Disclosure: I was provided with a 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring for the duration of one week, to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Last week, I had the opportunity to test drive a 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring for 7 days. I have driven a van for about 4 years, so going to a 4-door car was different. And fun! (I don’t know that I want to go back to the van!) I like the sporty feel of this sedan!
Though sporty and fun, this vehicle is loaded with the safety features I am interested in:
- Adaptive Front-Lighting System
- Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with brake assist
- 5-passenger 3-point safety belts
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Active front headrests
- Collapsible steering column
- Blind Spot Monitoring System
- LATCH Child Safety Seat Anchors
It also has a keyless ignition, which I fell in love with! It was convenient to stick the key fob in my pocket, and not have to pull out keys when I was out shopping! If the key fob is within close distance, you simply push a button on the door or trunk to open. To start the car, you step on the brake and push the ignition button. No “traditional” key needed!
Once I was inside the Mazda3 i Grand Touring, I noticed the technology. Features, features and more features!
The Mazda 3 Technology Package includes a 4-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. You can enjoy your favorite stations or sync your smartphone and listen to the tunes you love! (You can even pull up your Pandora account through the standard USB audio input port.)
Another technology feature? The steering wheel is equipped with a “Steering-wheel-integrated button for the Multi-Information Display (MID).” This means the Mazda3 i Grand Touring offers Bluetooth hands-free capabilities which allow users to access the phone through voice commands! I was even able to access the built in Tom Tom Navigation system and speak my directions….no typing necessary and designed to keep your eyes on the road! You can also read text messages through the audio system.
The dual-zone climate controls allow you the flexibility to control separate temperatures than your passenger. If you are always cold (like I am), set the temperature to a comfortable level and let your passenger do the same! If it’s a cold day, you can take advantage of the dual seat warmers, too.
The safety and technology features are enough to make the Mazda3 a great competitor in it’s class, but make note of the fuel economy as well. Combined with Skyactiv Technology, the Mazda 3 i Grand Touring gets 40 Highway MPG and 28 City MPG! In one week, I drove the car over 375 miles, not once having to stop at the gas station.
Fuel Efficiency. Performance. Together.
Mazda: Our goal was to reduce fuel consumption and emissions
without compromising driving performance.
What feature do you look for in a vehicle?
15 Comments
The Adaptive Front Lighting System and the Blind Spot Monitoring System have to be my favorite features! I wish my Honda had those for me. The Mazda you got to try sure is sleek looking, too. I wonder if there’s a 6 or 7 seater option available from Mazda? Off to check! 🙂
I appreciated the Blind Spot Monitoring System so much! How neat!
What a fun week for you!!! I’m funny about the driver seat! That is seriously the first feature I check! I want to be sure the seat is adjustable and comfy! Lyssa@www.mymommyreads.com
The driver’s seat was definitely adjustable and comfy! One of the first things I check, too! #shortlegs
This post really makes me miss my husbands Mazda3. Really wish that lady would have been paying more attention to the road because his Honda isn’t nearly as nice or enjoyable to ride in!
Love the in-depth review!!!
Thank you, Don.
I love the keyless entry and the heated seats. I love heated seats!
Both are great features!
That is a sweeeeeet car!! I love the color.
Beautiful photos, as always! Definitely appreciate some fuel efficiency! 🙂
Thank you!
Love the photo by The Gaylord! What a great way to show off these fun car!
I like this car. You gave good information. I think the Mazda 3 will be our next purchase.
Very fun! I’ve never driven a car with the keyless ignition. It sounds awesome.