It takes a lot to stand out in a crowd, especially today. There are no really terrible cars, no Yugos. The field of small(ish) sedans is crowded. How does an automaker stand out? Reliability and fuel economy are two ways, affordability is another.
Mazda's hook used to be "Zoom Zoom" and it worked. For a niche. But very few automakers can survive in a niche. So Mazda dropped Zoom Zoom. And replaced it with what? All of this is just a way of saying Mazda builds fine cars that a lot of prospective buyers overlook. And it's a shame.
Simply put, Mazda builds damn fine cars. Cars like the Mazda3 2.5T Premium Plus AWD. Big name for a compact car. The Mazda3 driven, a 4-door sedan (a 5-door hatch is also available) is 183.5" long on a wheelbase of 107.3, similar in size to a Honda Civic for reference.
Under the hood is a 250 hp and 320 lb-ft (with premium fuel), turbocharged, 2.5-liter, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine. The only transmission available is a 6-speed automatic. AWD is standard with the 250 hp engine. Zero to 60 mph is a respectable 5.6 seconds.
Inside is a conventional seating setup, tastefully done. In my opinion some contrasting stitching or piping would make the monochromatic seats stand out.
I like the traditional gauge layout; all the info you need in a nice, uncluttered display.
After having driven a couple hybrids I was disappointed in the fuel economy, then I checked it against some competitors and it is actually darn good. The figure you see - 33.5 mpg - is better than the EPA figure for the highway (31-mpg).
With 13.2 cubic feet of storage I wouldn't call the trunk cavernous but it will work for a week's vacation for you and yours.
One thing keeps me from being head over heels for the Mazda3 2.5T Premium Plus AWD, or just about any Mazda. The styling just doesn't work for me. Behind the wheel it is great, it has just the right amount of sportiness for a daily driver. Styling is important to me but then you need to know I owned a '95 Chevy Lumina.
If you want a sedan from Mazda your choice is a Mazda3 in 4-door or 5-door hatchback. That's it. Like so many other auto makers Mazda is all in on SUVs.
The Mazda3 2.5T still has some Zoom Zoom, Mazda just doesn't promote it. Put your foot into it and this Mazda still has it.
So how much? The 2025 Mazda3 2.5T Premium Plus AWD starts at $36,000. It is very well equipped as is. Forego that SUV, buy a Mazda3 2.5T AWD, stand out in a crowd, and put a smile on your face.
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