The 2025 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Hatchback AWD is a compact four-door sedan that delivers engaging driving dynamics and a sophisticated design.

Offered in seven trims, Mazda3 allows owners to chose the vehicle that best fits their day-to-day lives and driving preferences. Selections range from the base 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Carbon Turbo, to the top-of-the-line 2.5 S Turbo Premium.

Pricing starts at $25,000 and climbs to $38,000 for the most expensive trim.

My tester was powered by the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, DOHC, turbocharged engine paired with a Skyactiv-drive, six-speed sport automatic transmission. The combination achieves 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Mazda3 easily accommodates four adults, and delivered 26 miles per gallon fuel economy in a combination of city and highway driving.

What makes the Mazda3 a winner for Northwesterner’s is the car’s i-Active all-wheel drive, G-vectoring control plus, and four-wheel disc brakes. The combination makes it practical and functional in all weather conditions.

The Turbo Premium Plus package includes the addition of gloss black aerodynamic accents for both the sedan and hatchback, along with a rear spoiler and front air dam. My tester came with a “Snowflake White Pearl” coat of enamel, which contrast nicely from the 18-inch, black alloy wheels.

Other attributes exclusive to this trim include black or red leather seats, and a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system. Technological upgrades include traffic jam assist, 360° view monitor with front and rear parking sensors, smart brake support-reverse and smart brake support-rear crossing, active driving display, traffic sign recognition, and an adaptive front lighting system.

The Premium Plus also features a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display that adds touchscreen functionality when paired to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which both have wireless connectivity. A frameless auto-dim rearview mirror with Homelink, and Mazda online navigation that allows for convenient, over-the-air updates, round out the upgrades.

Additional creature comforts are highlighted by a power sliding glass moonroof, dual-zone climate control, QI wireless phone charger, Bluetooth, Alexa Built-In, heated front seats and steering wheel, adaptive front lighting system, heated power side mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Alexa Built-in, a new feature for Mazda3, allows the driver to make certain hands-free commands for prompts like changing the temperature, or radio station, to controlling their smart home devices while in the vehicle.

The rear hatch makes it easy stow groceries or Christmas presents. When more space is required, like for golf clubs, perhaps, the rear seats fold forward to provide a flat surface. Side door pockets and a center console, along with two front cupholders, deliver a surprising amount of storage for a small car.

i-Activsense safety features come standard and provide an additional layer of confidence. The suite includes Mazda radar cruise control with stop and go function, smart brake support, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, high beam control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear seat alert.

In summation, Mazda3 delivers the goods in a compact, affordable package. If extra space is not a priority, this car will take care of a family’s needs – and then some. And same some dough for a rainy day.

Base Price: $38,729

Price As Driven: $38,720

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.