Mazda 3 Hatchback 2021 Review

The 2021 Mazda 3 is one of the more entertaining small sedans around. That's particularly true for this year since Mazda has introduced a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Borrowed from the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs, this engine produces 227 hp and a stout 310 lb-ft of torque (250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane gasoline). It comes standard with all-wheel drive, too.

The turbocharged model is undoubtedly the one to get if you want a speedy Mazda 3. But this isn't a revival of the Mazdaspeed 3. That cult classic, last seen in 2013, upgraded the standard 3 with a turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension and a six-speed manual transmission. The new Mazda 3's turbocharged engine is automatic-only and doesn't come with any other performance upgrades, but its effortless thrust and impressive refinement are nice complements to the car's steady handling and premium design.

Still, athleticism and good looks only get you so far. Compared to the Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Subaru Impreza, the Mazda 3 comes up short when it comes to rear passenger and cargo space. But there's more than enough good here to make it worth checking out, especially if you enjoy a small car with extra oomph.

What's it like to live with?

In order to get the full ownership experience, we added a 2020 Mazda 3 sedan to the MatoCar long-term test fleet. Over the course of a year and 20,000 miles, we'll have a variety of opinions, updates and data. You can read all about it here.

The 2021 Mazda 3 sedan is available in three trim levels that coincide with the choice in engine: Mazda 3 2.0, Mazda 3 2.5 S and Mazda 2.5 Turbo. The midgrade 2.5 S trim is eligible for all-wheel drive, while the Turbo has it as standard equipment. Both of these models are also eligible for option packages. The Mazda 3 is also available in a hatchback body style.

The base Mazda 3 2.0 is only offered with front-wheel drive. Standard feature highlights include:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 horsepower, 150 lb-ft of torque)
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 60/40-split folding rear seats
• Remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app
• 8.8-inch infotainment display
• Eight-speaker audio system

Every Mazda 3 also comes with:

• Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Automatic high beams
• Drowsy driver monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

Stepping up to the Mazda 3 2.5 S adds:

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp, 186 lb-ft)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

From there, you can add three optional packages to the 2.5 S:

• Select package
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Keyless ignition and entry

• Preferred package
• Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings
• Heated front seats
• Sunroof

• Premium package
• 18-inch wheels
• Upgraded exterior lighting with adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Leather seats
• Paddle shifters
• Integrated navigation system
• 12-speaker Bose audio system

At the top of the lineup is the Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo. It comes with contents of the 2.5 S' optional packages, minus the leather upholstery and navigation system. In addition, it comes with:

• 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane gas)
• All-wheel drive
• 18-inch black-painted wheels
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Heated steering wheel

The Premium Plus package is exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo and buffs up the 3 even more with:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Auto-dimming driver-side mirror
• Trunklid spoiler
• Navigation system
• Leather upholstery
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Mazda 3 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Universal garage door opener
• Traffic Jam Assist (a partially automated hands-on driving system)
• Rear automatic braking