Some small cars are bigger than others.
Sexier and roomier – and quicker – too.
One of them also gets better gas mileage than its rivals.
Which small car, specifically?
The new Mazda3. It’s what Mark Twain might have called a sockdollager. I call it one of the most impressive new cars I’ve driven recently – because it so clearly outclasses the competition.
Yeah, I’m excited – and maybe you should be, too.
WHAT IT IS
The 3 is technically in the compact sporty sedan/hatchback wagon class – but it is larger (and roomier) than others in this class, including the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. It’s also available with more engine (2.5 liters, 184 hp) than most and gets better MPGs than all (39 highway with this engine; 41 with the standard 2.0 engine) its competitors.
You can go sedan – or hatchback sedan.
Base price for the i SV sedan with 2.0 liter engine and six-speed manual transmission is $16,945. A top of the line i Gran Touring with the 2.5 liter engine and six-speed automatic lists for $23,795. 
The high-performance MazdaSpeed3 is absent from the lineup . . . for the moment. But look for it to make a dramatic return later this year (fall 2014), probably as an early 2015 model. It is rumored the car will offer all-wheel-drive, as well as its signature turbocharged engine.
Look out, WRX.
WHAT’S NEW
The ’14 3 is all-new, a complete redesign.
WHAT’S GOOD
Class-leading power/performance – and MPGs.
Very competitive on price.
Six-speed manual available in most trims.
Sedan – or hatchback sedan – bodystyles.
More interior room than competitors.
WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD
Infotainment system sometimes freezes up. Or did for me during my week-long test drive.
Manual transmission not available with larger/stronger 2.5 liter engine.
No “Sky-D” diesel engine . . . for now.
A bit less trunk/cargo capacity than competitors.
UNDER THE HOOD
Mazda offers two drivetrain options in the 3 – with a third hopefully on deck for later this year.
First up – and standard equipment in the lower trims – is a 2.0 liter, 155 hp engine paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or (optionally) a six-speed automatic. This engine features Mazda’s “SkyActiv-G” technology, including very high (14:1) compression – which results in very high fuel efficiency: 30 city, 41 highway.
These numbers are tops in the class, out-classing the Ford Focus even when that competitor is equipped with its extra-cost Super Fuel Economy Package (28 city/40 highway) as well as the Hyundai Elantra: best effort -28 city, 38 highway with its optional automatic transmission.
A big 3 “plus” is that the high-compression/high-performance SkyActive engine runs on regular – not premium – fuel. And that fuel economy doesn’t drop by a noticeable amount if you stick with the stick.
It does . . .when you choose the manual transmission in competitor models.
The six-speed manual-equipped 3 rates 29 city, 41 highway – just 1 MPG less (in city driving) than with the optional six-speed automatic. But the Focus drops to 26 city, 36 highway when that car is ordered with a manual transmission. Which, by the way, is a five-speed manual. You get one less gear to play with – and lose 5 MPG on the highway, too.
The Hyunda Elantra (and Elantra GT) can be ordered with a a six-speed manual – but so equipped, its fuel economy is also lower: 27 city, 37 highway for the sedan vs. 28 city, 38 for the same car with its optional automatic.
Either way, the six-speeded, manual-equipped 3 does better.
And performance?
The 2.0/six-speed manual-equipped 3 gets to 60 in 8.1 seconds – much quicker than the base-engined (1.8 liter, 145 hp) Hyundai Elantra (mid 9s). And it’s quicker than the Focus, too – which is about 100 pounds heavier than the Mazda (2,907 lbs. vs. 2,799 lbs. for the 3). This negates the Ford’s 5 hp on-paper power advantage (2.0 liters, 160 hp). Also, the Ford’s 2.0 engine is down on torque relative to the Mazda’s 2.0 engine: 146 ft.-lbs. vs. 150 ft.-lbs.
Another 3 plus is that the automatic version is nearly as quick (about 8.2 seconds to 60) as the manual version. The automatic-equipped Focus is about half a second slower to 60 (8.8 seconds) than the manual version (about 8.3 seconds).
