Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan. This car isn't just a ride; it's a statement. With its sleek design, impressive fuel efficiency, and a surprising amount of tech, it’s a standout in the crowded compact car market. Whether you're a daily commuter or someone who enjoys weekend road trips, the Mazda 3 Grand Touring offers a compelling blend of style and substance. This isn't just another sedan; it's a driving experience that punches above its weight class. So, buckle up as we explore everything that makes this car a winner.

Overview of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan

The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is the top-tier trim of the Mazda 3 lineup, and it really shows. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a peppy 184 horsepower. This engine is known for its responsiveness and smooth power delivery, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. The exterior boasts a sophisticated design with features like LED headlights, a sunroof, and stylish alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin is a cut above the competition, featuring leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium Bose sound system. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen display with navigation, making every drive convenient and connected. Safety features are also abundant, with advanced technologies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Grand Touring trim elevates the Mazda 3 from a basic compact car to a near-luxury experience, offering a fantastic blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It's a car that feels equally at home on a winding back road as it does navigating city streets, providing a versatile and engaging driving experience. For those looking for a compact sedan that doesn't compromise on features or style, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring is definitely worth a look. Its combination of sporty performance, upscale amenities, and advanced safety tech makes it a standout choice in its segment. You’re not just buying a car; you're investing in a driving experience that is both enjoyable and practical.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan truly shines. The heart of this car is its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which churns out a respectable 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. This engine is not just about numbers; it's about how those numbers translate to the road. The Mazda 3 offers brisk acceleration and a responsive throttle, making it easy to zip around town or merge onto the highway. One of the standout features of the Mazda 3 is its handling. Mazda has always been known for its focus on driving dynamics, and the 2017 model is no exception. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback from the road. This allows you to confidently tackle corners and enjoy a genuinely engaging driving experience. The suspension is tuned to strike a balance between comfort and control, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road while still keeping the car planted and stable in turns. Whether you're navigating tight city streets or cruising on the open road, the Mazda 3 feels composed and confident. The available six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, making the most of the engine's power. For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, a six-speed manual transmission is also available, adding an extra layer of engagement. Fuel efficiency is another area where the Mazda 3 excels. Despite its sporty performance, it still manages to deliver impressive gas mileage, making it a practical choice for daily commuting. Overall, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan offers a driving experience that is both fun and refined. It's a car that encourages you to take the long way home, thanks to its responsive engine, precise handling, and well-tuned suspension. If you're looking for a compact sedan that is genuinely enjoyable to drive, the Mazda 3 should be at the top of your list. It's a testament to Mazda's commitment to providing a great driving experience, even in the compact car segment.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the quality of materials. The cabin is designed to be both comfortable and functional, with a focus on creating a premium driving experience. The leather upholstery is soft and supple, providing a touch of luxury that is often missing in this class of car. The front seats are heated, which is a welcome feature on cold mornings, and they offer excellent support for long drives. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect seating position. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a 7-inch touchscreen display that is easy to read and use. The infotainment system is controlled by a rotary knob on the center console, which is intuitive and allows you to keep your eyes on the road. The Bose sound system delivers crisp and clear audio, making every drive more enjoyable. One of the standout features of the interior is the head-up display, which projects important information like speed and navigation directions onto the windshield. This allows you to stay informed without taking your eyes off the road. The rear seats offer adequate space for adults, although taller passengers may find the legroom a bit tight. The trunk is also a decent size, with enough room for luggage or groceries. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a pleasant place to spend time. The materials are high-quality, the seats are comfortable, and the technology is user-friendly. It's a cabin that feels more upscale than you might expect from a compact car, making it a standout in its segment. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the Mazda 3 provides a comfortable and refined driving experience. It's a testament to Mazda's commitment to creating a car that is both enjoyable and practical, with a focus on the details that make a big difference in everyday driving.

