2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had a more conventional look, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The hatchback's rear angles curved up around the rear window and doors, creating a clean and forward-thinking aesthetic. Inside, the cabin continued this clean futurism with a simple yet elegant design. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The steering wheel, though a bit cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. Trim levels in Canada included the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with various features and drivetrain options available.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite being last redesigned in 2019, still looked modern with its swooping lines and beautifully scalloped bodywork. The vehicle's design was dramatic and expensive-looking, with squinting headlights and stylish lighting elements. Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the hatchback was particularly appealing due to its better-looking design and more usable storage space. The 2024 model offered a premium Suna trim for the hatchback, adding to its allure. The interior featured an impressive red leather option, with leather trimmings throughout, providing a luxurious feel. The steering wheel and shift knob were wrapped in black leather, enhancing the overall design and comfort.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was optional on the GS and standard on the GT, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available on the GT trim, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a fantastic sound from the turbo engine. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering a perfect blend of precision and refinement, with excellent balance through corners and a comfortable ride.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 provided two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine was a delight in all driving scenarios, with intelligent AWD managing traction well. Fuel economy varied depending on the configuration, with the turbocharged powertrain offering 10.1/7.3/8.8 L/100 km for the sedan and 10.1/7.5/8.9 for the hatch. The Mazda3 handled magnificently, with tight and precise steering and minimal body roll. The chassis managed corners well, despite the shift to a torsion beam suspension, and the car felt more stiffly sprung than some competitors, appealing to enthusiastic drivers.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, which was small compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback provided 569 litres of cargo space, which was usable but not as spacious as many small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for front-seat use primarily. The front seating area had a decently sized centre console compartment and helpful ergonomics.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, competitive with the Subaru Impreza and more than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Total cargo space was 1,333 litres, but rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan offered 374 litres of trunk space and similarly tight rear quarters. The hatchback's design created a massive blind spot at the C-pillar, and the rearward visibility was poor due to the small and sloped rear window.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system was not a touchscreen, and the menu navigation was clumsy, with a steep learning curve. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were challenging to use, with confusing navigation. The car came with two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Upgrades included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 continued with a similar infotainment system, using a rotary controller instead of a touchscreen. The system required some getting used to but was better than some other non-touchscreen solutions. The 2024 model offered a new 10.25-inch screen with touchscreen functionality for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although the screen was positioned too far for easy reach. Standard features included CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless functionality on upper trims. A wireless charging pad was available, and the Mazda Connect system offered remote services, navigation, and roadside assistance. The Bose stereo in higher trims sounded good.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The GT grade added adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The C-pillar design created a massive blind spot, posing a safety issue. The 2023 Mazda3 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 received five stars from the NHTSA and was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist starting from the GS trim. Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go was included from the GS trim, with Traffic Jam Assist added on the GT trim.