The 2011 Mazda3 is the perfect choice if you want a small car that is affordable and has a good design and performance. Mazda3 is a small car that can accommodate 5 people and ensures that the first row occupants will feel comfortable. The installed engine can produce great power thus it can also result to greater torque and acceleration. This small car from Mazda is one of the top of its class.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Compact Sedan | Base Price: $15,800.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (54.8 liters) | MPG: 25 city / 33 hwy |
| Length: 180.7 in. (458 cm) | Width: 69.1 in. (175.5 cm) |
| Height: 57.9 in. (147 cm) | Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2859 lbs (1296 kg) | Ground Clearance: 4.7 in. (11.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 11.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.0L 16-valve DOHC 4 cylinder w/ VVT | Displacement: 1999 cc |
| Horsepower: 148 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual w/ OD |
| Option:Mazda3 iSport | MSRP: $16,705; MPG: 25 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:Mazda3 iTouring | MSRP: $18,100; MPG: 25 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:Mazda3 s Sport | MSRP: $19,545; MPG: 20 city / 28 hwy |
| Option:Mazda3 s Grand Touring | MSRP: $22,510; MPG: 20 city / 28 hwy |
Performance
The Mazda3 receive good reviews about its performance. Many cited that the engines are in good condition and the suspension is perfect. Braking and handling of this small car is very smooth and easy. Great acceleration can be produced by a four-cylinder 2.0L engine or a 2.5L engine. The 2.0L engine can generate 148 horsepower and can produce a torque of 135 ft lb while the 2.5L engine have 167 horsepower and can produce 168 ft lb of torque. With Mazda3, you have three transmissions to choose from: the automatic five-speed transmission, the five-speed manual transmission, or the six-speed manual transmission. The braking of 3 is very great. Braking and steering is very stable and precise.
Exterior
The theme of the Mazda3 style is aerodynamic. Many loved the aerodynamic appeal but others don’t like the front grill that looks like its grinning. The roofline of the Mazda 3 is sporty and the rear deck is blunt. The exterior includes a grille that has five-points and the headlights are installed at the corners such that it flows organically. There are delicate creases that run from the hood up to the windshield. The overall tone of the exterior design is set by the front’s aggressive appeal.
Interior
One factor why many buyers consider the Mazda 3 is the great interior design. The front seats are comfortable. The interior is adorned with elegant materials and each material is well-made. The seat on the second row is not very spacious so children will perfectly fit in. The interior also includes an instrument panel that is driver-centric. The optional features that are added to the Mazda3 are the automatic control for climate that is dual-zone, Bluetooth, and a sound system that is Bose surround, has 10 speakers and comes with an AudioPilot. A radio satellite (Sirius) is also an option.
Safety
Federal government already tested the safety equipment of Mazda3. For the test of front crash, 3 receive the top score (five star) while it received lower scores for the rollover and the test for side crash which is four and two stars respectively.
On the other hand, insurance industry gave the Mazda 3 the highest rating “Good” for each test-the side impact, the front crash, the rear impact, and roof strength. Insurance industry also lauded Mazda3becasue it incorporated the standard stability control which is electronic. Other safety equipment of the Mazda 3 are the stability control, traction control, the anti lock brakes, and the air bags for the side and front impact.
Reliability
The 2011 Mazda3 received an expected reliability rating of 6 with 10 as the highest rating. This rating is given by J.D. Power based on the data of the dependability and the initial historical quality from the previous three years.
The Competition
There are only a few cars that can be compared with Mazda3. The Mazda3 is said to be a fun to drive and sporty vehicle. You can also check Honda Civic (MSRP $15,805; 26 city / 34 hwy). Honda Civic has a good performance when driven but it is more expensive than 3. Another small car that can equal or surpass 3 is Ford Fiesta (MSRP $13,200; 28 city / 37 hwy). It has great interior design and you’ll experience excellent driving.
Pros & Cons
You can expect that you’ll have fun driving the 2011 Mazda3. With great handling and braking, surely you’ll have no problem when you are on the road. The high quality materials used to construct this small car gives a feeling of high-quality or elegance.
The Mazda3 is packed with features that anyone would like to have in a small car and it’s yours to enjoy at an affordable price. The only drawback of the exterior design is its grill that looks goofy. The controls are also a bit complicated to manipulate and the navigation screen is very small.
Overall Rating
78 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Mazda3 provides more driving enjoyment than most other small-car models, along with a stylish, racy look; but with a tight, noisy cabin, it’s not without compromise.”Car Connection
“The s models are also among the best in class, but i versions are no slouches either. Any 3 is confident, exhibiting little body lean, though i versions have more than s models. Steering feel is accurate and responsive, and the brakes have excellent pedal feel and control.”Consumer Guide
“Handling is precise and sporty. Interior quality is very good. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2011 Mazda 3 provides more driving enjoyment and greater refinement than its affordable price tag would suggest. If you’re shopping for a small, inexpensive sedan or hatchback, it should be at the top of your list.”Edmunds
“The 2011 Mazda3 provides the performance of a more expensive sports sedan with the interior quality of some mid-level luxury cars.”KBB
