The ever-popular Mazda 3 is available as both a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback to fit differing tastes. Completely redesigned last year and built on an all-new platform, the sedan and hatchback have distinctly different rear side profiles and rear styling.
The Hatchback is available in Standard, Preferred, and Premium packages, with the sedan adding a Select package at the lower end. Both variants feature a prominent grille accented by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights. Adaptive headlights are offered on the top Premium package. All models are available with either two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive.
Power is delivered by an efficient 2.5-liter, 186 horsepower SKYACTIV-G2 engine featuring dual overhead valves, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation. This four-cylinder engine connects to a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with sport mode. A 6-speed manual is available only on the hatchback with the Premium package. All-wheel-drive models use Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD all-wheel drive system. The model also offers the automaker’s latest-generation G-Vectoring Control Plus system that slightly reduces engine torque to sharpen steering feel.
Mazda's long-awaited SKYACTIV-X spark-controlled compression ignition (SPCCI) engine is now available in Mazda3 models Europe and expected to be offered here later in the model year. This innovative engine combines the best features of spark-ignition (gasoline) and combustion-ignition (diesel) engines without either of their disadvantages, while offering greater horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency.
All 2020 Mazda trim levels now come standard with i-ACTIVSENSE driver-assist features that were previously standard only on higher trim levels. These include Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, Blind-spot Monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
The Mazda3’s driver-focused cockpit includes a 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A head-up display is optional. The Mazda3 offers an entry price of $21,500 for the sedan and $23,700 for the hatchback variant.
