Page 72 - MotorTrend (March 2020)
P. 72
UPDATE UPDATE
ACURA RDX BMW X2
Updates on our long-term fleet
MT
generation. And although
that might be true at limit
handling, I’m quite happy with
how the new 3 carries itself
around town and through
the twisties. And besides,
most Mazda3 owners aren’t
aspiring to reach 1.0 g lateral
acceleration on their way to
Church’s Chicken.
So with that in mind, my
year with the new 3 will focus
on how well it gets me through
my daily slog on Interstate
405 and weekend road trips.
A long list of features should
keep me busy and entertained.
When it comes to tech, our
Mazda3 packs adaptive cruise
control, lane keep assist, a
ARRIVAL: 2020 Mazda3 head-up display, a large and
clear 8.8-inch infotainment
screen, and Apple CarPlay.
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB Fuel Econ: and it feels much peppier Other standout features
25/35/29 mpg with the shorter-geared include LED headlights that
manual (first gear is almost swivel in the direction you’re
“We’re hoping to find a bit of leftover
‘zoom zoom’ in our year with a 10 percent shorter than in the turning, a powerful Bose
manual Mazda3.” Erick Ayapana optional six-speed automatic). sound system, a sunroof, and
The leather gear shifter is rain-sensing wipers.
satisfying to operate, and the Meanwhile, the interior
Base price $24,420 As tested $28,420
brake and accelerator pedals is a sharp mix of red leather
ur new long-term 2020 legit luxury brand. The new are spaced well enough to seats, knurled switchgear,
O Mazda3 is the first official execute your frisky heel-toe and metal speaker covers that
Mazda3 hatchback
proves we’re not effort to reflect that pivot. urges. Overall, it’s a solid wouldn’t look out of place in
quite ready to accept the That said, we’re having a manual gearbox. a Mercedes-Benz. With all
automaker’s change of course. tough time completely erasing Some staffers lament these goodies, our Mazda3
In case you’ve missed Mazda’s fun image. That’s why that the new Mazda3 has somehow manages to come in
the news, Mazda is looking we ordered our Polymetal lost some of the sporty bite below $30,000—$28,420, to be
to focus less on its sporty Gray Metallic hatchback with we’ve admired in its previous exact. A base model Mazda3
and fun image and more on a six-speed manual (which
its new path to becoming a automatically gets you the
fancy Premium package). We
think it’s a fair compromise.
The manual gearbox’s
take rate will be low, about 3
percent by Mazda’s estimate.
But those brave few will be
rewarded with a much more
engaging driving experience
that only three pedals can
provide. A 2.5-liter four-
cylinder rated at 186 hp and
186 lb-ft of torque is the sole
engine choice for the Mazda3,
72 MOTORTREND.COM MARCH 2020
