The Mazda3 helped jump-start my obsession with cars. It essentially became one of the catalysts that turned me into a car nerd. Having owned the previous generation for seven years, this little hatchback always had a special place in my heart. While not my first rodeo with the current generation, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve spent quality time in one. This 2025 Mazda3 stands out, too, for many reasons, and it goes beyond the brand’s usual traits. Let’s take a look and see what we got, shall we?
2025 Mazda3: How We Got Here
We decided on the Mazda3 after cross-shopping it with several cars, including some of its closest counterparts. These included the Honda Civic Si and Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo, to name a few. However, we honed in on the Mazda due to several reasons, one of the biggest being the dealership experience. Every Honda dealership we went to had some kind of markup or addendum on the Civic Si and treated it like some kind of exotic car. Sorry, but it’s not. Plus, the Civic Si’s pricing had gone off the rails even before said markups and addendums. At just over $36,000 out the door, the value proposition dwindled.
On the other hand, the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo brought value in spades that the Honda couldn’t. Thank the plethora of standard and available equipment, as well as a slightly lower price tag for that. However, the K4 lacked one thing that the Mazda3 and Civic Si offered: a manual transmission. Additionally, the hatchback variant is still a ways away.
After looking at a few more vehicles across several segments. We arrived at the Mazda3. Once again, it fulfills all of our requirements for a fun daily driver. Plus, it comes with a familiar powertrain with a proven track record, and it’s a hatchback. Best of all, we had a pleasant dealership experience: no games and no markups or addendums. Most importantly, no upselling the car as something more valuable than what it truly is.
What’s In the Garage?
Here I am talking about the Civic Si being a commodity, yet the Mazda3 we got is far from one. Why? Outside of the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla, it’s the only one to offer a stick shift. Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R? Automatic only. The Mazda3 stands as the only traditional hatchback left available with a row-your-own option. Although the Acura Integra has one too, it’s shaped more like a typical four-door sedan.
Mazda also limits manual transmission availability to one trim: the 2.5 S Premium. That’s the one below the range-topping Turbo Premium Plus, meaning it’s generously equipped. Standard features include heated front seats, a head-up display, the excellent 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a full suite of active safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control. We also got standard leather seats! Ours came in two-tone black and red for an extra pop of color. Meanwhile, the infotainment system has an 8.8-inch display controlled by a set of knobs and buttons. However, unlike the unit in the recently updated Miata and the larger displays in higher trims or other Mazda vehicles, this one does not become a touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
2025 Mazda3: Under the Hood
As for engine options, only the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder comes paired with the manual. Plus, it’s front-wheel drive only. That’s not a bad thing, though. With 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque on tap, this particular Mazda3 spec falls right in line with the Civic Si and K4 GT-Line Turbo. Versus the Civic, it’s down 9 hp and 6 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the K4 has a 1-hp deficit and 9-lb-ft advantage over the Mazda3.
All told, our car stickered for $32,710 and some change. Not bad considering how premium this little hatchback feels. We look forward to experiencing this latest generation Mazda3 on everything from the daily commute to carving up canyons to road trips. Will it live up to the standard set by its predecessor and the current compact car landscape? Or will we find ourselves wanting more?
