2011 Mazda Mazda3 Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

In a field that's exposing also-rans at a torrid pace, the 2011 Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback still shine.

The popular Mazda3 remains unabashedly fun to drive, which should appeal to driving enthusiasts who want a practical car. And although it falls short on ride quality and fuel efficiency, the latter is set to improve with next year's four-cylinder drivetrain, which should get 40 mpg highway.

Mazda offers three drivetrains: two normally aspirated four-cylinders — each with a manual or automatic transmission — and a manual-only Mazdaspeed3 hatchback with a turbocharged four-cylinder. (Click here to stack them up.) Since the Mazda3 was redesigned a year ago, we've driven all three engines. A newly standard electronic stability system is the chief difference for the 2011 car, which you can compare with the 2010 Mazda3 here.

Handling

Ever since its late-2003 launch, the Mazda3 has held platinum membership in the fun-to-drive-econobox club — a group that has included, at times, only a handful of peers: the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta. A few more have joined the ranks recently, but the Mazda3 remains at the head. Few sub-$20,000 cars achieve such harmony across the driving experience. Steering turn-in is precise, allowing for quick darts from one lane to the next. At low speeds, our 2.5-liter test car's wheel felt both light and lively — better than last year's 2.0-liter Mazda3, whose wheel could have used more low-speed power assist. Regardless of body style, the car's 34.2-foot turning circle beats much of the field.

Editors raved about the Mazda's high-speed handling; in our reviewof last year's Mazda3, which involved some time on Wisconsin's Road America racetrack, one editor lauded the car's go-kart-like manners. If there's any criticism, it comes with the Mazdaspeed3. I was unimpressed: The steering — which has the same ratio but less power assist — tracks well, but the car's nose pushes relentlessly on sweeping curves, and our tester's Dunlop SP Sport P225/40R18summer tires ceded grip sooner than high-performance rubber ought to. The Mini Cooper S is more driftable, as go-fast hatches go. Though I offered repeated invites, the Mazdaspeed3's rear was loathe to dance.

Going & Stopping

The base four-cylinder's power is comparable with many other compacts — perhaps even a smidge better than some, given the optional five-speed automatic upshifts smoothly and the gear ratios are well-spaced for quick 60-to-70 mph passing. Kickdown, however, could be a bit swifter.

If you're looking to move away from intersections a bit more quickly, consider trading the 148-horsepower four-cylinder for the 167-hp four. It's optional in the sedan and standard in the hatchback. It packs a gratifying — and palpably stronger — amount of acceleration, thanks in large part to 33 extra pounds-feet of torque. Beware, though: You'll sacrifice 2-5 mpg overall, depending on which transmission you choose.

The Mazdaspeed3 comes only with a six-speed manual. Like the stick shift in the normally aspirated car, it has longish throws but a short, satisfyingly hefty shifter. The car's turbocharged four-cylinder feels a bit old-school, with noticeable turbo lag followed by a sudden, peaky stretch of power. The burst thrusts the car forward and kicks the tachometer needle to its 6,700-rpm redline at breakneck speed. Driving hard, you'll have to upshift too often to savor the climb. For its sub-$24,000 price, the Mazdaspeed3 is stunningly quick — our friends at "MotorWeek" hit 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds with theirs — but longer gearing would help drivers enjoy the experience a bit more. So would better mitigation of the car'storque steer, which becomes a major force on hard takeoffs, but such is the case in most powerful front-drive cars.

The Mazdaspeed3 has four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, with larger front discs than the regular Mazda3. They offer forceful, linear pedal response, though our test car's were a bit too touchy when I lifted off to start moving again.

Combined city/highway gas mileage ranges from 21 mpg in the Mazdaspeed3 to 28 mpg in a manual Mazda3 with the base four-cylinder. (As is the case with many high-performance cars, the Mazdaspeed3 needs premium gas.) None of these numbers are particularly good: The Hyundai Elantra, 2012 Civic and 2012 Focus are all better, getting as much as 33 mpg. Armed with a new direct-injection four-cylinder, next year's Mazda3 should get around 32 mpg overall.

Ride Quality

Ride quality marks the latest battleground among small cars, and the Chevrolet Cruze and Elantra are plowing through the competition. The Mazda3 trails both; it's worth a competitive test-drive to see the difference for yourself. With the Mazda's 16- or 17-inch wheels, highway expansion joints come and go with a noticeable kathunk, and uneven pavement can leave you in a constant pattern of down/up motions as the car follows each dip and rise. The suspension sorts things out well enough after each bump, with few reverberations as the car resettles itself, but the shock absorbers could stand to soak up a bit more. Learn More...

Source : http://www.cars.com