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For 2004, Mazda made the Protégé go away. In its place, they launched a new small car line known simply enough as the Mazda 3. With the new 3, Mazda aims to inject a little of their fun-to-drive ethic into a segment (compacts) where that idea has traditionally been in short supply. In some ways, it's a tall order. Compact cars are supposed to be economical and practical. Not typically the ingredients for fun, but Mazda's approach to the 3 has shown that these qualities don't have to be mutually exclusive. The 3 is offered in three versions: four doors in "i" and "s" level trim, and a 5-Door "s". My test drive was in the wedgy, 5-Door hatchback.
To start with, the new Mazda has a good look - it wears small well. Up front, hood and grille conspire in a dipping, vee shape, balanced by wedge cut headlamp covers. A large intake stands out below bumper, flanked by fared-in driving lamps.
Side on, the roofline arches back from the tapered nose, before making a sharp drop downward at the c-pillar. Hatchbacks aren't always the most graceful of designs - ditto and more so for 5-door hatches - but here as in the even more recent Mazda 6, the company has shown that they can pull off a good exit strategy for their designs - they look good coming and going. In the case of the 6, it's a car that looks like a sedan until you lift the lid. With the 3, it's a wedgy hatch, nicely balanced, and well proportioned.
So, the Mazda 3 passes the sight test - no small feat in a niche where frumpy is commonplace. It also does well on functionality. Hatchbacks are all about practical. Pop the lift gate in back and the 3 offers 17.1 cubic feet for cargo. Fold the split rear seats down (reachable from the back) and you up the ante to 31.2 cubic feet. It's usable space, easy to access. Moving up one row, the back seat has enough head and leg room to hold two adults or kids. Slide into the front seats and again, there's good room for a compact. I'm 6'1" and if you're my height or taller, your legs will be varying degrees of bent up front, but I found things quite comfortable, and you could even slide another one my size behind me - pretty good shooting for a compact.
Cool styling carries the day up front. The driver peers through a three spoke wheel at three tube-shaped binnacles, housing the red-lit gauges. They're easy to see and glare-free. Lights and wiper controls are found on stalks left and right, respectively, while cruise controls and redundant sound system switches are embedded in the wheel. Mid dash, it's simple rheostat dials to work the air supply, while above sits a linear layout for tunes. Seat inserts provide about the only splash of color in an otherwise black on black cabin. The 3's option sheet is unusually diverse for a compact class car. Typical add-ons are here for the taking (moon roof, 6 CD changer, wheel and tire packages, power accessories), but the 3's extras sheet runs longer than most. Lux lovers can add leather for $590. Xenon headlights and a tire pressure monitoring system are packaged for $700. For the directionally challenged and deep of pocket, a navigation system is offered optionally ($1,750), making the 3 the only car in this segment to offer the feature. ABS is surprisingly not standard; it appears with EBD and side airbags/side curtains, bundled for $800. The choices are extensive for this segment, though many require the purchase of additional options too, and it's possible to spec your way up into another class of cars, price-wise.
On four doors, one difference between "i" and "s" models is engine size. The former get the 2.0 liter four cylinder, the latter run the 2.3 liter four. Since all 5-Doors are "s" cars, it's one and done for motor choices. The 2.3 rates 160 hp (@6,500 rpm) and 150 lb. ft. of torque (@4,500 rpm). A five speed stick is the standard transmission and a four speed automatic is a $900 option. Suspension is independent front and rear, brakes are four wheel disc and steering is power assisted rack and pinion.
The parts all come together nicely on the road. The 3 has quick reflexes without feeling twitchy. There's good feel through the steering wheel, cornering is flat and brakes are strong without being touchy. Mazda is home to the Miata of course, and the sports car staple has long been the benchmark for short throw shifters. The 3 is not in that league, but not off by much. It's quick from gear to gear and clutch effort is minimal. The 2.3 engine has a good amount of low end power for a small displacement engine, and winds evenly through the gears. 0-60 times should run a shade under eight seconds, while gas mileage ratings are 25 city/32 highway. In sum, comfortably quick, good on gas, fun, tossable handling, and comfortable ride quality.
The Mazda 3 hits all the marks that are required of a compact hatch and it does so with a fun driving attitude that's happily out of step with its main competition. If you can exercise a little restraint with your option buying, you'll be picking up a good buy. Versatile, fun and zoomy looking, the 3 should do well for Mazda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the new 3 fit in the Mazda lineup?
The 3 replaces the Protégé. The compact is offered in four and five door models, starting at $13,680 and $16,895, respectively.
What's under the hood?
All 5-Door models have Mazda's 160 hp, 2.3 liter four. Four doors come equipped with either a 2.0 liter, 148 hp four ("i" trim) or the 2.3 ("s").
Why choose the 5-Door?
Hatchbacks are about as practical as backpacks: room for people up front, and space for gear in back. You've got anywhere from 17.1-31.2 cubic feet of cargo space available, depending on how many rear seats you fold down.
2004 Mazda 3 5-Door Reviewer's Notes
MSRP: $16,895
As tested: $19,996
Showroom Appeal: New compact series from Mazda replaces Protégé
Plus: Cool style, fun to drive, versatile
Minus: ABS not standard, watch your options
The Competition: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic
---Story by Dan Lyons
---Photos by Dan Lyons
© 2004, Dan Lyons, All Rights Reserved.
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