Technology and Features

The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is packed with technology and features that enhance both the driving experience and overall convenience. The centerpiece of the tech setup is the 7-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the hub for the infotainment system. This system includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration via Mazda Connect. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, but you can also control the system using the rotary knob on the center console, which many drivers find more intuitive while driving. The Bose sound system is another highlight, delivering rich and immersive audio that makes every drive more enjoyable. The system includes nine speakers and is specifically tuned to the Mazda 3's cabin, ensuring optimal sound quality. Safety is also a priority, with a range of advanced driver-assistance features available. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features can help you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid potential accidents. The head-up display is a particularly useful feature, projecting important information like speed and navigation directions onto the windshield. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road while still staying informed. Other notable features include automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof. The automatic headlights adjust to the ambient light, while the rain-sensing wipers automatically activate when they detect moisture on the windshield. The sunroof adds a touch of luxury and allows you to let in some fresh air and sunlight. Overall, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan offers a comprehensive suite of technology and features that enhance both the driving experience and overall convenience. From the intuitive infotainment system to the advanced safety features, this car is designed to make every drive more enjoyable and stress-free. It's a testament to Mazda's commitment to providing a high-tech and well-equipped car, even in the compact car segment. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a car that is easy to use, the Mazda 3 has something to offer.

Safety and Reliability

When considering a new car, safety and reliability are often at the top of the list, and the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan doesn't disappoint. This car is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. In addition to these standard features, the Grand Touring trim also includes a number of advanced driver-assistance technologies. Blind-spot monitoring helps you stay aware of vehicles in your blind spots, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. These features can help you avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. The 2017 Mazda 3 has also performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has earned top ratings in several categories, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in a variety of crash scenarios. In terms of reliability, the Mazda 3 has a good track record. While no car is completely immune to problems, the Mazda 3 has generally been praised for its dependability and build quality. Regular maintenance and proper care can help ensure that your Mazda 3 stays in good working order for years to come. Mazda also offers a competitive warranty, which can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected repair costs. Overall, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a safe and reliable car that offers a great combination of features and performance. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a road trip, you can feel confident knowing that you're driving a car that is designed to keep you and your passengers safe.

Pros and Cons

Like any car, the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a balanced view.

Pros:

• Engaging Driving Experience: The Mazda 3 is known for its sporty handling and responsive engine, making it a joy to drive.
• Upscale Interior: The cabin is well-designed and features high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel.
• Abundant Features: The Grand Touring trim comes with a long list of standard features, including leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a Bose sound system.
• Good Fuel Efficiency: Despite its sporty performance, the Mazda 3 still manages to deliver impressive gas mileage.
• Advanced Safety Features: The car is equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Cons:

• Tight Rear Seat: The rear seats can be a bit cramped for taller passengers.
• Infotainment System: While the infotainment system is generally user-friendly, some users may find it less intuitive than systems from other manufacturers.
• Road Noise: Some reviewers have noted that the Mazda 3 can be a bit noisy on rough roads.

Overall, the pros of the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan outweigh the cons. It's a car that offers a great combination of performance, comfort, and features, making it a standout in the compact car segment. While the rear seat may be a bit tight for some, and the infotainment system may not be perfect, these are minor drawbacks compared to the car's many strengths. If you're looking for a compact sedan that is fun to drive, well-equipped, and safe, the Mazda 3 should definitely be on your list.

Is the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan Right for You?

Deciding whether the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is the right car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value a sporty driving experience, a well-appointed interior, and a long list of features, then the Mazda 3 is definitely worth considering. It's a car that is fun to drive, comfortable, and packed with technology, making it a great choice for daily commuting or weekend road trips. However, if you need a lot of space for passengers or cargo, you may want to look at other options. The rear seat can be a bit tight for taller adults, and the trunk is not the largest in its class. Additionally, if you prioritize a quiet and serene ride, you may want to test drive the Mazda 3 on a variety of road surfaces to see if the road noise is an issue for you. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Get behind the wheel and experience the car for yourself. See how it handles, how comfortable the seats are, and how easy the technology is to use. Pay attention to the details and see if the car meets your needs and expectations. If you do your research and take the time to test drive the car, you'll be able to make an informed decision and choose the car that is right for you. The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan is a great car, but it's not for everyone. By considering your individual needs and preferences, you can determine if it's the right car for you.