If more scoot is wanted, Mazda offers an underhood upgrade to 2.5 liters and 184 hp – the same engine that’s standard in the new Mazda6. This is also more engine than you’ll find in the competition – excepting the special high-performance version of the Ford Focus (the Focus ST). The regular Focus maxxes out at 160 hp; the Hyundai Elantra at 173 hp (with its optional 2.0 engine in lieu of the standard 1.8 liter, 145 hp engine).
Plus number four is that this version of the 3 still gets exceptionally good gas mileage: 28 city, 39 highway. This is only slightly less than the 2.0 engine delivers – and better than the 160 hp-engined Ford Focus delivers.
Ditto that with regard to the optional-engined Elantra – which rates just 24 city, 34 highway.
Fifth plus?
You can order the 2.5 engine with an “i-ELOOP” max-effort fuel economy package that includes a regenerative braking system similar to that used in hybrid cars. It bumps the already-outstanding (class-best) mileage of the 2.5 liter engine by up to 10 percent, according to Mazda – putting the highway number into the 40s.
The only negative – if you’re third pedal inclined – is that Mazda only sells the 2.5 liter engine with the six-speed automatic.
ON THE ROAD
To begin with, the base-engined 3 isn’t underpowered. Several of its competitors – most notably the slo-mo’ 1.8 liter Hyundai Elantra – are charter members of the Nine Second Club. And to cancel your membership, it’s necessary to buy the extra-cost/optional engines available in these models.
In the 3, it’s not necessary.
The Mazda’s standard 2.0 engine and six-speed (either way, manual or automatic) is lively enough to make upgrading to the larger/stronger 2.5 engine an indulgence, not a necessity. That it’s also the class leader when it comes to gas mileage only sweetens the pot. Competitors have consoled buyers of their base engined models with fairly favorable fuel economy. Better performance is available – but it’ll cost you. Up front – and at the pump.
Along comes Mazda with a car that imposes no such compromises. It outruns its rivals when you floor the gas pedal – but it doesn’t use as much gas as they do when you do floor it.
A sockdollager.
And then there’s that optional 2.5 liter engine. More performance – with almost-no-at-the-pump-penalty. If only Mazda would offer the 2.5 engine with the manual trans. But that might be piling on.
Tightness is another 3 superlative. Literally. The car’s turning circle is more than a foot tighter than that of the Ford Focus (34.8 vs. 36 feet) and that’s a big difference, just like the difference in back seat real estate (more about that follows below). The Hyundai Elantra’s turning circle is the same 34.8 feet, but it is hobbled by a weak base engine – and so-so fuel economy. 
I’m a big fan of Mazda’s suspension tuning – which in my opinion/experience is as close to “BMW” as any FWD-based car you can buy. The ride quality is compliant, but expertly damped. The car leavens out the road, adapting to dips and bumps with an admirable absence of reverb shock. Some cars achieve flat cornering by cinching the works down – but the downside is a stiff and sometimes bouncy ride that gets old in a daily driver. The 3 corners adroitly, but rides supple – and that’s the ticket in a daily driver. Like the gas mileage – and power/performance. Have your cake and eat it, too.
A word on the seats: They are superior. Like the suspension, they are supportive but soft at the same time. At one point, I spent three-plus hours driving the 3 and my cheeks never complained.
AT THE CURB
The new 3 looks more substantial than its predecessor – and its competitors.
Because it is.
At 180.3 inches long overall, the 3 is longer than the Elantra (179.1 inches) and Focus (178.5 inches). The 3’s also got two inches more wheelbase than the Ford: 106.3 inches vs. 104.3 inches.
But where the dimensions markedly differ is inside.
The 3’s got mid-sized car back seats (35.8 inches) vs. the compact car- accommodations in the Ford (33.2 inches) and Hyundai (33.1 inches). This is a difference you’ll notice immediately – and one that matters if you have long legs or a tall family.
Trunk space in the sedan’s no great shakes – 12.4 cubes – but if you need more cargo room, the hatchback’s got you covered: 20.2 cubes with the back seats upright; 47.1 cubs when they’re folded down. This is less than in the Focus (23.8 and 44.8 cubes, respectively) and the Elantra GT hatchback (23 and 51 cubes, respectively) but it’s not a glaring deficit – especially in view of the 3’s other charms.
