Russell & Smith Mazda

Nov 27, 2019

First launched in 2003, the Mazda3 is a compact car that has grown to become one of Mazda’s bestselling vehicles. The Japanese manufacturer is known for its technological innovations, sleek designs, and affordable pricing, so what does the latest version of this compact car have in store for new owners? Read on for the lowdown on the latest designs, performance, technology, and safety features of the 2020 Mazda3.

Designs and Trim Levels

Continuing the trend established in previous years, the 2020 Mazda3 comes in both hatchback and sedan designs. Choosing between a sedan and a hatchback is not as simple as it seems. Personal preference for the unique shapes of the designs is obviously an important factor, but you should also consider whether you need the more generous cargo space offered by a hatchback or the greater legroom you get in a sedan.

The Mazda3 sedan is available in four different trim levels — Base, Select Package, Preferred Package, and Premium Package — with some levels offering different configurations. With the Select, Preferred, and Premium trims, you can choose all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The hatchback comes in Base, Preferred Package, and Premium Package trims, all available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Onboard Technology 

Each 2020 Mazda3 model comes with an 8.8-inch wide center console display with Mazda Connect software installed. The Mazda Connect system links with your smartphone to provide access to a variety of smartphone applications on the center screen.

The standard audio system features eight speakers that deliver impressive acoustics. Even better than the standard audio system is an optional upgrade to a 12-speaker Bose sound system that delivers pristine audio quality.

Safety Features

At the most basic trim level, the 2020 Mazda3 comes with an array of important safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Knee air bags, dual-front air bags, and side-impact air bags protect everyone in the car in the event of an accident. A rearview camera, dynamic stability control, and a handy tire pressure monitoring system wrap up the extensive collection of safety features on the latest Mazda3.

Performance

Mazda continues using a 2.5-liter inline-four engine for 2020 that outputs 186 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission system on all trims, except the Premium hatchback, which comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

Fuel economy varies, depending on whether you choose a sedan or hatchback body type and front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The sedan with front-wheel drive provides a combined 30 mpg on city and highway roads. The sedan with all-wheel drive comes in at a combined 28 mpg. The hatchback with front-wheel drive delivers 28 mpg, while the all-wheel drive version achieves 27 mpg.

With quintessential Mazda craftsmanship, impressive performance for its class, modern technology, and a plethora of safety features to protect you on the road, the 2020 Mazda3 is a solid choice if you’re in the market for a new compact car.