2021 Mazda3 Premium Turbo AWD Sedan: The Peppy 250-Horsepower Compact

 

Highlight: The brand’s sporty sedan pushes out over 227-horsepower and 250-horsepower with its 2.5-liter  engine, using regular fuel and premium fuel, respectively.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $33,990 (Base model: $21,645)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; temporary spare tire; a tire pressure monitoring system; rain sensing wiper system; a driver drowsy detection system; a rear view camera; a lane departure warning system; a smart brake support system; a lane keep assist system; and a traction control system

Standard Equipment: 16-inch wheels; front wheel drive; automatic transmission; air condition; cloth seats; electric parking brakes; and a push button ignition starter

Standard Equipment Turbo Premium Plus: 18-inch wheels and tires; all wheel drive; a 6-speed automatic transmission; 227-horspower; folding exterior mirrors; auto dimming mirror; cruise control mounted steering wheel controls; 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and memory; an 8-inch infotainment system; leather seats; a leather wrapped steering knob; a leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters; a heated steering wheel; heated front seats; a dual zone automatic climate control; aluminum speaker grille; 12-speaker Bose audio system; HD and satellite radio; an adaptive front lighting system and high beam automatic controls; leather seats; front and rear parking sensors; 360-degree monitor; traffic jam assist; auto dimming exterior mirrors; traffic sign recognition; black rear lip spoiler; rear cross traffic with braking; and three year travel link

Other Trims:

Mazda3 hatchback

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: Red exterior paint

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker AM/FM audio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/155-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
28-city/ 36-hwy

What’s New: The big new for the 2021 model year is that the brand’s compact sedan adds a 2.5-liter turbo engine, which has the capability of pushing out 250 horses from underneath the hood. Also the compact vehicle adds a few driving safety enhancements to ranging from a  new smart city brake support reverse to rear cross-traffic breaking to a traffic jam assist system.

Why: 

Sporty design with rear spoiler lip

Premium exterior color

Upgraded perforated leather seats

Turbo engine with dual turbo exhaust pipes

Sliding front center armrest

All wheel drive

Blacked out 18-inch wheels

Upgraded 12-speaker Bose audio system

Comfortable power driver’s seat with support

Also available as a hatchback

Pumps out an impressive 250-horsepower when using premium fuel

But: 

Traffic sign recognition speed limit is not always accurate

Limited rear leg room

Central control system takes time to master (Mazda needs duplicate knobs)

Still rides like a compact sedan

No manual transmission available

Lower MPG than Hyundai Elantra Turbo N Line, which pushes out 200-horsepower

Verdict

For those seeking an engaging, stylish, performance-oriented compact car, the Mazda3 should be at the top of one’s shopping list. The Mazda3, with its optional Skyactiv-G, 2.5-liter turbo engine, pumps out a whopping 250-horsepower.

The brand’s entry-level vehicle continues to push the envelope, with its premium exterior design, as well as with the upscale interior. In fact, the Mazda3 should be a benchmark for other vehicles in this segment in terms of styling cues and designs.

Lastly, the Mazda3, which is available as a sedan or hatchback, can be outfitted with the latest safety driving aids, a Bose audio system and luxury accoutrements that usually reserved for luxury cars.

Competition: 2021 Hyundai Elantra Turbo N Line; 2021 Hyundai Veloster N; and 2021 Kia Forte I4 GT