2009 Mazda MAZDA3 s Grand Touring

As the top-of-the-line MAZDA3 sedan for 2009, the s Grand Touring comes equipped with a number of features not found in other MAZDA3 trims, including leather seat trim, heated front bucket seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, synthetic leather door trim, and automatic climate control with a pollen filter. Other standard features for the s Grand Touring include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a leather-wrapped shift knob, sport-type front bucket seats, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and a six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player, automatic level control, and an MP3 input jack. Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags are also included on the standard equipment list.

A 2.3-liter, double-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder engine, which generates 156 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, drives the front-wheel-drive MAZDA3 s Grand Touring from 0 to 60 in 8.6 seconds. The engine links to either a manual five-speed transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission. The s Grand Touring posts fuel economy numbers of 22/29 city/highway mpg with either the manual or automatic transmission. Electro-hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion steering and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist also come standard on the s Grand Touring.

By R. Feeman