My brother had to go to Mazda dealer to pick up some parts he ordered for his Protege 5. So while he was in there, I went to check out the new Mazda3 and decided to take it for a spin. The dealer took a photo copy of my driver license and handed me the keys and said to "knock myself out". So I did!
I drove a 2.3 hactchback 5 speed which has sports package and 17" rims. The first impression is that this is one SOLID car - doors closed with a big thump not a tinny whack like a Civic. Very much like Mazda6 and my Audi. I guess Volvo and Ford's development work paid off because this is not your typical tin can Japanese compact. The inteior is also A+. Rich leather and soft plastic is very Audi-esque and definitely much higher quality stuff than any Honda or Toyota I've been in.
The 2.3 is very strong for this car and I have no problem tossing it around either. The car handles like it was glued on the pavement - very impressive for a Japanese car, almost approaching the stable feeling I had driving the Mini Cooper but with more power!
I like the looks as well. It is different, and has character. But mostly it is very refreshing and has very little Japanese tidiousness (some might say bland or Toyota-likeness) to it.
Huge thumbs up :thumbsup:
I drove a 2.3 hactchback 5 speed which has sports package and 17" rims. The first impression is that this is one SOLID car - doors closed with a big thump not a tinny whack like a Civic. Very much like Mazda6 and my Audi. I guess Volvo and Ford's development work paid off because this is not your typical tin can Japanese compact. The inteior is also A+. Rich leather and soft plastic is very Audi-esque and definitely much higher quality stuff than any Honda or Toyota I've been in.
The 2.3 is very strong for this car and I have no problem tossing it around either. The car handles like it was glued on the pavement - very impressive for a Japanese car, almost approaching the stable feeling I had driving the Mini Cooper but with more power!
I like the looks as well. It is different, and has character. But mostly it is very refreshing and has very little Japanese tidiousness (some might say bland or Toyota-likeness) to it.
Huge thumbs up :thumbsup: