Car buyers looking for an economical, sporty cheap new car need to look no further than the Mazda3 sedan or Mazda3 hatchback. The 2023 model year brings improved Mazda3 horsepower and fuel economy in its naturally aspirated engine. In addition, the wide range of Mazda3 prices and models makes it easy to find the one that fits you best. 

The 2023 Mazda3

According to a news release issued by Mazda USA, 2023 Mazda3 hatchback models, set to arrive at Mazda dealers in the fall of 2022, carry a starting MSRP ranging from $23,550 for the Mazda3 2.5 S up to $35,300 for the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus version. 

The news release also mentions that Mazda3 sedans will arrive on dealer lots this winter with prices about $1,000 lower than hatchback models across all trim levels, although some trims are only available in the hatchback. 

2023 Mazda3 engine options

For 2023, the Mazda3’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter gains five horsepower and better fuel economy. The increased horsepower raises the 2.5-liter’s output to 191 horsepower with 186 lb-ft of torque regardless of choosing regular 87-octane or premium 93-octane gasoline. 

In addition, Mazda employs “updated cylinder-deactivation technology” combined with other “enhancements” to improve the EPA-estimated fuel economy rating to 28 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway for a combined rating of 31 mpg in the front-wheel-drive-equipped sedan.

While the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter’s improved performance and economy are admirable, performance enthusiasts will appreciate the turbocharged 2.5-liter available in the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo hatchback and the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus in either sedan or hatchback configurations. Starting MSRPs are $32,450, $34,000, and $35,300 respectively. 

Using premium 93-octane fuel in the turbocharged 2.5-liter nets 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. However, those numbers drop to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft when filling up with regular 87-octane. The Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus sedan features standard all-wheel drive and gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway for a combined 27 mpg. 

Is the Mazda3 a luxury car? 

While you’re not likely to confuse the entry-level 2023 Mazda3 S with a luxury compact car, it does include some high-end features. Many of which are not generally found on economical compact cars. Most notably, all Mazda3 trim levels include:

• Radar cruise control with stop and go
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Driver attention alert
• High beam headlight control
• Three years of complimentary Mazda Connected Services to monitor your Mazda3 through your smartphone

The Mazda3 S interior features an 8.8-inch infotainment display, push-button start, an eight-speaker sound system, and black cloth seats. Outside you’ll find automatic on/off LED headlights, a matte finish front grille, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Increasing trim levels, the Select trim adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, dual-zone climate control, black leatherette seats, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Preferred trim adds a power moonroof, heated front seats, and a power eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory. It also adds “door mirrors with memory positioning.” 

Premium trim adds standard all-wheel drive. It also adds a Bose 12-speaker sound system, a “full-color windshield-projected Active Driving Display,” onboard navigation, and leather seats.

Is the 2023 Mazda3 a good choice?

If a sporty, economical compact car fits your needs, then the new Mazda3 is a good option, but you’ll have to wait a few months to get your hands on one.