The fully redesigned 2014 Mazda 3 has more features, a better look and great fuel economy while keeping its original roots as a small sedan. The 2014 Mazda 3 comes equipped with the fully integrated Skyactiv technology to provide better fuel economy without sacrifice to the power at hand. All this for a price tag that’s $200 less than the first Mazda 3 released back in 2003.
EXTERIOR
The completely new exterior design of the 2014 Mazda 3 is in keeping with other 2014 Mazdas like the 6 and CX-5, all sharing the same grille design and similar exterior curves. These smooth exterior curves and the Austin Martin-like front grill give the 2014 Madza 3 an aggressive look, while the long and sharp headlights and overall shape give the car a bit of attitude.
This welcomed redesign of the exterior makes this a much more desirable car than its predecessors, and while driving around town many people stopped to tell me how nice a car I was driving.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The 2014 Mazda 3 has full integration of Mazda’s Skyactiv technology which integrates the new 2.0L or 2.5L engine with the transmission, body and chassis to provide a lower fuel economy without the sacrifice of power.
The feel of driving the 2014 Mazda 3 is miles ahead of the previous models, providing a quiet, smooth and comfortable ride. When the car is idling, you can’t even tell the engine is on. With no engine noise or vibration it almost feels like a hybrid in electric mode.
The best part of the newly designed 2014 Mazda 3 is the smooth ride it provides. I couldn’t believe how different the feeling was compared to previous designs. The seamless gearshifts, quiet engine and smooth acceleration all come together for a relaxing and impressive driving experience.
Having driven the 2014 Mazda 3 GS for 367 kms of combined city and highway driving, it recorded a fuel economy of 8.0 L/100km which is one of the best in class, but also quite a bit higher than the listed 6.8 L/100km in the city and 4.9 L/100km on the highway.
INTERIOR
With a fully redesigned exterior, also comes a fully redesigned interior for the 2014 Mazda 3. The different style of dash layout accommodates the protruding touch screen and places the CD player at bottom of the dash. The interior incorporates some good quality materials put together with high standards, keeping the seams tight and the quality of build high.
The 2014 Mazda 3 GS and higher come standard with the touch screen which protrudes from the top of the dash and controls audio, navigation (optional) and bluetooth/phone. You can also control these features from the steering wheel mounted buttons or the handy round control knob built into the center console.
Included in the 2014 Mazda 3 GT is the active driving display which is Mazda’s version of a heads up display. This provides a projected image onto a clear panel mounted above the gauges and shows speed, navigation directions, cruise control settings and more.
Bluetooth, keyless entry and push button start all come standard on the entry level 2014 Mazda 3. However, with all this technology included in the base model, I would have expected to see lumbar support especially since a lot of the drivers would be taking this car on long drives.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With a much needed and welcomed redesign of the exterior and useful technology included in the base model, the 2014 Mazda 3 sets a high standard for small sedans. The base price of $15,995 offers great value for money and makes this car a must test drive when considering purchasing a small sedan.
