by Anthony Fongaro - Photos vis Ford - 06/12/2021
I wonder if you’ve noticed, but there really aren’t a lot of semi-luxury subcompact cars anymore. When I think of a nice subcompact car, I think of a nicely specced out car that’s under $35,000. The German Trifecta of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz all have subcompact cars, but since these are luxury brands, you won’t get the features you want for well over $45,000. So that leaves us with a dilemma: is there a sub-compact under $35,000 that’s worth considering. Actually, there is, and it comes from a small Japanese company.
I’ve written about the Mazda3 before, as an AWD hatchback and the non-turbocharged engine. If you read my Best hatchback for under $40k, you’ll have seen that the Mazda3 is a terrific little car. This time, the Mazda3 I have is a little different. It’s still AWD but now a sedan with the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine. Since the hatchback and sedan are so close, this may sound like my hatchback article. The only difference is that, although the 3 hatchback was fantastic, it had the naturally-aspirated engine which was...slow. Don’t ever get a Mazda3 without the turbocharged engine.
The 3 sedan looks like what the sedan equivalent of the hatchback would be. It still has a sleek and shark-like front end with its massive grille. Down the side, it looks like a smaller version of the Mazda6. My Premium Plus sedan had 18” black alloy wheels and they paired well with the Machine Gray Metallic paint. I honestly think that this is the best exterior color you can get for the 3. Going to the rear, once again, it just looks like the sedan version of the hatch. You have some badging to sell the world you have the AWD turbo version. I do love that the Premium Plus model comes with a little black spoiler. Once again, it’s a great contrast to the paint.
Jumping into the Mazda3 sedan is just like being in the hatchback and the CX-5 SUV. The material quality for a car under $35,000 is terrific. It does not feel like a cheap car, especially being from a mainstream brand such as Mazda. Looking ahead, you see a slightly large steering wheel with all the controls you’d expect such as volume, music, and adaptive cruise control. You don't have to look at the main instruments because the Premium-Plus model has a great head-up display. This shows your speed, speed limit, navigation, and more. Once again, the black seats are comfortable and heated, as well as the steering wheel. The sunroof is a little small, but nothing to really complain about.
There is one thing that I’ve complained about in every Mazda: their navigation system. First, the screen feels too far away. Even though it is an 8.8” display, it looks slightly awkward. The worst thing about the navigation isn't the graphics, but how you control it. Mazda wants you to be careful when you drive, so you only use a swivel wheel. It’s quite annoying, especially when you’re using Apple CarPlay since you’re constantly swiveling and bumping the swivel wheel. I hope the next generations of Mazdas just use a regular touch-screen with or without a swivel wheel.
Mazda’s are known for driving well, and this 3 sedan doesn’t disappoint. Looking at the engine, you have a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline 4 producing 250-horsepower and 320 lb-ft. With a six-speed automatic and AWD, the 3 goes from 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds. That’s seriously quick, especially for such a small car. Driving around is a joy because the engine is so lively. I do wish that Mazda goes the way of Hyundai by using an eight-speed dual-clutch rather than the old six-speed automatic, but beggars can’t be choosers. It’s not a bad transmission but it feels old. You can chuck the 3 around the corner and, around the limit, will start to go wide. Other than that, the 3 is a fun car to drive.
So, should you get the Mazda3 Premium Plus sedan with the turbocharged engine and AWD? Well, I have a huge bias towards hatchbacks and will always pick them. Sadly, the American public doesn’t like hatchbacks but should like the Mazda3. It’s quite refined and only has a few real flaws. Like I said, if Mazda can improve on that navigation system, I think this would be at the top of people’s search for a premium sub-compact. Go check out the Mazda3. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Some Nerdalicious Stats
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