Dive Inside the 2023 Mazda3

If you’re in the market for a compact car that offers a premium driving experience, the 2023 Mazda 3 is definitely worth considering. Although it’s priced similarly to other compacts, the 3 aims to compete with more luxurious cars and, in many ways, it succeeds. Available as either a sedan or a hatchback, both versions of the 3 are equally attractive and agile. There are two four-cylinder engines to choose from, including a powerful turbo, and you can even opt for all-wheel drive if you don’t mind giving up the excellent six-speed manual. While other compact cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta may seem more practical or recognizable, the Mazda 3 is the perfect choice for those who want a fun, engaging driving experience and a small car with premium interior materials.

For the 2023 Mazda 3, the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been dropped, and the new entry-level engine is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which received a 5-hp bump to 191 horsepower. The 2.5-liter engine also benefits from cylinder deactivation technology, which helps it achieve more efficient fuel consumption ratings of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Additionally, the mid-range Carbon Edition model now offers optional all-wheel drive, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trims.

It’s worth noting that the hatch’s rounded backside can make it difficult to see out of. For this reason, we recommend going with the sedan instead. The Preferred trim level is a great choice, offering heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. If you’re looking for all-wheel drive, you’ll need to select either the Carbon Edition or Premium models, which offer it as an option, or one of the Turbo models, which come standard with this feature.

The Mazda 3 comes with two engine options. The first one is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower. You can get it with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which is available on the Carbon Edition and Premium trims. The second engine option is a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 250 horsepower. However, this engine is only available on the most expensive trims. If you choose front-wheel drive, you can get a six-speed manual transmission. But if you want all-wheel drive, you’ll have to go with a six-speed automatic. We found that while both engines respond well to the gas pedal, only the turbocharged engine feels truly quick. In fact, we recorded a 5.6-second run to 60 mph when we tested it. The Mazda 3 feels composed on any type of road, whether it’s straight or twisty. It also provides a refined ride that doesn’t punish occupants when going over rough roads. Overall, we think the new Mazda 3 is a great car that retains the fun-to-drive nature of the outgoing model. It has taut body control, natural-feeling steering, and a firm ride that won’t disappoint.

I recently came across some interesting information about the fuel efficiency of the Mazda 3. It turns out that the most fuel-efficient version of this car is the sedan with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. According to the EPA, this model gets an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the turbocharged hatchback model with all-wheel drive is the least fuel efficient, with ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. 

In addition, a test was conducted on an all-wheel-drive automatic-equipped sedan with the nonturbo 2.5-liter engine on a 75-mph highway fuel economy route. The results were outstanding, as the sedan posted an impressive 41 mpg. A similarly equipped hatchback was also tested, and it beat its highway rating by 2 mpg, with an observed fuel efficiency of 34 mpg. Finally, the front-drive stick-shift Mazda 3 returned 38 mpg, which is 3 more than the estimated fuel efficiency.

The Mazda 3’s cabin has been thoughtfully designed with premium materials. Buyers have the option to outfit either body style with a range of desirable features, although the best ones are reserved for the topmost trims. For example, the head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are all exclusive to the higher trims. Regardless, both the 3 sedan and hatchback offer comfortable passenger accommodations with supportive seats. However, the two-box model has the worst rear visibility among compact hatchbacks due to its curvaceous design taking priority over sightlines. Interior cubby storage is adequate, but those who prioritize cargo space should opt for the sedan. It held six carry-on bags in the trunk compared to the hatch’s five, and both held 16 bags with the back seat folded.

The 8.8-inch infotainment display in my car; it’s standard and looks even larger than it is, which is pretty cool. The bezel is nicely designed and floats between two pillow-like dash pads, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the display. The system is easy to use and controlled solely by a console-mounted rotary knob, which is convenient. I’m glad that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, but I do wish that the 12-speaker Bose stereo system and SiriusXM satellite radio didn’t cost extra. Overall, I’m really satisfied with my car’s infotainment system and think it’s a great feature.

Photo Source: Mazda USA