2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan: Review & Specs
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan, a car that often flies under the radar but definitely deserves a second look. If you're in the market for a compact car that blends sporty handling, a touch of luxury, and impressive fuel efficiency, then this might just be the ride for you. Forget boring commutes – the Mazda 3 Grand Touring aims to inject a little fun into your daily driving experience.
Exterior Design: Sleek and Stylish
Let's kick things off with the exterior. The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan boasts Mazda's signature KODO “Soul of Motion” design language. What does that mean in plain English? Well, it translates to a sleek, stylish, and undeniably attractive car. The lines are flowing and dynamic, giving it a sense of movement even when it's standing still. The long hood and set-back cabin contribute to a sporty profile, while the chrome accents and alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication. The Grand Touring trim level typically includes features like LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights, further enhancing its visual appeal. Overall, the exterior design is a major plus for the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan. It's a car that looks good from any angle, and it's sure to turn heads wherever you go. The designers at Mazda really nailed the balance between sporty and refined, creating a car that's both eye-catching and elegant. It's this attention to detail that sets the Mazda 3 apart from many of its competitors in the compact car segment. The styling is modern without being trendy, suggesting it will age gracefully over the years. For those who appreciate a car that looks as good as it drives, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan definitely delivers. The car's stance is athletic, and the carefully sculpted surfaces play with light and shadow, adding visual interest. Even the smaller details, like the design of the side mirrors and the placement of the Mazda emblem, contribute to the overall sense of quality and craftsmanship. The exterior of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a testament to Mazda's commitment to design excellence, making it a standout choice for those who value aesthetics as much as performance. And let's be real, who doesn't want a car that looks good parked in their driveway?
Interior Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan continues to impress. The interior design is clean, modern, and surprisingly upscale for a car in this price range. The Grand Touring trim comes with leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and comfort. The seats are well-bolstered and supportive, making them ideal for both short commutes and long road trips. The dashboard layout is simple and intuitive, with all the controls within easy reach of the driver. One of the standout features of the interior is the Mazda Connect infotainment system. This system features a 7-inch touchscreen display, a rotary control knob, and voice command functionality. It's easy to use and provides access to a wide range of features, including navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (depending on the specific model year and optional packages). The infotainment system is responsive and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use on the go. Other notable interior features include a premium Bose sound system, a sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control. These features add to the overall sense of comfort and convenience, making the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan a great place to spend time. The cabin is also surprisingly spacious for a compact car, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The materials used throughout the interior are of high quality, and the attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design. From the stitching on the seats to the soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard, the interior of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan feels more luxurious than its price tag would suggest. The driving position is excellent, with a clear view of the road ahead. The steering wheel is comfortable to hold, and the pedals are well-placed. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a major selling point. It's a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped space that's sure to impress even the most discerning drivers.
Performance and Handling: Zoom-Zoom Lives On
Now, let's get to the fun part: performance. The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. While that might not sound like a lot on paper, it's more than enough to make the Mazda 3 feel lively and responsive. The engine is smooth and refined, and it delivers plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising. One of the things that sets the Mazda 3 apart from its competitors is its excellent handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, and the suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable but controlled ride. The Mazda 3 feels planted and confident in corners, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The Grand Touring trim comes with a sport-tuned suspension, which further enhances its handling capabilities. Whether you're commuting to work or tackling a challenging back road, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is sure to put a smile on your face. The car's responsive engine and sharp handling make it feel more like a sports car than a compact sedan. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and quick-shifting, and it helps to maximize fuel efficiency. For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, a six-speed manual transmission is also available. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing plenty of stopping power when you need it. Overall, the performance of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is excellent. It's a car that's both fun to drive and practical for everyday use. The combination of a powerful engine, sharp handling, and a comfortable ride makes it a standout choice in the compact car segment. Mazda's commitment to engineering excellence is evident in every aspect of the car's performance, making it a true driver's car. The “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy is alive and well in the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency: Saving You Money at the Pump
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many car buyers, and the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan doesn't disappoint. With its 2.5-liter engine, it achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. These numbers are impressive for a car with this level of performance. The Mazda 3's fuel-efficient engine and lightweight design help it to achieve excellent gas mileage without sacrificing driving enjoyment. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a long road trip, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan will help you save money at the pump. The car also comes with Mazda's i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, which further enhances fuel efficiency. This system captures energy during braking and uses it to power the car's electrical components, reducing the load on the engine. The i-ELOOP system is just one example of Mazda's commitment to innovation and fuel efficiency. In addition to its impressive EPA ratings, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan also performs well in real-world driving conditions. Many owners report achieving fuel economy numbers that are even better than the EPA estimates. The car's smooth and refined engine, combined with its aerodynamic design, helps it to glide effortlessly down the highway, maximizing fuel efficiency. Overall, the fuel efficiency of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a major selling point. It's a car that's both fun to drive and economical to own. The combination of performance and fuel efficiency makes it a standout choice in the compact car segment. With its impressive gas mileage, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers who don't want to sacrifice driving enjoyment.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road
When it comes to safety, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan has you covered. It comes standard with a wide range of advanced safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. The Grand Touring trim also includes features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features help to keep you aware of your surroundings and can help to prevent accidents. The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings are a testament to the car's strong structure and its comprehensive suite of safety features. Whether you're driving in the city or on the highway, you can have peace of mind knowing that the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is designed to keep you and your passengers safe. The car's advanced safety features work together to provide a comprehensive level of protection. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you when there's a vehicle in your blind spot, while the rear cross-traffic alert system warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. The lane departure warning system helps to keep you from drifting out of your lane, while the forward collision warning system alerts you to potential collisions ahead. Overall, the safety features of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan are excellent. It's a car that's designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. The combination of a strong structure and a comprehensive suite of safety features makes it a standout choice in the compact car segment. With its excellent safety ratings and advanced safety features, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a smart choice for safety-conscious drivers.
Overall Verdict: A Well-Rounded Choice
So, what's the final verdict on the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan? Overall, it's a well-rounded and impressive compact car that offers a lot for the money. It combines sporty handling, a comfortable interior, impressive fuel efficiency, and a long list of features. If you're looking for a car that's fun to drive, practical for everyday use, and stylish to boot, then the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is definitely worth considering. It's a car that stands out from the crowd with its distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics. The Grand Touring trim adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, making it a great choice for those who want a little extra comfort and convenience. While it may not be the flashiest or most powerful car in its class, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan offers a compelling combination of value, performance, and style. It's a car that's sure to impress both drivers and passengers alike. The Mazda 3 has consistently been praised for its handling and driving feel, and the 2017 model is no exception. It's a car that feels connected to the road, providing a confident and engaging driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a weekend road trip, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a car that you'll look forward to driving. In conclusion, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a top contender in the compact car segment. Its blend of style, performance, fuel efficiency, and features makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of drivers. If you're in the market for a new car, be sure to give the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan a test drive – you might just be surprised at how much you like it! You get a lot of bang for your buck.
