Our Mazda3's six-speed auto, set in default drive mode, is pretty sluggish on the throttle input. It's a little out of character for a car, and brand, known for sharp reactions. In manual mode though, it calls up the neighboring cog surprisingly quick. Since I spend most of my time in traffic flicking the lever up or tapping it back, I figure my left foot should also do something useful. If you're shopping this car, just get the manual.
If you must have the auto -- someone in the family can't drive stick and refuses to learn -- or you just want that seven percent improvement in fuel economy over the previous auto, this is not a bad box to live with. Just know that you'll be rowing back and forth a lot. I'd be curious to spend an entire tank of fuel with this car to see how that style impacts our average fuel economy.
Dan Frio, Automotive Editor
billt9 says:
08:12 PM, 02/ 8/12
Get rid of that useless manual mode and add Ds back.
All Mazdas have this supposed "Adaptive shift" mode, where it activates sporty shift points if you drive it aggressive for a while.
Well why would I want to wait for the computer to detect that I want sporty shift points, instead of just putting the Transmission instantly myself into that mode with either a shifter position, or a button? Lame.
huyracing says:
08:46 PM, 02/ 8/12
from what i understand, Mazda tried to mate the traditional auto with a DSG to eliminate the inherent jerkiness of said DSG's... if taking off is jerky, then they clearly did not achieve their goals. one thing Mazda does right though is the orientation of the upshift/ downshift. some people do not have left feet or other problems preventing the ability to drive manuals, so what you are saying is this is great for that? paddles are nice, but people enjoy tugging on a knob.
ralphhightower says:
03:39 AM, 02/ 9/12
So Dan, you're saying there is no "Zoom! Zoom!" in the Mazda 3 auto?
jasond52 says:
05:08 AM, 02/ 9/12
Actually, I wanted a stick so my family COULDN'T drive my car. My wife and daughter use the "pull in until you feel the bump" method when parking. My last automatic car had the scars to prove it. Now, only I can drive my car!
legacygt says:
07:54 AM, 02/ 9/12
I think it's time for the Editors to have a little debate on this topic and post a transcript because I'm getting confused. Some earlier posts have praised this transmission saying it was "smooth" and "awesome." Others have said it was great but that they would choose the Manual anyway. Now Frio says he'd choose the Manual because the Automatic is bad. Seems like we have at least three opinions (although Frio is the only one I've seen so far actually complain about the Automatic).
carguy622 says:
07:55 AM, 02/ 9/12
Too bad you can't get the Sky Active with a manual and the top trim level.
morebetter says:
09:37 AM, 02/ 9/12
Test drove the auto prior to to ordering a manual SKYACTIV, and I wasn't overly impressed with the tranny. Not that it is bad, just holds the highest gear for as long as possible. It is responsive in manual mode though. Just get the manual, and if you can't drive a stick, learn. Very smooth shifter and friendly clutch. The wife and I easily beat the EPA 39 on a trip to see family....no regrets.
DLu says:
09:40 AM, 02/ 9/12
"If you're shopping this car, just get the manual."
It seems that the majority of people who know how to drive manuals (an endangered species I might add) WILL "get the manual." Obviously having to share the car with a family that doesn't know how to drive one affects the decision. I've yet to meet or hear of someone who chose to get an auto and then wished they didn't because -- surprise! -- it wasn't as responsive as the manual.
"Get rid of that useless manual mode and add Ds back."
The manual mode is more versatile than the old "S" or "L" or "Ds" modes. Many consumers may not know how to use the manual mode properly (such as engine braking down a long mountain road, anticipating a pass, etc), but then more than half of Americans also don't know the low tire pressure warning symbol is supposed to look like (or what the symbol means when shown to them).
haunty says:
10:15 AM, 02/ 9/12
I'm getting the auto, so there ^_^
h2omojo says:
11:43 AM, 02/ 9/12
Isn't that horse dead already, why is he still being beaten?
You forgot the OR some of us wanted a auto because we sit in traffic and don't want a 40 mile left leg workout twice a day. OR we just wanted a small car that has a little fun and good mpg.
SnakeDoctor says:
11:49 AM, 02/ 9/12
legacygt:
legacygt says:
07:54 AM, 02/ 9/12
I think it's time for the Editors to have a little debate on this topic and post a transcript because I'm getting confused. Some earlier posts have praised this transmission saying it was "smooth" and "awesome." Others have said it was great but that they would choose the Manual anyway. Now Frio says he'd choose the Manual because the Automatic is bad. Seems like we have at least three opinions (although Frio is the only one I've seen so far actually complain about the Automatic).
I previously posted an entry noting the slow, smooth, and boring acceleration of the 6AT SkyActiv.
So here Frio and I are in agreement. I went on to say I wish we got the 6MT.
Frio writes above is that if you have to get the 6AT due to fuel economy priorities or other family members' considerations, then use the manual gate on the 6AT.
I am pretty much in agreement with Frio on this transmission.
So there are at least 2 divergent opinions on this 6AT, but there could be more. The staff here is composed of individuals and we don't all think alike or evaluate vehicles identically.
Regards,
Albert Austria
greenpony says:
11:55 AM, 02/ 9/12
Here are the reasons a few of the people I know selected automatics instead of manuals:
(1) Allows for lazier driving
(2) Can't drive stick (or can't drive it confidently)
(3) Stop-and-go traffic was a pain with stick
(4) Better fuel economy
(5) Easier to share the vehicle
(6) Manual not offered on their vehicle of choice
bonzjr says:
12:06 PM, 02/ 9/12
Would LOVE to get the manual SkyActiv with the Bose/moonroof package. Oh wait... they don't make it that way? Damn...
(Puts checkbook back in pocket and wanders over to the Ford/Hyundai/VW dealers...)
perrito says:
01:28 PM, 02/ 9/12
bonzjr + 1
blueprint1 says:
07:37 PM, 02/ 9/12
I spent of lot of wheel time in automatic loaner 1st-gen Mazda 3s, mostly base 2.0 cars. When leaving the shifter in "D", the car had the same asmathic-out-breath groaning all small engines get when burdened with a slushbox.
In manual mode, the car was alive and well. I could even catch rubber on the 1-2 upshift at redline (it WAS a loaner, after all). One 3 I got was new and I drove it for two weeks and 2500km (thanks to a rusting and unreliable MPV I unloaded before it turned 4).
I only used "D" for phone calls (pre-cell law days), and used manual mode the rest of the time. If the box can sustain manual use all the time, it's a good choice if you must be an heretic and get only two pedals.
duck87 says:
06:36 AM, 02/10/12
@huyracing: That's sort of correct. There's no "DSG" components in the transmission, it still uses planetary gearsets. The difference is that the torque converter is small and is used for crawling speeds; a wet clutch is used for faster lockup in every other condition. This theoretically does increase the efficiency of the transmission to near-DSG (and manual) levels, and it shouldn't have the crappy rubber band feel of the previous transmission.
chunky_azian says:
08:35 AM, 02/10/12
I wonder what part of MT is a workout in heavy traffic. Some cars, particularly sporty cars, that I've driven have heavier brake pedal than clutch pedal. And yet, most people would choose the AT and repeatedly push the brake instead of leaving a good following distance and planning ahead.