2023 MAZDA MAZDA3 HATCHBACK TEST DRIVE FOR TOP SPEED BY STEVE HAMMES 2023 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback The Mazda3 has the hot hatch look but, until recently, it was all for show. With the introduction of turbocharged power starting with the…

The Mazda3 has the hot hatch look but until now it was all for show. Introducing the 2021 2.5 Turbo with standard all-wheel drive providing the oomph this car desperately needs. A car I’ve previously been ambivalent about has been given renewed life with a turbocharged engine. Feed it premium gas and it’ll reward you with 250 horsepower. That’s a huge 72% gain compared with the non-turbo 3 and it peaks much sooner. The top trim Premium Plus model which adds real leather, navigation, a 360 degree camera with real button, traffic sign recognition, and myriad other driver assistance features. Plus, you get the front air dam, gloss black roof spoiler and larger tail pipes. As tested, you’re looking at $34,820. The cost of the turbo and all-wheel drive adds about $3,000. Mix in all-wheel drive and big torque output and suddenly the 3 is a very entertaining drive with plenty of hot hatch spunk and a loveably safe toassability. Where Mazda comes in strong is in the driver assist arena where auto high beams, Traffic Jam Assist, driver attention monitor and rear cross traffic alert. The new turbo 3 hatch is the most fun I’ve had behind the wheel of a Mazda in some time and with this engine in the new CX-30 Mazda will really be making hay.

2020 Mazda3 Hatchback Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. When I drove the Mazda3 sedan last year, I came away disappointed. Gone was the fun-to-drive little car that used to put its competitors to shame, replaced by a more premium model that had more annoyances than I could take. But a lot of you pointed out that my opinion ran contrary to most of my peers – which I always relish, by the way – so I figured I’d take a second look, this time with the AWD hatchback.

MSRP as-tested: $31,470

The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 sedan is an elegant, front-wheel drive compact with bold styling, exhilarating driving dynamics and premium features.
The thoughtful touches and attention to detail continue to the interior of the Mazda3. Lush materials with a simplistic design are surrounded by intuitive technology features such as an 8.8-inch large center display with the latest Mazda Connect system that can be operated thru the commander control or voice command. A seven-inch digital gauge display maintains a timeless analog theme but is benefited by a reconfigurable display to provide the driver with more information. Dual USB ports, push button start, an electronic parking brake and ample storage are among its many high-quality standard features.
The 2020 Mazda3 hatchback and sedan returns its sophisticated styling and exhilarating driving experience with the goal of further separating itself from its class with enough premium features to rival luxury automakers’ offerings. Mazda engineers never settle, they are constantly finding ways to improve the vehicle. From making calculated adjustments to the suspension to being able to provide more safety features, there is a motivation to exceed expectations and create a premium experience that will help continue to elevate the brand.

Mazda has a vision for its future that looks and feels more premium even when it comes to their entry level sedan. This is the all new Mazda3. Its stylish design may just win your heart and render you accepting of its faults.