Mazda 3 and Mazda 3 Sport: what’s new for 2023?
The Mazda 3 has been one of the Japanese manufacturer’s best-selling vehicles for almost 20 years now. You would think that the compact car would have faded over time, and after 4 generations, but it is not the case at all. In fact, I believe that is the complete opposite. Some manufacturers give their cars minor updates every now and then, but Mazda just keeps improving the Mazda 3 and the Mazda 3 Sport every single year.
Pricing starts at $21,600 for the naturally aspirated models and 27,900$ for the turbocharged models. That does not include the transport and preparation fees. This still makes the Mazda 3 one of the most affordable compact cars on the market, which is good news in a world where every vehicle seems to be more expensive than the other.
More Power and a Better Fuel Economy
For 2023, Mazda improved the Skyactiv-G 2.5 liters 4 cylinder powertrain with an addition of 5 hp for a total of 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This might not sound like a lot, but this is the kind of thing that can make a difference where it matters. Perhaps the 2023 Mazda 3 is now offering a better fuel consumption with the naturally aspirated Skyactiv 2.5 liters 4 cylinders.
The naturally aspirated 2.0 liters 4 cylinders you find at the beginning of the Mazda 3 lineup still offer the same power for 2023 with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Although even if the power hasn’t changed, Mazda found a way to make it even more efficient. Finally, there is the turbocharged 2.5 liters 4 cylinders with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque at the top of the line for the 2023 Mazda 3. With this motor, the Japanese compact car delivers impressive performance. However, the Mazda 3 is a lot of fun to drive, regardless of the engine you choose.
FWD and AWD
SUVs are kind of very popular lately, and a lot of manufacturers have abandoned their compact cars. I seriously think Mazda made a bold move by giving the Mazda 3 an available all-wheel-drive system. The I-Activ AWD is a clever system and makes the Mazda 3 as comfortable to drive as any SUV in the snow, if not better, thanks to its lower center of gravity.
Outside and Inside
The Mazda 3 is still available in both sedan and hatchback configurations for 2023. Not much has changed outside, and to be quite honest, there is no need for anything to change there. The Mazda 3 still is a very modern and good-looking car today.
For the interior, the Japanese compact car is getting an 8.8-inch screen for the infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That is not all, since the 2023 Mazda 3 also gets 2 USB slots, a backup camera, push-start button, an 8-speaker sound system, and much more.
As mentioned by the Japanese manufacturer, the 2023 Mazda 3 should arrive in the dealers sometime in the fall.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
Tags: Mazda, Mazda 3, Mazda 3 Sport
Author: Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
