Mazda 3 2025: The Premium Public Vehicle

Mazda is one of the few car manufacturers without a prestige brand, unlike Toyota with Lexus or Honda with Acura. The Japanese automaker has chosen a different strategy by offering more luxurious and high-performance vehicles. The best part is that Mazda has managed to maintain a price range competitive with other mainstream models. In short, it's hard to understand how the Japanese manufacturer can offer a car as affordable as the Mazda 3 with such a high level of equipment and refined finish.

The current generation returns for 2025 with a few minor upgrades. The Mazda 3 now includes the new Alexa system, and the available navigation system now offers an advanced map that even includes off-road trails. This feature might not be particularly useful for the Mazda 3, but it's worth mentioning.

Range and Price

As you probably know, the Mazda 3 2025 range is divided into two main categories: the sedan and the hatchback versions. For the sedan, the starting price is $24,900 before the $1,995 shipping and preparation fee, which remains very competitive. In fact, if you look at SUVs, the equivalent costs nearly double the price of the Japanese compact. Then there are the GS and GT versions with base prices of $27,500 and $33,700 respectively, each offering a higher level of equipment. As for the Mazda 3 Sport (the hatchback version), the starting price is $25,650. The GS and GT versions are also available starting at $28,250 and $34,450. The Suna version also returns in 2025 with a starting price of $29,600.

Category and Competition

Compact cars are no longer as popular as they once were, that's a fact. However, that doesn't mean they are less interesting than before, quite the opposite. In my opinion, they offer much more value for money than an equivalent SUV. The Mazda 3 is a perfect example of this. It compares to a luxury car in many ways. Yet, it costs less than half the price of most SUVs currently on the market.

Rivals: Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta.

Design and Technology

Although it has been on the market for several years, the current generation of the Mazda 3 hasn't aged a bit. This shows how well the brand's designers did their job from the start. It's a car that is both elegant and serious. In fact, it exudes almost the same vibe as a luxury model. Moreover, if you ever opt for a Mazda model, you should seriously consider the Soul Red Crystal Metallic color, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful red available on the market today.

Inside, the Mazda 3 2025 offers a minimalist and refined finish. Once again, it almost feels like being inside a luxury car. The quality of the finish is impressive, and the ergonomics have been well thought out.

I'm not the biggest fan of the brand's infotainment system, but it's not so bad once you get used to it. The Japanese car offers an 8.8-inch standard screen, but a 10.25-inch screen is also available.

Performance

The Mazda 3 offers two mechanical options for 2025, starting with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It delivers 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, which is well above average. This is what makes the Mazda 3 so interesting, as it offers a more dynamic driving experience than its rivals. This engine can be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission, making it one of the few models on the market to offer this option. If you want higher performance, the Japanese compact also offers a second mechanical option: a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This one delivers 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when combined with 93-octane fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with 87-octane fuel. The only downside is that this second engine is only available with the 6-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, all-wheel drive is standard, whereas it is optional for the first engine.

Weak Points

The multimedia system is not as intuitive and enjoyable to use as one would like. No manual transmission with the turbocharged engine.

Strong Points

This car offers excellent value for money and lacks nothing in terms of equipment. Its build quality and finish are impressive. The Mazda 3 is also one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in its category.

Signature Element

Its excellent value for money.

Conclusion

The Mazda 3 is the perfect car between a luxury model and a mainstream model.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier