Topic: 2024 Mazda Mazda3 GT Turbo sedan

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Mercedes is into blobs, Audi in angles, BMW in shnozes and the Giulia looks like a 1st-gen Mazda6 that got a nose job.

Sedans are out of the public's mind, no surprise with these "efforts", but there is still a gorgeous trunked sedan out there, and it's affordable to boot.

https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/20240314/mazda3-gt-turbo-awd-2024-essai-hivernal/

[Blueprint]

Looks:

The sedan fixes everything that's wrong with the 5-door Sport, but keeps what's right. The trunk and elegant C-pillars create an Italian signature to this compact sedan, and all the detailing is exquisite. To my eyes, this is the best-looking sedan on the market, at any price.

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Interior:

Soft materials abound, elegance prevails. Mazda's super compact airbags create a delicate, classic steering wheel and the ergonomics of the remote rotary controllers allow the screen to be discrete and far away from distractions. The pairing of pearl white with red leather is a timeless classic.

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Power:

Mazda's 2.5 litre turbo mill pumps out 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, numbers that belonged to a V8 not long ago. Set in this low, lithe sedan, it pulls like an eight, so smoothly that you hardly notice how fast you're going - which is always faster than you expect. Goose it and the slushbox pulls a self-preservation number on you, gearchanges pausing as the engine is quite near the box's torque limit. Otherwise, the 6-speed provides clear, crisp shifts. The downside is its drinking habits, 10.8 l/100 km avg for my week with it. Highway travel will bring it more inline with the atmo 2.5's numbers, as long as you resist that temptress right pedal.

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Driving:

Not a hot hatch, more of a compact grand tourer, the Mazda3 GT Turbo is nevertheless well "planted" and will provide more fun on real roads vs tracks or cone fests. The steering is uber-precise, while the brake pedal was oddly firm on this tester. More flegmatic than extrovert, but still packs a punch.

[Blueprint]

Room:

As I was driving this car, I had to remind myself why I chose the Crosstrek over it. My back, head and legs answered that question. Apart from being set low, this car offers much less volume than its competitors, and seated behind myself my knees were touching the seatback. Even when climbing down to the driver's seat I had to sort of fold myself inside the car. It's a sport sedan allright. The trunk is still ok, even if smaller than the comps, but fitting a child seat in that back seat won't be easy.

[OliverD]

Agreed these look great. The white over red leather is very nice.

That turbo engine with a stick would be the ultimate combo.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

This car in this colour combo makes me think of a 3-series. 

[z973]

yes you are wright this is the best looking sedan in its category dont forget it 5 years old 

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Value

Like everything else these days, a top-shelf Mazda3 ain't the bargain it used to be. My awd tester rang the register at $39,795, which puts it at mid-point between a Corolla XSE Hybrid AWD (yawn) and a base model Audi A3 (bling). If on a budget, a GS AWD includes the Luxe pkg and is pretty savory for $32,895.

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Final Thoughts:

After owning an Audi A3 myself, this is exactly the car of car that tells me that regular brands have plenty of gems to offer, and for less quids. Yes, an M340i is more powerful and more swanky, but not by much, especially if you factor in the actual roads you will be driving on. In top trim, a Mazda3 has plenty of power, awd grip, a luxe interior and an exquisite 12 speaker Bose stereo to massage your ears and ribcage on the way to work. Mazda's premium move with the 3 works, as sales are on the rise. A top-shelf unit like my tester gives out most of the FGC experience, without the FGC experience, if you get my drift. For even less money, the atmo four - the 2.5 is now standard in all trims - is no slouch, at 191 hp. The only downside to the sedan is the lack of an available stick (reserved for the atmo fwd GT Sport). Otherwise, if your life fits into its thight confines, go ahead with confidence - you won't ever regret not buying an A3 instead.

[z973]

i loved every moment in my 3 and the only car i kept for 5 years but it was time to switch to SUV and follow the crowd

[Great_Big_Abyss]

i loved every moment in my 3 and the only car i kept for 5 years but it was time to switch to SUV and follow the crowd

You're not getting any younger 

[z973]

i loved every moment in my 3 and the only car i kept for 5 years but it was time to switch to SUV and follow the crowd

You're not getting any younger 

that too