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 Marc Urbano|Car and Driver Select a year 2023202220212020201920182017
OverviewAlthough it’s priced just like other compacts, the 2023 Mazda 3 aspires to compete with more premium cars—and in many ways it does. The 3 is available as either a sedan or a hatchback, and both are equally as handsome and agile. Two four-cylinder engines are offered, including a punchy turbo, and you can even have all-wheel drive if you want—though that means skipping the excellent six-speed manual. Other compact cars such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta might seem more practical or have more name recognition, but the Mazda 3 is made for those buyers who value a gratifying driving experience and seek premium interior materials in their small car. Where This Vehicle RanksWhat's New for 2023?Mazda has dropped the 3’s base 2.0-liter four-cylinder for 2023; its new entry-level engine—the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that was offered as an upgrade last year—gets a 5-hp bump to 191 horsepower. Cylinder deactivation has been added to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which helps it deliver more fuel-efficient EPA estimates of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The mid-range Carbon Edition model is now available with optional all-wheel drive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe 3 hatchback is tempting because of its distinct appearance, but the hatch's bulbous backside compromises visibility. Instead, we'd stick with the sedan. When you select the Preferred trim level, you get standard features such as heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. Those who want all-wheel drive will need to go with either the Carbon Edition or Premium models, where it is offered as an option, or one of the Turbo models as they come standard with that feature. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceMazda offers two different engines with the 3, starting with a base 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine is offered with front-wheel drive or, on the Carbon Edition and Premium trims, an all-wheel drive system. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter is available, but only on the most expensive trims. Buyers can get a six-speed manual if they stick with front-wheel drive. Opting for the all-wheel drive system mandates a six-speed automatic transmission. While every 3 responds readily to gas-pedal inputs, only the turbocharged engine makes the 3 satisfyingly quick. When we tested the turbocharged engine, we recorded a brisk 5.6-second run to 60 mph. Both the hatchback and sedan feel composed on straight and twisty roads and provide a refined ride. We've praised the new Mazda 3 for retaining much of the fun-to-drive nature of the outgoing model. It has taut body control, natural-feeling steering, and a firm ride that manages not to punish occupants when going over rough roads. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe most fuel-efficient Mazda 3 is the sedan with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which earned ratings from the EPA of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The turbocharged hatchback model with all-wheel drive is the least fuel efficient, with ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. We tested an all-wheel-drive automatic-equipped sedan with the nonturbo 2.5-liter on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, and it posted an outstanding 41 mpg. We also tested a similarly equipped hatchback, which beat its highway rating by 2 mpg (for 34 mpg observed). The front-drive stick-shift 3 returned 38 mpg (3 more than estimated). For more information about the 3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and CargoMazda thoughtfully designed the 3's cabin with premium materials. Buyers can outfit either body style with a slew of desirable features, but the best ones are tied into the trim-level hierarchy. For instance, a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are all reserved for the topmost trims. Still, the 3 sedan and hatchback have supportive seats and comfortable passenger accommodations. However, the two-box model has the worst rear visibility among compact hatchbacks due to its curvaceous design taking priority over sightlines. Interior cubby storage is adequate, but those who want the most cargo space should choose the sedan, which held six carry-on bags in the trunk versus the hatch's five. Both held 16 bags with the back seat folded. Infotainment and ConnectivityAn 8.8-inch infotainment display is standard and looks even larger than it is, thanks to a nicely designed bezel that floats between two pillow-like dash pads. The system is easy to use and controlled solely by a console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard but a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and SiriusXM satellite radio cost extra. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesEvery model also boasts a bevy of standard driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. For more information about the 3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageMazda covers the 3 sedan and hatchback with a conventional warranty plan that can't compete with Hyundai and Kia's lengthy 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Toyota is the only competitor to offer complimentary scheduled maintenance in this segment.
SpecificationsSpecifications 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo AWD VEHICLE TYPE PRICE AS TESTED ENGINE TYPE TRANSMISSION CHASSIS DIMENSIONS C/D TEST RESULTS C/D FUEL ECONOMY EPA FUEL ECONOMY C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Is there going to be a 2023 Mazda 3?Hatchback models will arrive at dealerships in the fall, followed by sedan models this winter. For 2023, the Mazda3 receives enhancements to the naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine, now capable of 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque with either regular 87 octane or premium 93 octane fuel.
Is there a new Mazda 3 coming out?2022 Mazda 3 price and features: New engine, grades and specification arrives for Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato rival with update. The Evolve SP (pictured) will replace the Evolve as one of the Mazda3's grades.
Why are Mazda threes so cheap?Market share is a huge factor in determining the value of a vehicle and what kind of retail price you can expect for the brand. Mazda pricing their vehicles lower is an intentional choice to help capture more market share, and also to help develop brand recognition.
Is Mazda discontinuing the Mazda 3 sedan?The Mazda6 has been discontinued, leaving the Mazda3 to carry the brand's reputation for sporty family cars on its own. The Mazda3 has slipped to seventh in our list of the Best Small Cars.
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