Which include a seriously beautiful bod.
The 3 looks like a two-thirds scale Mazda6 – and the 6 is maybe the best-looking car in its class. The 3 uses the same themes to the same good effect: Long nose – relative to the rest of the car (a WWII-era Focke-Wulf 190D comes to mind; this model was fitted with a Benz V-12 in lieu of the usual radial engine in regular 190s). Voluptuous metal flows forward like a tidal surge over the front wheels. Upward swooshing side scallops are pressed into the door panels; the back door glass tapers to a point like eyes squinting in a slipstream.
This car look like a million bucks – or at least, it looks like a lot more than its not-quite-$17k-to-start MSRP.
The week I had the 3, I also had a new BMW 328d. Nice car. It damn well should be.
$49,000 and change.
The 3 – less than half the price – did not look half the price when parked beside it. And not only looks, folks.
My test car had leather seats – with heaters. Not included in the $49k BMW. Plus a slick-looking LCD display with HD satellite radio and GPS and a bunch of other features. The BMW didn’t have satellite radio – or GPS.
These cost extra, too.
My test car – a top-of-the-line Grand Touring model – also boasted heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition, a premium Bose surround-sound audio rig with nine speakers and the aforesaid satellite and Internet HD radio, the aforesaid seat heaters (three stage sea heaters) and the slick-looking 7-inch multicolor touchscreen LCD display with 3D and 2D GPS.
And it stickered for $22,745.
Buy two of them instead of the one 328i – and you’d still have a few thousand left over for gas.
Speaking of which: The diesel BMW was averaging 36.4 MPG – according to the car’s computer. The gas-engined Mazda3 was averaging 33.1 – a real-wold difference of maybe 3-4 MPG. Take into account that diesel fuel costs about 50 cents more per gallon and … well …
Somewhere in my head, I can hear George “the Kingfish” Stevens saying now lookee here…
I like the BMW. But I love the 3.
How can you not feel affection for a car that is almost as economical with a gas engine as a much more expensive car is with a diesel? That comes with more amenities – for literally half the money?
That looks like a million bucks – but doesn’t cost $49,000 bucks?
BMW, et al, need to wake up and smell the java. The ground underneath them is shifting.
THE REST
The new 3 was supposed to have been released with Mazda’s Sky-D 2.2 liter diesel engine as an available option, but it’s a no-go so far.
That is, for us.
In the UK and other European markets, Mazda will sell you a new 3 with diesel power right now . . . and without urea injection. It’s available with a six-speed manual transmission, too. How’s about zero to 60 in just over 8 seconds – about as quick as the 3 with the gas 2.0 engine.
And 45-plus MPG, too.
But not for us – not yet.
Because Mazda has been wrasslin’ with Uncle to get his permission to sell us the Sky-D engine. It’s an ongoing problem – and not only for Mazda. The U.S. has a different emissions rigmarole than the EU emissions rigmarole – and making a car compliant with both rigmaroles can be a hassle – and an expense. The good news is Mazda’s working on it – and we will see the Sky-D engine eventually.
Fingers crossed, it’ll be later this year.
The 3 does offer several things right now that you won’t find in competitors – including automated braking (Smart City Brake Support) which applies the brakes if you don’t. I’m not a big fan of idiot-proofing – and let’s face it, that’s what this is. But it’s the wave of the future and Mazda’s among the first to offer this technology in an entry-level car. The 3 can also be equipped with a Heads-up Display (HUD), Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Blind Spot/Cross Traffic Warning system.
One other thing: My test car’s infotainment/GPS system occasionally froze up. This happened twice, to be precise. I had to reboot the system – stop the car, turn off the car, re-start the car – to unclog whatever the software logjam was/is. I checked around and found a few reports of similar issues posted by 3 owners, so be aware of this. It’s a new car – with a new suite of electronics – and sometimes, there are bugs.
Just ask BMW.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Luca Brasi from The Godfather needed a gun to make an offer you couldn’t refuse. Mazda dealers won’t need to do much more than hold open the door for you.
