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The Already Impressive Mazda3 Just Got Better!

By George Polgar

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Mazda3 Grand Touring 5-door hatchback  – already a demure industry darling priced well-equipped for under $28,000 – just got a refresh for 2017. There has been something immensely satisfying about the Mazda3 back through the generations.

It has been the quintessentially practical and unassuming small car but always demonstrated a certain flair for high-energy and spirited road manners.

In its most recent full revision, the formerly stalwart stubby little hatchback has been stretched and sculpted into an muscular sprinter, accented by a large impressive front grill and a high-tech side swept headlamp array.

The latest model refresh has put some nice finishing touches on the rear lighting assembly. And while admiring the going away good looks of this hatchback, pop it open for an ample bay of cargo space, even before invoking the folded flat rear seating.

Astride 18" alloy wheels, powered by a spirited 184 horsepower 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, the Mazda3 is athletic looking and follows through when it hits the pavement. This compact turns sporty with a driving experience that is confident, precise and at times – especially with manual 6-speed transmission – just pure fun and games!

While enjoying the rough and ready chassis that delivers a smoother than expected ride, one of the key attributes that make the Mazda3 a driver's car and not a mere means of conveyance, is the undeniable value proposition. Even without the premium seating and two-tone leather accents, and advanced safety options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, at a starting price of under $19,000 this car really satisfies the innate human need to get your money's worth!

Opting for the higher level trim, interior touches like the leather wrapped steering wheel with the heated option are nice, and go well with really functional engineering improvements like an interior that blocks out road noise like a premium sedan.

The current refresh of the Mazda3 involves some exterior and interior upgrades, as well as safety and technology improvements. The acclaimed Mazda Skyactiv efficiency and performance program features the enhanced driving dynamics of G-Vectoring Control.

This elegant bit of engineering creates more natural steering and control for the driver, and balances the ride even in performance maneuvers by shifting the vertical load on the tires to provide better traction and acceleration response.

Specs:

Model: 2017 Mazda3

MSRP: $20,445

MPG: 27 city / 37 highway

Horsepower: 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder

Curb weight: 2,899 lbs

Dimensions: 180" L x 71" W x 57" H

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