Proof compact vehicles can be a whole lot of fun
Buyers seeking a low-cost compact car still have several options, so long as they’re shopping for a nondomestic brand. In case you hadn’t noticed, Ford, Chevrolet and Stellantis (Dodge and Chrysler) stopped playing in that arena some time ago.
Among the remaining players, the Mazda3 is offered in sedan and hatchback, and with nonturbocharged and turbocharged powertrains.
Since its last major redesign for the 2017 model year, the Mazda3 has received only modest but regular design and content updates. Lately, the focus has been on providing premiumfinish interiors, even for base trims, that avoid the strippeddown basic-transportation appearance.
There’s nothing especially outstanding with regard to the Mazda3’s appearance. It’s certainly tidy. The grille looks similar to what’s found on the CX-30 compact utility vehicle and the larger CX-5, which isn’t a bad thing at all. For sheer sportiness, the hatchback edges out the sedan.
In terms of size, there’s hardly any difference between the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. For length, width and wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) you could consider it a virtual tie. For cargo capacity, the Civic does manage to eke out a slight advantage.
The Mazda3’s instrument cluster has a trio of easy-to-read gauges set inside a stylish softtouch dashboard. The 8.8-inch and available 10.3-inch screens are perched atop the dash. A traditional shift lever takes care of the gear-selection duties.
The split-folding rear seat is a bit tight for space, which is typical of most compact vehicles, while legroom in back could be classified as adequate.
Where the Mazda3 punches above its class is under the hood. For 2023, Mazda deleted the 155-horsepower 2.0-litre base engine, which left the healthier 191-horsepower 2.5-litre fourcylinder as the starting point. Optional was a turbocharged 2.5 that puts out 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque when burning 87-octane gasoline, or 250/320 when fed 93-octane premium.
For 2024, there’s no change. Interestingly, these are the same engines offered in the rest of the Mazda lineup, other than the MX-5 sports car and eightpassenger CX-90 utility vehicle, which has an inline six-cylinder.
What you won’t find in the Mazda3 is a hybrid option.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard for the base Mazda3, while a six-speed automatic
is optional, but standard in upper trim levels and with the turbo engine.
Likewise, all-wheel-drive is available with nonturboequipped 3s, but is standard with the turbo.
For lowest fuel consumption, the base 2.5 with the automatic transmission is rated at 8.4 l/100 km in the city, 6.3 on the highway and 7.5 combined.
The base GX sedan starts at $27,600 Cdn, including destination charges, while the hatchback
Sport GX starts at $28,300. The six available trims come with a fairly comprehensive list of active-safety technology, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, active cruise control, lane-departure warning/lane-keeping assist and driver-attention alert.
The top-tier all-wheel-drive GT Turbo hatchback test vehicle ($40,300) came with a power moonroof, navigation system, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated power-adjustable driver’s seat and premium 12-speaker Bose sound system.
The turbo engine is a little slow to get rolling but it pulls hard in the midrange — say 4,000 rpm — which is great for quick passing manoeuvres. You can rev it out to the 6,500-rpm redline, but there’s not much point.
Go ahead and manually shift the steering-wheel-mounted paddles at 4,500 rpm for maximum enjoyment, but expect to go through some extra fuel driving in this manner.
The automatic transmission always seems to select the appropriate gear and is much preferred over a continuously variable transmissions found in the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.
The suspension is forgiving (and quiet) on rough and uneven pavement and the car’s flat cornering prowess adds to the fun factor. A hatchback that masquerades as a sports car would be an apt description.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive and the infotainment and climate controls are easily mastered, although they’re operated with a dial that takes getting some getting used to.
With the Mazda3, the automaker has created a distinctive compact car with an upscale presence plus a level of performance that the competition can only envy.
We’ll call it what it is: a wonderful machine to drive.
What you should know: 2024 Mazda3
Type: Front- /all-wheel-drive compact sedan and hatchback
Engines (h.p.): 2.5-litre I-4 (191); 2.5-litre I-4, turbocharged (227/250)
Transmission: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.)
Market position: The Mazda3 is an example of the automaker’s effort to elevate its entire vehicle lineup to a greater degree of standard luxury along with enhanced performance and competitive price points.