7 Things to Know About the 2025 Mazda 3

While SUVs are all the rage right now, some cars still have what it takes to outshine their utility counterparts in many areas. That's especially true of the Mazda 3 — a refined, serious car with no shortage of character under the hood. The Japanese compact offers many qualities you'd typically associate with a luxury or premium vehicle, making it a truly exceptional car.

I could write an entire novel about the Mazda 3 and list every little detail that makes it interesting. However, I believe it's better to keep things simple, which is why I've chosen to focus on the 7 key elements that, in my opinion, are most likely to make you choose a Mazda 3 when the time comes to switch vehicles.

1 — A Premium Finish

This deserves to be mentioned, as it's quite rare in the mainstream compact car segment. Mazda has put significant effort into both the interior design and material selection. The result is a finish that rivals what you'd find in BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and other luxury vehicles.

2 — A Complete Driving Experience

The Mazda 3 offers two engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque — already quite a dynamic setup. For those who want more, there's the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. But the Mazda 3's driving experience isn't just about power. The suspension, brakes, steering — everything has been finely tuned to deliver the best possible driving feel for this Japanese compact.

3 — All-Wheel Drive

In Canada, having an all-wheel-drive vehicle is far from a luxury — it's a necessity. Yet, this feature remains rare among mainstream compact cars. That's where Mazda takes the lead over its competitors, and this element can heavily influence a buyer's decision.

4 — Bold Character

While some cars look like they were designed by a 5-year-old, the Mazda 3 clearly came from a high-end design studio. Its bodywork is both simple and complex in the best ways. Every detail has been carefully crafted to harmonize with the whole. Mazda also makes excellent choices when it comes to colors and wheel designs to complement the overall look.

5 — Safety at the Forefront

Mazda has developed one of the most advanced safety technology packages on the market. i-Activsense includes pedestrian detection, brake assist, lane keeping assistance, and more. While these features exist elsewhere too, what's impressive about the Mazda 3 is the precision and effectiveness with which they operate.

6 — Competitive Pricing

The Mazda 3 starts at under $26,000, and it only takes a few thousand more to get into the top-tier sedan or hatchback trims. In short, the value for money here is outstanding. You won't find another compact car that gives you this much for the price — that's a guarantee.

7 — No Need for a Hybrid Powertrain

While most manufacturers are scrambling to add technologies to improve fuel efficiency, Mazda has instead chosen to optimize its existing systems. The company has been working on this strategy for some time now, and it's proven effective. In my opinion, other automakers should take a page from Mazda's playbook in this regard.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier