Mazda3 GT AWD Turbo really kicks things up
Thank the motoring gods, Mazda continues to cater to those with a sporting bone or two in their bodies, the zoomzoom company historically imbuing its product lineup, even its mainstream models, with healthy elan.
And by mainstream I am now referring to the Mazda3. For 20 years and four generations the popular-selling sedan and hatchback has anchored the Hiroshima-based manufacturer.
Now five years into the fourth generation, changes to the still attractive Mazda3 sedan and Mazda3 Sport hatchback for 2024 start with dropping the Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine in the GX, GS and GT trims, replacing it with the up-rated 2.5 L variant. This upgrade now delivers 191 horsepower and a solid 186 pound-feet of torque with either regular 87 octane or premium 93 octane gasoline — a 44-hp increase as well as better fuel economy thanks to updated cylinder-deactivation technology.
Yet, if you want to kick things up a notch or two, there's the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine, available only on the Mazda3's GT trim, as well as being offered in the Mazda3 Sport, CX-30, CX-5 and CX-50. This brings with it an all-wheel drivetrain. So equipped, the Mazda3 GT AWD Turbo ($37,400 MSRP) pushes the compact four-door toward a different category, one occupied by sportier sedans from Mazda's Asian rivals as well as Volkswagen. Think Honda Civic Si ($35,630), 2023 Hyundai Elantra N ($37,699), VW Jetta GLI ($35,978), Subaru WRX ($36,072) and Acura Integra A-Spec ($38,850).
WHAT POWERS IT?
“A modern compact car with refined performance,” says Mazda, its GT Turbo's boosted four-cylinder pumping out a satisfying 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium 93 octane. Even on regular 87 gas, the engine pushes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through the standard i-Activ AWD.
Unfortunately, for three-pedal aficionados, the sedan can only be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, though said autobox comes with a manual shifter as well as paddles.
Weighing just 1,540 kilograms, the GT Turbo will scoot to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, certainly competitive with the previously mentioned compact sporty sedans though not the class leader.
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
The missus and I really like driving our CX-30 GT Turbo. It's certainly quick enough for a 1,600-kg crossover, especially when merging from an on-ramp and doubly so when flipped into Sport mode. Now, with a lower centre of gravity and 60 kg or so less weight, you have the Mazda3 GT AWD Turbo version — equally sporting performance dynamics if not more so — with a smoother ride. The only thing missing is the crossover's height advantage.
As to whether the Mazda3 GT AWD Turbo is a sport sedan, the answer is an emphatic “sort of” or “maybe.” It's not a power issue, more the lack of visceral drama. There's no robust blat from the twin exhausts or thrilling engine note as the revs climb. Handling is good, with nicely weight steering, though switching to Sport mode doesn't bring the firming-up factor some other cars provide. Yes, it keeps its line in the turns, but it doesn't inspire the same confidence.
WHAT DOES THE CABIN LOOK LIKE?
Going all in for the GT AWD Turbo brings with it a bunch of standard comfort and infotainment features — power sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power driver seat with power lumbar support, navigation (on-road and off-road), Bose audio system with 12 speakers, automatic climate controls, keyless entry, radar cruise control and a head-up driving display — which is visible even when wearing polarized sunglasses — cover off the majority. Oh, and the 360º View Monitor, helping provide additional visibility around the car when parking, not to mention front and rear parking sensors, plus a larger 10.25-inch central screen.
In addition, SiriusXM satellite radio is provided with a complementary three-month trial, and SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link services come with a five-year complementary subscription.
For 2024, customers get the added convenience of wireless phone
charging and the integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, GT models now come with two Type-C USB ports to accommodate faster charging.
It all makes for a rather pleasant environment to while away the hours driving — as long as you're occupying the front seats.
When I said “family type automobile” in the first paragraph, that should be read as suitable for families with a small kid or two, the ones who fit in rear booster seats. There's 954 millimetres of front-seat headroom and 1,075 mm of legroom. Back-row seat passengers have 931 mm of headroom and 891 mm of legroom. Meaning that if you happen to be on the taller side and/or leggy (that would be me), the rear seat will prove to be uncomfortably tight, notably in the legroom department.
FUEL ECONOMY
The GT AWD models with the normally aspirated 2.5 L 4-cylinder are rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 8.9 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.9 L/100 km in combined driving. Going the turbocharged route sees a decrease in fuel economy, with Mazda3 GT AWD Turbo getting a rating of 10.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.3 on the highway and 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving. I averaged 9.1 L/100 km in a city/highway mix of around 70/30.
PRICING FOR OTHER TRIMS
If you're more interested in allwheel drive than the turbo engine, the Mazda3 still has your back, starting at $30,900 for the GS trim with the Luxury package. A GT with the same non-turbo 2.5 L four is $35,000. There aren't that many similarly priced and sized AWD competitors.