First released in 2003, the Mazda 3 was a replacement for the 323/Familia model, which in one form or another had been in service since the mid-1960s. Coming in both hatchback and sedan body types, the 3 gained a reputation of being fun to drive and fitted with good levels of equipment, but lacked that polished quality that its rivals had. Now, there’s a host of changes for this popular vehicle and the 2020 Mazda 3 Sport is sure to impress.
SLEEK EXTERIOR
Mazda realizes that their lineup of Mazda 3s have to stand out in perhaps the most crowded market of non-premium compact sedans or hatchbacks. Sure enough, both versions of this fourth generation Mazda 3 will certainly make an impression, even in a parking lot full of German comparables.
The beautiful curves and smart looking lines adorn the exterior of the 2020 Mazda 3 Sport giving it a minimalistic yet modern appearance. The company’s strangely-named ‘Kodo’ design language has been evolved into something really elegant here, with a low nose, elegant panel shaping and a sloping roof line that flows neatly into the rear screen. It’s quite different from the angular styling of a comparable Ford or Volkswagen and could be almost said to have a ‘premium’ feel.
ELEGANT INTERIOR
The 2020 Mazda 3’s interior is just as easy on the eye as its exterior, with lots of top notch materials and a simplistic yet elegant layout. Refreshingly, the (relatively small and thin) infotainment screen sits on top of the dash and is controlled via a rotary controller positioned between the front seats.
In terms of interior space, the 2020 Mazda 3 is better than average for the class, despite a reduction in height for this model in comparison to its predecessor.
The top notch interior design definitely has a premium, luxury feel and adding the red leather combines into a two tone red and black design which is both sleek and sporty. The minimalistic design translates through the dash, steering wheel and center console, displaying thin lines and minimal buttons. Overall, the Mazda 3 Sport’s cabin is an elegant and inspiring place to be.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
The 2020 Mazda 3 Sport is equipped with your choice of two engines a 2.0L four cylinder outputting 155hp or a 2.5L four cylinder outputting 186hp. Both engines can be paired with either a six speed manual or a six speed automatic transmission, along with front wheel drive as the standard and all wheel drive as optional on the top of the line GT model.
Both options fare quite well under normal driving conditions, delivering a responsive acceleration, smooth cruising and a whisper-quiet idle. When you start to add a heavier load to the Mazda 3, that’s when the 2.5L engine really shines. While both engines are quite capable under a heavier load, the 2.5L has a more reassuring power to it.
The 2020 Mazda 3 lives up to the rest of the Mazda lineup and delivers an exciting and sporty ride with precise and performance-oriented handling, controlled steering with great feedback and planted feel through turns.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2020 Mazda 3 Sport starts at a reasonable $21,300 for the base GX model and tops out at $27,500 for the GT Model. While the Signature spec adds a bit more to the total, it’s well worth it to bring the interior up to the premium level. The Mazda 3 has been and continues to be a sensible family hatchback, but the latest version outdoes all the previous years with a modern design, premium interior and sporty performance, while still delivering outstanding value for money!
