If you’re on the lookout for a fun-to-drive, economical, compact sedan – look no further than the 2022 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus.
Mazda covers most of the bases with three engine options, two drivetrains, and many more package options in addition to sedan and hatchback designs. Choose from the 2.0, 2.5S, 2.5S Select, 2.5S Preferred, 2.5S Carbon, 2.5S Premium, 2.5 Turbo or 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus to select the trim that best fits your driving preferences.
My tester, the favorite among driving enthusiasts, was powered by the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine that delivers and impressive 250 horsepower and robust 320 lb-ft of torque, all the while managing more than 30 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway. The engine was paired with a paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard i-Activ AWD.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Mazda3’s prompt response off the starting line, and the smile stayed on my face when accelerating at speed to pass slower vehicles on the freeway. The Turbo Premium Plus responded like a sports car, not a compact commuter.
All Mazda3 models come standard with many i-Activsense safety features including radar cruise control with stop and go function, smart brake support, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, drive attention alert, and high beam control. Mazda Connected Services is complementary for three years.
Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive becomes an option starting with the Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred package, helping enhance the vehicle’s performance on top of the FWD models. This package includes a power moonroof, available black or beige leatherette seats, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seats with power lumbar support and seat memory, gloss black front grille, and door mirrors with memory positioning.
The stylish interior features an 8.8-inch center display with the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system that can be controlled with the multi-function commander knob. Other standard features include push button start, remote keyless illuminated entry, rearview camera, two front USB inputs, Bluetooth, premium Bose sound system with 12 speakers, electronic parking brake, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and black cloth seats.
The exterior provides LED lighting for the automatic on/off headlights, combination taillights, and daytime running lights, to go along with a matte finish front grille and silver finish 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. My tester came with Mazda’s “Soul Red” coat of enamel, a color that used to be called “Candy Apple Red.”
Turbo Premium Plus elevates the refined styling with gloss black aerodynamics accents. Sedan turbo models include a rear lip spoiler, while hatchback turbo models are equipped with a rear roof spoiler and front air dam.
Rear Direction Base Safety, which includes Smart Brake Support-Reverse and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, is added to complete the full i-Activsense suite of safety features. Leather seats are available in black or red for the hatchback or black or white for the sedan. Convenience upgrades include Traffic Jam Assist, 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, and Homelink is added to the frameless auto-dim rearview mirror.
Base Price: $34,050
Price As Driven: $34,050
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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