If you’re thinking of an affordable and reliable car, you probably visualize the Mazda3. Since 2004, this compact car has been conquering the Western market, thanks to its fuel efficiency, on-board technology and safety features, having become almost synonymous with safe driving and good handling. In 2020, it won the World Car Design of the Year Award. Not only that, but Mazda3 constantly got excellent grades from consumers for its reliability, value, and comfort. For obvious reasons, value and reliability are more important to most customers than sleek looks or sophisticated interior cabins.
Given the success of past models, Mazda knew it had to push the limits further to continue to impress its audience and satisfy the wants and needs of its demanding customers; hence, in 2023, it came out with various updates for the Mazda3. From an upgrade in performance and engine power to an improved EPA-estimate, these are the best upgrades for 2023.
The Mazda3's Upgrade For 2023: Mazda Dropped The Base Engine
These days, everything is getting more expensive. Prices for new cars, especially, have gone through the roof. Inflation and supply chain issues have impacted the margins and sale volumes of automakers, so they were forced to pass the increased costs to the consumer. In this context, it is difficult to find a car model that maintained its price instead of boosting it. Of course, automakers have tried to lure prospective buyers with updates and some new tech features, but to be fair, they hardly impress if we consider the price increase.
Mazda has also hiked the prices for the 2023 Mazda3 model across the board. And even worse, it dropped the 2.0-liter entry model, which was the most affordable. The 2.5-liter Turbo is also gone, so now, the most affordable option is the 2.5-liter S as a Sedan at $22,550 or buyers can pay $23,550 for the Hatchback. Elsewhere, the higher trim, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs $34,000 for the Sedan and $35,300 for the Hatchback.
The Mazda3's Upgrade For 2023: Boosted Engine Performance
Considering that the 2.0-liter entry model is out, the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine remains the sole engine, but buyers have two options: the naturally aspirated and the turbocharged. The base naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine will generate 191 horsepower (142 kW / 194 PS) and 186 lb-ft (252 Nm) of torque. That is a boost in power from the previous year when it generated 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft (252 Nm) of torque. Evidently, the increase in power is not too dramatic, but it is a welcomed change. As for the turbocharged models, these remained largely unaltered. However, the Mazda3 2.5-liter Turbo is now offered only as a Hatchback.
The Mazda3's Upgrade For 2023: The New Cylinder-Deactivation Technology Has Improved Fuel Economy
Mazda also worked on ameliorating its cylinder deactivation technology. Naturally, this helped with improving the fuel economy. For example, the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine has received an overhauled cylinder-deactivation technology that helps the Mazda to be “more efficient in specific operating conditions.” Because of the technology, naturally aspirated Mazda3 models will return up to an EPA estimated rating of 28 miles per gallon in the city, 37 miles per gallon on the highway and 31 miles per gallon combined.
The Mazda3 Has An Upscale Interior And Cool Tech Features
Although this is the company’s entry-level Mazda, it is not boring and basic. In fact, the selection between eight packaging options offers something for each budget and preference. For instance, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but buyers can also select the i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD).
Standard features include the i-Activsense, including radar cruise control with stop and go function, smart brake support, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and high-beam control. In addition, buyers will get 36 months of complimentary Mazda Connected Services and three months of in-car Wi-Fi hotspot or 2 GB trial, whichever comes first.
As for the cabin, this will come equipped with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that is connected to the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Push button start, rearview camera, eight-speaker sound system, two front USB inputs, electronic parking brake, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and black cloth seats are also standard. On the exterior, buyers will see that the 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and the LED lighting for the automatic on/off headlights are also standard.
The Mazda3 2.5 S Select is already more upscale having elegant black leatherette seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Also, the 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels have been replaced with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels in a gray or silver finish.