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2009 Mazda's Mazda3 Review
In this 2009 Mazda Mazda3 review, we see how having a "soul of a sports car" legacy across its vehicle line is expected from Mazda, whether it's a sedan, a crossover or a sleek two-seater. While Mazdas don't live in the rarefied atmosphere of exotic sports car breeds, what they traditionally have delivered is an extra helping of handling prowess, along with some often sultry good looks. So it shouldn't be a surprise that its smallest vehicle, the Mazda3, comes with an extra measure of oomph as well.
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2009 Mazda's Mazda3 Interior |
The compact Mazda3, Mazda's most popular vehicle, seats five and comes in sedan and five-door hatchback in "i" and more performance-oriented "s" versions. (The pricier Mazdaspeed3 is the heated up version from Mazda's performance studio.) The smallest Mazdas are aimed at younger buyers who demand driving fun from their vehicles, even if they are entry-level fare.
For 2009, the Mazda3 gets only a smattering of changes as it waits in line for its next re-do turn following a 2007 revision. The Mazda3 i gains driving improvements with standard SAC/SAB/ABS. Four-door models with keyless entry have a remote trunk release function added to the key fob. And Icy Blue Metallic has been dropped from the exterior color palette.
Power comes from a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four (the Mazda3 i) that earns best mileage of 24/32 with five-speed manual transmission, or 23/31 with four-speed automatic. A more powerful 2.3-liter, 156-horsepower four gets 22/29 with both transmissions.
Like any good vehicle with a sports car heritage, Mazda3 is touted for its performance characteristics on the road, from tight steering and lively acceleration to taut handling that grips around corners with authority.
The interiors, with bucket seats, available leather and heated seats, are aimed at enhancing a sporty feel. The "i" version uses white gauges while the "s" has blackout gauges. Among other amenities: Sirius Satellite Radio compatibility, auxiliary audio jacks and telescopic steering wheel. Base pricing for the "i" sedan is $13,995, before adding $650 in destination charges. |
