As a long-time admirer of Mazda, and particularly the Mazda3, it pains me to report that the 2024 model has presented some perplexing issues during my recent test drive. Mazda vehicles have consistently impressed with their engaging driving dynamics and upscale interiors, often surpassing competitors in the mainstream market. The Mazda3, in both sedan and hatchback forms, has historically embodied these qualities. However, this 2024 iteration has left me questioning what has gone amiss. Could this be an isolated case of a flawed test unit? I sincerely hope so, for Mazda’s sake and mine.
What’s to Like in the 2024 Mazda3?
Despite the concerns, the 2024 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus AWD still holds some undeniable appeal. With a sticker price nearing $40,000, expectations are justifiably high. Thankfully, Mazda largely delivers on the promise of quality, particularly within the cabin. The interior of this Mazda3 punches above its weight class, rivaling some luxury marques in its execution. The leather seating is comfortable and supportive, but the true highlight lies in the extensive use of soft-touch materials adorning the doors and dashboard. The interior design is tastefully understated yet sophisticated, prioritizing elegance over mere visual flamboyance. The tactile quality of the switchgear further enhances the premium feel. Spending even a few moments inside the Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus reveals a level of interior refinement that surpasses any competitor in the compact car segment, including stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Furthermore, the Mazda3 offers features not typically found in its class, such as a panoramic sunroof and 360-degree parking cameras, adding to its luxury car aspirations. Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine is a gem. It produces a robust 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87 octane gasoline. Opting for 93 octane fuel boosts these figures to an even more impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Even on regular fuel, this Skyactiv engine propels the hatchback from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. The engine is remarkably smooth for a four-cylinder, emitting a pleasant, albeit somewhat artificial, growl without the typical harshness often associated with this engine configuration. While the six-speed automatic transmission may seem dated compared to rivals with more gears, it operates seamlessly, capitalizing on the engine’s broad and potent powerband for effortless drivability.
Cause for Concern in this Mazda 3 Review
This is where the praise unfortunately takes a turn. Historically, Mazda has been celebrated for producing the most engaging and enjoyable vehicles in their respective segments. However, the steering in this particular Mazda3 AWD hatchback was shockingly disappointing. Steering feel, a Mazda hallmark, was virtually nonexistent. A disconcerting dead spot at the center of the steering rack contributed to a sense of vagueness and wandering at highway speeds. Minor steering inputs yielded minimal feedback, fostering a lack of confidence behind the wheel. Adding to the issue, the dead spot transitions abruptly into artificial weight, like overcoming a spring’s tension, further eroding driver confidence. Having previously driven this exact Mazda3 configuration with brilliant steering, I am left bewildered by this drastic departure. A significant alignment problem seems plausible, but regardless of the cause, it severely detracts from the driving experience.
Compounding the steering woes, the 2024 Mazda3 appears to have claimed the dubious title of “most irritating beeps and bongs champion.” Upon entering the vehicle, an auditory assault of not five, but eight beeps erupts at an alarmingly loud volume. While the volume can be adjusted, the sheer number and frequency of beeps upon entry and exit are excessive. Further adding to the electronic annoyances were persistent false warnings about leaving items in the back seat, even when the rear seats were demonstrably empty. Even more perplexing, these warnings would sometimes trigger upon entering the car. Throughout every drive, a warning message about rear safety sensor malfunctions would consistently appear after approximately 10 minutes, raising concerns about potential system reliability.
The electronic parking brake exhibited equally erratic behavior, randomly disengaging automatically when shifting into drive, while at other times remaining engaged. This inconsistency, lacking any discernible pattern, breeds distrust in a fundamental safety system. An intermittently functioning parking brake is simply unacceptable in a modern vehicle. Fuel economy also proved to be less than stellar for a compact car, averaging a mere 24 MPG over a week of mixed driving. While 24 MPG might seem reasonable at first glance, it falls short when considering that a more powerful all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf R, with nearly 90 additional horsepower, achieved better fuel economy in similar testing. Even a BMW 330i xDrive, boasting comparable power and all-wheel drive, surpasses the Mazda3’s fuel efficiency. In mixed driving scenarios, the average dipped to a disappointing 23 MPG. Remarkably, a manual transmission Toyota GR Supra, packing a 382-horsepower engine, managed over 26 MPG under identical conditions. The Mazda3 Turbo, despite its potent engine, exhibits a surprising thirst for fuel. An eight-speed transmission could potentially improve both fuel economy and overall performance.
Adding to the list of anomalies, a low-frequency, cyclical rumbling noise permeated the cabin at speed. Resembling a faint subwoofer, this rhythmic boom occurred approximately every second, emanating from an indeterminate location within the car. Despite turning off the radio and climate control, the noise persisted, becoming readily noticeable to passengers. This unsettling rumble is a defect that would warrant an immediate return to the dealership for investigation. Tire noise was ruled out due to the slow, rhythmic nature of the sound, which was far slower than tire rotation speeds.
Final Verdict: Confusion and Disappointment in this Mazda 3 Car Review
Anticipation was high upon receiving the Mazda3 turbo hatchback for testing. However, the initial drive quickly revealed that something was amiss. A cascade of issues, from the disconcerting rumbling noise and persistent safety system warnings to the incessant beeps and phantom “belongings left in the back seat” alerts, culminated in a profound sense of disappointment. Despite its advertised horsepower figures, the Mazda3 Turbo lacks the perceived urgency and responsiveness of genuinely quick hot hatchbacks. For instance, a Volkswagen GTI, rated at a lower 241 horsepower, feels significantly faster in real-world driving scenarios. This particular Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus, despite its luxurious interior and potent engine on paper, ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive and satisfying driving experience, leaving me with a sense of confusion and sadness. Hopefully, a subsequent test of another Mazda3 will reveal whether this Soul Red example was an unfortunate outlier.
2024 Mazda3 hatchback rear seats and cargo space
