The larger, more powerful 2.3-liter engine that comes
with the Mazda 3s has plenty of spirit. It makes 160 horsepower,
but it is after all a non-turbocharged four-cylinder, so
there's not a ton of torque. At 1000 rpm there's only 120
pounds-feet and it climbs to 140 at 3000 and peaks at 150
at a relatively high 4500 rpm.
Be prepared to downshift to accelerate suddenly, either
with the manual five-speed gearbox or the four-speed automatic.
Redline is 6500 rpm but the engine is happy zooming
to 7000. The 16-valve engine is quite sophisticated, with
variable valve timing and a variable induction system which
optimizes intake efficiency and torque. The block is aluminum,
there's a cam chain rather than a belt, and the exhaust
manifold is stainless steel. It's very smooth and quiet
at consistent freeway speeds, and has a nice sporty sound
when the engine's revving under acceleration. The 2.3-liter
engine with the manual transmission gets 25/32 miles per
gallon, and the 148-horsepower 2.0-liter gets 28/35.
The standard five-speed manual shifts beautifully, especially
the upshifts, which were almost as smooth as an automatic,
with no real driver effort. This is the result of the redesigned
synchronizers and cable linkage for reduced friction.
Mazda calls the optional automatic transmission Activematic.
You can just put it in Drive and go, but it features a manual
mode programmed for quick shifting, making the Mazda 3 the
only car in its class offering such a transmission. It's
also programmed to maintain its gear going downhill for
slope control (engine braking), and uphill to reduce hunting.
Handling is quick and nimble, making the Mazda 3 fun to
drive. On twisty country roads, the Mazda 3 is a blast and
it's sharp, true and steady in emergency lane-change maneuvers.
The Ford group in England designed the suspension, but it
was tuned by Mazda at its long, rolling test track at Hiroshima.
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The five-door with the 2.3-liter engine comes with slighter
larger brakes than those on the 2.0-liter Mazda 3i. We found
them to be quite effective and sensitive; a mere light touch
on the brake pedal around town is nice. In fact, the whole
braking system has been upgraded with better hoses, master
cylinder and pads, plus wider tires.
