Mazda3 Grand Touring sedan offers refreshed look, quality
Mazda USA
For an above-average means of transportation the Mazda3 Grand Touring sedan is a direct hit in regards to value and enjoyment.
Mazda USA
2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring sedan
Mazda seems to always have a very nice lineup of cars and SUVs, and the 2017 lineup is especially notable due to the 2017 CX-9 crossover that was recently revamped.
The Mazda3 sedan and 5-door remain a wonderful alternative to Honda or Toyota. This week we’ll take a look at the 3 and see what makes this year better than last.
Under the hood is a 2.5L SKYACTIV 4-cylinder that provides 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a very easy to drive 6-speed manual and down to the pavement via front-wheel drive. Shifting through the gears is a blast and the clutch is just right. Acceleration is average, but when the rpms climb the torque is definitely apparent.
Exterior styling is changed up a bit from 2016 with a new front and rear fascia design as well as mirrors and the addition of LED fog lights. The exterior appears more athletic and poised for motion. I’m a fan of the dual exhaust pipes hidden just beneath the rear bumper.
Hop inside and you’ll be surrounded by simple yet well-placed materials and a useful interface. The driver’s instrument panel is unique and only provides the rpms in a needle display. Mph is displayed via digital numbers and the screens flanking the rpms provide fuel and other information. It’s different and works well. Centering the dash is a screen that works via touch or a rotary knob on the middle console. This being a manual transmission, it forces you to make your selections while stopped so you can focus on the task of driving. Rear passengers will have plenty of leg room to stretch, and I was even able to carry all three of my kiddos in the back with minimal argument.
On road the 3 will impress you with a quiet ride and very capable handling. This won’t win any quarter mile races but has plenty of pep when needed but handles twisty roads very well. I had a blast taking it on my favorite ride out through Enon Valley and back around through Ellwood City. This car was made for wide open, rural roads. I think it’s the feeling of shifting through a manual transmission that takes me to the country roads.
This is the Grand Touring model so it was loaded with goodies like LED headlamps, high beam control and Mazda radar cruise control, but you can get a 3 with less gingerbread and still get the full feel and quality. A car of this size will limit the amount you can carry in the trunk and will hold you back from carrying five adults comfortably, but for an above-average means of transportation the Mazda3 is a direct hit in regards to value and enjoyment.
Mazda claims 29 mpg, and I was able to maintain roughly 26 mpg during my time.
MSRP for the GT is $23,145 but adding the Premium package and safety package brought the bottom line to $26,880.
Will Chamberlain is a local freelance automotive journalist and can be reached at wchamberlain@pghcarguys.com and www.pghcarguys.com.