And that’s the rub: the Mazda3, especially with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, is a dream to drive. The price starts at an astonishingly reasonable $30,050 for the turbo version. We’re talking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the upgraded audio system, heated seats, paddle shifters, the whole deal. Even a base Mazda3, which starts at $20,650 is inexpensive for all you get. On top of all of that, Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal Metallic is arguably the most beautiful shade of crimson on the market, and the artistry behind the way they created that red is impressive. The audio system design for the brand’s newest vehicle, the CX-30, was integrated into the body even before some of the other components, so it’s not as if Mazda doesn’t care about the way it sounds.
One of my favorite automotive writers, Ezra Dyer of Car and Driver, sums up the Mazda3 turbo with style:
“The 2.5 Turbo has a much more grownup mien, both in its overall presentation and the way it drives. It’s the high-school kid who can’t wait to graduate and say goodbye to these infants. While the Subaru WRX is out playing ding-dong ditch with bags of flaming dog poo, the 3’s 2.5 Turbo is brewing its own pour-over Sumatra and settling in for a postmodern reading of Homer’s Illiad. It wears glasses even though it doesn’t need them.”
Mazda, hear my plea: talk to some audiophiles and work on the Commander for the next generation. It’s the only thing stopping you from pure greatness. First and foremost, make it easier to change the channel or station with knob-in-knob functionality. Next, set up the screen so the presets are easily visible and simple to add and subtract. Third, a simple seek function for when you’re on road trips and looking for a decent radio station would be helpful. I don’t need a touchscreen, necessarily, but I do want to be the commander (see what I did there?) of my listening pleasure. Your move.
Got a tip? Send the writer a note: Kristin.shaw@thedrive.com