Faults:

MAF sensor at 60k miles.

General Comments:

The Good:

1. Superb handling, better than anything I've ever driven. Completely unruffled by midcorner upsets. Throttle-controlled understeer in 2nd-gear ... you can get all four squealing, but not on OEM tires. Passengers might well become frightened, but you will not.

2. Tremendous fuel mileage for a non-hybrid. On the LRR OEMs I averaged 41.9 for the three years they lasted. The much stickier replacements have given me 40.9 for the last three years. I short-shift a lot.

3. That 6M transmission is a dream, very short throws, can leave your elbow planted whilst rowing. Notchy, positive, and slick.

4. Very comfortable cruiser, a bit of road noise but Mazda cut way back on sound insulation. Who needs all that weight? Expect 40mpg at 70, the EPA got that part right.

5. The 2.0 is tractable right down to 1000rpm, just don't expect it to pull like a tractor down there.

The Bad:

1. Yokohama LRR tires are poorly matched to the handling capabilities of this vehicle. Stiff, noisy, not nearly enough grip in the dry, and utterly pathetic in the wet.

2. If you don't opt for the Tech Package, you'll wind up with an utterly useless tach down in the lower lefthand corner of the dash. Package contained a lot of gee-whiz stuff, and cost too much for me.

3. MAF sensor went south at 60k. I understand that this is a more-or-less common problem with this vehicle.

Faults:

- Locks squeak.

General Comments:

Save yourself the time and buy a Honda, here's why:

Background Information and Gripes:

After my Jeep Grand Cherokee died in March of 2014, I was in the market for a new car, a compact hatchback to be precise. Naturally, I looked at the latest model available, a 2014 Mazda 3. Being a student, I didn't have much to spend. As such I leased a basic GX model. I know many people say 'you get what you pay for', but the standard equipment on my particular car was pitiful. Firstly, the car lacks a tachometer and a trip computer, two features that should be standard in this day and age. Secondly, the climate controls look like they have been taken from an early 2000s Ford Focus. Thirdly, the steering wheel (and other touch-points) are made of hard plastic, making it feel as if you were driving your child's Fisher Price pedal car.

Having occasionally driven a 2007 Honda Civic coupe (also a base model), I must say that the fit and finish is much better. Everything from the adjustable center arm rest to the cloth covered areas where one rests his or her elbow make the Civic a better car overall. The largest disappointment however, comes in the form of the seats. The GX model has rock hard cushions, which feel as though they were made of steel; why Mazda doesn't use the same fabric across the entire '3' range I'll never know.

Mechanical Information and Performance:

At the time of its release, the third generation Mazda 3 was considered by many to have revolutionized performance in the compact segment. However, in my eyes, the 'SKYACTIV' engine, although torquey, is underwhelming. The engine has a horrendous note, similar to that of a Chrysler 4 cylinder, although having significantly more torque, it still pales in comparison to Honda's I-VTEC units. If there is one redeeming factor to the car's powertrain it lies in its automatic transmission. The unit delivers crisp shifts, holds gears, and is by far the best automatic I have ever driven.

Chassis:

Like the transmission on this car, both the chassis and suspension are excellent. The steering loads up well in the corners and gets heavier as the car's speed increases. The suspension is taut and provides a reassuring feel on twisty roads, easily out-handling the aforementioned Honda.

Usability:

Until the new Civic hatchback hits the showroom floor sometime next year, the Mazda is one of the most usable cars in its segment. The trunk is large enough for a week's worth of groceries, and with the seats folded, has fit an entire dorm room worth of cargo, chairs and table included. This car can easily fit enough gear for three people and take them on a road trip, provided they can stand the lack of leg room in the back.

Fuel economy and maintenance costs:

As you might expect, the fuel economy is rather excellent. I have been able to drive for a week on one tank of gas (my commute is roughly 50 kilometers per day).

As this is a leased car, I am forced to have the car serviced at the dealership. Oil changes are ridiculously expensive as the vehicle takes 0W-20 synthetic totaling around 100$ for a change. The 50,000 kilometer service totaled about 350$. If you are planning on buying the car, either do the oil changes yourself or find a lube shop to save some money.

Conclusion:

Overall, I have had a love-hate relationship with this car. I really wanted to like it, however the lack of standard features and an unrefined engine make the Civic a better option. Is it a good car? Yes. Would I buy it out and keep it for 8 more years? Absolutely not. Look elsewhere if you don't want to get fleeced or feel disappointed.