All MAZDA3 models come with a 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine that makes 186 horsepower and 186-lb feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and seamless gear changes as well as the optional Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus system that operates to ensure smooth driving outputs and predicable handling. A manual 6-speed gearbox is also optional but can only be paired with Premium equipped hatchback models.
Standard equipment levels are decent but not great covering at least all the basics. Available in four trims - Base, Select, Preferred and Premium. The least-expensive Base model comes with keyless entry, push-button start, an automatic transmission, 8.8-inch screen infotainment system, 8-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity and AM/FM/HD Radio.
Buyers who opt-in for the Select package, available only on the sedan, will get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, leatherette upholstery, a dual-zone climate control, radar driven adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing wipers. Heading one step further with the Preferred package gets adds an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support and memory settings, an excellent 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated front seats and Sirius XM radio with a 90-day trial. Premium models offer leather seating, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a head-up display and a power moonroof.
Standalone options include a color navigation system, wireless charging pad and slick black exterior accent package to make your MAZDA3 stand out from the crowd.
Standard safety systems for the MAZDA3 include anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control. Front, side, and curtain and driver's knee air bags as standard equipment. Optional features like automatic emergency braking that can prevent a frontal collision, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and a driver-attention system that monitors for drowsiness can be equipped on all except base model versions of the MAZDA3.
Good Balance Between Luxury And Sportiness
Spirited Handling
Excellent Fuel Economy
Premium Interior Materials
Sharp Exterior Styling
After a full redesign last year, the MAZDA3 returns for 2020 with a few additional updates and features. The biggest news is that for 2020, all MAZDA3 models come with Mazda's i-Activesense driver-assist software suite. This means that every MAZDA3 comes with blind spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. While most of those systems will only ever be noticed in an emergency, it's worth noting that the adaptive cruise control system is very much a luxury feature, albeit one that relies on the same sensors as the safety systems.
The MAZDA3 represents an excellent value. Competitors include compact car titans like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza. The MAZDA3 undercuts many of its rivals with its impressive driving characteristics and premium interior quality, while still offering enough space, sophisticated manners and a sleek modern exterior.
The 2020 MAZDA3 includes newly enhanced safety technology and one of the most upscale interiors in its segment. It could be considered to compete not only with offerings from Honda, Toyota and Nissan, but also with some from European entries such as the BMW 2-Series and the Audi A3.
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