The 2023 Mazda3 2.5T Is An Adult Friendly Turbocharged AWD Hot Hatch

With #Mazda continuing its quest to be more premium, the latest #Mazda3 adopts that philosophy with a new Turbo engine option a couple years ago. Today, the #Mazda3Turbo also comes standard with the company's i-Activ AWD system and a smooth-shifting 6-speed AT. It may not have the look-at-me design of the old #Mazdaspeed3, but this grown-up #HotHatch offers plenty of performance and premium touches at an agreeable price.

We're also on:

[fasteddie]

I like the fact that it is a slow seller. That's what makes it really unique. You don't see one at every stop light like the Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda CX5. But the Mazda3 Hatchback is rare and that's what makes it stand out from the rest.

[StgVirus]

I bought a 2023 Mazda 3 Turbo last month in Platinum Quartz Metallic, and I absolutely love this car. It's quick and has a very good feeling of quality. Compared to other vehicles of it class and even the Germans, this is by far the best value and very good reliability.

[toyotabrony]

And they said they want us to drive EV.

Yet we got Mazda bringing out the elegant beast hothatch. 😍

[GamesDays]

Just got my 23 Turbo Premium Plus all black. It's beautiful. And pretty god damned fast. It pulls real nice. And off the line is also pretty fricken quick. In love with the car.

[zachlambert]

Touch screens don't belong in cars. Mazda is doing that right.

[woodenshoe]

I don't understand what the big deal is with the size of the screen? Shouldn't you just pay attention do driving and not how big the screen is? And honestly I would prefer not to have a touch screen as it would need to be cleaned of finger prints every other day. As someone who drives a vehicle that gets 16mpg even if I'm behaving myself, the mpg's of this car would be a nice change. Good looking car, and the new CX90 looks great too.

[bUtMyRiGhTs]

It's not just a traditional six speed automatic. The torque converter in this transmission can fully lock up in any gear because it has a clutch that can provide a direct connection between the engine, transmission and the rest of the drive train.

[Jmpaul]

I honestly don't care much about touchscreen. I think people hate it from a distance, but most Mazda customers seem fine with the dial and using voice controls. Wireless AA/CarPlay would be great, and I hear the new one will get a larger screen (which likely would include touch, ironically).

I currently own a 2020 Mazda3 6MT. I wish the M3 got mentioned in other reviews (GTI, Civic hatch) like those get mentioned here. GTI has less cargo space, similar MPG and lacks AWD (If we're comparing the turbo. If not, the NA 3 gets better MPG with less power) and yet those points are missed when complementing the Mazda. There are tons of these things in Texas, and ironically most I see are the MT version across all generations. It's the more reliable, though less capable, hot hatch, and looks better imo.

[mickeybrumfield]

The signature paint is sure beautiful.

[MrMoose-mfoy]

My friend just got one of these and i am so impressed by it. The build, comfort, looks and performance are next level. Honestly thought we were driving a luxury car. Now i want one too hahahaha

[cormacsage]

For some reason I really like the shape of this

[samrocksmyshire]

I had the manual. Amazing fun car as an everyday driver, especially during the pandemic and getting out sometimes.

[Alfra]

Mazda has come along way! I bought the Mazda 3 hatchback Grand Touring 2018 and so far, it’s the best car I have ever own! Keep it up Mazda🎉

[mgdulan]

The interior is definitely more premium than its rivals for sure. So the cost justifies its worth 👍🏼

[MrChristopherMolloy]

I really love this car. Technically, the Mazda 3 is a continuation of the 323, so it's heritage goes back quite a bit further. Call me crazy, but the Mazda 3 Turbo Hatchback reminds me so much of a Porsche 944.

[naqqashsharif]

Good review here. Fair and pretty objective seeing as though only Mazda Fans really GET this car. I own a 23’ and it amazes me how the car just steams down the road and does not create a big fuss doing it. Host did not mention how quiet this car can be in the highway. It absolutely obliterates the Subarus, Hondas and Toyotas in NVH. For $35k this car is a great deal. And just look at the thing; modern day Alfa Brera. For those trying to compare another car to this: do not even bother. It’s in a league of its own for $35k.

[jayespi]

I own both 2013 mazdaspeed 3 and a 2023 mazda turbo. I put an intake and catback exhaust and this easily turned it into a hot hatch! I love this car more than my speed 3, the mazdaspeed 3 just handles a bit better CHEERS TO MAZDA🍻

[PHRANIC.]

I still have my ALL bone stock 2013 mazdaspeed3 Velocity Red Mica daily driver with 85K on the clock till this day NO problems very fun car do drive...

[DanielBrownOre]

Minor correction: It's not actually a twin scroll turbo but uses a trick 4-3-1 variable exhaust manifold to simulate it quite nicely, there is VERY little lag. (Edit: the CX-50 turbo apparently does have a twin scroll on top of the exhaust manifold trick, so maybe for '23 this has it too, Mazda hasn't clarified)

[TheDude]

Mazda removed the touchscreen cause they wanted the display in a position where the driver is least distracted when not looking on the road. Its so far forward that it didnt make sense to incluse a touchscreen. That makes it overall a bit more expensive but theyre clearly thinking in the right direction.