The Fun-to-Drive Mazda3 Hatchback

The new vehicle market is overwhelmingly titled toward utility vehicles, along with pickup trucks dominating the market. Traditional car lovers seem more like minivan operators – they get little respect – with few choices available. Fortunately, Mazda is one brand that hasn’t completely given up on cars, as it still offers the beloved Miata along with the compact Mazda3. We recently spent a week with the Mazda3 hatchback, which is also available as a sedan. If you prize driving dynamics, this small people mover is worth your consideration.

Mazda3 Overview

Consumer tastes have certainly shifted, which explains why Mazda no longer offers the midsize Mazda6 sedan. But unlike some well-known brands, such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge, you can still find a compact car.

Cleverly, Mazda offers the 2025 Mazda3 in two body styles – sedan and hatchback. Both seat five and come with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The “cleverness” means Mazda targets two types of buyers. With the sedan, they have the traditional small car buyer in mind. And with the hatchback, the versatile interior means storage-conscious shoppers are in play.

Mazda prices the hatchback from $24,950 to $36,950, across seven trims. As for the sedan, it retails from $23,950 to $35,800, across six trims. Add $1,185 for the mandatory destination charge. Mazda offers manual and automatic transmission choices and naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine options. With two drivetrain choices, the Mazda3 offers uncommon combinations for the segment.

Mazda Styling

Offering further differentiation for the Mazda3 is its styling. But we must tell you that the remaining competitors are no slouches in that department either. This means that the days of the boring econobox are long gone, thus consumers win.

The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback embodies Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy, emphasizing a sense of motion even when stationary. It features a distinctive, sculpted look with sharp character lines that give the body a sleek and aerodynamic appearance. The hatchback’s design includes a wide, gaping front grille with angular accents, lending an assertive stance, while its tapered roofline offers a dynamic profile that differentiates it from the sedan’s more traditional, standard roofline. Stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, available in black for higher trims, enhance its sporty look, contributing to a visually cohesive and modern visual.

In comparison, the Mazda3 Sedan maintains a more conventional silhouette, offering a refined and elegant roofline that smoothly transitions to the rear. While both body styles share the front-end design and sharp side lines, the hatchback’s more compact rear and lifted stance give it a bolder, sportier character. This distinction makes the hatchback a practical yet expressive choice for drivers interested in a compact car with a distinct look that departs from traditional sedan styling.

On the storage front, the sedan offers 13.2 cubic feet of trunk capacity. On the other hand, the hatchback supplies 20.1 cubic feet of standard cargo space. Fold down the rear seat and you’ll find 47.1 cubic feet of packing room. Consequently, that compares favorably to the 20.2/45.2 storage space available in the similar-size Mazda CX-30 utility vehicle, perhaps allaying storage concerns for some shoppers.

Safety and Technology

The 2025 Mazda3 excels in safety, offering a comprehensive set of features under the i-Activsense suite. Notably, standard safety technologies include smart brake support, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross traffic alert. Higher trims add features like Mazda radar cruise control with stop & go, which enhances driver convenience during heavy traffic, and a 360-degree view monitor, providing additional visibility when parking. These features are complemented by solid safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting Mazda’s commitment to driver and passenger protection.

Inside the cabin, the Mazda3 combines advanced technology with user-friendly functionality. All trims come with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a high-resolution 8.8-inch display. USB ports are thoughtfully placed for both front and rear passengers, while premium audio options are available. The Bose 12-speaker sound system, featured in higher trims, provides immersive audio quality. Additionally, the car includes Mazda Connected Services, with a one-year trial allowing remote access to vehicle status and navigation through the MyMazda app.

On the Road

Mazda has long been associated with exhilarating driving experiences. In the early 2000s, the brand’s marketing agency introduced the iconic “zoom zoom” slogan, perfectly capturing Mazda’s fun-to-drive spirit. While other slogans have come and gone, this memorable catchphrase remains deeply ingrained in the hearts of driving enthusiasts.

Promotional points aside, does Mazda live up to the hype? In our opinion, it certainly does. Our experience with the brand means we’ve driven every model the company has offered since the early days of the CX-5 utility vehicle. The CX-5 was finally replaced by the CX-50, but both models demonstrated that crossovers do supply a rewarding driving experience.

On the car front, this is where Mazda honed its driving chops. Today, with the Mazda3, those skills are quite evident.

To wit, Mazda offers a large four-cylinder engine to power this vehicle. Displacing 2.5 liters, this motor cranks out 191 horsepower in naturally aspirated form. When turbocharged, the power quotient jumps to 227 horsepower (250 hp when fueling with premium grade).

Your Shifting Choices

Power aside, Mazda offers two transmission choices – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Outside of performance variants, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a manual gearbox in this segment. As for the automatic, happily you don’t have to deal with a CVT, which has become the default transmission for many small cars. We don’t hate the continuously variable transmission. We just know that it isn’t as reliable as a geared automatic.

Front-wheel drive is ideal with this segment, but the available all-wheel drive places the Mazda3 in a special category. You must move up to a turbo model to get all-wheel drive, but you do lose the manual transmission. The only model in this segment that combines a manual with all-wheel drive is the Subaru WRX.

Driving Chops

Now back to the Mazda3! The 2025 Mazda3 Turbo AWD is a driver’s delight with taut steering that feels precise and connected, making it easy to place on the road. The handling is notably responsive, allowing for confident cornering and a playful feel through twisty sections. Its firm brakes inspire confidence, giving consistent stopping power even after aggressive driving.

The suspension system strikes a balance that leans sportier, managing to absorb minor bumps while still transmitting a satisfying level of road feedback. Paired with grippy tires, the Mazda3 holds the line tightly in corners, adding to the overall feeling of control. The turbocharged engine supplies a satisfying surge of power, effortlessly merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic. This setup makes the Mazda3 Turbo AWD a compelling choice for enthusiasts who value spirited handling in a compact package.

Competitive Set

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla remain the two top models in the compact car segment. They’re joined by the Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, and the Kia K4 (formerly the Kia Forte). You can also find the Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen Jetta. Finally, if performance is your thing, the Subaru WRX is worth mentioning.

Making the Case

In the Mazda3, Mazda makes a compelling case for small car shoppers. The available manual gearbox appeals to enthusiasts as do the turbo and all-wheel drive options. Thus, compact and fun-to-drive are not mutually exclusive, especially with this model.

Perhaps the one drawback is that turbo power is not offered for models costing below $35,000. Yet, the 191-horsepower found in the standard motor delivers a welcome punch, models we believe are priced accordingly.

2025 Mazda3 Hatchback Specifications

See Also — Hard-Top Fun and a Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

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