2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design, capturing both the World Car Design of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2020. Its exterior styling was a blend of drama and sophistication, with the sedan offering a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a range of interior options, including luxurious leather finishes that elevated its premium appeal. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior design focused on the driver, with a seamless integration of the Mazda Connect infotainment system and a clear gauge display.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its design ethos with minimal changes, offering both sedan and hatchback options. The hatchback, in particular, was noted for its unique styling, which some found less appealing due to its sculpted flanks and "hunchback" appearance. However, the car's mature and serious look, devoid of flashy elements, was appreciated by those seeking a more understated vehicle. Inside, the 2022 model continued to offer refined materials and a sophisticated design, with a focus on driver comfort and control. The hatchback's rear seat space was limited, but the overall interior quality remained high, making it a compelling choice for those valuing style and substance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout performer, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it delivered an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane fuel resulted in slightly lower figures. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's advanced i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The car's Sport mode further refined transmission shifts and improved handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the 2021 model maintained a balance between performance and comfort, though its fuel economy fell short of expectations during spirited driving.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, which provided 186 horsepower and was available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The turbocharged version, similar to the 2021 model, offered up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. While the turbocharged engine was thrilling to drive, it didn't achieve the advertised fuel efficiency, averaging 10.2 L/100 km during testing. The 2022 model excelled in handling and ride quality, with nimble steering and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, suggesting a need for improvement in this area.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, giving it a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a trunk capacity of 374 litres in the sedan and up to 1,334 litres in the hatchback with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug but comfortable fit. The front seats provided excellent support, and the controls were user-friendly, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The hatchback's rear seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage was sufficient, with large door bins and a sizable centre console. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,334 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, providing useful information without distracting the driver.

In 2022, the Mazda Connect system remained largely unchanged, with the same 8.8-inch display and control setup. The lack of a touchscreen and limited voice recognition capabilities continued to be issues. However, the system included Mazda Connected Services, offering remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. The audio system options included an eight-speaker setup or a 12-speaker Bose system, both tailored to the car's interior acoustics. An Active Driving Display was also available, enhancing the driving experience with projected data on the windshield.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) designed to support the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, adaptive front lighting, and Traffic Jam Assist. The car received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, reinforcing its reputation as a safe choice.

In 2022, the Mazda3 continued to offer a robust set of safety features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT trim added adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera. The car maintained its top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.