The 2014 Mazda3 is the most important car for Mazda worldwide. Sporting a new body, interior, electronics and updated Skyactive engines, the 2014 Mazda3 poses a threat to the 2014 Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze – to name a few. It’s good looks and athletic disposition certainly make the 2014 Mazda3 stand out.
Nathan and Kyle ventured to San Diego, CA to test the 2014 Mazda3 2.0-liter and the 2014 Mazda3 2.5-liter (both in sedan and five-door hatchback version) and came away monumentally impressed. Why? The 2.0-liter that was tested in this review is very lively. Mazda’s Skyactive system takes direct injection and supper high (13 to 1) compression ratio. It’s like a diesel! The 2.0-liter makes 155 horsepower and 150 lbs-feet of torque – all this while getting up to 41 mpg.
A six-speed manual is standard with a six-speed automatic optional.
The most notable interior update is the infotainment system as it is one of the most logical, yet capable ones available. No, not just in its bracket, but throughout the automotive industry. Several, larger automakers could learn a thing or two from Mazda with this system. Given the high temperatures, long driving distances and Kyle’s easy penchant for road-sickness, the team put the 2014 Mazda3 through its paces – as you will see in this video.
