Gallery
Pros
Cons
The Mazda3 has always been subtle on the styling front, and that's perfectly fine. The design hasn’t seen any change since this generation hit the market in 2019, and it’s aging well regardless. The long hood looks sporty, and it’s a well-proportioned sedan overall. (There’s a hatchback version of the Mazda3, too.)
The lone letdown that’s limited to the top-of-the-line GT version is the lack of anything that speaks to its enhanced sportiness. Even the Hyundai Elantra N Line Ultimate has some visual cues that distinguishes it from non-turbocharged trims, and this sedan could use the same treatment.
Power 8 / 10
Mazda’s turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder makes 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, although that’s when running expensive 93-octane fuel. Filling the tank with regular-grade gas results in a still-impressive 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque — excellent numbers for such a small car, and enough to make it a fun and competent performer. There’s also very little turbo lag, the sensation of an absence of power while a turbocharger spools, and the torque is delivered quickly at both low and high speeds.
Fuel Economy 8 / 10
Despite the extra output compared to the non-turbo version of the Mazda, which makes 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, the 10.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.3 on the highway, and 8.8 combined this one is rated to burn isn’t bad. This test saw a slightly worse indicated average of 9.8 combined. Meanwhile, the non-turbo Mazda3 GT is rated to burn 7.9 L/100 km combined with all-wheel drive like this one, and 7.5 without.
Driving Feel 7 / 10
While 250 hp and all-wheel drive are impressive specs, the Mazda3 GT Turbo isn’t quite a Volkswagen Golf R rival. Once upon a time there was a sporty Mazdaspeed3, but that isn’t what this one is trying to be. Sure, it can accelerate quickly, but handling doesn’t quite match the straight line performance, as the suspension is a little too soft and bouncy going around corners. This results in a noticeable amount of body roll — something stiffer suspension tuning could have remedied, and a sign that this is more ordinary than extraordinary when it comes to overall performance.
Practicality 7 / 10
The back seat is the area where the Mazda3 suffers most in terms of practicality, with limited legroom. There also aren’t any USB ports or air vents in the back, which is definitely a downside to rear passenger comfort. On the plus side, the trunk is reasonably sized at 374 L, while the rear seats can be folded to open a pass-through and a total of 940 L.
Comfort 7 / 10
The ride isn’t unnecessarily harsh nor soft; it finds a middle ground in terms of comfort, although there’s a noticeable amount of road noise. The standout feature in the Mazda3 is the ergonomic layout of the interior. The armrests of both the door and the centre console are large and plush. The driving position is perfectly complemented by Mazda’s decision to place controls like the volume knob on the centre console.
Features 8 / 10
Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay are standard in the Mazda3 GT, which offer touchscreen functionality. Otherwise, the 10.25-inch infotainment system is operated via a dial on the console. Heated front seats and an eight-speaker stereo are standard, while the top trim gets all kinds of extras including leather upholstery, a 12-speaker stereo, wireless phone charger, steering-responsive headlights, and more.
Safety 9 / 10
The Mazda3 GT features a head-up display that clearly communicates the traffic around the car, including the blind-spots as well as the proximity of other vehicles. There’s also a suite of surround-view cameras, while lane departure warning and keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control is all standard across the lineup.
User-Friendliness 9 / 10
Mazda’s decision to lay out the controls the way it did here is questionable, but it makes sense once you’ve spent some time behind the wheel. The reliance on a console-mounted controller for the infotainment system takes some getting used to, and the same goes for the adjacent volume knob. Similarly, the camera button is almost hidden away to the left of the steering wheel. These details don’t necessarily hinder the user experience, but take a little time to grow accustomed to. However, after figuring out the layout, it makes a lot of sense. It's specifically designed for the driver not to overly engage with the infotainment and keep their eyes on the road.
Value 8 / 10
At $40,545 before tax (but including a $2,095 freight charge), this all-wheel-drive Mazda3 GT Turbo isn’t cheap. At this price point, you can compare it to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which provides more performance and sharper styling. Meanwhile, the similarly executed Hyundai Elantra N Line Ultimate is $33,599 before tax, although it’s front-wheel drive-only.
The Verdict
The addition of a turbocharged version doesn’t really make sense for the GT. Yes, it adds a significant power boost, but it doesn’t improve other dynamic or aesthetic properties like handling or design. Buyers who want a more performance-centric experience will likely shop elsewhere. However, if all you seek as a buyer is a quick daily driver, then the Mazda3 is a great option, tickling all the boxes of styling, solid comfort, and technology, and decent speed. The GT Turbo is a more niche choice, specifically designed for someone who wants a faster version of the Mazda3.
