WASHINGTON — Mazda throws a manual in the 2015 Mazda3, with the bigger 2.5L engine, and all is right in the compact class.
I drove the then-new Mazda3 S Grand Touring last year and was impressed with te fun-to-drive, peppy five-door compact — except that no manual was available with the larger engine. Mazda fixed that omission for 2015, and auto reviewers and enthusiasts, like me, are rejoicing.
The automatic was fine, but a playful car really needs that manual to cement itself as one of the sportiest of the compacts. I was surprised at just how much the manual made a difference in the driving experience. It feels a little faster. Looking back at the fuel economy between the two Mazda3’s, I found the manual did better. I averaged 30.7 mpg, a bit better than the sticker, and 2 mpg better than the automatic Mazda3 I drove last year.
With either Mazda3 Grand Touring transmission you choose, you’ll notice the nice interior, and its $28,385 price tag doesn’t seem steep for such a high-class place to spend time. The two-tone leather seats are comfortable and supportive up front, and the back seat has room, thanks to a five-door hatch configuration. There are some cool tech features too: The Mazda3’s nifty Active Driving Display is a heads-up display unit that allows you keep your eyes on the road and adds to the sporty flavor.
Driving the Mazda3 Grand Touring is a treat — it doesn’t beat you or your passengers up. It’s a nice middle ground between too sporty and an economy 5-door car. Some might think it’s a little much, but a test drive will tell. The Mazda3 might not be as quiet as some rivals, but it wasn’t tiring on the highway. It’s more connected to the road than most compact cars, a plus for those who enjoy the drive. The 2.5L engine with 184 hp feels strong — when you accelerate, it doesn’t sound coarse and it likes to be revved.
You can buy the Mazda3 as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatch like my tester. The 5-door gives you the most space and versatility, if that’s what you want. The exterior styling stands out from the crowd. With the upper-level Grand Touring trim level, the larger 18-inch wheels seem to fit the look better than in some lower trim levels with smaller wheels. The Blue Reflex Mica paint also lends to its rich look and helps it pop a little bit more than the usual colors you see. My tester also had the appearance package, which changes the look with a spoiler on the rear hatch and a lower bolder-looking front air dam. Both add to the sporty look.
The Mazda3 S Grand Touring, with its peppy 4-cylinder engine and good gas mileage, makes a fun, sporty 5-door compact. With the addition of a manual transmission, it’s now a true driver’s car that needs to be tested before buying. With an upscale interior and handsome exterior, the Mazda3 checks all the right boxes for a premium small car that happens to be compact with some space and a good dose of sport.
