History/Overview
The Mazda3 Sport is the hatchback version of this popular compact car, now in the middle of a fourth generation that debuted in 2019. As a model, the Mazda3 debuted in 2004, when it replaced the Protégé.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, Mazda adds an optional turbocharged engine to the 3 Sport lineup. Also, the GX and GT trims both gain standard features. There’s also a limited-run 100th Anniversary trim level that assumes the top trim position for this year.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the 3 Sport in GX, GS, GT and 100th Anniversary trim levels. GX uses a 2.0L engine, and GS and GT move up to a 2.5L. The new 2.5L turbo motor is optional in GT and standard in the 100th Anniversary package.
The 2.0L and 2.5L engines come standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission that you can option to a six-speed automatic with FWD or AWD. The turbo engine comes exclusively with the automatic transmission and AWD.
Standard Features
GX trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off LED headlights and taillights, power-operated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and an electric parking brake.
Inside, GX includes an 8.8-inch infotainment display, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, an eight-speaker stereo, A/C, push-button engine start, power windows, heated front seats, and a digital gauge display.
The Mazda3 Sport’s standard safety features include blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
GS adds radar cruise control, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian sensing, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, driver attention alert, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic A/C, and a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel.
GT gains 18-inch wheels, traffic sign recognition, a sunroof, adaptive headlights with auto levelling, front and rear signature lighting, passive keyless entry, a 12-speaker stereo, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seating, and a 10-way power driver’s seat.
Finally, the 100th Anniversary trim brings special badging, black wheels, rear automatic braking, 360-degree camera views, traffic jam assist, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, a front wiper de-icer, front and rear parking sensors, a frameless rearview mirror, Homelink, red interior trim, and a head-up driver display.
Key Options
GS offers a luxury package that adds leatherette, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirror, and power driver’s seat.
GT’s premium pack adds rear brake support, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, wiper de-icer, Homelink, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, a frameless rearview mirror, 360-degree cameras, and traffic jam assist.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates for the 2.0L engine are 8.6/6.7 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission, and 8.7/6.6 L/100 km with the automatic. The 2.5L engine is rated for 9.5/7.0 L/100 km with the stickshift, 9.2/6.9 L/100 km with the automatic and FWD, and 9.5/7.4 L/100 km with AWD. Finally, the turbo 2.5L and its automatic transmission and AWD are rated for 10.1/7.5 L/100 km.
Competition
The Mazda3 Sport competes with a handful of other compact hatchbacks: the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Forte5, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Golf.
