2023 Mazda Mazda3 | A Different Flavor of Hot Hatch

The Mazda3 has the hot hatch look but, until recently, it was all for show. With the introduction of turbocharged power starting with the 2021 model year, Mazda injected this car with desperately needed oomph and smartly bundled it with standard all-wheel drive. Also sold with a naturally aspirated version of the same engine but with front-wheel drive, including an available, model-exclusive manual transmission, Mazda has bumped up horsepower and fuel economy of the entry-level Hatchbacks for 2023.

MSRP as-tested: $37,095

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2023 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

TestDriveNow

[mackenzieelan]

As an owner of the non-turbo stick shift, This is a much better car than people give it credit for. The 2.5 premium plus with the 6-speed manual is quite possibly the best car I've owned so far.

[kencoleman]

Always cheering for Mazda's success, hope their new products are home runs.

[TheMightyOdin]

I’ve had my 2023 Mazda 3 MT for a week and I love it. The non-touch screen is a pro not a con for me. The dial controlling the screen I acclimated to very quickly and keeps my hand right in front of the gear shift.

[charles]

I actually prefer the mazda's dial turner over the cheap grease accumulating tablets of other offerings.

[BeanieNinjay]

I find it weird when some people say the infotainment is distracting because it lacks touch controls. It actually requires more effort, therefor more distracting to use a touch screen than to use a dial to navigate a screen that has few options anyways. Mazda would have to move the screen more towards the driver in order for the infotainment to be used as a touch screen which means the screen then becomes placed more in the peripheral view of the driver, which again is more distracting.

[smig]

A guy I work with has the 3 sedan. IMO it is the best looking model they make. The proportions just work.

[srtology]

No hvac vents in the rear is a deal breaker if you live in the south as I do. Once you had a car that had them, then hoped in the rear of one without them you immediately see the difference. Can’t charge premium prices and skip premium features.

[ChristopherWalkenActor]

Looks good, but few people will pay $37k for

[baldheadlogic]

Hey Steve. Your take was spot on for this one.

[TalismanPHX]

Still prefer the elegant 3 Sedan over the quite Rubenesque 3 hatchback.

[Ksport]

I could only imagine how much better the '3 could be if mazda raced outside of the MX-5/Miata Cup. the skyactive 186hp w/manual was not inspiring back in 2019 and despite all of the great looks and design, the zoom-zoom left the building. As nice as the AWD '3 is, I'm not giving up my 3rd pedal. The wife has the AWD CX-5, and it is great for her, just not what I want to be in everyday. If sales are down; time for mazda to go back to their zoom-zoom roots. I could only imagine how good a '6 wagon would be if they had kept it in the showroom. Sometimes a car company is its own worst enemy; not the consumer. :)

[geneforte]

Quick off the line, but power flattens off quickly after that. Needs quicker shifting transmission to be sporty.

[bg]

31 mpg highway? That’s a tough pill to swallow.

[MidniteSan]

Mazda cx 90 with inline 6 is out and it's 👍👍👍👍👍

[GeneralSirDouglasMcA]

Can the cylinder deactivation be turned off? Whether it be a switch in the car or by a mechanic?

[felixz]

I have about 8k saved up for the downpayment on this car. It's my dream car for 5 years

[benkromminga]

I miss the Mazda from about twenty years ago when the focus was zoom-zoom and not entry level luxury.

[KrissKross]

Almost went with one a year ago but ultimately ended up with the then just released ‘22 Civic Sport Touring Hatch. The Mazda 3 is due for a refresh if it’ll get a refresh which is why I went Civic and don’t regret my purchase at all.

The Civic is just as if not a tad more premium inside imo, a riot to drive, roomier, and has a fresher design and tech. When and if Mazda redesigns the 3, I’ll definitely consider it. This gen was a big improvement over the last and hope they keep pace.

[haze]

Mazda lost a lot of sales with their infotainment controls.
I'm glad to see their new models offer touchscreens.

[gregkramer]

I have owned 3 Mazda's but I see them really struggling going forward. I would not be surprised if a merger is in the future for them.