Strictly speaking, the 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback is a subcompact mass-market car. But wherever you come across one in Tuscaloosa or Birmingham, you could easily be forgiven for assuming it’s a luxury car that will cost more than it does. As well as its beautiful exterior styling and finely-fitted interiors, the 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback is also a true driver’s car with capable handling, strong engines, and the option of AWD and manual transmissions.
There are seven different trim levels to choose from with the 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback. The lineup begins with the entry-level 2.5 S, and from there, the range goes to the Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and finally to the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
The 2.5 S, Select, and Carbon Edition are all front-wheel-drive models, but the Preferred and Premium models are available with Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD system as an option. It’s hard to think of many rival manufacturers that offer the option of AWD for their cars in this class, and even fewer that make it standard as Mazda does with the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus versions of the 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback.
If you want something more than just a functional small car to get you from one place to another, you’ll find what you’re looking for with the latest Mazda3 Hatchback. This is a car that puts driver fun and engagement to the fore, and that helps to make it a standout model in its class. Although a six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range, a six-speed manual is available with the Premium trim.
There are two engines available for the Mazda3, and the more powerful of the two gets even more potent if you use 93 octane premium fuel instead of regular 87 octane gas. The base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit that produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque, which is the standard powerplant up to and including the Premium trim level. The car’s 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus versions get a 2.5-liter turbo-four, giving you 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. using regular fuel and 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque with premium fuel.
The 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback boasts an impressive list of standard and available features and nowhere is that more evident than in the area of safety. The Mazda3 Hatchback is top of the class for safety with a five-star rating for overall safety from the NHTSA and Tops Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS. Features such as automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control are standard across the range, while blind-spot monitors, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and a surround-view camera system are all available.
An upscale look and feel are apparent throughout the lineup. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus puts far more expensive luxury rivals to shame with a list of standard equipment, including genuine leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, AWD, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, navigation, adaptive front headlights, and even a head-up display.
The 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback is a sensational-looking car that gets better and better the more you familiarize yourself with it. As well as its impressive list of standard features and safety credentials, you can even get fuel economy ratings as good as 26 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. Come and see for yourself with a test drive from Julio Jones Mazda located at 4301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL, or call us at (205) 409-2891for more information and to book a test drive appointment for a time that suits you.
