Long-term test drive: 2010 Mazda3 GS
Vehicle: 2010 Mazda3 GS with Comfort Pkg and 5-speed manumatic
Price as tested: CDN$22190
Total mileage of the entire test: 500km
Fuel economy: 8 liters per 100km (70% city/30% urban cycle)
During our initial test drive, we were impressed with Mazda3 Sport with uplevel 167hp 2.5 liter’s class-leading performance as well as hatchback’s amazing practicality. We decided to put a Mazda3 sedan with the base 2.0 liter engine into a long-termer to see whether its as good as its bigger silibing.
Mazda3′s 2.0 liter engine has 148 horses and 135 lb/ft of torque. For most daily driving, this powertrain is more than capable in handling all situations. Right from accelerating from the stop light to pass slower moving vehicle (on the left lane, mind you) with proper mid and upper range thanks to Mazda’s MZR variable valve timing technology. This engine is no slouch even compares to 2.5 liter’s 167hp and 168 lb/ft of torque, even with the 5-speed manumatic gearbox. The shifts are crisp and always on the right gear. It also manages to produce an average 8 liters per 100km during our test drive. Economy aside, its a smooth operator in the entire rev range.
When it comes to driving dynamics, Mazda3 has always been the sportiest in its class. You would have thought you are in an Audi A3 with the level of chassis rigidty and cornering abilities, with less horsepower. 
It all begins with European Ford Focus chassis which underpins both generations of class-leading Mazda3s. Then matched with an exceptional suspension calibrations and great steering. Speaking of electric power steering, we are always impressed with Mazda’s tuning. Its not only does have wonderful feedback and precision, it doesn’t have the numb and darty feel many of its rivals have with the same system.
Although the backseat is a bit tight when travelling with 3 persons at the back, as well as lesser headroom than its hatchback silibing, Mazda3 sedan remains a spacious car. The use of interor materials are top-notch. Unlike the GT Limited Sport we tested earlier, GS comes with comfortable velour seats. It is both supportive and comfortable on the long drive. The only pet peeve is sedan’s trunk access isn’t as practical as hatchback silibing. While hatchback has a squared hatch cut-off for easy loading. Sedan’s trunk loading is pretty high and cut-off is narrow. Other than that, Mazda3 is a package that is really hard to fault.
Likes:
Performance
Driving experience
Fuel economy
Overall refinement
Dislikes:
Limited trunk access
Electronic stability control is optional on GS and unavailable with base GX
Tight back seat