remember where nosotros are… For example if were listening to music and seeking through stations, a restart (or just answering a telephone call) would lose our place and we'd have to go back in from the habitation screen. Also, you can't simply utilise the forrad and back buttons on the steering wheel to melody (they appear to be for media merely).
The navigation organization is clear and straightforward, and we like the ease of bespeak-of-interest (POI) integration. Notwithstanding, when we were moving along, it wouldn't let the states pan over to an alternate destination while we were using the map view—a function that you lot have in nearly every other system.
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With the entire lineup offering more than 30 mpg Combined, and the top-of-the-line Tech Package adding the fuel-saving i-ELOOP organization, the 2014 Mazda 3 lineup shows that going frugal can still be fun.
The 2014 Mazda 3 has fuel economy ratings that are somewhat meliorate than virtually cars in its class for base models, and significantly better than its competitive class if y'all opt for the higher-performance 'due south' model.
2014 Mazda three 'i' models (with the ii.0-liter engine) return EPA ratings of 29 mpg metropolis, 41 highway with the manual manual, or 30/41 mpg with the automatic. Those are for the sedan; hatchback models lose ane mpg on the highway. Every bit for 's' models with the 2.5-liter engine, they're rated at 28/39 mpg for the Sedan and 27/37 for the hatchback. The acme Thousand Touring with the Tech packet boosts the hatchback's mileage up to 28/38 mpg, however.
The Tech Package brings an i-ELOOP regenerative engine braking system and active grille shutters, along with several other active-safety extras. Just put, i-ELOOP uses capacitors to run the alternator at its peak generation ability when decelerating and braking, to store energy that will then exist used to run accessories (and run the alternator very lightly, with nearly no elevate) when you lot're accelerating.
Both engines offer a very high (13:1) compression ratio, every bit well as direct injection and variable valve timing, and other measures that are aimed at saving fuel while maintaining responsiveness.
We managed more than 27 mpg over well-nigh 160 miles; and of that, about x miles were crawling along in rush-hr gridlock and another 30 miles were driving very quick on mountain backroads, with the revs high. In relaxed daily commuting conditions you'll easily height xxx mpg, nosotros retrieve, even with the larger two.5-liter.
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The Motorcar Connectedness Consumer Review
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I did research and this machine proved to exist everything positive that I read.
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May 29, 2015
For 2014 Mazda MAZDA3
Relialbility can't be beat.
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April 17, 2015
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Mazda3...amazing petty fun to bulldoze automobile!
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A pleasant machine to drive with lots of features.
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Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mazda_mazda3_2014
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