A Week With: 2022 Mazda3 2.5 S AWD Hatchback

Lots of instances, issues should not at all times what they appear. Fireflies aren’t flies; they’re beetles. Boston Cream Pie is definitely cake. White chocolate doesn’t have cocoa solids, which is what makes chocolate, chocolate. And the redesigned 2022 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback should not luxurious vehicles, though you can be fooled into considering that it’s. For the perfect Mazdas exude a refined, well-honed élan that displays an perspective far past their class, so that you may simply mistake them for dearer items.

Overview

Little has modified on the 2022 Mazda3, and that’s a superb factor. Offered as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, it comes with a alternative of 4-cylinder engines. Yes, a 6-speed guide is obtainable, however solely on front-wheel-drive fashions; all-wheel drive requires the 6-speed slushbox. But all of them show to be endearingly enjoyable to drive, and designed with a panache that endows it with the atmosphere of an entry-level luxurious automobile.

New for 2022, Mazda3 patrons can go for the Carbon Edition package deal, with Polymetal Gray paint, pink leather-based seats, and the same old assortment of murdered-out exterior trim items. 

It’s provided as a four-door sedan in Base, S and Turbo trim, and as a hatchback in S and Turbo trim. 

Exterior

Whereas some Asian rivals provide vehicles with fascias that resemble kabuki masks, the Mazda3 is way extra engaging. Despite related exterior designs, the hatchback is positioned because the extra luxurious car, being $1,000 dearer than the comparable sedan mannequin regardless of being 7.9 inches shorter total and its dramatically totally different apparel. 

With an eccentric form and angle that give it a premium perspective, the Mazda3 Hatchback sports activities an uncommon look behind its rear door. The sedan appears rather more conventional compared. No matter the mannequin, the Mazda3 has a fluidity to its look that is likely to be mistaken for one thing dearer; this impression is confirmed when you go inside as a result of that is the place Mazda has invested cash and it’s evident.

Interior

As with the perfect new autos, comfortable contact accents abound in all the suitable locations, together with an instrument panel wrapped in a satisfying leather-like materials and topped by an 8.8-inch display screen that’s simple to see whereas driving. 

Despite its upscale attract, there are some ergonomic points, corresponding to cup holders are positioned far ahead within the middle console beneath the instrument panel, which limits the peak of the bottle you’ll be able to place there.

Despite minor quibbles, the entrance seats are supportive and comfy, with greater than sufficient head and leg room. Legroom within the again seat isn’t as roomy, nevertheless it does fold down to reinforce the already-spacious 20-cubic-foot cargo maintain.

If you’ll be able to, go for the Hatchback’s $950 Premium Package, which provides the kind of choices that make this automobile really feel a lot extra posh, together with adaptive entrance lighting, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, LED headlights, leather-based seats, paddle shifters and heated entrance seats.

Powertrain

As you may count on of the Mazda3, it’s provided with three totally different variations of a 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed guide or automated transmission. The base sedan will get a 2.0-liter 4 that generates 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque by the entrance wheels. Moving as much as the S nets you a bigger 2.5-liter 4 that produces 186 hp, with obtainable all-wheel drive. The high canine is the turbocharged 2.5-liter mannequin that produces 250 hp. You can get a 6-speed guide, however solely with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive fashions get the 6-speed automated.

Safety and know-how

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not crash examined the Mazda3. But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety charges the Hatchback a 2022 Top Safety Pick+, its greatest ranking.

Driver help programs embody Radar Cruise Control with cease and go perform, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and High Beam Control. Mazda Connected Services is complementary for 3 years. 

When it involves tech, Mazda’s 8.8-inch infotainment display screen is perched on the high middle of the instrument panel, nevertheless it’s managed by a rotary knob on the middle console. Predictably, doing one thing as fundamental as switching radio stations requires means too many steps and proves much more time consuming to make use of than a touchscreen system. And the quantity of data displayed on every display screen is pretty minimal. 

All however the base fashions get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot is normal and comes with a three-month/2 GB trial.

Driving Impressions

This five-door automotive dumpling is a sheer blast to drive. Lively and responsive, it feels much more refined than it ought to contemplating its worth. Its clean, agile journey high quality ably absorbs bumps regardless of the comparatively agency journey. It stays composed in corners, and shows a nimbleness that makes extra enjoyable to drive than nearly some other compact vehicles. 

The 2.5-liter engine has the ability you’ll want because of a 6-speed automated that obediently shifts with out the hesitation so typical on this class. Couple it with agile dealing with and a stiff physique, and also you’ll discover the Mazda3 to at all times be composed, inspiring confidence in all conditions, notably with all-wheel drive. 

2022 Mazda3 2.5 S AWD Hatchback Specifications

Wrap Up

Always enjoyable to play with, the Mazda3 S AWD Hatchback will put a smile in your face each time you drive it, tricking you into considering you’re driving one thing fancier regardless of some distinctly antiquated options, like its 6-speed automated transmission. With costs beginning at $20,800 for the bottom sedan, the Mazda3 is nearly caviar on a beer funds

2022 Mazda3 Hatchback ­— Frequently Asked Questions