2024 Mazda 3: Zoom-Zoom Gets Refined

The 2024 Mazda 3 continues the tradition of offering a sporty and engaging driving experience in a compact car segment often focused on practicality. This year's model refines the formula further, boasting a luxurious interior, a choice of two energetic engines, and a suite of standard safety features. But is the zoom-zoom spirit enough to compete with rivals offering more space or features? Let's take a closer look.

Sharp Looks with Upscale Ambitions

The 2024 Mazda 3 retains its sleek and attractive design. The available hatchback version adds a touch of versatility, while the sedan maintains a sporty profile. Both body styles feature a bold front grille, sharp LED headlights, and a flowing character line that emphasizes the car's dynamic stance. While not radically different from the previous generation, the overall design feels more mature and sophisticated.

Stepping Inside: A Surprisingly Upscale Cabin

Open the door and you're greeted by a surprisingly upscale cabin for a compact car. Mazda has focused on using high-quality materials throughout, with soft-touch plastics, leatherette upholstery on higher trims, and a minimalist design that emphasizes clean lines and a driver-centric layout. While some rivals might offer more cargo space or rear passenger legroom, the Mazda 3 prioritizes a comfortable and stylish environment for the front occupants.

Standard Tech and Available Upgrades

The 2024 Mazda 3 comes generously equipped with standard tech features.  An 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard across all trims, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a user-friendly interface that minimizes distractions while driving. Higher trims get a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, and a Bose premium sound system.

The Mazda doesn't overwhelm you with buttons and options, relying on a rotary knob controller for the infotainment system that some might find less intuitive than a touchscreen. However, it does promote focus on the road.

Two Engines with Different Personalities

The 2024 Mazda 3 offers a choice of two engines:

• 2.5-liter Non-Turbo Four-Cylinder:  This standard engine delivers a healthy 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It provides adequate power for everyday driving and achieves decent fuel economy, with an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (sedan).

• 2.5-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder:  This optional engine injects a dose of excitement into the driving experience.  Producing 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, it provides thrilling acceleration, making the Mazda 3 feel more like a sporty hatchback than a practical commuter car.  Fuel efficiency drops slightly to an estimated 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway (sedan).

Engaging Driving Dynamics, But Not the Most Spacious

The Mazda 3 is all about the driving experience. The sharp steering, responsive handling, and well-balanced suspension make it a joy to take on winding roads.  The available G-Vectoring Control Plus system (GVC+) helps optimize handling by subtly shifting weight during cornering, further enhancing the car's sporty character.

However, this focus on driving dynamics comes at a slight cost to practicality. The rear passenger legroom is a bit tight, especially in the sedan version. Cargo space is decent but falls behind some competitors.

Safety First

The 2024 Mazda 3 prioritizes safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including:

• Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking

• Lane departure warning

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality

Higher trims add features like a driver attention monitoring system and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Mazda 3 comes in five trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback body styles:

• 2.0 S: Starting at $23,100 (sedan), $24,200 (hatchback)

• 2.5 S Select: Starting at $24,900 (sedan), $26,000 (hatchback)

• 2.5 S Preferred: Starting at $27,200 (sedan), $28,300 (hatchback)

• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: Starting at $31,100 (sedan), $32,200 (hatchback)

• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD: Starting at $32,600 (sedan), $33,700 (hatchback)