Review: 2021 Mazda3 Hatch Turbo Premium Plus AWD

With the launch of the fourth generation Mazda3, renowned as the World Car Design of the Year, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) now provides consumers with even more power to 'beef up' the automaker's artful Kodo design philosophy. The world's best-selling Mazda is now available with a turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine as part of the 2021 Mazda3 powertrain offering which delivers an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium (93 octane) fuel or a solid 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular (87 octane) fuel. Specifically calibrated to the Mazda3, the turbo engine and high-torque characteristics deliver the particular driving dynamics with greater responsiveness expected by drivers and fans of the premium compact car.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo comes standard with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and a 12-speaker Bose® audio system, as well as a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, frameless auto-dim rearview mirror, and chrome finishes around the push button start and glove box which are exclusive to the turbo version. Standard exterior equipment includes larger tailpipes, 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, gloss black heated door mirrors, TURBO badges, rearview camera, LED signature headlights, and a shark fin antenna; while the cabin is outfitted with interior components such as a head-up display, power moonroof, leatherette seating, and other features for comfort and convenience.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo is equipped with standard safety technologies such as cruise control with stop and go, smart brake support, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, high beam control, and more. The new top-tier Premium Plus Package for the turbo hatchback adds a more aggressive feel by way of two Aero Kit options. The front air dam and rear roof spoiler come standard with the package, and the upgraded Aero Kit includes a rear diffuser and side sill extensions. The Premium Plus package further includes leather seats, navigation, and HomeLink added to the frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. All-new i-Activsense safety technologies such as a 360° view monitor with front and rear parking sensors are also introduced, and the new Traffic Jam Assist convenience feature enhances Mazda Radar Cruise Control by providing steering inputs at speeds under 40 mph. Advanced safety technologies such as these build upon the standard equipment and award-wining design to help the Mazda3 stand out among entry-level premium vehicles.

The evolution of Mazda's turbo engine brings a sense of refinement befitting the brand's recent updates to the i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO)

In the News

Source: Mazda | The Mazda3 2.5 S, available in both hatchback and sedan, will continue to offer the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine capable of 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and standard front-wheel drive. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ are standard on Mazda3 2.5 S, in addition to all the features equipped on the Mazda3 2.0. The Mazda3 2.5 S with Select Package is a new offering for the hatchback and remains available for the sedan. Along with available i-Activ all-wheel drive, this package adds more conveniences such as Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather steering wheel and shift knob, black leatherette seats, rear armrest with cup holders and door mirror turn signals. The Select Package also upgrades to 18-inch gray aluminum alloy wheels. Opening to more potentials, the Mazda3 2.5 S with Preferred Package now adds a power moonroof. The Preferred Package consists of heated front seats, gloss black front grille, door mirrors with memory positioning and eight-way power driver seats with power lumbar support and seat memory. As part of this package, the interior and leatherette seats are available in either black or greige. Elevating to the Mazda3 2.5 S with Premium Package brings the highest qualities to the hatchback and sedan. New for 2021, this package is enhanced with navigation, Bose® 12-speaker premium audio with aluminum speaker grilles, SiriusXM® that includes a three-month trial subscription and a shark fin antenna. Also included in this package is Active Driving Display, Adaptive Front-lighting System and paddle shifters. Leather seats complement the quality of the interior. Along with available black interior, the white interior option is exclusive to the sedan with the red interior option reserved for the hatchback. For the exterior, this package is equipped with 18-inch black finish aluminum alloy wheels and LED signature illumination headlights and taillights. Limited to the Premium package hatchback FWD, Mazda will continue to offer its Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual transmission.

Specifications

Engine: 227 horsepower 2.5L SKYACTIV-G DOHC Turbo
Torque: 310 pound-feet
Transmission: 6-Speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE
Wheels: 18" black aluminum alloy
Sound: 12-Speaker Bose Premium Audio
Color: Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Fuel: 23/31/26 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $33,750
MSRP (shown): $35,415

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
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About Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation, based in Hiroshima, Japan, was established in 1920, and became a vehicle manufacturer in 1931, when it began producing three-wheeled trucks. Mazda began selling vehicles in North America 50 years ago, this year, with the establishment of affiliate companies in Canada (Mazda Canada, Inc.) in 1968, in the United States (Mazda Motor of America, d/b/a Mazda North American Operations) in 1970, and in Mexico (Mazda Motor de Mexico) in 2006. Currently, Mazda does business in more than 130 countries around the world, and produces vehicles in Japan, Mexico, China and Thailand. Building passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and crossover SUVs, with an emphasis on the driving experience and a focus on design, engineering and efficient manufacturing, the company sells more than 1.55 million vehicles annually.