Mazda 3 S offers BMW-style pleasure for less green

[Ming]

Mazda 3 S offers BMW-style pleasure for lots less money
Tom Incantalupo
ROAD TEST
Newsday.com



Would you dare to compare a Mazda with a BMW? You might if you spent some time with the new Mazda 3 -- whose similarity in name to BMW's 3-Series further encourages comparison.

For sure, a BMW 328 offers 20 more hp., more torque, rear-wheel drive and many more amenities. Not to mention the cachet and standard safety features that come with a BMW.

But the "S" version of the new Mazda 3 Series that I sampled offers nearly as much fun behind the wheel -- for about $12,000 less. Handling is surefooted, steering is precise, braking is excellent and, overall, the driving is a pleasure. Zoom zoom.

Whether or not it lures many BMW intenders, this new Mazda seems likely to be a hit with the young tuner crowd -- for its zip, its poise, its aggressive looks and its potential. Its muscular looks, with sheet metal seemingly stretched tight over frame and wheels, reminded me of a BMW as much as the 3's performance and its no-nonsense cockpit.

The S comes with a 160- hp., 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that offers stirring performance, a sweet exhaust tone and good fuel economy. Mazda says its electric, rather than engine- driven, power-steering system aids in the latter.

Testers for PBS TV's MotorWeek reported zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds with a stick shift. There is almost no "torque steer" in quick launches. Replacing the Protege and on sale since December, the 3 is at least six inches longer than its predecessors, depending on specific variant. The 3 line begins at about $14,000 for the "i" four-door sedan with a less potent 2.0- liter engine delivering 148 hp. It's a Mazda engine. A more expensive four- door sedan, called "S" comes with the same 2.3-liter four as the five-door S that I tested. It begins at a little less than $17,000.

Designed by Mazda, the engine is used also in the larger Mazda 6 and other products of the Ford Motor Co. family. In fact, the 3 is structurally related to the Volvo S40 and the European version of the Focus.

Although the "S" versions of the 3 perform alike, the five-door comes standard with a "sport" package with unique front and rear bumpers and other aesthetic touches.

Unusual standard features in all versions include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. An unusual option in this price range is leather upholstery.

However, if a two-door car will suit you, Saturn's Ion Redline is worth considering, for about $21,000 with 205 hp.

'04 Mazda 3 S 5-Door
Engine: 160-hp., 2.3-liter four-cylinder.
Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive.
Safety: Dual air bags, 4-wheel disc brakes; anti-whiplash front seats; shoulder belts for five passengers.
Place of assembly: Hiroshima, Japan.
Weight: 2,826 pounds.
Cargo room: (rear seatbacks up/folded, cu. ft.) 17.1/31.2.
EPA mileage rating: 25 mpg city, 32 highway.
Price as driven: $18,305, with freight.

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[awalbert88]

Mazda has always been about great handling and performance. It'd be nice to see a turbo or supercharged version of the engine here, though.

The fact that any journalist would have the cajones to compare it to a BMW is interesting, though. The interior is definately outstanding, and Mazda's build quality is solid, but BMW has an "image" of being the ultimate luxury car for a lot of people still.

[usa1]

The interior in the 3 is great. When I sat in one, I was impress by the overall look and the fact that nothing looked like it came from a corporate part bin. The Cobalt does not look this good inside.

Mark

[StevenJ]

Originally posted by laserwizard@Sep 10 2004, 04:02 AM
The Mazda 3 is an impressive car. Inexpensive, sporty, stylish, and well-built. Ford certainly doesn't have a car of this quality and you'd be hard pressed to find one at GM (certainly not in this price range). Too bad Ford doesn't exploit Mazda more for development of its small cars.

Cough, new European Focus, cough..... Cough, Ford Fusion, cough... :lol:

[BigAls87Z28]

Originally posted by laserwizard@Sep 10 2004, 04:02 AM
The Mazda 3 is an impressive car. Inexpensive, sporty, stylish, and well-built. Ford certainly doesn't have a car of this quality and you'd be hard pressed to find one at GM (certainly not in this price range). Too bad Ford doesn't exploit Mazda more for development of its small cars.