This car sells itself.
Throw it in the Woods?
How does the Mazda 3s compare to the VW Jetta 1.8 turbo in terms of NVH, acceleration, and perceived longevity (I believe VW/Audi has one of the rust/corrosion warranties)?
Thanks
Hi David,
The 3 is the sportier car; both its base and optional engines are stronger than the VW’s. Also, the Mazda comes with a six-speed manual while the VW still uses a five-speed. The Mazda’s mileage is significantly better, too – icing on the cake.
Mazda also did a top-drawer job muting noise intrusion; the 3 feels very substantial and “quality.” It comes across as a much more expensive car than it is.
Now, I like the Jetta. It’s a nice car. But the 3 is a nicer car. It’s also more fun to drive – and more efficient.
As far as perceived longevity: Mazda’s got a pretty solid rep while VW has had a few issues in the recent past with quality control. I doubt either car would rust through before at least 15 years had elapsed. It’s very rare for a modern (anything made since the mid-late ’90s) to have rust issues for a long time.
While the emissions certification issues were probably true at the time, it wasn’t the ONLY reason for the delay! Many Australian and European Mazda6 and CX-5 models with the 2.2L Skyactiv-D are having oil level problems. Specifically, the oil level increases quickly and can cause serious engine damage. The increase is caused by diesel fuel entering the oil sump after being used to clean the particulate filter. The so-called ‘solution’ that Mazda has implemented is requiring oil changes every 2,000km (1,200 miles)!!! Failure to do so will void the warranty!
Back in February, Jim O’Sullivan (CEO & President- Mazda N.A. Operations) stated that the Skyactiv-D is postponed indefinitely for North America. The problem (allegedly) is that it that they don’t feel that it meets the performance expectations and demands of the North American market yet. He literally said that he doesn’t want to have buyers come back to him and say that it doesn’t have the Mazda “zoom-zoom” character. He did say that the engine currently meets emissions regulations for all 50 states.
Initially, I thought the explanation he gave sounded like B.S. The last thing they would do is announce that the engine is having reliability issues elsewhere. But I also think they could have used a better cover story if they were lying. The engine performance excuse could also harm the Skyactiv-D when it finally does make it here. Its performance will be under heavy scrutiny when it debuts.
Regardless of the true reason(s), I am thankful that Mazda didn’t ignore the issues and introduce the engine here anyway. GM destroyed the market for diesel passenger cars in the U.S. by introducing an engine with horrible performance issues and mechanical flaws. It has taken more than three decades to recover. Any company that introduced another flawed diesel here would be doomed…
http://www.mazdausamedia.com/2014-01-09-MAZDA-TO-DELAY-SKYACTIV-D-CLEAN-DIESEL-LAUNCH-IN-NORTH-AMERICA
Really nice review. My sis showed up at a recent birthday party in one of these, and I was super impressed with the looks. Nice to see it has such a great design and price. I’ve steered away from Mazda for years after a bad experience with one of their sedans in the eighties, sounds like they’ve gotten their ship righted. This is indeed the future of the auto – more for less money, imho. Status cars like BMW and Mercedes are going to feel the pinch.
Thanks, DR!
No BS – I was very impressed by this car. It’s among the few I’d consider buying. Everyone I showed it to guessed the price was around $28k… when I told them just over $22k, they were all very surprised.
And, impressed!
FYI:
First Look at the New for 2015 Mazda Miata
http://gas2.org/2014/04/04/first-look-2015-mazda-miata/
At Geneva, Mazda’s chief Miata designer, Peter Birtwhistle, told the guys at AutoExpress UK that the new, 2015 Miata will be “more masculine” than the current car. “If I had to describe it in one word,” said Birtwhistle, “it’d be ‘edgy’. I think it will be a surprise for people … It’s a tight, edgy little car that is going to appeal to a broader range of people. We know the clichés about the MX-5 as it gets older, but this will position it differently. I think it’ll attract a lot of young guys.”
So, there you have it. If you want to attract a lot of young guys, the 2015 Mazda Miata is going to be the car for you. Or, you know, you could just wait for the Alfa Romeo version, which is expected to look like the Duetto concept, below …
It does look good!
