Topic: CD Article: 2008.5 Mazda3 Sport GX

[Autos_Editor]

Test Drive:


With a starting price under $18,000, the new-for 2008-and-a-half Mazda3 Sport GX makes the 3's practical hatchback bodystyle more affordable for entry-level buyers, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. "Its smaller 2.0-litre four cylinder engine is "certainly not underpowered," he says.  

 More:
Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[Scaerio]

Similar story to the Hyundai Elantra5.  It was first offered as the top of the line GT-only, and later an entry-level version was introduced.

[tortoise]

I really enjoy reading Greg's articles.  There's a concise throroughness to them.

It's pretty impressive that the 3 is still at the top of the game, even after being on the market for 4 years.  I wonder how many more sales they would have had if this model was released right from the get-go?

I had the chance to drive a GX sedan a week ago.  They more or less addressed all of my complaints with the P5, basically the noise and overall smoothness.   That said, I was a little disappointed with the feedback.  I was hoping it would drive like a Protege, only smoother.  Instead it felt more remote and less responsive.  I'd like to try a GT model to see if the 17" tires make things more interesting.

The one complaint with the protege they didn't address is the gearing.  Since when is 2,800 RPM @ 100 km/h relaxed?

[Cargeek]

Interesting that the Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl auto gets Hwy/City ratings of 9.9/6.5 while the Mazda gets 9.1/6.4.

What's up Mazda???

[quadzilla]

I really enjoy reading Greg's articles.  There's a concise throroughness to them.

It's pretty impressive that the 3 is still at the top of the game, even after being on the market for 4 years.  I wonder how many more sales they would have had if this model was released right from the get-go?

I had the chance to drive a GX sedan a week ago.  They more or less addressed all of my complaints with the P5, basically the noise and overall smoothness.   That said, I was a little disappointed with the feedback.  I was hoping it would drive like a Protege, only smoother.  Instead it felt more remote and less responsive.  I'd like to try a GT model to see if the 17" tires make things more interesting.

The one complaint with the protege they didn't address is the gearing.  Since when is 2,800 RPM @ 100 km/h relaxed?

I drove a 3 Sport (alone) when they came out (still had the P5 then) and also thought it was less involved in the driving department vs my P5. Not saying it was bad but when you go for the limits, the P5 just felt better to me. Then when I swapped to Yoko 100's

The new Mz6 is getting a 6 speed manual with the new 2.5, hopefully they will also use this in the 3-GT and gear is correctly.

[tortoise]

That said, I think the 3 has higher handling limits than the P5, but the protege is much more fun getting there.

[TopGun]

That said, I think the (fill-in car name here) has higher handling limits than the previous generation, but the previous generaion is much more fun getting there.

Sadly, I observe that this is becoming very common.  Sounds like it is with the TSX...and it was certainly my first-hand experience with the Mini Cooper S.

[The Mighty Duck]

Interesting that the Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl auto gets Hwy/City ratings of 9.9/6.5 while the Mazda gets 9.1/6.4.

What's up Mazda???

  Why do people get hung up on 0.1 L/100km?  Even 0.8 L/100km is nothing...  why worry?

[Seafoam]

Interesting that the Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl auto gets Hwy/City ratings of 9.9/6.5 while the Mazda gets 9.1/6.4.

What's up Mazda???

  Why do people get hung up on 0.1 L/100km?  Even 0.8 L/100km is nothing...  why worry?

Maybe he is comparing the relative sizes of the vehicles. The larger car's fuel economy is not that much worse than the smaller car.
People will start to question fuel economy when purchasing a vehicle as gas continues to rise in price. As of now gas is 1.32 a liter in Halifax.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Interesting that the Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl auto gets Hwy/City ratings of 9.9/6.5 while the Mazda gets 9.1/6.4.

What's up Mazda???

  Why do people get hung up on 0.1 L/100km?  Even 0.8 L/100km is nothing...  why worry?

Worry about 0.1 then drive at 130

[dorin]

That said, I think the 3 has higher handling limits than the P5, but the protege is much more fun getting there.

You're completely right there.  The 3 is still the best handling and feeling compact car out there (although the Rabbit sounds like a close contender too) but it no longer has that "direct" feeling that the Protege and my old MX-3 had.  The 3 has become too refined IMO - refined to the point of being a little remote. 

Unfortunately that's what most buyers out there like.  It still amazes me that there are lots of people who complain that the 3 is still too rough-riding for them. 

[Cargeek]

Interesting that the Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl auto gets Hwy/City ratings of 9.9/6.5 while the Mazda gets 9.1/6.4.

What's up Mazda???

  Why do people get hung up on 0.1 L/100km?  Even 0.8 L/100km is nothing...  why worry?

Maybe he is comparing the relative sizes of the vehicles. The larger car's fuel economy is not that much worse than the smaller car.
People will start to question fuel economy when purchasing a vehicle as gas continues to rise in price. As of now gas is 1.32 a liter in Halifax.

My point exactly. The Sonata has much more space, uses "old" technology 4-spd auto yet gets similar fuel economy. Maybe not as fun to drive but given our pot holed roads, the Sonata would be my choice to get from point A to B.

I drove a rental 4 cyl Sonata auto and was quite impressed with the power, handling and comfort. Given the $18,900 price, an incredible value.

[Cord]

My point exactly. The Sonata has much more space, uses "old" technology 4-spd auto yet gets similar fuel economy. Maybe not as fun to drive but given our pot holed roads, the Sonata would be my choice to get from point A to B.

I drove a rental 4 cyl Sonata auto and was quite impressed with the power, handling and comfort. Given the $18,900 price, an incredible value.

So I guess you should buy a Sonata and people with other priorities can buy the Mazda.

[Cargeek]

My point exactly. The Sonata has much more space, uses "old" technology 4-spd auto yet gets similar fuel economy. Maybe not as fun to drive but given our pot holed roads, the Sonata would be my choice to get from point A to B.

I drove a rental 4 cyl Sonata auto and was quite impressed with the power, handling and comfort. Given the $18,900 price, an incredible value.

So I guess you should buy a Sonata and people with other priorities can buy the Mazda.

So I guess you're right.

 

[Leviathan]

The Protege was a blast to drive.. It would have been awesome with the 150hp 2l in the 3.

Near perfect balance of handling and ride comfort - at least for my tastes & $$$. The 2.0L in the Protege was 130hp wasn't it? 150hp would have really completed that model.