Mazda revealed some updates for its Mazda3 for 2022 including a new trim level, a new color and a few other small tweaks — plus the pricing.
Available as a sedan and a hatchback, the brand’s entry-level model can be had with three different engine options — fast, faster and fastest? — plus two drivetrains and a starting price a little more than $21,000.
“Filled with ambitions, the brand’s compact car is offered … with a variety of options for those interested in sophisticated design and engaging driving dynamics,” the company said in a release, noting the new model “will begin to arrive in dealerships this winter.”
The Mazda3 comes as either the 2.0 or one of seven versions of the 2.5, the numbers matching the displacement on the brand’s famously fuel-efficient engines.
Mazda3 2.0 sedan
The 2.0, which can only be had as a sedan, is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter 4-cylinder putting out 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated with 6-speed automatic transmission and is front-wheel drive with G-Vectoring Control Plus.
The key to the three, so to speak, is that it comes highly contented out of the box, including the company’s i-Activsense, which is a set of safety technologies, such as radar cruise control with a stop-and-go function, smart brake support, land-departure warning with lane-keep assist and more.
Mazda Connected Services is complementary for three years, which provides the ability to monitor and control the state of the Mazda3 remotely by logging into the MyMazda app and includes in-car WiFi hotspot for three-months or 2GB trial, whichever comes first.
The infotainment system comes with an 8.8-inch center-mounted screen controlled with the “multi-function commander knob” and eight speakers. The other standard features include push-button start, two front USB in puts, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing windshield wipers and black cloth seats.
The 2.5 variants
While the 2.0 may be a limited selection offering, the world becomes your oyster when moving up to the Mazda3 2.5 and its seven different trim levels. Each one is available as either a sedan or a hatchback, with the hatch being the pricier option.
The 2.5 series come with all of the equipment found in the 2.0, and depending upon which of the seven variations selected, buyers can add more safety tech such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There also additional convenience offerings such as dual-zone automatic climate control and door-mirror turn signals. Leatherette seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are also options for Mazda3 2.5 buyers.
All are powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder which, in naturally aspirated form, develops 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This version powers the S, S Select, S Preferred, S Carbon Edition and S Premium models.
The Mazda3 is a front-wheel drive machine — mostly. All-wheel drive is available for an extra $1,400 on the 2.5 Preferred and S Premium and its standard on both turbo models.
Punch it up with a turbo
The 2.5 can also come outfitted as a turbocharged model pushing the performance to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when using 93 octane gasoline. That drops to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque when running with 87 octane. This engine powers the 2.5 Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus models.
It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters to give drivers more control over shift changes. The Premium Plus gets some exterior aerodynamic mods, including a rear lip spoiler for the sedan and a rear roof spoiler and front air dam for the hatch.
“Mazda3 turbo models will continue to provide owners with a connected and engaging driving experience with either choice of fuel,” the company noted.
Mazda and the new edition
The company’s offering a new trim level for 2022: 2.5 S Carbon Edition. The Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition is only offered in Polymetal Gray exterior paint and red leather, and shares features found in the Preferred package while adding Bose 12-speaker premium audio with aluminum speaker grilles, black finish 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and gloss black heated door mirrors.
Good news for those who want to be part of the new version of the 1% — Mazda offers a six-speed manual transmission, but only for the 2.5 S Premium hatchback with front-wheel drive. That vehicle’s priced at $28,350.
The Mazda3 is still a good value with the entry point starting at $20,800 for the 2.0 version. To jump up to the next version costs less than $1,000 at $21,750. Prices rise through the jump in trim levels topping out at $34,400 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. These prices do not include the $1,015 destination and handling charge.