Let's dive into the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan, a vehicle that combines fuel efficiency, sporty handling, and a stylish design. If you're in the market for a compact sedan that offers more than just basic transportation, the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport is definitely worth a look. This article will cover everything from its performance and fuel economy to its interior features and overall driving experience.

Overview of the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan

The 2014 Mazda3 marked the beginning of the third generation of this popular compact car. The "i Sport" trim is an entry-level model that still provides a good balance of features and value.

Exterior Design

The 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan showcases Mazda's KODO "Soul of Motion" design language, giving it a sleek and dynamic appearance. The flowing lines and aggressive front fascia make it stand out from other compact sedans on the road. The i Sport trim includes features like 16-inch steel wheels with covers, body-colored door handles, and power side mirrors. Although it's the base trim, it doesn't skimp on style, offering an appealing aesthetic that many buyers appreciate. For those looking to upgrade, higher trims offer alloy wheels and additional exterior enhancements, but the i Sport provides a solid foundation with its attractive design.

Interior and Features

Inside the Mazda3 i Sport, you'll find a functional and well-designed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making it suitable for both short commutes and longer trips. Standard features include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added cargo flexibility. The infotainment system features a basic setup with a radio, CD player, and auxiliary input. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher trims, it covers the essentials for a comfortable and connected driving experience. The focus is on providing a driver-centric environment with intuitive controls and a clear layout, ensuring that everything you need is within easy reach.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Mazda3 is known for its responsive handling and engaging driving dynamics, making it a fun car to drive around town or on winding roads. Fuel economy is a major highlight, with the i Sport achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to save money at the pump without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

Diving Deeper into the Specs

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details that make the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan a compelling choice in the compact car segment.

Engine and Transmission

The heart of the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport is its 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine. This engine incorporates advanced technologies to enhance both performance and fuel efficiency. The high compression ratio and optimized combustion process contribute to its impressive fuel economy. As mentioned earlier, it produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving. The available six-speed manual transmission is a joy to use, offering precise and smooth shifts. For those who prefer an automatic, the six-speed automatic transmission is also well-tuned, providing quick and seamless gear changes. Both transmissions contribute to the Mazda3's reputation for being a fun-to-drive car.

Dimensions and Weight

The 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan has a compact footprint, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in crowded urban areas. It has an overall length of 180.3 inches, a width of 70.7 inches, and a height of 57.3 inches. The wheelbase is 106.3 inches, which contributes to its stable and comfortable ride. The curb weight is around 2,866 pounds, which is relatively light for a sedan in its class. This low weight helps improve both fuel economy and handling, making the Mazda3 feel nimble and responsive on the road. The trunk offers 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is adequate for most everyday needs.

Suspension and Handling

One of the standout features of the 2014 Mazda3 is its exceptional handling. The car uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, which are tuned to provide a balance of comfort and control. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, while also keeping the car planted and stable in corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. This makes the Mazda3 feel more engaging and enjoyable to drive than many of its competitors. Whether you're navigating city streets or carving through mountain roads, the Mazda3 delivers a confident and rewarding driving experience.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Moving inside, let's explore what the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan offers in terms of interior comfort and technology.

Seating and Upholstery

The 2014 Mazda3 i Sport comes with cloth upholstery that is both durable and comfortable. The front seats offer good support and cushioning, making them suitable for long drives. The driver's seat is manually adjustable, allowing you to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats provide adequate legroom and headroom for adult passengers, although taller individuals may find it a bit cramped on longer trips. The 60/40-split folding rear seats are a practical feature, allowing you to expand the cargo area when needed. Overall, the seating is functional and comfortable, providing a pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system in the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport is relatively basic compared to higher trims, but it still offers essential features. It includes a radio, CD player, and auxiliary input for connecting external devices. The system is easy to use, with straightforward controls and a clear display. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher trims, such as a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. If you're looking for a more modern infotainment experience, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher trim level or exploring aftermarket options. Nevertheless, the base system covers the essentials for enjoying music and entertainment on the go.

Standard Features

Despite being the base trim, the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport comes with a decent list of standard features. These include air conditioning, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. These features contribute to a comfortable and convenient driving experience. The Mazda3 also includes standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. While it may not have all the luxury features of higher trims, the i Sport provides a solid foundation of essential amenities that make it a practical and value-oriented choice.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is always a top priority when choosing a vehicle. Let's take a look at the safety features and ratings of the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan.

Safety Features

The 2014 Mazda3 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. These include anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These features work together to help prevent accidents and minimize injuries. Higher trims may offer additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning, but the i Sport provides a solid foundation of essential safety technologies.

Safety Ratings

The 2014 Mazda3 has earned excellent safety ratings from leading safety organizations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Mazda3 a "Top Safety Pick" designation, indicating its strong performance in crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Mazda3 a 5-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score. These ratings reflect the Mazda3's robust construction and effective safety features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers. When considering a compact sedan, the Mazda3's strong safety ratings make it a standout choice.

Pros and Cons of the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan

To summarize, let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Fuel Efficiency: Excellent fuel economy, with up to 41 mpg on the highway.
• Handling: Sporty and engaging handling, making it fun to drive.
• Stylish Design: Attractive exterior design with Mazda's KODO design language.
• Safety Ratings: High safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
• Value: Good balance of features and value for the price.

Cons

• Basic Infotainment: The base infotainment system lacks advanced features like a touchscreen display.
• Limited Features: The i Sport trim has fewer features compared to higher trims.
• Rear Seat Space: Rear seat legroom may be limited for taller passengers.

Final Verdict

The 2014 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan is a well-rounded compact car that offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, sporty handling, and stylish design. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher trims, it provides a solid foundation of essential features and excellent safety ratings. If you're looking for a fun-to-drive and economical sedan, the 2014 Mazda3 i Sport is definitely worth considering. Its responsive engine, precise handling, and attractive styling make it a standout choice in the competitive compact car segment. Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend adventurer, the Mazda3 i Sport offers a rewarding driving experience that is hard to beat.