2021 Mazda3 Sedan Overview
Photo: Mazda
For the latest model year, the Mazda3 Sedan gained a major update the addition of a turbo engine option that far surpasses the model’s previous 186-horsepower mill. This new dynamo, which tops out at 250 horsepower, enables it to launch the Mazda3 from 0-60 in just 8 seconds
You can choose from seven different trim levels on the 2021 Mazda3 Sedan: Sedan 2.0 Sedan, 2.5 S Sedan, Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The Sedan 2.0 through Premium models come standard with front-wheel drive. You can opt for all-wheel drive on the Select, Preferred, and Premium trims, as well as standard on the Turbo-equipped models.
My favourite compact ute is back with some new tweaks for 2021, as well as a couple of new editions, one of which is a celebration of Mazda’s centennial.
It’s the CX-5, which started life a bit underpowered but was still lots of fun to drive, and Mazda has wisely upped the oomph ante over the years, a tad at least. But with the introduction of the company’s lovely optional 2.5 litre turbo four a while back, acceleration angst is now a thing of the past. And that’s wonderful!
It’s also a pretty luxurious vehicle in the upper trim levels. A Signature trim was introduced for 2019, which also included that turbo four (which Mazda also makes available nearly right across its line). That version didn’t come with paddle shifters, though Mazda has now corrected that oversight with the 2021 CX-5. And the paddles work well, though if you don’t shift it into sport mode the transmission will go back to sleep again if you aren’t prodding it enough to satisfy it. And that’s fin