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Many vehicles appeal to buyers across widely varying socioeconomic boundaries. For example, the Cadillac Escalade can do double duty delivering the under-8 soccer team to practice in style as well as the 305-pound, pro linebacker to his. The Jeep Wrangler can be a college freshman’s dream gift for making all A’s, as well as Mr. White-collar guy’s set of...




Many vehicles appeal to buyers across widely varying socioeconomic boundaries. For example, the Cadillac Escalade can do double duty delivering the under-8 soccer team to practice in style as well as the 305-pound, pro linebacker to his. The Jeep Wrangler can be a college freshman’s dream gift for making all A’s, as well as Mr. White-collar guy’s set of fun weekend wheels.



What many of these vehicles have in common that attracts a diverse set of buyers is a high prestige or fun quotient. While no one can say the 2011 Mazda 3 has a high prestige quotient, I can enthusiastically say its fun quotient is through the roof.



It’s no wonder the 3 was named to Automobile Magazine’s and Car and Driver’s 2010 All-Stars and 10-Best lists, respectively. What makes this car so much fun for drivers of all ages and tastes is its responsive handling and lively acceleration, wrapped in a comfortable interior and fun exterior. The fact that it can also lay claim to the highest resale value in its class is further proof of its appeal.



Owning the 3 is like owning a stealth racecar. On the outside, this four-door sedan looks like a typical Japanese compact humbly forgoing any ostentatious references to competition. The only clue might be the front bumper’s grin-like grille. It’s as if it’s saying, “Try it, you’ll like it.”



Inside, the 3 offers up comfortable seats with supportive backs and side bolsters that won’t trap you, a steering wheel that feels like it’s the perfect size for your hands and big-dial stereo and climate controls. My only gripe is with the size of the steering-wheel-mounted stereo controls; I would’ve been happier if they were slightly bigger and more intuitive.



I prefer automotive controls to be no-brainers. Any time you divert your vision from the road to look at temperature, stereo or cruise controls, you’re increasing the chances of an accident.



Mazda gets kudos for an all-around effort to limit the need for these types of distractions. The company continues to offer separate control sticks for wiper settings and lights while others now cram several controls onto one stick with multiple rings.



Of course, if the car is your daily driver you quickly become accustomed to its controls. But, if your family shares vehicles, it can be frustrating to try to figure out during a rainstorm which ring on the stick controls your wipers. Or, how many of us have flashed the high beams at on-coming traffic while attempting to spray windshield wiper fluid?



The 3’s stereo controls feature a large, centered tuning dial that’s easy to reach and operate without looking. The stereo itself does not have the customary station display on the center console. Instead, the stereo station or other audio source is displayed, along with time and temperature, on a narrow, near-eye-level screen built into the top of the dashboard above the console. This allows the driver to find this information without taking her eyes away from the road.



Large dials for climate control that are simple to use are another plus, as well as air vents that can be easily opened, closed or redirected with one finger. Not only is it simple to close a vent, but once the large louvers have been shut, the driver can ascertain their position with a quick glance. No guessing whether the small-louvers-inside-larger louvers are open or closed. No waving your hand in front of the vent to sense whether air is coming out.



Another driver-centric touch is its cockpit-inspired orange instrument lighting. I personally find the orange lighting easier on the eyes on long t

Tags: Mazda

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Mazda3: Stealth capabilities included was originally published by New Orleans Auto Reviews: Mazda. Read the full story by clicking here.