{"id":115754,"date":"2024-06-13T06:05:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-13T06:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interior-news.com\/2024\/06\/13\/2024-mazda3-proof-that-small-compact-vehicles-can-be-exciting-and-a-whole-lot-of-fun\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T08:38:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T08:38:39","slug":"2024-mazda3-proof-that-small-compact-vehicles-can-be-exciting-and-a-whole-lot-of-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interior-news.com\/2024\/06\/13\/2024-mazda3-proof-that-small-compact-vehicles-can-be-exciting-and-a-whole-lot-of-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Mazda3: Proof that small compact vehicles can be exciting and a whole lot of fun"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buyers seeking a low-cost compact car still have several options, so long as they\u2019re shopping for a non-domestic brand. In case you hadn\u2019t noticed, Ford, Chevrolet and Stellantis (Dodge and Chrysler) stopped playing in that arena some time ago. 
\nAmong the remaining players, the Mazda3 is offered in sedan and hatchback, and with non-turbocharged and turbocharged powertrains. 
\nSince 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 premium-finish interiors, even for base trims, that avoid the stripped-down basic-transportation appearance. 
\nThere\u2019s nothing especially outstanding with regard to the Mazda3\u2019s appearance. It\u2019s certainly tidy. The grille looks similar to what\u2019s found on the CX-30 compact utility vehicle and the larger CX-5, which isn\u2019t a bad thing at all. For sheer sportiness, the hatchback edges out the sedan.<\/p>\n

\"Sedan\"
For sheer sportiness, the Mazda3 hatchback just edges out the sedan, but colour and wheel selection can play into that. PHOTO: MAZDA  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\nIn terms of size, there\u2019s 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. 
\nThe Mazda3\u2019s instrument cluster has a trio of easy-to-read gauges set inside a stylish soft-touch 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. 
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

\"Interior\"
Lately, the focus for the Mazda3 has been on providing premium-finish interiors, even for base trims, that avoid the stripped-down basic-transportation appearance. The instrument cluster has a trio of easy-to-read round gauges is set inside a stylish soft-touch dashboard. PHOTO: MAZDA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\nWhere 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 four-cylinder 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.
\nFor 2024, there\u2019s no change.
\nInterestingly, these are the same engines offered in the rest of the Mazda lineup, other than the MX-5 sports car and eight-passenger CX-90 utility vehicle, which has an inline six-cylinder.
\nWhat you won\u2019t find in the Mazda3 is a hybrid option.
\nA 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. 
\nLikewise, all-wheel-drive is available with nonturbo-equipped 3s, but is standard with the turbo.
\nFor 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. 
\nThe base GX sedan starts at $27,600, 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. <\/p>\n

\"Rear\"
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. Photo: Mazda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\nThe 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\u2019s seat and premium 12-speaker Bose sound system.
\nThe turbo engine is a little slow to get rolling but it pulls hard in the midrange \u2014 say 4,000 rpm \u2014 which is great for quick passing maneuvers. You can rev it out to the 6,500 rpm redline, but there\u2019s 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.
\nThe 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.
\nThe suspension is forgiving (and quiet) on rough and uneven pavement and the car\u2019s flat cornering prowess adds to the fun factor. A hatchback that masquerades as a sports car would be an apt description.
\nThe front seats are comfortable and supportive and the infotainment and climate controls are easily mastered, although they\u2019re operated with a dial that takes getting some getting used to. 
\nWith 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.
\nWe\u2019ll call it what it is: a wonderful machine to drive.<\/p>\n

\"Dash\"<\/p>\n

What you should know: 2024 Mazda3<\/strong>
\nType: <\/strong>Front- \/all-wheel-drive compact sedan and hatchback
\nEngines (h.p.):<\/strong> 2.5-litre I-4 (191); 2.5-litre I-4, turbocharged (227\/250)
\nTransmission:<\/strong> Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.)
\nMarket position:<\/strong> The Mazda3 is an example of the automaker\u2019s effort to elevate its entire vehicle lineup to a greater degree of standard luxury along with enhanced performance and competitive price points. 
\nA very controlled and quiet ride is the Mazda3\u2019s advantage.
\nPoints:<\/strong> Sedan and hatchback designs maintain a familiar yet evolving appearance. \u2022 Conservatively styled gauges and controls shun the trend to giant displays. \u2022 Both standard and available powerplants deliver ample thrust. \u2022 It\u2019s surprising that a hybrid is not available. \u2022 The fun-to-drive factor comes as standard equipment. 
\nActive safety:<\/strong> Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); front emergency braking (std.); inattentive-driver alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian warning (std.)
\nL\/100 km (city\/hwy):<\/strong> 8.4\/6.3 (base 2.5)    
\nBase price (incl. destination):<\/strong> $27,600<\/p>\n

BY COMPARISON<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honda Civic<\/strong><\/p>\n