2017 Mazda3 — Mazda’s excellent compact hatchback

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 5, 2017) For 2017, the Mazda3 gets an update and a mild facelift. It has been repackaged with more refinement, additional content and a stronger value proposition against its competitors, especially the newly redesigned Honda Civic, which has been winning acclaim and awards. We tested the five-door hatchback but Mazda3 is also available as a four-door sedan.

It comes in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Touring 2.5 (hatchback only) and Grand Touring. Both models hold five passengers and have two available four-cylinder engines: a 2.0 liter 155-horsepower base engine and a 2.5-liter 184-horsepower, which is used in the two upper trim level models. Neither are turbocharged but both run on regular gas. Most models come with a six-speed manual transmission standard, with a six-speed automatic available.

Outside, subtle design changes include a new front grille, and LED headlights on higher trim levels. The rear bumper gets a horizontal treatment and there are new 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.



The Mazda3 interior is a notch or two above competitors’ and also receives a mild update. There’s a new steering wheel — the same one used in the larger Mazda CX-9 — which is heated on the Touring and Grand Touring models. There’s also a new electronic parking brake, upgraded center console, new satin metal finish on the dash and door handles, and larger storage areas in the door pockets.

Our Mazda came with a head-up display that Mazda calls active driving display. It isn’t really a head-up display, rather a flip up plastic screen on top of the dash. It works well, giving driving information like speed limits, vehicle speed and navigation, while helping to keep your eyes on the road. But we much prefer a head-up that projects onto the inside of the windshield.

Our Grand Touring test car came with a nine-speaker Bose audio system and lots of safety features: blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, smart city brake support, hill launch assist and, dynamic stability control. Optional safety features included lane-departure warning system, lane-keep assist, radar cruise control, traffic sign recognition and advanced smart brake support that will warn of an impending collision and even apply the brakes if the driver fails to do so.

While we found seating comfort and space adequate for the driver and front passenger, rear-seat room is small and three adults will struggle to fit. The Honda Civic felt much roomier and more comfortable.

We didn’t like the Mazda3’s infotainment system, with a fixed seven-inch touchscreen on top of the dash. Operating functions are controlled by a knob on the center console; it requires too much dialing around to get to the desired menu. Once you do get where you need to be, there’s still more twisting the dial left and right to get deeper into the menu to finally get where you want to go. There are quick reference buttons around the dial for music, home, and nav, but it still requires you to twist or push the knob. All of this is confusing, fussy and unnecessary, since other automakers do it much easier and simpler.

Mazda also introduces its G-Vectoring control software system, which varies engine torque to smooth out changes in acceleration forces that reduce torsion sway, overall making for a noticeably more comfortable ride. Mazda says it significantly improves handling and stability while reducing the need for steering correction. It brings the movements of the vehicle more in line with the driver’s intentions and makes the car more pleasurable to drive.

The Mazda3 is a joy to drive with plenty of power, no hesitation under hard acceleration, and engine noise nicely suppressed. The ride is smooth and comfortable with handling that makes it especially fun to drive. Pressing the sport button on the center console adjusts the throttle and transmission shift points for an even sportier driving experience.

We’ve always been a fan of the Mazda3 and place it near the top when ranking compact cars. It’s one of the best-performing compact vehicles with excellent handling and cornering capabilities, strong brakes, precise steering, good fuel economy, exceptional safety ratings. It is overall one of the most affordable, reliable and fun-to-drive vehicles in its class.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $21,020 - $25,820
Price as Tested: $28,980
Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-cylinderHorsepower: 184-hp
Fuel Economy: 26-MPG City – 35-MPG Highway
Crash Test Safety Ratings: IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars

Competes With

Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Nissan Sentra
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf

What Stands Out

Superb driving dynamics
High-quality interior
Excellent fuel economy