The 2026 Mazda3 Is A Fun Driving Experience
The Mazda brand is making a strong impact on the U.S. auto industry with quality vehicles at moderate prices. Mazda vehicles, for the most part, are assembled in Hofu, with Japanese parts including engines and transmission. Unclear if, and when, they may move some assembly facilities to the United States. But the quality of their vehicles is outstanding and very competitive to all brands.
The test car driven this week is a Mazda3 Cardon Edition with all-wheel drive with a manufacturer’s suggested list price of $31,360 with several options of floor mats, illuminated door sill trim plates and navigation 3D card, adding an additional $1,265 to the MSRP. This is an amazing price for an all-wheel drive four-door sedan. This Mazda3 has a sports car design and performs like a sports car with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower linked to a Skyactiv drive with a sport mode selection. The versatile transmission can be downshifted easily for mountain driving with a simple shift knob movement. The Mazda3 has amazing performance and driving perfection. It seems to love curves and likes to go fast.
The “Polymetal Gray” metallic paint adds to the sporty appearance, along with the 18” black alloy wheels and all-season tires. All LED lights add to the sharp nighttime visual drive. A power sliding glass moonroof is always appreciated along with the rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated side-mirrors with memory positioning.
The interior features red leather trimmed seats with a power driver seat with lumbar support. Both front seats are heated, and the rear seats have fold down 60/40 split to enhance room for skis, snowboards, et al. Adding to the sports car mystic, both the steering wheel and shift knob are leather wrapped.
Driving a smaller vehicle in a constant flow of tailgating trucks that seem to want to rule the highway… safety features are important. A driver’s warning alert is appreciated along with lane departure warning system with lane keep assist. The latest radar cruise control helps keep the speed compliant with speed signs. Additional blind spot monitoring is vital along with some stout 4-wheel disk brakes. A full range of airbags including knee, front and rear side impact airbags with side air curtains add to the overall safety. The engineers have added every safety feature to this Mazda3 that has been developed for passenger safety.
The Mazda3 got a nifty 34 mpg. on the freeway with 28 mpg overall. This vehicle is a lesson in smart technology, safety, and performance with attractive pricing. Mazda has a full line of larger vehicles and styles.
This Mazda3 is very impressive and fun to drive.