2023 Mazda 3 Sedan

After four years on the market, the Mazda 3 Sedan isn't new anymore, but it feels like it's hardly aged, as Mazda USA has been continuously updating it every year. It remains a brilliant package that still nips at the heels of compact sedans such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra. Sadly, the brilliance of the car is not reflected in its sales figures, which lag behind in this class, so it's always a delight to drive one again and rediscover how well it handles, how refined it is, and how upmarket the interior finishes are. On top of that, every safety review of the Mazda 3 Sedan gives it top marks. Mazda has nipped, tucked, and reshuffled the range a bit this year, and the underpowered base 2.0-liter engine is no longer bringing down the class average. With an uprated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, now with 191 hp, at the bottom of the range, performance is decent, but speed merchants are advised to opt for the 250-hp turbocharged engine - although that's only available on the most expensive trim. The hatch's manual transmission is not available here, but that's par for the course nowadays. How does the 3 stack up to the competition this year?

The price of the new Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 S is $22,550 this year. This is followed by the 2.5 S Select at $23,950, the 2.5 S Preferred at $25,550, the 2.5 S Carbon Edition at $27,200, and the 2.5 S Premium at $29,400. These trims are all powered by the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Right at the top of the range sits the turbocharged 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at $34,000. Most trims are FWD only, except for the 2.5 S Carbon Edition, which gives you the option of adding AWD at a cost of $1,400. The 2.5 S Premium is AWD-only, along with the Turbo Premium Plus. These prices for the Mazda 3 Sedan are MSRP and don't include the automaker's $1,165 destination fee.

The Mazda 3 Sedan is pleasing to pilot in a way most compact sedans aren't, with good body control, limited lean, and a keenness to change direction, despite the somewhat numb electric power steering. This is partly down to the relatively firm suspension, but the damping is so well-tuned that ride comfort remains remarkably good, despite the sporting intent. Big impacts are not absorbed quite as well, but on average, the ride/handling balance is excellent, and the car is infused with a sense of fun. Performance is decent, and with the loss of last year's meek 2.0-liter engine, even the slowest 3 should now get you to 60 mph in eight seconds - hardly exciting, but sprightly enough. The refined and lag-free turbocharged engine slashes that time by another two seconds, but it's only offered in the most expensive top trim. The auto 'box has only six speeds, but it's responsive and smooth enough, while noise levels are well-contained. Unlike various rivals, AWD is available for added grip and security.

The 2023 Mazda 3 Sedan is an excellent car and deserves to sell better than it does. It might not quite be up to the new Civic's levels overall, but it beats it in other areas, such as the performance of its turbocharged engine and the availability of AWD. It's not so great in other areas, and its tight second row and small trunk will remind you that there are more practical compact sedans out there. And despite this year's improvements in efficiency, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine isn't nearly as frugal as the Civic's turbocharged 1.5-liter unit. Still, the Mazda will appeal to people who don't follow the mainstream and appreciate a fun-handling compact sedan that looks, feels, and drives like a more expensive car than it is. That alone will be the clincher for many.

A new Mazda 3 Sedan starts making the most sense at the 2.5 S Carbon Edition level. Not only does this trim look smart with its blacked-out exterior treatment, but it also comes with all the Preferred's must-haves, such as heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a power moonroof. But to these, the Carbon Edition adds the stunning red leather upholstery that really shows off the 3's semi-premium cabin to best effect. The Bose premium audio system is thrown in, too, and the cherry on top is that you can pick whether you want FWD or AWD. No other trim gives you this choice. Even with the latter, you come away under $30k, destination included. It might not have the power of the top Turbo spec, but you save nearly $7k.