Electric Cars

New Ram Dakota: A 'Game-Changer' Ready to Redefine the Midsize Pickup Market

Dealers' Unanimous Approval for the New Dakota's "Aggressive" Design and "Right Size"

Ram dealers are buzzing with excitement following a sneak peek of the forthcoming Dakota midsize pickup at a recent industry event. Reports indicate widespread approval, with many describing the truck as possessing an "aggressive" aesthetic and being perfectly proportioned for its segment. This positive reception is a crucial early indicator of the vehicle's potential market success, especially as Ram aims for an accessible price point of approximately $40,000. Dealers believe that if the pricing is competitive, the Dakota could become a major disruptor in the U.S. midsize truck landscape, significantly boosting Ram's presence.

Ram's Resurgence: The Dakota's Grand Return to the Midsize Arena

The return of the Dakota nameplate marks a significant moment for Ram, which has been absent from the midsize truck segment since the third-generation model ceased production in 2011. After a 25-year run, the original Dakota, initially branded as a Dodge, left a void that Ram is now eager to fill. The new North American Dakota is scheduled to begin production around 2028 at Stellantis' Toledo, Ohio plant. This facility is already home to the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, underscoring Stellantis' commitment to investing approximately $400 million and creating 900 new jobs for this project.

North American Dakota: A Distinct Evolution from its South American Counterpart

It's important to differentiate the upcoming North American Ram Dakota from a similarly named midsize pickup recently launched in South America. While both share the Dakota name, they are fundamentally distinct vehicles. The South American model is built on the Changan F70 platform, also utilized by other international market vehicles. In contrast, the U.S.-spec Dakota will feature a unique body-on-frame platform, likely derived from the Jeep Gladiator, and will integrate powertrains from Stellantis' North American inventory, potentially incorporating electrified options. Stellantis deliberately kept powertrain details under wraps during the dealer preview, choosing instead to emphasize the new Dakota's compelling design.

Experience Driving Purity: The Mazda 3 Manual, A Cut Above the Rest

The Enduring Appeal of Manual Transmissions in a Modern World

For those who cherish direct mechanical engagement, the news of a car offering a manual gearbox often sparks excitement. The intricate dance between arm, leg, and foot to achieve seamless motion provides a unique satisfaction, elevating the act of driving beyond mere transportation into an immersive experience. This sentiment perfectly captures the anticipation surrounding the Mazda 3 2.5 S Hatchback Premium, a vehicle that promises to rekindle the joy of shifting gears.

First Impressions: Unveiling the Manual Mazda 3 Hatchback

Upon encountering the Mazda 3 2.5 S Hatchback Premium, the presence of its manual shifter immediately signals a different kind of driving adventure. This model, celebrated for its aggressive aesthetics and pleasing performance, stands out by offering a manual option—a feature notably absent from its spirited competitor, the Volkswagen GTI. This unique selling point positions the Mazda 3 as a compelling alternative for enthusiasts.

Beyond the Shifter: Evaluating the Holistic Driving Experience

While a manual transmission is a significant draw, a truly rewarding driving experience necessitates harmony between the gearbox, engine, clutch, and throttle. The vehicle's overall design and engineering also play a crucial role. A superb gearbox cannot redeem an otherwise flawed car, but a well-designed vehicle can elevate a great manual transmission to its full potential. Thankfully, the Mazda 3 2.5 S Premium Hatchback excels in this regard, offering a driving experience that feels exceptionally refined and high-end, challenging the perceptions typically associated with more premium brands.

An Interior Sanctuary: Where Luxury Meets Practicality

Stepping inside the Mazda 3 2.5 S Premium Hatchback reveals an environment crafted with an eye for luxury and comfort. The cabin is adorned with soft-touch materials, including faux black leather on the dashboard and doors, complemented by rich chocolate-brown accents on the leather seats. Elegant French seams provide a touch of sophistication across various surfaces, while metallic trim elements add brightness. The instrument cluster features traditional white-on-black gauges for the tachometer and speedometer, reinforcing a classic yet refined aesthetic.

Standard Features That Enhance the Premium Feel

The interior's understated elegance is further enhanced by a host of standard features. These include a high-fidelity Bose 12-speaker audio system, a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and memory functions, heated front seats for colder days, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a moonroof. While our test model included optional extras like the striking Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, illuminated door-sill plates, and all-weather floor mats, these additions merely accentuated the already rich and thoughtful design.

The Symphony of Power: Engine and Transmission Dynamics

Igniting the Mazda 3 and setting off confirms its premium ambiance. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four engine produces a hushed, rich purr, indicative of its refined engineering. The six-speed manual gearbox perfectly complements this engine, offering an effortless clutch action that allows for smooth takeoffs and gear changes. The shifter itself moves with a precision reminiscent of older BMW models, well-isolated from vibrations and settling gently into each gear. This sophisticated operation truly feels like a high-value attribute.

Performance Metrics: A Comparison with the Volkswagen GTI

With 186 horsepower, the Mazda 3 cannot match the more powerful 241-hp Volkswagen GTI in raw acceleration. The GTI, now primarily available with an automatic dual-clutch transmission, sprints to 60 mph in a swift 5.6 seconds. In contrast, the manual Mazda 3 takes 7.0 seconds to reach the same speed. The performance gap is also evident in the quarter-mile, with the GTI completing it in 14.2 seconds at 100 mph, while the Mazda 3 achieves 15.6 seconds at 91 mph. Despite these differences, the Mazda 3's powertrain excels in delivering an upscale and engaging driving experience.

Powertrain Refinement: A Smooth and Responsive Ride

The Mazda 3 compensates for its lower power output with a powertrain that amplifies the luxurious feel of its cabin. The engine revs smoothly and quietly, its subdued growl barely audible even under hard acceleration. This seamless operation makes shifting through the gears a delightful experience. Because the driver is in control of the shifts, the car tends to operate at higher RPMs in urban traffic, providing immediate responses to throttle inputs and making it feel more agile than its acceleration times might suggest.

Handling and Braking: Confident Dynamics for Everyday Driving

The premium car feel extends to the Mazda 3 Hatchback's road manners. Its steering is precise and predictable, offering comfortable and progressive feedback without feeling heavy. The suspension adeptly handles larger undulations and bumps, providing a ride that leans towards compliant comfort rather than aggressive sportiness. While sharper impacts from road imperfections are noticeable, the car maintains composure. On dry surfaces, initial tests showed reasonable poise, with its 215/45R-18 Toyo Proxes A40 all-season tires providing respectable grip, registering 0.88 g on the skidpad—a commendable figure, though slightly less than the GTI's 0.91 g. Impressively, the Mazda 3's braking performance mirrors that of the performance-oriented GTI, stopping from 70 mph in 164 feet, five feet shorter than the initial test of the long-term GTI equipped with similar tires.

Two Distinct Personalities: Mazda 3 vs. GTI

Ultimately, the Mazda 3 and the GTI represent two different philosophies. The GTI is undeniably the more focused driver's car, offering sharper steering, more confident cornering, and a tauter, sportier ride—it's the car designed to bring a wider grin on winding roads. Both vehicles, however, are harmonious and complete packages, each with a distinct character. The Mazda 3 2.5 S Premium Hatchback emerges as a gentler, more luxurious option, offering significant driving enjoyment at a more accessible price point than the GTI. Its meticulously engineered six-speed gearbox is a standout feature, making it a truly viable and attractive alternative for manual transmission enthusiasts.