- sedan 93,882
- 11,427 high price
- Fresno, CA
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- autoshopper.com
2011 mazda mazda3 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Premium handling and amenities in a compact package. introductionthe mazda 3 is a premium car in a compact package. The back seat will fit two adults fairly comfortably, provided the front occupants aren't too tall. In both the sedan and hatchback, the rear seats fold 60/40 to create a mostly flat load floor. Higher line models get a multi-information display below the windshield that houses readouts for the vehicle information center, climate system, radio presets, and even the available navigation system. A unique cluster of buttons on the steering wheel controls these functions. The readouts are easy to see and the steering wheel controls work intuitively. The other controls are mounted high on the dash's center stack, and are also easy to see and use. on the road, the mazda 3 feels firm and composed, with moderate lean in turns. The steering is sharp and precise, and the brakes provide a linear pedal feel. The suspension deals well with most bumps, though large ruts can pound through with the available 17-inch wheels. two engines are offered. We found it provides adequate power for most needs. It is offered only with a manual transmission. The technology package 1,835) comes with navigation, a full-color version of the multi-information display, sirius satellite radio with a six-month subscription, keyless access and starting, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, bi-xenon headlights with auto-leveling, adaptive front lighting system, led rear combination lights, and perimeter alarm. safety features standard on all mazda3 models include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, active front head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Mazda says the grille design helps the mazda3 slip through the air better while taking in sufficient air to cool the engine. Mazda says the bold grille is purposely polarizing to separate the mazda3 from impassive competitors. the grille is flanked by a pair of angled headlights that wrap around to the sides. Bi-xenon headlights are available with the adaptive front-lighting system, meaning they point into turns as the steering wheel is turned. It's a useful safety feature on dark country roads, helping the driver negotiate narrow roads and helping the driver spot pedestrians. Fog lights are found in prominent flared pods that fill out the front end and also help improve aerodynamics. the headlights come to a point around the side of the car, where they meet up with prominent front wheel flares that surround 16 or 17-inch wheels. The base car gets steel wheels, while highline models have attractive alloy wheels. The fender flares direct the eye to a rising beltline that starts at the front of the door, bisects the door handles, and leads all the way to the taillights. This line has a stronger wedge shape on the hatchback. On both body styles, another character line is found just above the rocker panel, and it rises as it moves toward the rear wheel. Like the outgoing model, the hatchback features triangular rear side windows and a rear roof spoiler. at the rear, the sedan has a rear lip spoiler. The hatchback features a five-pointed rear window that reflects the shape of the grille. The taillights wrap around the side of the car on both body styles. Led rear combination taillights are available. This structure was further developed beginning with 2010 models to make it lighter and stiffer. This was accomplished by using more high-tensile strength steel and thicker steel in key locations, adding gussets to areas such as the suspension mounting points, and employing a technique called weld-bonding to strengthen areas such as the door apertures. Weld bonding, which combines spot welding with the use of structural adhesive, enhances the unibody's flex resistance. The result is an even better handling car beginning with the 2010 models. interiormuch of the mazda 3 appeal is the interior, which is first-class for a vehicle of this size and price. Mazda completely redesigned the cockpit for 2010, taking an approach based on human-machine interface studies that places controls and readouts in two key zones. controls most frequently used, including the radio and climate dials and buttons, are placed high on the center stack, where they can be most easily accessed. Readouts for the vehicle information center, climate system, radio presets, and even the available navigation system are found in a multi-information display that is located just under the windshield. Mazda says it chose this location because it is very close to the driver's line of sight, making it easier and safer to check those readouts. Note that only s models have the multi-information display. the readouts in this display are controlled by a small grouping of six buttons on the right side of the steering wheel. It's a unique approach, but it works well. When the navigation system is ordered, the screen is quite small, making it harder to read than most others, which are usually mounted on the center stack. the look and feel of the dash would be appropriate in an entry-level luxury car. The goodies include a thumping bose centerpoint surround sound system with 10 speakers, leather upholstery, driver's seat memory, heated front seats, automatic climate control, push-button starting, and bluetooth cell phone connectivity. That's premium equipment at compact car prices. small items storage is plentiful, with a nicely sized center console bin, an average-size glovebox, and two cupholders behind the shifter. the front seat has plenty of head and leg room, and the s model's sport seats provide good support in turns. The rear seat has enough space for adults provid.
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