2015 Mazda3 Touring Edition
There are times in your life when you reflect on the amusements you had as a child. Raising three boys, I am frequently reminded of the toys I enjoyed at their age. Transformers, Master of the Universe, G.I. Joe; I had ’em. Matchbox and Hotwheels, I loved those too. This week I borrowed the 2015 Mazda3 Touring Edition Sedan. It felt glued to the road like another favorite toy of mine — the Slot Car. The car handles like a dream, making my commute along the winding Clinton River Road a thrilling experience. Side note: slot cars have evolved into Anki Drive and it’s freaking amazing!
Mazda3 Exterior
I’m growing to appreciate the design language that defines modern Mazda vehicles. Like a brutish MMA fighter, the flat-nosed front-end of the Mazda3 screams intimidation. The 4-door commuter is low to the ground. In a way, it appears ready to pounce on weaker prey traversing the local terrain. I found the power somewhat uninspiring. It looks quick, but the 0-60 proves otherwise.
The safercar.gov website gives 2015 Mazda3 a 5-Star Safety Rating.
Mazda3 Interior
My chariot had a very streamlined interior. The console isn’t inundated with countless switches and hiding places. It kinda reminds me of the single-trigger Slot Car controllers. It’s easy to hit the track without fiddling with the dash. The mostly-black interior features subtle use of carbon fiber patterns, adding a futuristic touch to the otherwise simple interior. Think Queen Amidalas J-type starship versus a NASA shuttle.
Mazda3 Technology
As far as technology, this particular model featured an presently-ordinary collection. Standard equipment includes a 7″ touchscreen display containing Pandora and HD-radio, as well as dual USB ports to communicate with your mobile device. An easy (safe) SMS text message system is built-in to the unit, but I never felt the need to use it. The rear-view backup camera is useful.
The 2015 Mazda3 Touring Edition’s “Technology Package” adds dual-zone climate control, which is a must-have for my wife and I. We are polar opposites in terms of temperature preference. The BOSE 9-speaker sound system is crisp and clear, but the bass couldn’t churn my stomach.
Mazda3 Driving Perfomance
The 2015 Mazda3 Touring Edition left everything on the asphalt. Despite the modest power band, the vehicle shines on the road. I mentioned before the feeling of being inside a slot car. The Mazda3 feels absolutely attached to the road. Zipping through the backroads on my daily commute was a blast. I felt very little “roll” in the car. The g-force will put you in your seat.
Overall Experience
The poet Lao Tzu once said, “when I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” In the case of Mazda3, it’s not just your ordinary daily driver, it’s an exhilarating experience. The interior is simple, but doesn’t detract from the vehicles achievements.
Start building your 2015 Mazda3 Touring Edition today!
