History/Overview
Since 2004, the Mazda3 has been a star of Canada’s compact car segment, proving that an affordable small car could also be refined, fun to drive and nicely finished. Now in its fourth generation, the Mazda3 looks and feels even more upscale, to the point it can legitimately be compared to entry-level luxury models, but accomplishes that without pricing itself out of economy car territory.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
Changes to the Mazda3 are minor for 2022. There’s a new paint colour, and the existing Polymetal Grey shade is more widely available. Also, GT trim gains some standard features formerly part of an optional premium package, which we’ve detailed below.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the Mazda3 in sedan and hatchback (Sport) body styles, and in GX, GS, and GT trims. GX uses a 2.0L engine, while GS and GT get a 2.5L, which can be turbocharged in GT trim. All three trims start with a six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic is the option. AWD is available, too, but only with the 2.5L engine and automatic gearbox.
Standard Features
GX trim comes with 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, 8.8-inch infotainment display, push-button start, eight-speaker audio, digital gauge display, rain-sensing wipers, A/C, and heated front seats. The base safety suite includes blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
GS adds more advanced safety features, including radar cruise, forward collision mitigation and obstruction warning, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and automatic high beams. GS also gets heated side mirrors, dual-zone A/C, and a heated/leather steering wheel. A GS luxury package adds leatherette upholstery, power driver’s seat, sunroof, and an auto-dimming mirror.
New to the GT trim for 2022 are a wiper de-icer, frameless rearview mirror, Homelink, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and satin chrome interior pieces. GT features carried over from 2021 are 18-inch wheels, 12-speaker audio, navigation, passive keyless entry, adaptive auto-leveling headlights, leather upholstery, and the optional turbocharged engine.
GT also gets Mazda’s full suite of safety assists: 360-degree camera views, traffic sign recognition, rear collision mitigation, traffic jam assist, and a head-up display.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates start with the 2.0L sedan with automatic transmission, at 8.4/6.6 L/100 km (city/highway); manual cars are rated at 8.7/6.4 L/100 km. The hatchback Sport’s estimates are marginally higher.
2.5L sedans are ranked at 8.9/6.5 L/100 km with the automatic; Sport hatchback ratings are 9.1/6.8 L/100 km with the automatic, and 9.6/7.1 L/100 km with the stickshift.
2.5L/AWD estimates are 9.5/7.2 L/100 km, and turbo/AWD cars are rated 10.1/7.3 L/100 km.
Competition
The Mazda3 competes with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta, and Kia Forte.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
