Ive test driven Mazda3 and it was above my expectations. Hopefully they are heading in right direction. Car felt responsive (could be super light steering) and torqy.
Last year me and group of friends went to most of these auto shows that were available.
We went to Mazda Rev-it (our picture was posted on their picture section ) , Mercedez C class, Lexus RX event and GM event as well.
Personally Mercedez C class was the best and besides Mazda Rev it event (costed $40) , all the other events were free.
The reason I didnt like Mazda event was how little you get to drive the car. 2 test laps (which was on a shorter different track (if u can call them that..)) and 2 real laps (which was about 18 seconds each ). And the track was not designed that well. I do understand that it is to make it safe for us "n00b" race drivers, but it definatly could have been better.
Benz even was free. Had 1 track you can go over and over and 1 track where you ride with a professional driver in a high HP car. Their track design was outstanding, you can actually push the car and see how it handles and feel the difference.
and we were able to go as much as we wanted and lines were moving fast because of the way they designed how ppl got in and out of the car. we went there @ 10 am and stayed till 5pm. it was simply a blast.
GM event was just horrible. They had most amount of cars and borrowed Arlington race track (which this 04 Mazda event will take place in) which has more than enough space to make any "fun" tracks. but their track and line system was horrible. Their policy is "you cant sqeel the tires" and tracks were made so you had to drive like a grandma. And everytime you finished driving, you have to park the car and turn off the engine which just extended delay ... such bad management and planning. not fun at all.
So, if this is your first time, go for it. It should be fun. But just know that there are bunch of better events for free.