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| The 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback AWD. |
What sets Mazda apart is its fun to drive factor and the imaginative styling---both of which can be traced right back to the two-seater Mazda MX-5 Miata
All that is present in the all-new 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback---it's a blast to drive, packing more joy than its 186-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode (EPA fuel economy average 27 city/36 highway for front wheel drive models, 25/33 for all-wheel drive like our tester) would suggest possible on paper, and the latest design evolution, one fluid line with no breaks, is just stunning---but there's more. Mazda is setting itself even further apart from the pack by moving upscale, producing premium compacts with higher-quality materials.
At this moment, in terms of fit, finish and materials, Mazda is doing some of the best interiors in the business---and performing way outside the price class of their vehicles.
2020 Mazda3 Hatchbacks start at $23,600, but our tester was the top-of-the-line Premium Package with All-Wheel-Drive. Base price is $28,900 and that brings all this as standard equipment:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Automatic on/off headlights
- Power driver's seat with power lumbar support
- Driver seat memory
- Heated front seats
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Mazda advanced keyless entry
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
- Rear seat armrest with cupholders
- Pushbutton engine start
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Rearview camera
- Carpeted floormats
- Anti-theft engine immobilizer
- Blind spot monitoring system
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Radar cruise control with stop and go
- Smart brake support
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Electric power-assisted steering
- G-Vectoring control plus
- i-Activ AWD
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Dual power side mirrors with memory positioning and turn lamps
- Shark fin antenna
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Electronic parking brake
- Multifunction commander control
- Bose Premium audio system with 12 speakers
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio (three month free trial)
- HDRadio
- Two USB inputs
- Bluetooth
- Cargo cover
- Dynamic stability control
- Traction control system
- Driver attention alert
- Anti-lock brakes with brake assist
- Lane departure warning system
- Lane keep assist
- High beam control
- Active driving display
- Adaptive front lighting system
- Leather seats
- Black-finish alloy wheels
- Front LED signature illumination
- Rear LED signature illumination
- Power sliding glass moonroof
- Paddle shifters
And again, that's all standard for $28.900.
Our test vehicle also had some extra-cost options:
- Cargo mat ($100)
- Illuminated door sill trim plates ($425)
- Soul Red Crystal paint ($595)
- Frameless auto-dim interior rearview mirror ($275)
- Navigation SD card ($450)
- Rear bumper guard ($125)
- Wireless charging pad ($275)
With $920 delivery, processing and handling fee, the bottom line on the window sticker was $32,065.
No, that's not cheap for a compact hatchback. But the 2020 Mazda3 isn't a cheap car in any sense of the word. When you factor in driving fun and premium content and execution, it more than justifies the price.
