Overview
The 2024 Mazda 3 is for people who like their ice cream with hot fudge on top. The 3 may be from a mainstream brand, but it’s sweetened up enough to almost pass for a premium-class compact. The interiors of the top trims are appointed in stylish materials that convey a sense of quality that competitors like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra can’t match. The 3 comes in sedan and hatchback body styles with a choice of two 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines—one of them a spunky turbo. Hatchbacks with the base four-cylinder and front-wheel drive can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox, and all-wheel drive is available across the lineup—but only with a six-speed automatic. Typical for a Mazda, the 3 has a fun-to-drive streak but it balances its nimbleness with a compliant ride. Its refined driving persona and upscale interior make for a delicious compact that feels like it’s from a class above.