So does the Cayman S I have right now… !
Only, where’d the engine go? I guess it’s in there, somewhere….
Dear DR,
I agree about Mazda styling.
Of course the Mazda characteristic that makes the most difference is the handling. As you noted, the company has the same attitude toward performance car handling as the old BMW. It sees itself as a maker of “driver’s cars.”
But if we’re honest with ourselves, we have to admit that appearance counts for more than we are usually willing to admit. The Mazda cars all have very nice styling. Maybe not as nice as the great Italian car stylists designs, but pretty damn good.
By the way, have any of you guys seen the speculative 2015 Miata pics? If it looks like that, it will mean the end of “ladies’ car” accusations.
http://www.carthrottle.com/exclusive-is-this-what-the-2015-mazda-mx-5-will-look-like/
I’ve always liked the hotbox form factor.
Beginning with the original Mini, continuing on through the Rabbit GTI, and the current Mazda 3.
In a way, it’s sort of the Old World counterpart to the American muscle car.
Taking a VW Rabbit and hotting it up to get a GTI, is akin to taking a Pontiac Tempest and hotting it up to get a GTO.
Mazda’s doing some fine work. Like BMW used to….
Yes.
When Mazda turns a moderately priced car into a driver’s car, it’s better than when BMW turns an extravagantly priced car into a driver’s car.
I’ve always liked the idea of paying only for performance, not for luxury. I’ve never felt that a performance car had to be a luxury car. Why can’t an economy car be a performance car? Why not allow people to buy the muscle without buying the luxury?
That’s what made the Road Runner so appealing. The stock interior with vinyl bench seats and rubber floor mats made performance supremely affordable.
What’s the 0-60 time with the 2.5 engine? If it’s in there, I missed it.
Eric,
You said that the ride is compliant but what about the road noise? I’ve thought that the last two gens of 3s have been noisy cars. Hope they’ve improved.
Also, you mentioned in the vid that the GPS mapping junk will warn you about speed limits. Do you know if you can disable the GPS or is it always “on”, even when you think it’s off?
Nice review.
you noted the seats were very good but how was the front legroom? i may be required to retire my 20year old camry in the next year and one of the most important things for me is driver comfort, i have read the optima/sonata has over 45″ which sounds gargantuan but the 3 sounds so good so i was wondering how it stands up in this dept.
(i too am in the 6’2″ range).
42.2 inches!
I’m a pretty big dude – well, tall. At 6ft 3, I’m pretty sensitive to spreadin’ out room. The 3 has plenty. The Optima/Sonata do have more more front seat legroom, but unless you’re an NBA forward I doubt you’d need all that. And it comes at the cost of backseat legroom. And, don’t forget: The Optima/Sonata are mid-sized cars. The 3 is a compact – and is still about as roomy on the inside as they are.
Has Mazda improved its rustproofing? They have a reputation of having body panels flapping in the breeze after a few years of driving on salted winter roads.
Having to stop the car to reboot the “infotainment” (is that even a real word?) gave me quite a chuckle. I’ve never had that kind of problem with my radio and tape player in my decades-old ride, aside from a very occasional tape jam. As a wise man once said, “…the more they overtech the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain.”
i have more of a rugger build with low hips so headroom matters too, it is definitely one to consider and at least test drive. i also like being able to row my own gears and as far as i can tell you can’t get that in an optima anymore. could you explain how that dimension is measured, is it from the front of the seat horizontally forward to the plane of the pedals or at an angle in relationship to the ground?
i have to remember a lot has to do with the seats. i can be super comfortable in my mk1 mr2 (that has seats with 20 yr old farts in it) but then my wife’s ’08 impreza is just plain horrible after 45 mins.
i do like the looks of the 3 and internal space isn’t the biggest of concerns as long as it has 4 doors and i can fit one of the monstrous kid seats in back.
My daughter just bought a 2015 Mazda 3 and it has a lot of leg room.She is 6′ 2″ and does not put the seat all the way back.I am 6′ 7″ and find it has more leg room than any other compact car.Plenty of head room also even with the seat back straight up!