Introduction

The Mazda3 has been one of Mazda's best selling cars since it was released in 2004. It received its most recent generational update in 2019, but with 2 different engine options, tons of tech, a comfortable interior and incredible handling it is still one of the best compact cars on the market. It offers both a hatchback and sedan option so you can tailor the car to your needs. Visit us at Tustin Mazda to see one for yourself.

Performance

Powertrain

The Mazda3 was built for drivers who have luxury tastes, but a more modest budget. However Mazda allowed for different levels of modest and offers 2 different engines. Mazda dropped the 2.0L engine last year and the base model now includes a 2.5 L engine producing 191 hp and either FWD or AWD. The more sporty trims feature an aggressive 2.5 L Turbo charged 4 cylinder creating 256 hp. FWD models for both engines offer a 6 speed manual transmission option while the AWD models all come with a 6 speed automatic. Overall this vehicle offers a lot of versatility to fit the driving style and budget of anyone looking at the compact sedan segment.

Drive

Mazda went out of their way to create a solid platform for the Mazda3. The steering is precise, acceleration is responsive (though only the turbo is satisfyingly quick) and the car is composed in the curves. Overall the 2024 Mazda3 maintains the fun to drive nature of its predecessors. Additionally, the cabin is comfortable, the controls are well placed and the infotainment console is well integrated into the driver's peripheral vision to create an incredible drive experience.

Safety

Safety

The 2024 Mazda3 received a 5 star safety rating from NHTSA and includes the i-Activsense suite of safety features. The i-Activsense system offers a host of innovative driver assistance and safety technologies to help avoid collisions, enhance driver awareness and minimize the severity of an impact. Not all of these features are standard with all trims, so talk to your sales representative at Tustin Mazda if you have questions.

These include:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control maintains a set speed and minimum following distance from the traffic ahead.
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert to notify the driver of traffic coming from the sides.
- Smart Brake Support
- Six total airbags including dual frontal airbags, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags (curtains), and driver and front passenger knee airbags
- Anti-lock brake system with brake assist
- Lane Departure Warning System

Exterior Design

The Kodo 2 exterior design featured in the 2024 Mazda3 keeps the smooth, curved lines of the previous generation and bucks the trend toward sharper cut lines that many other manufacturers are using in their newer models. It gives the sedan an elegant appearance and the addition of LED head and tail lights, dual exhaust and a wider stance create a sleeker look in the latest version of the sedan.

Interior Design

Crafted Interior

The biggest upgrades in the 2024 Mazda3 from previous generations is in the redesigned interior. With soft touch materials throughout, metal speaker covers and accents and well integrated technology the inside of the Mazda3 both looks and feels like a high end vehicle should.

Technology

The Mazda3 features an analog driver gauge cluster with a central LCD screen that displays speed, mpg, time and other information. It also comes with a Heads Up Display (HUD) that projects your speed onto the windshield in front of the driver. Mazda also upgraded to an 8.8” infotainment screen in the non-turbo trims. Unlike many of its competitors, it is not a touch screen. This allowed Mazda to push it forward on the dash and incorporates it better into the driver's field of view. It is controlled by a rotary dial and several shortcut buttons located next to the driver's seat or by voice command. It has a straightforward layout and simple controls to ensure it is easy to use while on the road. Mazda decided to upgrade the 2024 Turbos with a new 10.25" touchscreen display, a big change from the other trims. 

Seating

The Mazda3 seats 5, but the second row will be a tight fit for three adults. The seats are well cushioned in both the front and back making for a comfortable ride for all passengers. The driver and front passenger seats are leather and feature 3 level heating in the premium and higher trims.

Cargo

The trunk offers 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space and the 60/40 rear seats fold down to create more space or allow you to transport longer items.