2009 Mazda 3: Road Test
2009 Mazda 3 ▼
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- MSRP: $14,690 - $24,455
- Invoice: $13,777 - $22,885
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Our road test for the 2009 Mazda 3 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Mazda 3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Mazda 3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Mazda 3 help you decide if a 2009 Mazda 3 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
The i sedans are OK around town but lack midrange punch, especially with the automatic transmission. The s models are peppier overall. A manual-transmission hatchback did 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds, but in everyday driving it doesn't feel that quick. Passing on two-lane roads requires planning and, with the manual transmission, prudent gear selection. MazdaSpeed is very quick, though acceleration is blunted a bit by turbo lag. Mazda pegs it at under 6.0 seconds 0-60. On all, the automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. The manual on non-turbo models has precise shift and clutch action. The clutch is stiffer on the MazdaSpeed, making it harder to drive smoothly in traffic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission s sedan averaged 27.1 mpg in mainly highway driving. An s hatchback averaged 20.8 mpg in mostly city driving. Similar models averaged 23.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 27.1-27.7 mpg with more highway use. A MazdaSpeed averaged 20.6 mpg in city/highway driving and a more frugal 27.4 in mostly highway use. No opportunity to measure with the i model. MazdaSpeed requires premium-grade gas, and other 3s use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.2 |
All 3s have firm suspensions that show good composure. The 17-inch tires on s models register some sharp bumps, but the ride is never punishing. MazdaSpeed is notably tauter.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.9 |
Among the best handling compacts, especially the MazdaSpeed. All are nimble and balanced, helped by precise, linear steering with good road feel. Excellent directional stability and a solid body structure further enhance the 3's sporty character. MazdaSpeed tries to minimize torque steer by modulating engine power and torque transfer, but some wander under hard throttle is noticeable. Braking on all is stable.
QUIETNESS
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.8 |
Road noise is noticed a bit more in hatchbacks than sedans, but it isn't intrusive for the class. Same for highway wind rush. The i's smaller engine is louder than that in the s model. MazdaSpeed's low-profile tires and sporty exhaust note generate more ruckus.
CONTROLS
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Most controls are simple and handy. The gauges are easy to read, despite being recessed into the dashboard. The 3, like some other Mazdas, has two backlight settings for the instrument panel and major controls, which are governed by a button in the gauge cluster. In some low-light conditions, the "day" mode renders the display too bright while the "night" mode is too dim. Some testers find the wide LCD display on the center dashboard stack to host too many functions, making it hard to decipher at a glance. The navigation system, a rare small-car feature, is fairly easy to program, but its controls are awkwardly placed and difficult to access on manual-transmission models.
DETAILS
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
The cabin decor tries to go for a sporty, upscale look, but it falls short in several areas. The plastic-looking woven inserts on the door panels and seats are unimpressive, and there are very few soft-touch surfaces. One test 3 hatchback suffered from an occasional dashboard rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Legroom is good, as is headroom on models equipped without the sunroof. The sunroof housing cuts into headroom for taller occupants. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids positioning in all models. Chair-height seats provide fine comfort and support. MazdaSpeed has particularly well-bolstered sport buckets, but some testers complain that the backrest and bottom cushion are too hard for optimal long-distance comfort.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Legroom is especially tight with the front seats far back. Foot space is fine. Headroom is ample in hatchbacks, only OK for taller folk in sedans.
CARGO ROOM
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
The sedan's trunk is a bit small but useful, with low liftover and sufficient height. More-versatile hatchbacks include a handy rear cargo organizer. The hatchback's liftgate rises high enough to clear the heads of taller folks. Its handle, though, is in an awkward location that makes it difficult to open without hands scraping across the top of the rear bumper. All 3s have 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold almost flat. Interior storage is good, highlighted by an extra-large glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6.6 |
All Mazda 3s share a spirit of sporty driving fun, solid build quality, and a pleasant interior package. The availability of a hatchback body style adds flexibility as well. MazdaSpeed models are plenty fast, but mainstream versions leave something to be desired for acceleration. These compacts are also on the pricey side, even without options. All told, though, the 3 is a Consumer Guide Recommended pick, and should be on your compact-car shopping list.
Total Score
| i Touring, automatic | s Touring sedan, automatic | s Touring hatchback, manual | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 59 | 65 | 61 | 60.1 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Compact Cars
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