Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda3’s 2019 redesign brought a notably classier look and feel, as well as available all-wheel drive and new technology features. Sedan and hatchback body styles continued, but the latter adopted a bobtail shape and sharply sloped rear roofline that looked rakish but cut into cargo capacity and compromised rear visibility. A carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that made 186 horsepower was the sole powerplant at first, but choices arrived for 2021: a 155-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder (available only in the base sedan with front-wheel drive) and a 250-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (available only in a loaded hatchback with AWD). A blackout-trim Carbon Edition debuted for 2022, and the 2.0-liter engine was dropped for 2023. An upsize 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity was added for 2024.

The redesigned 2014 Mazda3 featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance and more sculpted styling compared to the previous-generation model. Newly available safety features included blind spot monitoring and a low-speed automatic emergency braking system called Smart City Brake Support. Two SkyActiv four-cylinder engines were offered: a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter or a 184-hp 2.5-liter; both could be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A 2017 refresh brought tweaked exterior styling, an updated interior with a new steering wheel and revised dashboard design, and an electronic parking brake to replace the previous mechanical one. For 2018, Smart City Brake Support became standard on all trims.

The Mazda3 was redesigned for the 2010 model year, adopting a more curvaceous exterior and upgraded interior. Though the provocative new bodywork (particularly the “smiling” front end) was a bit too outlandish for some, the fancier interior materials and newly available upscale features were more than welcome. The entry-level i variants came with a carryover 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the uplevel s variants got a new 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both powerplants could be paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. A mild styling refresh arrived for 2012 along with an efficiency-focused SkyActiv version of the 2.0-liter engine that featured new fuel-saving technologies.