I have always found Mazda’s very appealing. Most models have a stylish look with an upscale interior and a sporty drive, the Mazda3 definitely fits into this description. I drove the sedan and loved its sleek lines and the punchy turbo engine.
For 2022 the Carbon Edition package is offered with lots of black exterior elements and red leather seating. There’s also a new paint option; Platinum Quartz Metallic.
Available as a sedan or hatch (I drove the sedan), the Mazda3 comes in three models which are designated by their engine types; Mazda3 2.0, Mazda3 2.5 S and Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. This review will focus on the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo with the Premium Plus Package.
Unique to the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo is standard all-wheel drive, heated steering wheel, 18-inch blacked out wheels, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Premium Plus package added a spoiler on the trunk, surround-view camera system, traffic jam assist, nav system, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, and rear automatic braking.
The Mazda3’s 2.5 Turbo engine’s got go delivering 227 horses and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular petrol and 250 horses and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93 octane. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic that takes the Mazda3 through its paces. With a satisfying quick burst of speed, the turbo engine makes quick work of lane changes and freeway merging. Expect to get 23/city, 32/highway and 27/combined MPG.
As always with Mazda’s the interior is simplicity personified. From its beautifully designed center stack to its buttons and knobs, the Mazda3 makes using its controls intuitive and that’s not easy considering the amount of functions these cars have.
Seating in the front is quite comfortable with plenty of adjustments for individual comfort. The back seat is another story, whereas there seems to be ample headroom, legroom and shoulder space is a bit cramped.
The Mazda3 is a pleasure to drive with its peppy turbo-charged engine and quick acceleration. The steering is tight and true and makes quick work of maneuvering around corners or into parking places. The breaks stop without throwing passengers into the next seat and the suspension gently smooths out road imperfections without feeling floaty.
Smart, attractive and reasonably priced, the Mazda3 Sedan Turbo Premium Plus has got a lot going for it.
