The fourth generation of the Mazda3 went on sale as a 2019 model. It looked a little like a smaller Mazda6, which is a good thing as the 6 is a handsome vehicle. Unlike the 6, the 3 came in two variants: a sleek sedan and a sporty hatchback. Unfortunately for Mazda, the compact car segment is full of rather great cars. In order to even be competitive, the 3 would need to be a really good vehicle.
The question is – can a small company like Mazda make a world market vehicle that would be good enough to surpass Toyota’s and Honda’s pillars of industry? Could Mazda take on the ever-improving models from Hyundai and Kia?
I just spent a week with a nicely loaded, but still very affordable, 2020 Mazda3 AWD Premium. I concluded that there is a very simple and uniform answer to the above questions. Yes. Yes, Mazda can. Yes, Mazda just did. Those looking for the best compact sedan on the market should look no further.
Exterior:
The 3 is instantly recognizable as a Mazda, with a clear design language of other models. It resembles the bigger 6 but is different in just enough ways not to be confused for a 6. This is something that many automakers are struggling with. For example, the only way to tell the E-class Benz apart from the C-class is to look at the badge.
The design is handsome from every angle. It looks premium despite being affordable. It is sleek yet subtle. It is devoid of fake vents and angry bulges. In all, the Mazda3, and many other Mazda models, pull off the looks that so many other automakers strive to but just can’t. The brand seems to be a similar styling trajectory as Volvo, and that is a good thing.
Interior:
The clean and modern exterior theme carries on inside. The two-tone leather interior was quiet and of rather high quality. Simple HVAC controls are neatly integrated into the dash, with some of the buttons part of the trim. The seats are very comfortable, heated, and wrapped in soft leather. The rear seats are equally comfortable, with an armrest and folding backs, if a little short on legroom. This does not at all feel like an econobox – there is a very premium feel to everything here.
The infotainment system is controlled by an iDrive-like knob and surrounding buttons located to the right of the shifter. Secondary controls are on the steering wheel but the screen is not of a touch variety. If there is a bit of letdown inside, it is this control and user interface. It is simple but not always intuitive. Those who will own this vehicle for years will undoubtedly get used to it but there is room for improvement here.
Drivetrain:
Mazda dropped its naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-banger with cylinder deactivation into the 3. It makes 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and can be configured as front- or all-wheel-drive. This powertrain is rather smooth and quiet. Power delivery is linear and the little Mazda never felt slow or low on power. A manual transmission is only available only on Mazda3 Premium hatchback equipped with front-wheel drive.
Unless I am mistaken, 186-horsepower is more than any non-sporty or limited edition compact car, and it is certainly the most entry-level model horsepower. It just surpasses the Corolla’s optional 169-horsepower and its entry-level 139-horsepower engine. This is one of the reasons for the Mazda3’s overall upscale feel – a smooth, quiet, responsive, and peppy engine.
Chassis:
On paper, the 3’s setup seems ordinary. MacPherson struts in the front and torsion beam axle in the back. Disc brakes all around, ABS and traction control, electric power steering – it is all very typical stuff. Then Mazda sprinkled some magic on this chassis via SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control – whatever that is. The result is a very nicely handling car.
Best way to describe it is that the chassis is faster than the car. The steering is direct but not tight. There is an overtly sporty feel to the chassis but it’s good over potholes, too. Its limits are high and oversteer shows only when the driver, purposely or not, evokes it. It’s an extremely well balanced chassis that seems to be asking for more power. Rumor is that models with more power are coming.
| TRIM | HATCHBACK | SEDAN |
| Mazda3 FWD 6AT | $23,700 | $21,500 |
| Mazda3 Select FWD 6AT | $22,700 | |
| Mazda3 Preferred FWD 6AT | $25,200 | $24,200 |
| Mazda3 Premium FWD 6MT | $27,500 | – |
| Mazda3 Premium FWD 6AT | $27,500 | $26,500 |
| Mazda3 AWD 6AT | $25,100 | – |
| Mazda3 Select AWD 6AT | – | $24,100 |
| Mazda3 Preferred AWD 6AT | $26,600 | $25,600 |
| Mazda3 Premium AWD 6AT | $28,900 | $27,900 |
Prices:
The 2020 Mazda3 sedan starts at $21,500. There are four models, with the chart-topping Premium Package with all-wheel-drive, as shown here, being the top dog. There are no other option packages. With some dealer-installed accessories, the car pictured here was $29,045.
Worth noting: Mazda3 received NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings in frontal crash, side crash, rollover, and in overall vehicle score. The front-drive Mazda3 gets 26 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. The AWD models gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. All Mazdas come with 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Verdict:
The new Mazda3 should be considered the top choice in its class. It not only takes on its Japanese and Korean completion, it surpasses them on just about every measure. It is not some kind of a remarkable vehicle but it’s a vehicle that is remarkably well built and designed. This praise is not only limited to the Mazda3 but also all other Mazdas, which seem more premium and certainly more fun to drive than their competitors.
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