When it's well-equipped with trim and features, the interior of the Mazda3 looks good, although black interiors seem very dark. For 2009, new “piano black” trim replaces the woodgrain and brushed aluminum used before. On i Touring Value, this means a single strip of glossy black material on the dash above the glove box, where the woodgrain used to be; s-models add more of the shiny black stuff to the center stack, steering wheel, and power window switch bezels. Gauges on i-sedans are now conventional white-on-black, albeit with orange illumination; where s-models still feature electro-luminescent dials, now with red and blue illumination at night.
The Mazda3 affords plenty of practical storage space, notably a cavernous glovebox. Two cupholders are integrated into the center console, while a small but deep box separates the seats. Rear-seat armrests have integrated cupholders.
The optional navigation display screen flips up from the top of the dash, and it offers a bright view, while the software logic for entering destinations and the like is straightforward. The navigation system's controls are located in the center console, however, and they're small and fussy enough (especially the joystick control) to be a chore to operate. But the Mazda3 is one of the very few cars in this price class to offer a navigation system.
The Mazdaspeed3's interior has the same overall look as its siblings, but red stitching in the steering wheel, shift knob and seats adds some motorsports style. The thick rim, leather-wrapped rim of the steering wheel feels substantial, while aluminum covers for the pedals enhance the presentation. The best thing about the Mazdaspeed3's interior is the high-bolstered sports seats, which cradle and support rather than confine. The strategic use of leather and cloth inserts in the Grand Touring version keeps you from inadvertently sliding around when you're driving at a quick pace. These are the kind of seats that will help you rack up a thousand miles of driving in a day. Next Page