Over the past few years, the entry-level automotive market has undergone a massive evolution. New car buyers expect more from their vehicles. Simplistic “basic” models are about to disappear. Today’s drivers want more.
Much of this change is driven by the nature of the entry-level market. Most early car buyers looking for “small” entry-level vehicles have grown up and have it all. They are part of a new generation, a generation raised with access to everything at their fingertips; a whole group of tech-savvy consumers who expect features that do it all, even in the most compact and budget-conscious vehicles.
Looking for your first new car on the market? If you’re a tech-savvy car buyer who isn’t willing to make any sacrifices, the 2014 Mazda3 should be your first new car purchase. Mazda understands that the auto industry is changing. The new 2014 Mazda3 offers everything modern drivers expect at a price that’s right for everyone. Compact, fuel efficient and affordable no longer means you have to have a cheap feel and uninspiring vehicle.
The first thing you’ll notice about the 2014 Mazda3 is that it stands out from the crowd. The long hood and cab-style rear are a creative breath of fresh air not seen in other compact cars. The look is sporty. Smooth curves extend to the rear, giving a sports car-inspired look that screams speed. For many buyers, style is all you can ask for in a price-conscious four-door “economy” car. It is anything but modest. The look “says” fast and expensive, and that’s good; You can’t find anything that looks better in this price range.
The 2014 Mazda3 is built around a SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine that has been around since 2012. The base model comes with a 2.0L engine that develops 155 horsepower with exceptional efficiency. Mazda rates the base model’s performance at 4.7 liters / 100 km on the highway. The more powerful 2.5L is also available. It’s slightly more powerful, developing 184 horsepower, and maintaining an impressive 5.0-liter / 100km highway efficiency rating.
Mazda redesigned nearly every component in the 2014 Mazda3. Extensive revisions to the suspension system, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars promise improved stability, cornering performance and overall ride comfort. All models come with four-wheel disc brakes, creating impressive stopping distances that surpass most compact cars. The steering system has also been revamped. Older Mazda3 models used an electro-hydraulic steering system, the 2014 Mazda3 uses a new electric power steering mechanism.
Inside, the 2014 Mazda3 isn’t as roomy as it could be. The cabin is compact. The long hood and swept-back design that create smooth sporty curves on the exterior sacrifice interior space. The front seats are spacious enough and are equipped with contoured seats with a comfortable backrest and side backrest. Sleek styling steals space from rear passengers. The Mazda3 is tighter than other compact cars in this class. Headroom is inadequate in the rear for taller passengers, a problem created when Mazda decided to increase the rear seat height to improve comfort. In general, the Mazda3 has an acceptable rear space for a compact: it is suitable for children but not comfortable for adults.
If safety is a top concern, the 2014 Mazda3 has you covered. Each model includes multiple airbags, both front and side, for the front seats and side curtain airbags that expand the entire length of the cabin. Mazda has scored high on all crash test ratings with every generation of Mazda3; the 2014 model is no different. It is one of the safest compact cars on the road.
The 2014 Mazda3 GT includes a system called I-Activesense that incorporates adaptive front lighting, a lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. Mazda’s “Smart City Brake Support” system is an interesting addition to the GT model that monitors vehicle distances and automatically presets the brakes for optimal collision response time in city traffic. The car can alert drivers to impending collisions at city driving speeds and automatically brake to a stop if the driver does not respond to a looming obstacle.
It’s clear that drivers don’t want to sacrifice electronic features, even in affordable compact vehicles. The 2014 Mazda3 has “Mazda Connect” on all models – a touchscreen on top of the dash that controls a variety of functions. The system includes a radio, a CD player, a USB input, and an auxiliary audio jack. The GT model includes an updated Bose audio system and an SD card slot.
The 2014 Mazda3 ranges in price from an MSRP of $ 15,995 to $ 26,855. At the base price, no compact cars come close to matching the styling and features of the 2014 Mazda3. If you’re looking for a new car in 2014, it doesn’t get any better than this.
The only big downside to this impressive car is the narrow interior. The creation of a sport-influenced stylish compact car resulted in a narrow rear passenger area. Four tall adults will not fit comfortably in the 2014 Mazda3. The rear seats are suitable for children. This downside aside, the 2014 Mazda3 is a very impressive offering that combines performance, style, advanced technology, and comprehensive features at an affordable price. Few compact cars can match this formula.
Mazda has recognized the demands of modern first-time car buyers in the compact car market. Many young people are looking for cars that don’t skimp on style or technology. The 2014 Mazda3 represents the beginning of a new era in compact car design, function and pricing. You no longer have to sacrifice style for price, and “budget” compacts no longer have to represent pure function over form. The Mazda3 is a car for real-world drivers – it’s fun, sporty, affordable, and capable enough to fit the family. It is a vehicle that demands serious consideration if you are in the market for a new car.