Driving Impressions

The easy-to-drive Mazda3 handles more adeptly than most rivals. The automatic transmission delivers quick, smooth responses. Performance with the larger engine falls short of some sporty compacts, but it will satisfy most drivers. That engine is generally quiet, but it emits a fair amount of blare when pushed. With an easy-shifting manual gearbox and a well-behaved clutch, even the Mazda3 i with the smaller engine feels more spirited than an upper-level model with the automatic.

Although the front seats are nicely shaped, their seatbacks are on the hard side. Rear legroom is limited, but foot space is good. Headroom is average in the rear but meager in the center position. Visibility is good. The Mazda3 instruments are difficult to see on dark days but are lit nicely at night.

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    Mirrors
    qOutside Mirrors Check the mirror angles before driving. Mirror type Flat type (driver's side). Flat surface mirror. Convex type (passenger side). The mirror has single curvature on its surface ...

    Supplemental Restraint System Components
    1 Driver/Passenger dual stage inflators and air bags. 2 Crash sensor, and diagnostic module (SAS unit). 3 Seat belt pretensioner and load limiting systems. 4 Front air bag sensor. 5 Side crash s ...

    Basic Bluetooth Hands-Free Operation
    Bluetooth Hands-Free preparation Language setting English, Spanish, and Canadian French are available. If the language setting is changed, all of the voice guidance and voice input commands are d ...