Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Mazda3 i 5-Door Grand Touring. Overall this is a very nice family starter with great fuel economy. That is becoming more important every day. New young car buyers are well advised to consider looking closely. It is capable and the first folks to tell you that are Mazda owners themselves. That word of mouth endorsement means more than all the advertising a company can do. Mazda does not blow its own horn as much as a lot of the competition does and that speaks volumes as to the best reason to buy a brand of car. I can only point that fact out for your consideration.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 0%, Japan 56%. It is assembled in Japan, Classification is Midsize. Cars from Mazda: Mazda 2,3,5,6, MazdaSpeed3, CX5, 7,9, Mx5 Miata, RX-8 & Tribute.
Handling & Performance:
Comfortable handling with good power that is sufficient with the 6-speed manual transmission that is intuitive in shifting. Some will resist manual shifting cars because it increases your inter-action with the driving process. Me, I like it and it becomes second nature and you get more feedback than with an auto trans.
Stylin
Forward thinking styling in my eyes view. I like it and those I spoke with about the car were of the same opinion.
Fit and Finish:
Workmanship in assembly is typically very good with all Mazda product.
Cost:
Priced right for what you get. You can go cheaper with some of the competition but on balance this is a good value.
Conveniences and comfort:
For a midsize the rear seat is a little tight for large adults. I love the driving assists like the traffic sensors that warn you with a gentle beep when you change lanes and don’t see a car in the blind spots.
Heated seats are welcomed on those cold mornings.
Navigation that is built in is a must for my money if the cost is reasonable, and I suspect it has come down in recognition that you have a choice to go with portable versions that are reasonably priced.
Another must is the Bluetooth hands free feature for your phone. Don’t do without this must have safety device. Today set up is almost automatic and, of course, once it is set “paired” to your phone it functions when you start the car.
Consumer Recommendation:
Consumers rate this car at 9.7 overall recommendation on a scale of 10. I agree. One comment I would also agree with is “doesn’t drive like the typical econobox, handles well, good power, that was the difference over Civic and others getting 39 mpg average and on 700 mile trip I gt average of 35 mpg … no regrets!”
Recognized Competition:
Mazda 3 $24,000, Acura TSX $31,000, Chevrolet Cruze $17,000, Chevrolet Sonic $14,000, Dodge Dart $16,000, Ford Focus $16,000, Honda Civic $18,000, Hyundai Elantra $17,000, Kia Forte $20,000, Mini Cooper $30,000, Nissan Versa $15,000, Scion tC $19,000, Subaru Impreza $18,000, Toyota Corolla $16,000, Toyota Matrix $19,000, Toyota Yaris $17,000, Volkswagen Golf 4-door $25,000, Volkswagen GTI $25,000, Volkswagen Jetta $24,000.
Good News:
Priced right, good power, endorsements from consumers 9.7 out of 10.
Bad News:
None worth noting.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 155 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, front wheel drive, 16” Alloy Wheels, rear window defogger and wiper, variable intermittent wipers, moon roof, rear lift gate and roof spoiler, 5-passenger seating, tilt and telescopic steering, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls, power windows and locks, leather trimmed seats and door panels, 3-way power driver seat, heated front seats, climate control, 4-wheel anti lock disc brake system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, LATCH child safety seat anchors, stabilizer bars front and rear, halogen lights, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, Bose 10-speaker surround audio system, HD Radio and Pandora audio, SMS text message deliver and reply, CD, MP3 and USB input, Bluetooth hands free phone and audio, keyless entry and start system with push button start and stop, dynamic stability control, traction control, front and front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor, anti-theft engine immobilizer and blind spot monitoring system.
Gas Stats:
$4.08 / Gal avg. March 12, 2013
For more information.
27 City and 38 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $24,150.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
