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I had an amazing week driving the Mazda Mazda3 2.5T Turbo Premium Plus Hatchback, an all-wheel-drive version of the Mazda3 that boasts impressive cargo space. I easily packed two suitcases, a lot of my clothes for global travel, and various materials for programming, all while comfortably fitting my mother for the journey.
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My drives around the Washington DC metropolitan area were spectacular. I ventured onto I-270, heading north to I-70, and explored the northeastern parts of West Virginia. The drive through the Appalachian Hills and up to I-81 around Martinsburg was breathtaking. I also made my way to Baltimore, Maryland on I-70, and later drove on I-97 across the Bay Bridge, where the serene waters provided a peaceful retreat to recharge my soul.
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The Mazda3 integrates a wealth of technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features numerous driver-assist packages like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, which proved incredibly useful on my highway drives.
Under the hood, the Mazda3 sports a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbo engine that delivers 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 18-inch alloy wheels and the stunning poly metal gray metallic exterior color added to its allure. The active all-wheel-drive system enhanced its performance, making every drive smooth and enjoyable.
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The interior is equally impressive with a 10.25-inch color center display with a touchscreen and Mazda’s premium Bose sound system, which includes 12 speakers. This setup was perfect for enjoying the music I created with the Carnegie Mellon music department.
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This Mazda is also fuel-efficient, achieving an EPA-rated 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The base price is $36,650, with the only additional option being the metallic paint, bringing the total delivered price to $38,265.
For more information, visit www.MazdaUSA.com