For 2021, the MAZDA3 lineup gets a standard engine, the new 2L SKYACTIVE-G four-cylinder engine produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It is offered with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Last year's standard engine is still available, the 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine that makes 186 horsepower and 186-pound feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and seamless gear changes and optional all-wheel drive that integrates well with Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus system that operates to ensure smooth driving outputs and predicable handling. A manual 6-speed gearbox is also optional but can only be paired with Premium equipped hatchback models.
The new top of the lineup 2.5 Turbo trim includes a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G turbo engine which produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
The base model comes with keyless entry, push-button start, 8.8-inch screen infotainment system, 8-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/HD Radio, radar driven adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing wipers. The next 2.5S trim and above adds Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
Buyers who opt-in for the Select package, will get leatherette upholstery, a dual-zone climate control, Advanced Keyless Entry and upgraded interior trim. Turn signal mirror indicators
Heading one step further with the Preferred package gets adds an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support with memory settings and heated front seats.
Premium models offer leather seating, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a head-up display, 12-speaker Bose audio system, Sirius XM radio with a 90-day trial, Traffic Sign Recognition, power moonroof and upgraded headlamps which include auto high-beam and auto-leveling.
Standalone options include a color navigation system, wireless charging pad, illuminated door sill trim plates, all-weather floor mats and slick black exterior accent package to make your MAZDA3 stand out from the crowd.
Standard safety systems for the MAZDA3 include anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, active lane keep assist, forward collision mitigation. Front, side, and curtain and driver's knee air bags as standard equipment. The Select Package adds additional safety technology such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Optional features like automatic emergency braking that can prevent a frontal collision, blind-spot monitoring and a driver-attention system that monitors for drowsiness can be equipped on all except base model versions of the MAZDA3.
Good Balance Between Luxury And Sportiness
Spirited Handling
Excellent Fuel Economy
Premium Interior Materials
Sharp Exterior Styling
For 2021, new trims have been added to the lineup, which includes a brand new 2.5S trim and 2.5L Turbo model. The MAZDA3 sedan also gets a new base engine, a 2L inline-four capable of producing 155 horsepower.
The MAZDA3 represents an excellent value. Competitors include compact car titans like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza. The MAZDA3 undercuts many of its rivals with its impressive driving characteristics and premium interior quality, while still offering enough space, sophisticated manners and a sleek modern exterior.
The 2021 MAZDA3 includes newly enhanced safety technology and one of the most upscale interiors in its segment. It could be considered to compete not only with offerings from Honda, Toyota and Nissan, but also with some from European entries such as the BMW 2-Series and the Audi A3.
