History/Overview
Upscale brands have embraced compact car designs to attract buyers looking for a luxury nameplate at an affordable price. Mazda is moving in the other direction, adding upscale trims to its normally mainstream models to appeal to the same aspirational small-car shoppers. The Mazda3 Sport hatchback is a great example: it still comes in at a reasonable entry price but can be optioned with true luxury-car features.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, all Mazda3 Sport models come with Mazda connected services, allowing you to connect to the car via a smartphone app. GT trim gains some new standard features formerly only available in an option package, which we’ve detailed below.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the 3 Sport in GX, GS, and GT trim levels. GX is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, while GS and GT upgrade to a 2.5L unit. All three trims start with FWD and a six-speed manual transmission that you can upgrade to an automatic. AWD is available in GS and GT models, and comes bundled with the automatic. Limited to GT is a turbo 2.5L that comes standard with the automatic and AWD.
Standard Features
GX’s new-for-2022 content is the Mazda connected services suite. It also comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, eight-speaker audio, digital gauge display, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, auto on/off LED headlights, manual A/C, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Standard driver safety assists include blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
GS trim adds radar cruise control, forward collision mitigation, pedestrian alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and automatic high beams. GS also gains heated side mirrors, dual-zone A/C, heated steering wheel, and a rear-seat armrest with cupholders.
GT models are now standard with a wiper de-icer, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, integrated garage remote, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and satin chrome interior accents, all of which were part of last year’s GT premium package. You also get a 12-speaker stereo, 18-inch wheels, navigation, passive keyless entry, and adaptive headlights with auto levelling. GT’s safety additions are a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, rear automatic braking, traffic jam assist, and a head-up driver display.
Finally, GT Turbo gets black wheels, gloss black exterior trim elements, larger tailpipes, and a chrome front bumper accent.
Key Options
A GS luxury package adds leatherette upholstery, power driver’s seat, reverse-tilt-down side mirrors, sunroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates for the 3 Sport are 8.7/6.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.0L engine and manual transmission, and 8.6/6.7 with the automatic. Ratings for the 2.5L/FWD/6MT powertrain are 9.6/7.1 L/100 km, and 9.1/6.8 with the auto. With the 2.5L and AWD, estimates are 9.5/7.4 L/100 km, and turbo models are ranked at 10.1/7.5.
Competition
The Mazda3 Sport competes for buyers’ attention with hatchback versions of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Kia Forte5, and Subaru Impreza.
