2009 Mazda 3 and Mazdaspeed 3 - Review - Car and Driver
The smallest car that Mazda sells in the U. S. is the front-wheel-drive 3. Launched in 2004 and available as a sedan or a five-door hatchback, the Mazda 3 is built on the second-generation European Ford Focus platform. In addition to the 3, the Euro Focus platform also underpins the Volvo C30, S40, and V50. In all iterations, the platform is solid, offers good interior space, and features a relatively sophisticated suspension. Sportier and more fun to drive than most of its competition, the Mazda 3 is also practical and refined. Like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 3 is a small car that wants to play. Three engines are offered on the Mazda 3. The base i sedans come equipped with a 2. 0-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower. Moving up to the sportier s model yields a larger 2. 4-liter four-cylinder engine with 156 horsepower. Mazda 3 i sedans come in two flavors: Sport and Touring. Sport models are basic, with A/C being optional, but Touring models add such things as aluminum wheels and fog lights. Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring are the three trim levels. Grand Touring is the top of the line and gets all the equipment from the Touring trim level and adds a power driver’s seat, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery. Source: www.caranddriver.com
