Technically they are correct. But it is far from a rough ride. I owned a car with 17" run-flats, and just took a ride in my buddy's 335i, also with run flats. The 18" wheels on the Mazda still feel like riding on a cloud, comparably.

 

Comparing standard GFTs (Gets Flat Tires) to RFTs (Run Flat Tires) is apples to oranges. Put a set of high quality GFTs on that 335i and both the ride and the handling will improve dramatically.

 

I have a new CX5 2016.5 with the 2.5 AWD and I am getting 25 mpg in the city and 30 HWY on a recent trip the difference between a couple MPG`s difference between the two is not a big deal but the difference between power is noticeable I like my 2.5

 

I have a 2016 2.0L i Touring with a manual ... and I generally get 40 - 43 Highway ( at 75 - 80 MPH ). I'd hardly call a greater than 25% improvement just "a couple of MPG's". It might be a small amount now gas prices are down, BUT, if they go back up to $5 or more a gallon, it could be come a pretty big difference.

OH, and I get low to mid-30's in the city depending on how aggressive I drive.

 

Basically you're getting the same fuel economy as we get in our Mazda3 s GT with the 2.5.

 

My wife and I are in the same situation.

Think we're going with the 2.5 engine simply because it is the only way to obtain something other than black interior and have fog lights and heated seats. Gotta go with the sGrandTouring trim.

Problem right now finding a stick shift one is a problem; the one we tested had undesirable interior/exterior colors and no fog lights nor heated seats. Went on AutoTrader and found some with almond leather interior and acceptable exterior colors. Gotta work with the dealer about getting one of them.

Going over there on Monday.

Test drove a Mazda3 iSport and then a BMW 320 with a 2.0 liter turbo engine.

The Mazda had MUCH more precise steering and was about the same pep as the BMW, e.g. less weight in the Mazda3 for less power. BMW was auto but is available in stick (right now, ONE in the US).

Brake pedal feel in the BMW was more mushy and plain weird. No way would I pay the extra ~$12k for the BMW.

The Mazda3 with 2.0 liter engine ran essentially the same as our VW TDI which has a ton more torque and near the same hp, at least at the roughly 45-50ish speeds I reached in driving our route to the house and back.

Ralph

 

We ordered our 2016 Mazda3 s Grand Touring with a manual transmission. That way you can get *exactly* the colors you want.

 

We'll either order or get one from another dealer.

Closest one on Autotrader is in Butler, Pa, about a 6 hour drive from here. It's red with the almond leather interior. Gonna talk to the dealer here this morning about getting it.

We ordered our Jetta TDI and got it in about 10 days. Fewer stick shift Mazdas than Jettas. Almost no Mazda6s in stick. NONE available with fog lights and heated seats. I prefer the 3 anyway.

Ralph

 

I didn't feel like waiting to order one. And all I really wanted, addition to the Manual gear box was a sun roof and the Bose. I found a nice black ITouring, with manual, and the upgraded Bose sound system at my local dealer.

It has enough power to cruise down the highway at 80 and does very well on back country roads, and is fine in the city.

And unless you are hyper-milling it, the MPG, from what I've seen else where is far better in the 2.0 over the 2.5. I mean, if you are going to hyper-mile the 2.5 to really get the kind of MPG you get driving the 2.0 normally, you might as well just get the 2.0, then hyper mile it and get close to 50 MPG ( I've personally not got that good, but I've seen it done ).

 

I could have happily done a 2.0 too, for the same reasons. Great mpg, plenty of torque.

So if anybody reading really really loves Jonny Polar Bear, know the financials of 35 vs. 40mpg. A car with 40mpg vs. 35 mpg adds up to $200 a year at current fuel costs ($2.19/gallon) and $350/year at $4.00/gallon.

Not advocating, just advising. More power costs more money, but that's exactly how much