History/Overview
Sales of small cars are not what they used to be thanks to the rising popularity of subcompact crossovers, but the Mazda3 remains an integral part of Canada’s marketplace thanks to its sharp driving feel and good fuel economy. The current fourth-generation Mazda3 was introduced in 2019.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
This year, the available 2.5L engine gets improved fuel economy and a modest five-hp power increase.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the 3 in GX, GS, and GT trim levels. GX and GS start with a 2.0L four-cylinder available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions; optional in GS is a combination of a 2.5L engine, automatic transmission and AWD. GT’s powertrain starts with the 2.5L engine and automatic gearbox and can be augmented with AWD. GT can also be optioned with a turbocharged 2.5L that is only offered with all-wheel drive.
Standard Features
GX trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/taillights, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, there’s a digital gauge display, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio, manual A/C, and heated seats.
The base safety suite comprises rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring.
GS’s additions include radar cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, heated side mirrors, dual-zone A/C, and a heated steering wheel.
GT adds traffic sign recognition, rear automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, surround-view cameras, and traffic jam assist. Other additions are 18-inch wheels, passive keyless entry, navigation, auto-dimming driver’s side and interior mirrors, adaptive/auto-levelling headlights, a wiper de-icer, 12-speaker audio, leather upholstery, and a power driver’s seat.
Key Options
GS can be optioned with a luxury package of leatherette upholstery, power driver’s seat, reverse-tilt mirrors, a sunroof, and an auto-dimming interior mirror.
GT’s sole option is the turbocharged engine.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates start at 8.4/6.6 L/100 km for cars with the 2.0L engine and automatic transmission; the stickshift/2.0L combo is rated for 8.7/6.4 L/100 km. The 2.5L engine’s rating start at 8.6/6.4 L/100 km with front-wheel drive, and 8.8/6.6 for AWD models. Finally, the 2.5L turbo/AWD combo’s estimates are 10.1/7.3 L/100 km.
Competition
The Mazda3’s competitors include the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Volkswagen Jetta.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
