Satisfying Drivetrain
What you get for your diminished mileage is respectable but not exceptional acceleration. Though the 2.3-liter four-cylinder (to be replaced in the 2010 by a 2.5-liter) is pretty robust, the Mazda3 is among the heavier compact cars out there, in both hatchback and sedan forms. The optional automatic transmission's five speeds aren't enough to make the larger engine super quick or efficient. The smaller engine's optional automatic is a four-speed, which remains relatively common in this class.
My car had the standard five-speed manual transmission, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The stick is within reach and is a decent height. The clutch pedal is livable from day to day without being too soft. I certainly wouldn't mind having a sixth gear, but the engine has enough torque at low rpm to allow a standing-start launch without too much clutch slippage. Overall, for an engine of its size, the 2.3-liter's power delivery is pretty even. You have to rev the Civic's wee four-banger to higher rpm to get a move-on, but the payoff is way better mileage.
See also:
Vehicle Information Labels
Vehicle Identification Number
The vehicle identification number legally
identifies your vehicle. The number is on
a plate attached to the cowl panel located
on the left corner of the dashboard. ...
On the Road
Even with its 20-inch wheels, our Grand Touring rode reasonably comfortably,
but it's a bit firmer than some. With that firmness comes pretty entertaining
handling, with precise steering and a goo ...
Automatic Transaxle Controls
Various Lockouts:
Indicates that you must depress the
brake pedal to shift (The ignition
switch must be in the ON position).
Indicates the shift lever can be
shifted freely into any position. ...


