I test drove a TON of Mazda 3s of varying years and engine configurations before buying mine, and I had the same experience—the 2.0L Skyactiv models really, really underwhelmed me. The 2.5L ...
My current ride is a 2011 Mazda 3 hatch, with the optional 2.5L (normally aspirated) motor. I love that little car so hard it hurts; easily the best car I've ever owned. Handles extremely fluidly, ...