2024 Mazda3 Carbon Turbo Sedan AWD: The Brand’s Compact Car

 

Highlight: The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $31,750 (Base Model- 2.5 S): $25,390

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a stability control system; a traction control system; hill launch assist; high beam control; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; rear view camera; a smart brake support with pedestrian detection; a blind spot monitoring system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (S): 16-wheels; 2.5, 4-cylinder; 191-horsepower; a brake hold feature; a manual a/c; cloth seats; a push button ignition system; remote keyless entry system; a 9-inch infotainment center; push button ignition starter; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; manual operated front seats; cloth seats; and a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system

Standard Equipment Test Model (Carbon Turbo): 18-inch black alloy wheels; AWD; 2.5-liter turbo engine; engine harmonic enhancer; 227-horsepower; leather-like brown seats; heated front seats; an 8-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD: a wireless charger; power moonroof; rain sensing windshield wipers; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a pedestrian protection braking system; and dual exhaust outlets

Options: none

Non Plug-In Trims:

Select Sport

Preferred Package

Carbon Edition

SV Turbo Premium Plus Package

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an xx-speaker audio system with and AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Standard Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/227-horsepower (test model)

Fuel: Regular

MPG City/Highway: 23-city/32-highway (test model)

What’s New: For the 2024 model year, the compact vehicle adds a Carbon Turbo trim and a 10-inch infotainment screen.

Why:

Two Powertrains

A manual or an automatic transmission

AWD or front wheel drive

Blindspot and rear cross traffic alert systems are now standard

A variety of trims

Premium interior

An optional 10-inch infotainment screen

A12-speaker BOSE audio system available on select trims

Leather-like seating available

18-inch wheels

Power moonroof available

Heated front seats available

But:

No heads up display (test model)

No navigation system (test model(

The model uses Mazda’s signature complicated BMW-like central controller to operate the infotainment system

Minimal rear leg room in the sedan

No hybrid powertrain available

Verdict: The compact Mazda3 continues to standout against its competitors. While Mazda has seemingly pushed the brand upscale over the past few years, the Japanese automaker still competes against such mainstream brands as Honda and Toyota.

Like all Mazdas, the spunky compact gives more of a premium feel and look in terms of exterior styling, interior materials and cabin layout. In fact, the Mazda3 could easily be dropped into the Infiniti and Lexus portfolios.

The stylish Mazda3 is available as a hatchback or sedan. Depending upon the trim, buyers can opt for a manual, an automatic, front wheel drive or an AWD. The only major item the Mazda3 lacks is a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.

And while the Mazda3 lacks a hybrid, it’s available in both a non turbo and turbo 4-cylinder powertrain. The non turbo and turbo powertrains inks out 191 and 227 horsepower, respectively.

The all-new Carbon trim we tested was outfitted with a special paint color, 18-inch black forged wheels, a powerful turbo, which spewed out 227-horsepower, an engine enhancer, dual tailpipes and a standard AWD configuration. All these elements combined equated to a more engaging driving experience for a compact vehicle, distinguishing itself from the segment competitors.

So, for those seeking a compact vehicle, offering a more premium feel and look, the Mazda3 could be the way to go.

Competition: Honda Civic; Hyundai Elantra; Kia K4; Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla

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Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to www.JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter/JeffCars.