agree that the mazda 3 is pretty slow in terms of pick up for a 1.6 due to the poor power/weight ratio, and mazda uses bigger size stock rims. Thus FC will suffer. This car is built more for comfort, drive one and u can feel the conti-feel.
The car is built for a 2.0L and 2.3L model.
Btw, im driving a 2.0L mazda 3 and sure its no slow turtle, and although im quite heavy footed, im getting 10~11km/L.