2021 Mazda 3 – What You Need to Know
Driving Excitement Turbocharged
This week’s journal entry is an exciting one because we’ve got our hands on the 2021 Mazda 3. What’s putting it in the spotlight this year is the Skyactiv 2.5L 4-cylinder engine has been turbocharged, increasing the power output to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.ft of torque – that’s if you fill up with 93 octane. On regular drops it down to 228 horsepower and 310 lb.ft of torque which is still a substantial improvement over its naturally aspirated variant at only 186 horsepower. All being said, knowing that the 3’s got pretty good handling capability, the increased power output from the turbocharged Skyactiv engine potentially makes it a really really fun car to drive.
The Mazda 3 is offered in two variants, the Mazda 3 compact sedan and a the Mazda 3 Sport 5-door hatchback variant. Both have the exact same powertrain, trims and configuration options. Apart from the form-factor, the compact sedan sits slightly higher with added trunk-space capacity. While the Mazda 3 Sport trims off the rear trunk for a sportier look, the Mazda 3 compact sedan will offer better rear view visibility and added cargo capacity with the dedicated rear trunk.
What’s Mazda’s Stance?
Since the transition out of the “Zoom Zoom” era, the new “Kodo” design is Mazda’s fundamental principle aimed to create a more upscaled brand image through portrayal of high-quality Japanese aesthetics. That puts Mazda in a tier between mid-grade and luxury consumer segment.
Mazda’s also got a very small set of models in its entire lineup – I can name them all out of the top of my head. It’s important note worth mentioning because the limited variations allows Mazda to focus heavily on their core competencies that sets them apart from their competitors. There are two in particular to name – aesthetics and their smooth and organic Skyactiv powertrain.
Simplicity is Complexity
Product designers will tell you simple aesthetics is the most complex design. Yet, the Mazda 3 achieves exactly that with attention to detail and careful choice of complementary materials. A large complex contoured bone-like chrome trim wrapping around the black front meshed grille with deep and heavily sculpted front LED headlamps.
Interior boasts premium grade materials with the choice of perforated cream or garnet red leather seating. Driving position sits low in its bucket-seat configuration to help create a more driver-centric experience.
From retro-styled brushed aluminum toggle switches to its padded leather and vinyl paneling, the cabin is a desired space to be with clean looks and feel and exceptional comfort.
Drive Notes
The already smooth and organic ride gets better with the turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5 4 cylinder engine. High low-end torque and swift acceleration from stand still are prominent notes to mention and the deep and rich exhaust tone is pretty good. Acceleration also proved to be fairly linear and predictable thanks to its dynamic pressure turbo system that variably controls the exhaust volumetric capacity to achieve optimal engine conditions.
Standard across all trims in the model 3 lineup is G-Vector control – a technology similar to torque vectoring to distribute more torque to the outside rear wheels for increased lateral acceleration by applying braking force to the inside rear wheels through its ABS system.
The turbocharged Skyactiv engine is only available to the higher GT and 100th anniversary trim and it will cost an extra $2,000 to upgrade. In addition, i-Activ AWD is available for an additiona $2,400 dollars as opposed to the standard FWD configuration. That adds to the final cost fairly quickly, but the i-Activ AWD is recommended not just for added traction and stability in slippery and wet conditions, but to help distribute full power output equally to all four wheels for extracting the maximum performance form the turbocharged engine.
Our Mazda 3 compact sedan tester model equipped with the Turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5L engine comes priced in at $36,800 while the Mazda 3 Sport 5-door hatchback variant will cost slightly more at $37,550 with similar options and packages.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2021 Mazda 3
- Model : Mazda 3 / Mazda 3 Sport
- Price as Tested : $36,800 for Mazda 3, $37,550 for Mazda 3 Sport
- Vehicle Type : Compact Sedan / 5-door Hatchback
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Powertrain Configuration : i-Activ AWD
- Engine : Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder
- Transmission : 6-speed automatic
- Horsepower : 250 horsepower, 320 lb.ft torque
Pros
- Exceptional design qualities
- Quality and comforting interior
- Organic driving experience
- Good engine power from its turbocharged engine that’s not too abrupt
Cons
- Lacks technology with dated 6-speed automatic and no hybrid/EV powertrain options.