Comfort and Style in 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring
Disclosure: We were loaned a 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring for the facilitation of this post. No other compensation was given. All opinions are 100% my own.
When searching for a new car what do you look for? Me, I always start with safety. With as much precious cargo as we carry around, I find that of utmost importance. But, making sure our kids are safe should not mean we cannot find a vehicle that has both comfort and style.
Comfort and Style
I have to appreciate a vehicle that does not lack in comfort and style, yet still gives me the safety features I need. From its Traction Control System to the crashable brake pedal, the Mazda3 i Grand Touring is loaded with safety features.
For instance, the “Triple H” construction of the car improves the structural rigidity without adding extra weight. Plus, the 6 passenger airbags help keep the driver and all of the passengers safe in an accident. And in the Grand Touring models, once the airbag is deployed, the E911 feature uses Bluetooth® along with your paired smartphone to call 911 and get you the help you need.
But the safety features do not stop there. The 2013 Mazda3 also includes:
- Adaptive Front-Lighting System
- Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with brake assist
- 5-passenger 3-point safety belts
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Active front headrests
- Collapsible steering column
- Blind Spot Monitoring System
- LATCH Child Safety Seat Anchors
The LATCH system is typically the first feature Colby and I look for in a car. With 3 still in a car seat or booster, this safety feature is paramount. I can honestly say they we were able to fit 2 boosters and 1 car seat in the back seat comfortably… and safely. The LATCH system was easily apparent and simple to work with.
Technology Package
Being a gadget girl, I was most impressed with the Technology Package on the Mazda3. Upon entry into the car, the Welcome Lighting System created a soft ambiance that set the mood for a pleasant drive around town.
The first night-time drive quickly introduced us to the Adaptive Front-lighting System. A first in its class, this lighting system will automatically pivot the headlight beams up to 15° in the direction of your turn. Thus, both improving your visibility and ability to spot potential road hazards. As someone who suffers from night blindness while driving, I was delighted to actually be able to see the road without concern. The lights projected wide across the road and it was fun to see them adjust with each turn.
The Mazda3 Technology Package even includes a 4-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Sing along to the songs you enjoy while listening to the SIRIUS Radio, or pair your smartphone and customize your music selection. Through your iPhone or other MP3 device, you can use the standard USB audio input port or the auxiliary-audio input jack to stream Pandora® Internet radio or pick your playlist.
Another feature that quickly caught our attention while driving through a steady rain system was the rain-sensing windshield wipers. Once set to automatic, the wipers could instantly tell how fast they needed to be working. As the rain began to come down harder, the wipers would go faster, and vice versa. A simple task in the scheme of things perhaps, but a great feature to include.
Not to mention, need to know where you are going? Ask the built in TomTom Navigation System. Want to set your air cooler than your passenger? No problem. Dual-zone climate controls allow you that flexibility. Want to warm your backside on a cold day? Go ahead. The 5-setting heated front seats can offer you just the right temperature for your comfort levels. Need to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel? Easy. Simply pair your Bluetooth® enabled smartphone to the hands-free system and receive calls with the touch of a button. You can even read text messages through the audio system.
All of these tech features and comfort offerings give the 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring the advantage. Combined with 40MPG on the highway and advanced Skyactiv Technology, the Mazda3 is an excellent competitor in its class.
What is your favorite feature of the Mazda3? What do you look for in a car?
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