Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $39,145 (Base Mazda3): $25,885
Seating Capacity: 4
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Options: illuminated door sill trims; and metallic paint
Other Trim Levels:
Non turbo trim available
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD audio system with SiriusXM
Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder twin-power turbo engine/250-hp
Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/32-hwy (test model)
What’s New: The Mazda3 Carbon trim is no longer available with a 4-cylinder turbo.
Stylish design
AWD availability
Premium quality interior
A turbo and non-turbo powertrains are available
A peppy 250-hp engine with turbo engine
An engaging driving experience despite lacking a manual transmission
Power sunroof
Host of safety driving aids
Heated steering wheel
Leather seats
A power driver’s seat
Wireless phone charger
A premium audio system
Comfortable seating
But:
Test compact vehicle was approaching $40,000 with the brand’s premium pricing
Limited backseat legroom
No manual transmission
Cumbersome to operate the analog-like navigation and audio system
Lackluster MPG with turbo engine
Ventilated front seats should be standard on the higher-level trims
SiriusXM wasn’t activated by Mazda, so it was difficult to determine the quality of the audio system
No hybrid powertrain
Verdict: After dropping the Mazda6 from the brand’s lineup several years ago, the Mazda3 is the lone ranger in terms of sedans in the crossover heavy portfolio. In fact, Mazda only has two cars in its portfolio, the Miata and the Mazda6.
The compact Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback in either a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. Like all Mazdas, the Mazda3 is positioned as a premium compact with its well-crafted exterior design, upscale paint application, thoughtfully executed interior and its array of near luxury amenities. And let’s not omit, its near luxury car pricing strategy, too.
While the base sedan starts out the gate near $26,000, our test model nearly tipped over the $40,000 mark with its array of amenities. Unlike a typical compact, the higher end Premium Plus trim in the Mazda3 sedan we tested offered well-padded comfortable front seats, a heated steering wheel, a frameless automatic day/night rearview mirror, an adaptive front light system and an automatic dimming driver’s side mirror.
Many of the features noted aren’t available in such segment competitors as the Toyota Corolla, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic and the Acura Integra.
Moreover, the engaging Mazda3 was powered by a turbo-boosted 4-cylinder engine, which required premium fuel and delivered effortlessly 250-horsepower. Yet, the Mazda suffers in the MPG lane and not offering a hybrid powertrain.
Furthermore, the sedan was configured with a crystal-clear Bose audio system and a radar activated cruise control system.
Overall, with such noted features, the Mazda3 is a standout in the compact segment. So, for those seeking an engaging, well-executed cozy compact sedan with premium features, the Mazda3 could fit the bill. While the Mazda3 we tested is pricey and overlaps with the pricing strategy of many of the midsize cars such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, its worth considering if rear seat legroom isn’t a top priority.
Competition (Sedan): Honda Civic; Hyundai Elantra; Kia K4; Nissan Sentra; and Toyota Corolla
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