2011 Mazda 3 hatchback Highlights: – new colour ‘Sky Blue’, a slightly darker version of the Celestial Blue.
The 2011 Mazda 3 sees some shuffling of its equipment packages. The Grand Touring version loses its formerly standard adaptive xenon headlights but gains the Bose audio system and a sunroof. Also, all trims now have standard stability control.
The Mazda 3 is also notable for the number of upmarket features that are available, including bi-xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Mazda 3 is available in four-door compact sedan and hatchback body styles.
The 3i model (sedan only) is offered in SV, Sport and Touring trim levels. Standard equipment on the SV includes 16-inch steel wheels, a 60/40-split-folding seat, height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, full power accessories and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel controls. The 3s Sport (available as sedan and hatchback) adds the more powerful 2.5-liter engine, different front and rear fascias, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, dual exhaust tips, rear spoiler, aggressively bolstered front seats, upgraded upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a trip computer and electroluminescent gauges. The 3s Grand Touring adds a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker Bose audio system (with an in-dash, six-disc CD changer), heated front seats, leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver seat.
The Technology package (available for the 3s Sport and 3s Grand Touring) includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, keyless ignition/entry, satellite radio and a navigation system (with steering-wheel controls and a small, high-mounted display screen).
Powertrains and Performance
The 2011 Mazda 3i comes with a 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 148 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. Estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined with the automatic -- the manual stands at 25/33/28. Estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic (20/28/23 with the manual). Both fuel economy and acceleration are on par with similarly powerful small cars.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2011 Mazda 3 includes stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Mazda 3 earned five stars (the highest rating) in frontal impact protection for both driver and passenger.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2011 Mazda 3 is a class leader in terms of interior design, quality and feature content. Most Mazda 3 hatchbacks and sedans sold won't be the upper Touring and Grand Touring models, but they'll still greet their owners with high-quality materials, comfortable front seats, ample space and easy-to-reach controls.
Driving Impressions
The beefed-up 2.5-liter engine in 3s models is the same one that powers the midsize Mazda 6.
The 2011 MAZDA3 is an entry level compact available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback. The 2.0-liter engine is available with a 5-speed manual/automatic transmission while the 2.5-liter comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. For those keen on gas mileage, the 2.0-liter engine with the standard manual transmission will deliver an EPA estimated 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Model Review
The Mazda3 is powered by a choice of two different 4-cylinder engines. Base Mazda3i models feature an economical 2.0-liter engine making 148 horsepower, while sportier Mazda3s models get a 167-hp, 2.5-liter engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on 3i models, but sporty 3s models step up to a 6-speed manual. A 5-speed automatic is available with either engine.