Yes they do...just not for US consupmtion.

And how about your dream car, the "Cobore" vs the 3? I see the big battle now is the 3, Cobalt, and tC.

[MN12Fan]

Ahhh, I see Big Al never forgets. Laserwizard's "Cobore" comment was a while ago. And as to the Focus of Europe and the Fusion, yes, the Euro Focus does use the Mazda 3 platform but the Fusion does not. The Fusion, and its corporate siblings, the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln Zephyr, will all use the Mazda 6 platform. And StevenJ, you should get that cough checked out, I almost didn't understand you .

[GM_Guy81]

I have never been comfortable in a japanese car. My friend has a mazda 3, i have driven it and sat in it, his girlfriend has a honda civic. I always feel like im sitting in a box that just happends to have a seat. rather than a cockpit type feeling. Its hard to describe, i guess its the intangibles.

Cant wait for the cobalt, i think it will be every bit as good as the 3.

Ok, and this really shows you the quality of this persons automotive knowledge and credibility. Did anyone else notice he mentioned a BMW that hasnt existed for like 3 years? and misquoted its horsepower.

[HOJIMAN2K3]

I guess it is alright if you are wanting bang for the buck but I like the 6 a LOT more

I do think the Tc is a car to be watching, as this thing will take off like an American West pilot after six Jack and Cokes. TRD has already put out almost anything you could want down to a cold air intake system and supercharger. I just want to see the Cobalt SS already

[BigAls87Z28]

I think that the Cobalt SS 2.0 SC might be too much for the 3 to handle untill it gets some sort of turbo. Cobalt SS 2.4 will deffinatly be a great heads up car against the 3.

[Ghrankenstein]

The Cobalt is, at least in most of the pictures we've seen, a little heavy on the Cavalierish side, to the point where I've even proposed that the 2003 Cavalier's styling change was meant to differentiate the Cobalt from the J-Body.

The Ford Focus taught us that peppy, slick-handling job could be the pick of the litter, no matter how weird it looked, inside or out.

No matter how much I wish it could, the Cobalt will remain an ambitious #2 in the exterior department, again, ahead of the weird previous Focus, and far ahead of the truly anonymous right now Focus.

It chooses, instead to look recognizeably Chevrolet, no matter how Cavalier. That's okay, because the Cobalt is meant to proudly be a recognizeable Chevrolet, and it's meant to feel and drive much more expensive than it looks or costs.

Here's betting that the stronger torque, shorter final-drives, foam-in-place insulation and other features live up to their billing. I love my Cavalier for its already strong torque, and, yes, its lively noises, but I can't wait to drive the Cobalt.

Ghrankenstein

[atomicshark]

The Mazda3 is just a great overall package that makes the buyer feel like he/she is buying something substantial and not subpar. GM take notes!

[jro4566]

Mazda is the only Japanese brand that offers styling in these price ranges so cheers to them! I've always liked the MAZDA3 and MAZDA6 because of their high-quality, stylish interiors and striking exterior design. Word is, the MAZDASPEED3 will be introduced a couple of months after the MAZDASPEED6 which comes out in 2005.

[RWD60]

Tis is the first time in years that the "entry" class has gotten so exiting. We have the 3, Cobalt, Focus (was the best, so still a contender), a new Civic in 2005, and a new Sentra in 2006.... this could get intersting, especially when the Mazdaspeed/SS/Si/SE-R's start coming. But for now at least, the 3 is definately the car to beat, real nice looking (at least for a tiny FWD.. ) well built, and fun.

[dindak]

Mazda 3 has been the #1 small car seller in Canada for many months now. Honda had to slap incentives on as it's sales were slipping big.

Cobalt needs performance versions ASAP to compete.

[ponchoman49]

I have to admit that is one sweet little ride. Sat in one the other night and walked away very impressed for the asking price. I haven't seen the base interior of the Cobalt cause all they show is the top of the line one with the woodgrain, but I bet the mazda 3 is nicer with better seat materials and dash plastics. Will have to reserve final judgement untill I see one in the sheetmetal.