2015 Mazda 3 Sport – The Yin Yang of Fun and Functionality

The Mazda 3 Sport is the Ying Yang of Fun and Versatility

A sub $30,000 budget can offer quite an extensive palette of choices.  But not many can offer a near perfect balance of driving enjoyment and versatility.   And that’s exactly where the Mazda 3 Sport shines.

It’s not at the luxury level, but neither is it sitting in the calm dust of nobody cares.  As quoted by Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operation.”It doesn’t shy away from enormous expectations”,   While “enormous” is a bit over-exaggerated in my opinion, the Mazda 3 Sport still falls into a category of luscious styling, family functionality and a bio-mechanical linkage between its steering wheel, and a smile.

All new as of 2014, the 2015 Mazda 3 Sport continues to follow the highly successful KODO design pattern also employed in the Mazda CX-5.

Not to be confused with the standard Mazda 3.  The Sport model is offered in a 5 door hatchback form factor as opposed to the more generic compact sedan in the Mazda 3.

Driving Excitement

Finally, a car that can reflect its badge, the Mazda 3 Sport (GT model) offers an engaging driving experience thanks to its naturally aspirated 2.5L 4 cylinder SkyActiv engine producing 184 horsepower and 185 ft.lbs of torque. For the more conserved buyers, the lower GX and GS trims comes equipped with a smaller 2.0L engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 ft.lbs of torque.

But acceleration in the GT model isn’t the only factor that makes the Mazda 3 sport so enjoyable. Minus its engine configurations and wheel size, its overall mechanical blueprints are common in all trims. With that being said, the Mazda 3 Sport feels light, well balanced, and a willingness to grip itself tight around corners. Steering control is lively and responsive while offering excellent road feedback.

Our tested vehicle came equipped with a buttery smooth 6 speed manual transmission. It’s got a forgiving clutch with a pretty good lever throw. My only complaint is its lazy throttle response and the absence of a rapid gear snap effect upon shifts found in more performance oriented vehicles. But then again, that is not the intent of the Mazda 3 Sport and the added noise of whining gears would ultimately defeat its purpose.

Less demanding drivers can opt for a 6 speed automatic transmission with optional paddle shifters available in the GT trim.

Interior

Interior cabin space is simple and inviting. GT model receives standard options including leather treatment, voice-activated navigation system, Active Driving Heads-up display, trip computer, outside temperature sensor, infotainment touchscreen and Audio Display.

As engaging as all its features sound, its overall user experience falls a bit short. Interior real estate is limited and its center console is kept compact. The result is difficult access to climate controls and other audio controls.

And as cool as Heads Up Displays are nowadays, the implementation in the Mazda 3 isn’t quite perfect as you have to look fairly far down onto the front windshield to spot the speed illuminated on a secondary semi-reflective screen.

It’s not a complete lost cause. The Mazda 3 sport offers a very tranquil ride and feels well sheltered from exterior road environment.

Final Thoughts

The Mazda Sport 3 remains one of the top contenders in the compact sedan segment thanks to its electrifying driving experience and an accommodation for every day use. Minus a few quirks inside the cabin space, the Mazda 3 Sport ultimately delivers.

Achieving a balance point of fun and functionality is what the Mazda 3 Sport is all about. It isn’t; however, the only choice there is out there. The Ford Focus and Fiesta siblings also prove themselves to be strong contenders as well, but in a immature level.

 

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2015 Mazda 3 Sport
• Model : Mazda 3 Sport
• Price as Tested : $30,190
• Vehicle Type : 5 door hatchback
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : SKYACTIV-G 2.5L inline 4-cylinder
• Transmission : 6 Speed Manual
• Horsepower : 184 Hp
• Torque: 185 lb.ft
• Fuel Economy: 9.2/6.0 Km city/highway
• Wheelbase : 2700 mm
• Height : 1,455 mm
• Width : 2053 mm
• Weight: 3000 lbs (Sport w/ Manual Transmission)
• Additional Features : Leather seats, 6-way power driver’s seat, manual driver lumbar support, auto dimming inner rear view mirror, bi-xenon HID headlights, 18″ allow wheels, Active Driving Display, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7″ touchscreen display with HMI Commander, Bluetooth, USB.AUX inputs, heated seats

Pros

• Lively driving experience
• Good level of ride comfort
• Tranquil cabin space
• Versatile with 5-door hatchback chassis

Cons

• A bit pricey at the $30k level
• Compact/quirky user interface in center console
• Lack of performance-oriented feel with 6 speed manual shifter/gearbox.