I'm a little surprised to see that our 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 is maintaining a 21.2 mpg lifetime fuel economy average so far. Normally, the performance cars in our fleet take a dive due to our heavy right feet. But as of our last Big List of Fuel Economy, we're matching the EPA's combined estimate of 21 mpg. Fuel range is fair, with about 300 miles being the most we've managed to squeeze from a tank of gas.
One other thing: the MS3 has an instant fuel economy readout. In general, this feature's value is debatable as average economy is more useful. Plus, most cars with instant economy show it via a silly bar-graph display or a readout number that bounces around constantly.
Notably, the Mazda's computer seems to average-out that constant variation a little to give you a more stable instant number. It might not be as precise as those constantly fluctuating ones, but it saves you the trouble of constantly watching a varying display and trying to guess what your "instant average" is on your own. As you can see in the photo, I was going at about 75 mph on flat highway and had a display of 29.5 mpg, which I thought was kinda neat.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
skyggge says:
11:47 AM, 12/18/09
With a light foot, I can average 23 mpg combined, heavy, maybe 19. Never really had it dip below that in normal city driving. But with full highway driving at a decent speed, I can imagine getting 400 miles on a tank.
Honestly kind of surprised you guys are getting 21 combined.
jederino says:
11:48 AM, 12/18/09
I cannot believe those instant displays are very accurate, and they probably discourage people from actually logging their mileage and fill ups for a proper check. The best graphic is probably the growing leaves in the Ford, as it give you a relative indication of how efficient your driving is.
cr_driver says:
12:39 PM, 12/18/09
I dig it.
blueguydotcom says:
04:18 PM, 12/18/09
The leaves are a good indicator? Really? I can't trust something so holistic. Gimme hard data not an electronic leaf (ironic considering the dash will probably stay in the environment hundreds, if not thousands of years).
BTW, how are you guys liking this car? While not focused on the Speed, the Mazda3 has my eye.
seppoboy says:
05:02 PM, 12/18/09
I realize the speed3 is a fun car, so is the WRX and such, but that kind of fuel mileage can be had in much more spacious and useful fun vehicles. I have owned and driven some quite small cars and tolerated the tradeoffs of limited size and utility for driving fun and great fuel economy. It doesn't seem like a good balance though to have that kind of thirst in such a small car. Heck, I got 26 mpg with an Audi quattro and 28 mpg with a fast and fun BMW 328i, for a car the size of Mazda 3 and Impreza it doesn't seem right to get worse mileage than some V8s.
mzbamf says:
05:54 PM, 12/18/09
@ blueguy
I don't know if they'll leave any comments for you but I'd like to say that I currently drive a mazda3 (not speed) and absolutely love it. I actually look forward to my commute and any other driving because of the overall feeling and confidence this car inspires. I'll even take slightly longer routes for many day to day errands and commuting because of this car...it's almost a disease!! After owning this car for some time I can see why this is the "enthusiast" choice for this niche in the market
musicman87 says:
07:20 PM, 12/18/09
I'd been wondering how this car compares in gas mileage with the HHR SS. Looks like the HHR wins out by a couple mpg, as I average 24-25 with mine with mixed driving and a rather heavy foot. I haven't ever dipped below 21.
roadburner says:
09:47 PM, 12/18/09
In 2.5 years and 52,000 miles my 2007 MS3 has averaged @23 mpg overall, which is acceptable for a car that is borderline quick. I've left it in the garage for the past several weeks so I can't tell you how much the colder weather impacts fuel consumption.
kingfish4 says:
06:58 AM, 12/19/09
Let's see, my 2009 G8GT has averaged 21.5 mpg over 28,000 miles so it equals the Mazda Speed 3. At 75 mph, the mpg is slightly over 27 mpg. As I paid about $2K more than the price of a Speed3, I fail to see the value of the Mazda over the Pontiac. I kind of find it interesting that a four cylinder vehicle that tries to equal the performace of a V8 consumes just as much fuel, and when one considers the V8 vehicle is usually just loafing along at 2,000 rpm @ 80 mph, it is a more relaxing cruising vehicle.
roadburner says:
08:56 AM, 12/19/09
kingfish4,
At the time I bought my MS3 I planned to use it as a daily drive as well as my instructor car at HPDEs. We are seeing more younger students bringing GTIs, Sis, and similar to our schools so I thought an FWD hot hatch would be a fun change of pace as well as a valuable learning experience. I'll admit that it HAS been a learning experience, and leave it at that...
The G8 is a real performance bargain, but the mandatory slushbox immediately removes it from consideration. It's just not suitable for a track rat, and I already have two cars that lack a clutch pedal. The GXP is nice, but for the but even at $10K off MSRP there are more than a few CPO cars I'd rather have.