2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer its sleek design in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers had the unique option of a six-speed manual transmission in both body styles. Prices ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint had an all-in price of $38,981 in Canada. The design, while not universally appealing, had a certain artistry, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback that some might call a "hunchback." The interior was refined, with polished metallic finishes and an upscale feel, making it a smart choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured rakish headlights and a large grille, with the sedan offering conventional proportions and the hatchback showcasing a daring design. The hatchback was noted for its clean, futuristic design, though it had some practical shortcomings. Inside, the cabin continued the clean aesthetic, with a conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls. The steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. Canadian trims included GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with varying transmission and drivetrain options. Standard features on the GX included 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GS added dual-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, while the GT included 18-inch alloy wheels and a head-up display. The GT Turbo hatchback offered a more powerful engine, making it the top trim for 2023.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy over speed. It consumed 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the 2.5-litre non-turbo engine, producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption between 7.8 and 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, with fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100 km for the sedan and 8.9 L/100 km for the hatchback. Despite its fun driving experience, the turbo model's fuel efficiency was lower than advertised, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The car's handling was praised for its balance and grip, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 in Canada started with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-litre engine, standard on the GT, offered 191 hp and 186 lb-ft, with FWD and optional AWD. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on the GT, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a satisfying turbo engine sound. The car excelled in handling, offering precision and refinement, while the Sport mode enhanced steering feedback and transmission response. The brakes were likened to those in a sports car, requiring careful modulation. The Mazda3's handling was a standout feature, with excellent balance and agility, complemented by a smooth ride.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered a snug and comfortable fit. The driver-focused interior included an eight-way power-adjustable seat and heated front seats as standard in Canada. The leather upholstery in the test vehicle added to the premium feel. The back seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air vents or USB ports. Storage was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable centre console bin, though the wireless charging pad's location was inconvenient. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded, while the sedan provided 374 litres of trunk space.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for occasional use. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid's design was frustrating. The ergonomics were helpful, with sizable cupholders and a driver-focused layout.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, operated via a centre console dial. The lack of a touchscreen was a point of contention, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though using them was not intuitive. The car came with two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control. Upgrades included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system. The Bose system offered excellent sound quality, and the Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 also featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via a centre console dial. The system's menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of a touchscreen made it less user-friendly. The car included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface was confusing. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control. The test model had upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which provided great sound quality.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in Canada, with other safety features available as options. These included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The GT trim added adaptive headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The car received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety features on the GS trim, such as forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT trim added adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The hatchback's design created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction risk. The car received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.