Seeking feedback + your experiences with 2014 Mazda3 i Touring Hatchback - manual

[WUNDRWMN14]

I'm considering trading in my car for the 2014 Mazda3 i Touring manual transmission and would like your input on this trim. (I test drove the automatic in 2013 and 2012 and didn't like it).

What do you think about the design? The interior features? The new designed hatchback door? Any other thoughts?

I just want a simple, safe, reliable car with a powerful engine.

Thank you!

 

[iamdjrodz]

I'm considering trading in my car for the 2014 Mazda3 i Touring manual transmission and would like your input on this trim. (I test drove the automatic in 2013 and 2012 and didn't like it).

What do you think about the design? The interior features? The new designed hatchback door? Any other thoughts?

I just want a simple, safe, reliable car with a powerful engine.

Thank you!

You should skip the 2013 and 2012 model and get you money worth with the 2014 models. I own the IGT and I test drove the I touring before buying and its amazing. The engine on that car is a beast compare to others in its class and the sleek sexy look makes the car an automatic chick magnet. The amount of technology that comes with this car is unbelievable for the price that you pay. I'm in NY the gallon of gas is 3.98 i know FML right but I only need 42$ to fill up my tank. So yeah You should def test drive the new models.

 

[WUNDRWMN14]

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately, I'm not looking for a chick magnet car or lots of gadgets. I appreciate the sentiments, however. I date dudes and want a simple interior with peppy engine

I have the Mazda2 Sport and it's perfect for me except engine is not powerful enough - I test drove it but apparently not enough. So now I have to learn how to drive it so I stay safe in city traffic and on high

I would get a Turbocharger but that would void my certified preowned warranty.

 

[socialcarpet]

The Mazda3 with the 2.0 Skyactiv engine will certainly be more responsive than your Mazda2, especially with the manual transmission. I think it's a great choice. I just test drove one recently actually (I went with a Mazda5 instead because I wanted acres of interior room and I just fell in love with the quirkiness) The 3 I drove was peppy though and I had a Honda Fit before this, which is VERY similar in weight and horsepower to your Mazda2. I think you'd be happy with the 2.0 liter mazda3, but definitely get the manual. They are just more fun and it's the surest way to be certain you get the most out of the engine. If you want to go for a little overkill on the power and go beyond just being quick and actually have a car that's bordering on fast, then you might wait for the 2.5 liter Mazda 3 manuals to start hitting the lots. They should be rolling out any minute. Those have about 185 horsepower. In a 2700-2800 lb car with a manual that will be quite a little slingshot. But like I said, if you're used to a Mazda2, the 2.0 liter 3 with a manual will definitely be more satisfying performance wise. Hope that helps.

 

[nychotxxx]

I just got a 2014 I touring hatch with manual. Brilliant car with tech pkg and heated seats. Its far superior to the comparable 2015 vw golf that I tested.

 

[concept]

Yes, the 2015 Mazda 3s with 2.5 liter, 185 HP engines with manual transmissions are either here or almost here. If you want more power, look into one of those.
I have the auto version because I also have a 2008 MX5 with 6-speed manual. Pressing the 3's "Sport" button makes the car feel like it is turbocharged - LOTS of fun!

Design: The sedan looks upscale, especially if lowered a bit. My 3 was lowered a bit more than an inch and it makes a huge difference in the way it looks. (See avatar)
The hatch is very popular but realistically, there's not that much usable space in the back, due to the slope of the hatch door. 4 inches of the depth is much shorter than the rest. If you regularly take your bicycle places, the hatch may make sense.

Interior: The GT seats are very firm, with the bottom being a tad too firm, IMO. Instruments are sparse, but a $180 Scan Guage II can fix that.
The Touring seats are synthetic leather, but look similar to the GT's real leather seats. Overall, I like the interior and its electronic tech stuff.